Newbie question about the F350 SRW

[dhamere52]

I know this question has been asked a thousand times before, but I am still confused.
When I finally retire (lol), I plan on buying a TV and Monty. I understand that both the TV and Monty models will change by the time I purchase them, but I am starting to do my homework early.
The Monty I'm looking at is the 3791RD. According to the website, it has a GVW of 17,000 pounds(I rounded up). Based on 20% for the hitch, that would be about 3,400 pounds.

I really don't want a DRW, so I have looked at the 2017 F350 XLT SRW, 4X2, 8' bed, 176" wheelbase, crew cab, power stroke diesel, 6 speed automatic transmission for the diesel, camper package, 11,400 GVWR package.
On the Ford website it says "Max. When Properly Equipped, Payload: 4,100 lbs Towing: 20,800 lbs".

According to this information, the F350 SWR should be all I need to pull the Monty.

Is this true or just a sales gimmick?

Am I missing something?

Thanks.

[JABURKHOLDER]

A couple of things. There is a lot of debate here about 3/4 vs 1 ton pickups and srw vs drw. The debate will probably never end. It all depends on what you are towing and your comfort level.


Your numbers are "max when properly equipped". You need to find out what "properly equipped" is.


That payload weight is not just your pin weight. Anything that did not come with the truck is payload. Your hitch is payload, any tools you carry is payload, you are payload, etc. For arguments sake let's say your hitch weighs 75 lbs and you and your spouse together weigh 300 lbs. That's 375 lbs you need to subtract from your "properly equipped" 4,100 lbs leaving 3,725 for everything else including pin weight.


Pin or hitch weight for a 5th wheel is between 15% - 25%. I have a 3791RD and that equals 2,544 lbs - 4,240 lbs. Granted, those numbers are based on the GVWR of the RV. You may never fully max out the RV but already those numbers are not matching well.


Another thing, based on your 11,400 lbs GVWR and your 4,100 lbs payload, your truck, fully loaded with cargo, passengers, etc, can't weight more that 7,300 lbs. I'm sure that truck weighs more than that empty. That make the numbers even worse.


You happened to pick one the heavier Montanas. You will likely need a truck with more payload which will likely mean going dually.


Research your numbers well. Don't settle for what will JUST work, give yourself a good safety margin.


I have a 2016 3791RD and my tow vehicle is a 2016 F350, drw, 4x4, crew cab, 6.7L diesel with High Capacity Tow Package, Snow Plow Package and Camper Package with a payload capacity of 6,460 lbs.


Something to think about.


JMHO

[dhamere52]

Thanks for your reply, "Chief", haha.
I'm also a USN (RET), I was an OTM1 and before that a DP1. Both of which have been "assimilated" into other rates.
As to truck cargo, no spouse, just me, for now. Of course the hitch, and some tools.

I thought I might have to purchase a DRW. But it seems that the majority of dullies are 4x4's. I do not plan on driving in the snow or driving on the beach. I know that it would be helpful in driving in loose gravel, which some remote campgrounds may have. Other than that, how can I justify the extra expense of a 4x4?

How do you like the 3791RD? I like that model for the amount of storage it offers.

[JABURKHOLDER]

I was an ATC and Naval Aircrewman. Retired back in '94.
Can't tell you what I did or I would have to kill you.

Love my 3791RD. Really like the residential fridge. Also love the room separation. Gives it a more home like feel. Plenty of storage.

I hear what you are saying about the extra cost for the truck. I think my truck cost about the same as the RV, maybe a little more. A lot of money to spend all at once.

The best advice I can give about capacities is DO THE MATH. What a dealer or web site advertises doesn't always work in the real world. Find out the curb weight of the truck and subtract that from its GVWR. You now have the trucks payload capacity.
From that, start subtracting everything you will be carrying in the truck, including yourself. Now you have the TRUE payload capacity. If that number is greater than the 25% hitch weight, you will be good. The greater that number, the better.

[Mudchief]

I have pulled with both a dually and srw and I won't go back to a dually unless the pin weight makes me. The thing you have to watch on a srw it make sure the pin weight does not over load the capability of the rear tires. On my new truck the tires are rated at 3,750 pounds each.

[VernMitchell]

I pull my 3790 RD with a 2016 F-350 diesel SRW. I'm full time so I carry a good amount of cargo with me. I had my truck and trailer weighed at the last rally in Goshen and all was fine weight wise. I too didn't want a DRW so I did my research and found I can pull my fiver with a SRW.

[TLightning]

Originally Posted by dhamere52

...I really don't want a DRWs...

JABURKHOLDER has given you some very good advice...you've also been given some bad advice. I posted the formula for determining what you can tow earlier. You should buy what you "need" not what you want.

[dieselguy]

Lotsa guys look at MAX weight as a given number when worrying about tow capacity. Several of us never come near MAX GVW of our fivers. Just something to ponder if you don't plan on hauling around everything you've had since birth.

[The Bone]

11,400 is what the truck can carry not tow capacity. You can carry up to 11,400 in the truck alone. That 11,400 includes all options and tools passengers hitch anything in the truck including the truck. Now the pin weight needs to be considered as weight in the truck when hitched up. The other thing to consider is how much weight your truck can tow which depends on the rear gear that came in your truck from the factory. You can change the gear in the truck but the sticker in the door is what the factory says you can tow weather you change the gear or not.
With all I see your truck will be more than capable to tow that trailer.
You are well under max towing capacity and well under the 11,400 payload.
My Montana only comes in at 13,000 loaded and I use a F250 and I have no problem towing with my truck. I have towed in the wind and the truck is very stable

[JABURKHOLDER]

Tow vehicle debates will never end. Everyone makes good points and bad points. Let's do some math.

The Bone...your Montana loaded comes in at 13,000 lbs and you tow with an F250. I assume your weights match up. The Montana the OP is talking about comes in at 13,210 empty.
Using the OP's number of 20% hitch weight , that is 2,642 lbs. He stated there is no spouse, just him and some tools. His hitch might be 75 lbs, he might be 150 lbs and his tools might be 25 lbs. That's 250 lbs. That truck weighs at least 8,000 lbs. The truck's GVWR is 11,400 lbs. Let's see what he can carry.
11,400 GVWR - 8,000 truck weight = 3,400 cargo capacity
3,400 cargo capacity - 250 body, hitch, tools = 3,150 true cargo capacity
3,150 true cargo capacity - 2,642 hitch weight = 508 remaining cargo capacity
These numbers are with an EMPTY RV. Everything he adds to the RV is going to affect the hitch weight. He has no room for error.

Dieselguy...I used MAX GVWR for the RV to do my calculations for what TV I needed. I know I will never be at MAX but at least I have a TV that will handle MAX.
I have a built in safety cushion.

dhamere52...again, DO THE MATH

JMHO

[TLightning]

Originally Posted by JABURKHOLDER

...I used MAX GVWR for the RV to do my calculations for what TV I needed....I have a built in safety cushion.

JMHO

Same here.

[mhs4771]

Smart Weigh Folks say that over 50% are at or over the GVWR of their unit. So unless you have the actual scale weight of your loaded ready to go unit, the best "Rule of Thumb" is to use the GVWR in your calculations.

[Razrbk]

[QUOTE=mhs4771;1060373]Smart Weigh Folks say that over 50% are at or over the GVWR of their unit.

Not surprised about that.

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by JABURKHOLDER

<snip>
.... you tow with an F250. ..
</snip>
<snip>
... The truck's GVWR is 11,400 lbs....
</snip>

The F250's max GVWR is no more than 10,000 lbs. So the cargo capacity is 3,400 lbs - 1,400 lbs = 2,000 lbs (or alternatively, 10,000 - 8,000 = 2,000 lbs.). And that is if the truck weighs 8K of which I haven't seen one yet.

[dhamere52]

Thanks to everyone that "chimed in". I know I opened a "can of worms" and this question will be asked a thousand times more. Once again, Thank-you.

I will visit some dealerships and look at the HD trucks (3500/F350). I will look at the sticker on the door to see what they can carry. Yes, I will look at SWR's and DWR's.

Thanks again.

[The Bone]

My trailer has a dry weight of just over 10,000 but when I go camping I try to just take what i need to go. I like to keep it simple. My truck has the 10,000 package and my door sticker says I can haul 2,330 in the bed and I can tow 14,800. I am right at the max for the weight of the truck but combined I am well under for that number.