F-250 to a 3575RL

[Montana_1584]

F-250 to a Montana 3573RL

I am somewhat new to the 5er world, presently looking at purchasing a used 5th wheel that would better suit our needs over our present 5th wheel. In the last few weeks since I’ve found this forum, I have noticed a lot of different opinions and advise which I have found interesting and helpful. Taking into account that everyone has certain likes and dislike (i.e. SRWD, DRWD, long wheel base, short wheel base, automatic, manual, diesel, gas etc.), personal preferences sometimes take a major role in decisions. Ultimately it’s the person feeling comfortable, safe and legal that is most important.
Getting to the main topic: Tow vehicle, Trailer, Capacities: This is the set up I am presently looking at, please look at the following information and notes and let me know what you think: I am looking forward to your feedback and opinions.

Description of tow vehicle:
2002 Ford F-250, PSD, 5 speed Automatic, Super cab, short bed, SRWD, 4x4,
Off road Package, Camper Package, Tow Package, 3.73 Limited slip Rear end,
29 Gallon Fuel Tank. Above all factory.
15.5K Reese Slide 5th wheel hitch
Registered Weight: 6342 lb.
Max. Payload (standard): 3215 lb. (camper package includes added leaf springs)
Max. Gross Trailer Weight: (5th wheel) 14,200 lb.
Gross Combined weight Rating: 20,000 lb.
Gross Axle Weight Rate: Front 5200 lb. Rear 6084 lb.

Description of prospective 5th wheel trailer
2002 Montana (Keystone) 3575RL
GVWR: 14,160
Gross Dry Weight: 11,040 lb.
Carrying Capacity: 3,130 lb.
Hitch Weight: 2,130 lb.
Fresh Water Capacity: 38 Gal.
Black Water Capacity: 38 Gal.
Gray Water Capacity: 38 Gal.
Axle (2) Capacity: 6,000 lb. Each
Washer and Dryer not installed

Note: Three things I am looking at are:
1) GVWR/ Trailer capacity of the tow vehicle
2) Hitch weight/ Payload Capacity/ Gross axle weight rating
3) Gross Comb. Weight Rating/ Registered Weight/ Dry Weight/ Carrying Cap.

1) GVWR of the trailer is less than tow vehicle if carrying capacity is not exceeded and loaded properly.
2) Hitch weight (2,130) Registered weight (6,342) Payload Cap. (3,215) standard Gross axle weight Rate Front 5200 Rear 6084 Added leaf spring increase payload capacity. W/O suing scale at this time these #’s seem acceptable
3) Here’s the numbers of most concern: GCWR (max.) 20,000 lb. Registered weight of tow vehicle 6,342lb. Dry weight of trailer 11,040 lb. Max carrying capacity is 3,120 lb. Total: 20,500 lb. ****** Again without taking it to a scale (and weighing in accordance with proper manufacturers procedures) and keeping it within specifications in this category I would have to limit my carrying capacity about 500 lb. Not to mention keeping in mind fuel and passengers etc.!

I know this is pushing the limits of the tow vehicle in reference to the published limitations but I believe this set up would be safe, sound and within the limits of law if our carrying capacity was not at it’s maximum. My Wife and I (no kid’s) are not full timers at most two to three weeks at a time. Your feedback/comments/opinions welcome.

[sreigle]

I don't think that engine/tranny/axle ratio combination would have any problem at all towing that rig up mountain roads. Many folks are doing just that. My concern would be with rear end sag. The extra leaf of the camper package might eliminate that problem. If not, air bags would take care of it. I'd be more concerned whether the pinweight would cause the axle GAWR to be exceeded. The published pinweight is usually low. I'd bet on actual pinweight being close to 2500 lbs when loaded.

I wonder if the extra leaf in the camper package brings the springs to the same as the F350? If so, ours has a pinweight of 3120 (total FW weight of 13,980) and hitching up brings the rear down to level with just the normal tow package.