Size of Truck & RV

[wat42]

Currently have a Montana 2955 and pull with a 2002 Ford F-250 6.0 Diesel. Would like to get bigger RV, 32' or 34', don't want to buy bigger truck. How many pull with same size truck and what size RV, any problems?

[BB_TX]

I think you have a typo. Ford did not come out with the 6.0 diesel until 2003. And actually the early 2003s still had the 7.3 diesel.

[wat42]

OOPS - TRUCK IS A 2003, rv IS 2002

[clutch]

Isn't the 2955 about 32ft long? We pull with a 3500 Dodge single rear wheel.

[Art-n-Marge]

It depends on the year of trailer you buy. All Montys have gained some weight over the years and yours is 8 or 9 years behind.

You should weigh your rig now, compare it to a newer year and get an estimate of the weight gain and how your truck will do. IIRC, the 5er tow rating was about 13,500. A 4x2 had a higher capacity than a 4x4. I had a 2004, and it had the same ratings as a comparable 2003.

With my 38' 2006 Montana 3500RL it had a weight rating of 14,040 and even though I was not planning to fill it up to capacity I was not comfortable that it exceeded the 5er rating of my 2004 F-250. So I traded in for a 2006 F-250 which had a 15,200lb 5er rating as a 4x4. The '06 F-250 4x2 had a 15,600 lb 5er rating but I was okay with the 4x4 since it had the enough weight margin.

However, the real world numbers did mess me up. After buying the 38 foot Monty and the new truck, I found with the trailer actually weighed about 13,500 I was overweight at the TV's rear wheel because of the pin weight of this large trailer. I had to install an '06 F-350 overload spring, its hardware and some higher rated wheels and tires to go with it and solved the problem. But at least I did not have to get a new TV.

In your case, if you can ensure the longer trailer length does not increase your current weights and weight ratings, then you should be fine. You might check the specs for the new Montys to get an idea. I took a look at the 2002 specs length of your rig was 31' 10" and the shipping weight for your model year is no longer displayed, however in 2011 the weights are aver 14,000 lbs for 33-35 ft rigs. So you might be gaining weight at the pin.

But there is an excellent chance you can increase your TVs weight capacity by installing a 2003 F-350 spring kit which might increase your weight capacity enough to carry these heavier rigs. You might have to spend some money for the springs and larger wheels and tires to support the new weight but it would be less expensive than a new truck. I hope you can find the spring pack (or overload spring) fror 2003. There is a lot of labor.

If you have questions about improving the weight rating let me know. This cannot always be done but since I went through the effort I might be able to save you some research time.

Best of luck to you on your new rig.

[sola123]

We pull a 3665RE with a 2005 F250 PSD SRW....37'4"long...truck has plenty of power and overall it tows good....we do have airbags....we are not over gross but a little heavy for the truck in reality I believe...like art above we will be getting some overload springs...,would rather have a 2011 Ford F350 SRW...couldn't afford both at one time...

[BB_TX]

William - You don't say if your truck is 4x4 or what cab type you have. Here is the Ford towing guide for 2003. Note the asterisk and fine print that the crewcab 4x4 is derated quite a bit down to 10,400 lbs 5th wheel towing capacity. Other 4x4 configurations are derated also, just not as much.
A change was made in the 2005 models that jumped the tow ratings several thousand pounds. That is why I traded my '04 F250 CC 4x4 SRW for an '07 F350 CC 4x4 SRW.

[billhoover]

quote:Originally posted by wat42

Currently have a Montana 2955 and pull with a 2002 Ford F-250 6.0 Diesel. Would like to get bigger RV, 32' or 34', don't want to buy bigger truck. How many pull with same size truck and what size RV, any problems?

You need to do the numbers regarding the weight of the RV and the capacity of the truck. Virtually all new Montanas exceed the cargo capacity of all 3/4 ton trucks. Of course there are people that do use 3/4s...but, IMHO, that's not a good idea for somebody else to do it.

[rving2us]

We pull a 3000RK with our 2003 Dodge 2500. This rig has made 4 trips from Ohio to Seattle, does a good job but truck is still only a four speed. I do have transmission envy for the trucks with their six speeds. Ah yes, a trucker with a dream.

[Countryfolks]

wat42;
The answer to that ultimately boils down to your position regarding the manufactures specifications for your truck. If you're uncomfortable with the thought of exceeding them, you'll end up with a bigger truck, if not you will use what you have, regardless of what other folks use.

[TerryRadtke]

We tow a 2011 Montana 3750 FL with a 2006 Ford F250, turbo diesel 6.0. We have air bags, which really help the suspension aspects of handling the hitchpin weight, and went from the stock 3.73 rear end to the 4.10. Between the air bags and the new rear end, it gives the F-250 more than adequate power to pull this 39', 12,200 pound (dry) trailer. So far, so good, but we've only seen 6.5% grades thus far, not the monsters lurking in Utah and Colorado!!

[TLightning]

TerryRadtke...power is not the issue, any diesel will "pull" any Montana. You can add any mods you like, but as noted above, a 3/4 ton cannot handle the heavy pin weight and remain within GVWR.

[richfaa]

The ratings and specifications for your truck are NOT law they are a statement by the manufacturer as to what the truck is designed for and is capable of just like any another rating or spec on any equipment. Like a ladder that says rated for 200lbs..so if you weigh 300lbs do you feel OK using it??? or do you buy a stronger ladder????

Do some homework .It is a learning experience. Understand the ratings and spec's. At least understand them then decide what you want to do

[camper4]

Many people add springs, air bags, etc., to bolster the suspension. However, you still have the same tires and rims on the truck. With a 3/4 ton you may overload those specs too. 1 ton trucks have stronger tires and rims, even on the single rear wheel models.
Just more to consider before you decide