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Old 01-01-2020, 02:43 PM   #81
PatrickandMarga
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Thank you for your posting and to all those who replied.
I have the same rig (3741kf) and will be getting delivery on my 2020 GMC 2500hd soon.
After all the posting, I believe the pullrite is the best choice.
This is my first fifth wheel and don't want to worry making hard turns and hearing the back window break.
 
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Old 01-01-2020, 03:14 PM   #82
PSFORD99
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Thank you for your posting and to all those who replied.
I have the same rig (3741kf) and will be getting delivery on my 2020 GMC 2500hd soon.
After all the posting, I believe the pullrite is the best choice.
This is my first fifth wheel and don't want to worry making hard turns and hearing the back window break.

I have to ask, these Montana fifth wheels are nearing dually territory . At the least IMHO a 350 or 3500 . Some reason not getting a 3500.

As far as the hitch autos are great, but from my experience not needed, but it is awareness more then anything regardless of hitch .
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Old 01-01-2020, 04:30 PM   #83
PatrickandMarga
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Good point on the 3500 or Dually. The new 2020 GM’s have much higher tow ratings than the 2019 models. The 2500 has a fifth wheel capacity of 18k even as a single axle. Since I will be using my truck primarily for everyday use, I didn't want the stiffer ride of the 3500 and the width of a dually.
The Montana I am getting is 14k dry, so it's close, but should be good tow vehicle (and work vehicle).
To be honest, I am a little nervous. My last trailer was a 32’ TT twenty years ago and now I'm jumping into a 40’ fifth wheel.
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Old 01-01-2020, 04:55 PM   #84
PSFORD99
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Good point on the 3500 or Dually. The new 2020 GM’s have much higher tow ratings than the 2019 models. The 2500 has a fifth wheel capacity of 18k even as a single axle. Since I will be using my truck primarily for everyday use, I didn't want the stiffer ride of the 3500 and the width of a dually.
The Montana I am getting is 14k dry, so it's close, but should be good tow vehicle (and work vehicle).
To be honest, I am a little nervous. My last trailer was a 32’ TT twenty years ago and now I'm jumping into a 40’ fifth wheel.
Although my fifth wheel is older ,its 2008 Montana 3400RL. Which is 38'. With my older ford Superduty 350 I was a bit over on the weight rating . With my Ram 3500 being a 2014 it is rated a bit higher. Both handled the fifth wheel okay. But my dry weight is 11,925 with a 15,500 GVWR. Actual towing depending on my trips around 13,000- 13,500.

Its not so much what you can tow, its what you can carry. Your 2500 Duramax will tow power wise the same as the 3500 , but it won't have the same weight rating on the rear axle. Thats the thing you need to be aware of.
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Old 01-01-2020, 07:09 PM   #85
PatrickandMarga
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Your correct, the 3500 has a stronger axle. But when I looked at it, the max payload for a 2020 3500hd was 4,185lbs. The 2500hd (much smoother ride) had a max payload of 3,563lbs. So with only a 622lb payload difference, I chose the 2500hd. Another reason I chose the 2500hd was resale, its easier to sell a 2500hd than a 3500hd. Both of those numbers were for Single axle, the dually was far greater. A 3500 dually can handle a 6,600lb payload.
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Old 01-01-2020, 07:45 PM   #86
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Your correct, the 3500 has a stronger axle. But when I looked at it, the max payload for a 2020 3500hd was 4,185lbs. The 2500hd (much smoother ride) had a max payload of 3,563lbs. So with only a 622lb payload difference, I chose the 2500hd. Another reason I chose the 2500hd was resale, its easier to sell a 2500hd than a 3500hd. Both of those numbers were for Single axle, the dually was far greater. A 3500 dually can handle a 6,600lb payload.
If you have not ACTUALLY driven a new 3500, I suggest you do.


My 2020 3500 SRW rides smoother than the '18 2500 I traded, and didn't need airbags as the '18 did.
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Old 01-02-2020, 12:34 AM   #87
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Your correct, the 3500 has a stronger axle. But when I looked at it, the max payload for a 2020 3500hd was 4,185lbs. The 2500hd (much smoother ride) had a max payload of 3,563lbs. So with only a 622lb payload difference, I chose the 2500hd. Another reason I chose the 2500hd was resale, its easier to sell a 2500hd than a 3500hd. Both of those numbers were for Single axle, the dually was far greater. A 3500 dually can handle a 6,600lb payload.
You need to rethink your TV ASAP, you will be over Payload on the 2500. With max payload of 3,563lbs that only assumes a single driver at 150lbs with nothing in the truck add wife, kids, dogs, or anything else and the problem is compounded. Also that payload is on a base model truck with NO options. I bought a new 2019 Ram 3500 this week and with options the A-pilar sticker showed it was factory rated about 300lbs below the published payload. So unless yours is a base model with no options expect a payload downgrade from the get-go.

Now also subtract hitch weight. Do not be surprised if your actual left over payload is actually below 3000lbs.

That extra 500-700 payload of the 3500 is a game changer in terms of legally towing 5er's of this size.

Do not worry about weight the truck can tow you need to worry about the weight the truck can carry and the weight the truck can stop. At the very least you better invest in Disc brakes ASAP for the 5er also.

The ride difference between a 2500 and 3500 is negligable. I would argue that the resale of a 3500 is actually better considering the lack of used inventory on the market and the 3500 is more of a niche vehicle. Here in the NW the 1 ton diesels have about the best resale of any truck on the market which is why I purchased new vs used, all the used ones depreciated very little. In fact the Ram 3500 I Purchased after discounts, current sale and rebates I was $15,123 below MSRP. All the 2017 and 2018 used were at that price or higher.
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Old 01-02-2020, 05:13 AM   #88
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Your correct, the 3500 has a stronger axle. But when I looked at it, the max payload for a 2020 3500hd was 4,185lbs. The 2500hd (much smoother ride) had a max payload of 3,563lbs. So with only a 622lb payload difference, I chose the 2500hd. Another reason I chose the 2500hd was resale, its easier to sell a 2500hd than a 3500hd. Both of those numbers were for Single axle, the dually was far greater. A 3500 dually can handle a 6,600lb payload.
Are these brochure Numbers or actual numbers off of the yellow sticker inside the door?
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Old 02-01-2020, 05:30 AM   #89
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I bought a 2020 GMC AT4 and ran into the same issue with the puck system trying to find a hitch.... Finally I found and bought B&W Companion OEM slider hitch for the 2020 GMC... love it works great. Just drop the pins into the puck holes lock levers and done. I ordered through E trailer free shipping to the house . installed it myself in just a few minutes... couple assembly parts but very easy.
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Old 02-01-2020, 05:36 AM   #90
PatrickandMarga
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I am looking at the same truck you purchased. Is yours a diesel? I ordered a 2500, but after reading everything about weight, I canceled the order. Looking at the 3500 now. We have a 2020 Montana 3741fk which weighs 13,800 dry. How does your AT4 handle pulling?
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Old 02-01-2020, 06:14 AM   #91
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
I am looking at the same truck you purchased. Is yours a diesel? I ordered a 2500, but after reading everything about weight, I canceled the order. Looking at the 3500 now. We have a 2020 Montana 3741fk which weighs 13,800 dry. How does your AT4 handle pulling?
Yes, Mine is a diesel 2500. I bought a 2020 Montana 3701 LK same dry weight. I've only had the chance to use it twice since i bought it. first trip about 3 hours from home pulled great no issues stopping. I used the exhaust brake and the the 5th wheel has disc brakes. I leave for Savannah Ga. about a 5 hour trip next week. Truck seems to handle the load well. I don't full time or do a lot of mountain driving. I got the 2500 because I use the truck for pleasure when not towing and don't want the hassle of driving a 3500 dually. Live in Florida, do week trips within 4-5 hours. In the RV about 60-90 days a year. Not sure what your situation is. If I was full timing a 3500 dually otherwise my truck works great for my purpose. I dove the 3500 SWD ... a stiffer ride when not towing.... I love my truck just ver 2K miles on it so far.
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Old 02-01-2020, 06:55 AM   #92
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
I am looking at the same truck you purchased. Is yours a diesel? I ordered a 2500, but after reading everything about weight, I canceled the order. Looking at the 3500 now. We have a 2020 Montana 3741fk which weighs 13,800 dry. How does your AT4 handle pulling?
You didn't indicate SRW or DRW.

We have the same 5er, and have a 2020 Chevy SRW 3500. I have not had a chance, or need to pull with ours yet (it's winter and in storage), but I have weighed everything, and I know that when my wife and I are in the truck, we will be under the payload of the truck, but it will be close. When my mom is with us, there's a possibility that we're over. She's with us, once a year, so I'm not worried about it.

One nice thing that I've found with our 5er is that the rear storage pull out tray allows me to put ALL the weight back there, behind the rear axle. That helps to unload the pin weight. Loaded, we are 14.5K, and our pin weight is 20% which puts it at 2900lbs. If you load this 5er with the heavy stuff in the back, you can easily keep that pin weight at the 20%.

If you're considering an SRW version, one thing that would be helpful for you would be to see if you could find a 2020 AT4 and look at the door sticker, to see what the "real" payload is, and then go from there. Our truck is 443 lbs less than the GM published number.

If you haven't seen it, go to this thread:

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=79912
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Old 02-01-2020, 07:15 AM   #93
PatrickandMarga
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Thank you. We are in a similar ”use” situation. We live in Michigan and bought it primarily to use as our winter home in Florida for 3 months. Occasional trips to northern Michigan in the summer. Actual towing days would probably be 20 days a year. The pickup I buy would also be my ”everyday” vehicle. My GMC dealer and RV dealer says I will be fine as long as I don't overload it, which for my limited use, probably would not happen. The 2020 GMC’s are great with tons of features and power. Really like the 10 speed Allison transmission too.
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:16 AM   #94
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Originally Posted by PatrickandMarga View Post
Thank you. We are in a similar ”use” situation. We live in Michigan and bought it primarily to use as our winter home in Florida for 3 months. Occasional trips to northern Michigan in the summer. Actual towing days would probably be 20 days a year. The pickup I buy would also be my ”everyday” vehicle. My GMC dealer and RV dealer says I will be fine as long as I don't overload it, which for my limited use, probably would not happen. The 2020 GMC’s are great with tons of features and power. Really like the 10 speed Allison transmission too.
That's about how many days a year we are towing right now . Just watch your weight, and know what it is, and you should be fine with a 3500 SRW.

I have like 30 lbs of stuff in the front basement. I have everything else in the back, and for us that works great. Probably wouldn't be the case if we were full timing...
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:18 AM   #95
PatrickandMarga
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Originally Posted by CADman_KS View Post
You didn't indicate SRW or DRW.

We have the same 5er, and have a 2020 Chevy SRW 3500. I have not had a chance, or need to pull with ours yet (it's winter and in storage), but I have weighed everything, and I know that when my wife and I are in the truck, we will be under the payload of the truck, but it will be close. When my mom is with us, there's a possibility that we're over. She's with us, once a year, so I'm not worried about it.

One nice thing that I've found with our 5er is that the rear storage pull out tray allows me to put ALL the weight back there, behind the rear axle. That helps to unload the pin weight. Loaded, we are 14.5K, and our pin weight is 20% which puts it at 2900lbs. If you load this 5er with the heavy stuff in the back, you can easily keep that pin weight at the 20%.

If you're considering an SRW version, one thing that would be helpful for you would be to see if you could find a 2020 AT4 and look at the door sticker, to see what the "real" payload is, and then go from there. Our truck is 443 lbs less than the GM published number.

If you haven't seen it, go to this thread:

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=79912
Good information - I've been following you as you and I have the same rig.
It was on one of your posts that I panicked and canceled my 2500. Due to the strike, my truck isn't in yet, and the dealer said he would hold it for me and the final call when it comes in. There is a shortage of the 3500’s because of the strike (especially with all the bells, whistles and color I wanted. I am being picky because I've never spent $70k+ before on a vehicle. Your posts are great and very informative.
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:19 AM   #96
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...There is a shortage of the 3500’s because of the strike (especially with all the bells, whistles and color I wanted. I am being picky because I've never spent $70k+ before on a vehicle. Your posts are great and very informative.
While there might be a shortage of 3500 SRW's, there isn't as many to begin with, so that makes it tougher all the way around.

I saw a report earlier this week, that GM worked mandatory Saturdays all of December. That helps, but they were off for a lot more days than that!!!
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Old 02-01-2020, 08:32 AM   #97
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That would be awesome!!!
Here are the photos showing how tight I can turn using a Reese Goosebox on a 2920 3120rl with a 2020 gmc 3500.
Not quite 90 degrees but I still have a couple inches gap between the truck and nose cap. I should have taken out the black jack pads in the bottom of the box to make things clearer in the last photo but I was in a hurry as I was blocking the road. Hope the links work for you...

https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApeDtFiRBlKd20pt4yym4uCyJB7t
https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApeDtFiRBlKd20vwBYs4iCxps-q1
https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApeDtFiRBlKd20z8MDXzhtGDI6vl
https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApeDtFiRBlKd201Jy8A27kF_pvIW
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Old 02-01-2020, 06:53 PM   #98
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here are the photos showing how tight i can turn using a reese goosebox on a 2920 3120rl with a 2020 gmc 3500.
Not quite 90 degrees but i still have a couple inches gap between the truck and nose cap. I should have taken out the black jack pads in the bottom of the box to make things clearer in the last photo but i was in a hurry as i was blocking the road. Hope the links work for you...

...]
THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS!

Man, I still don't quite understand how that voodoo stuff is working there!! You can get around a LOT further than I thought that you would get.

I still haven't bought a hitch at this point, but I'm going to have to bite the bullet some day.

Thanks again for help!!!
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Old 02-04-2020, 03:46 PM   #99
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Just got off the phone with PullRite, and they indicated that it would probably be another couple of months before the OEM puck system SuperGlide will be available for purchase.

They didn't indicate what the issue is for the delay....
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Old 02-04-2020, 07:08 PM   #100
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One additional benefit putting money into a Goosebox instead of a hitch is that the Goose box has a built-in air bag that provides cushion and absorbs road shock. To get the same cushioning effect you’d need to purchase something like the Reese Airborne pin box over and above the cost of the Superglide, that is unless you have an air ride pin box already.
Lots of choices these days and you won’t go wrong with most offerings, just have to figure what works best for your setup and situation.
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