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Old 08-17-2016, 10:53 PM   #1
Jays094
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Tow vehicle suggestions

Hi

My wife and I are retired Aussies planning to visit the US and Canada next year. We are in love with the 5th Wheeler concept (yet to really take off down under)

We have done heaps of research and we think the Montana 3711FL or 3710FL (2016 onward) is the right choice for the 2 of us.

We will not be "boondocking" much so we are leaning toward the 3711 with residential fridge but we are always open to other views.

The real problem in the tow vehicle - having looked at the small selection of vehicles in our country we like Chev Silverado 4WD, crew cab, standard bed with the diesel engine/allison gearbox combination. Our rudimentary calculation indicate we will have to go to the Silverado 3500 to pull the trailer.

Research (Keystone website) shows the trailer is 13920 lbs with a carrying capacity of 3590lbs, total being 16530lbs. I doubt we would use all the carrying capacity but its always something to think about

Chev website lists the Max 5th wheel tow capacity of the 3500 at 17200lbs, leaving me half a tonne up my sleeve for passengers and cargo in the truck.

At home that Silverado would require a truck licence which I hold so thats not a problem - a better option would be the 2500 Silverado but its 5th wheel capacity is only 14000lbs

Am I on the right track or have I missed something important.

We are so looking forward to our trip

 
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Old 08-18-2016, 02:11 AM   #2
1retired06
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If I read your posting correctly, you are leaning to a 3500 dually durmax/Allison,4WD. Perfect!
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Old 08-18-2016, 03:15 AM   #3
Eagleback
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I like the 8 foot bed, DRW . better turning and more stable.

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Old 08-18-2016, 03:34 AM   #4
BB_TX
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You are on the right track. The 3500 is the way to go. But you also need to look at the payload rating for the truck, not just tow capacity. The Keystone site will give you the empty pin weight. But there are some 3711FL owners here who could probably give you an idea of loaded pin weight. You need to know that weight and compare it to the truck's payload rating to see if you need a DRW, or can get by with an SRW. Many prefer a DRW. I prefer an SRW. But the trailer pin weight will determine if you NEED a DRW.

And yes, there are those who tow similar weight trailers with a 250/2500, seemingly with no problem.
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Old 08-18-2016, 04:05 AM   #5
TLightning
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by BB_TX

...The 3500 is the way to go. But you also need to look at the payload rating for the truck, not just tow capacity...
Good advice. The 2500 D/A can pull it, but will be over weight when you add the pin weight.
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Old 08-18-2016, 04:09 AM   #6
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I'm not sure you can get the 1 ton Silverado in a standard bed. The longbed is the only one available, I believe. When I bought mine, forever ago, Ford was the only truck available in a 1 ton shortbed. Without having crunched the numbers, it looks to me like you are in DRW territory.
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Old 08-18-2016, 04:12 AM   #7
cw3jason
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Definitely need a 1 ton truck. Brand and Dually is your option. I tow the same configuration and have been weighed by the RVSEF. nothing less than a 1 ton would meet the requirements.
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Old 08-18-2016, 05:14 AM   #8
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As usual the guys on this site always give good advice. I totally agree that you will need a 1 ton. Go with any of the big three truck companies DRW, and then go off and enjoy yourselves. Hopefully we will see you down the road next year...my wife is retiring at the end of this year and we too are hitting the road.
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Old 08-20-2016, 02:27 PM   #9
Jays094
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Hi everyone that replied to my post - the information is invaluable. We do hope to meet up with form members on our travels. If anyone knows of a 3711 or 3710 owner I can contact for their experience that would be great
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Old 08-20-2016, 02:45 PM   #10
mlh
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The Dmax Allison can't be beat. I would go with a long bed.
We hope you like our country. A friend at Progress Equipment sends us a Calendar of your country every year. We always look forward to it beause the views of Australia are so beautiful.
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