New 2008 Mountaineer 345DBQ

[Trapper350]

My wife and I just bought a 2008 345DBQ. We were recommend to come here by my cousin just to keep informed on up to dates etc...

Here is one question. I have a 2001 F250 Diesel short box. It is lifted and has air bags with over load springs. 6 speed manual with south bend clutch conversion. 4" exhaust, cold air intake and edge programmer. Will this be enough truck for the trailer? We had a prodigy break system put in with a reese 16k slider.

We had a Lance camper before hand that weighed in at 3245lbs and towed a 22' aluminum boat behind it. In all it was close to 12 to 13k (never did weight it). Ive read some peoples post on here saying they tow with a 3/4 ton. Thanks for your help. And Im glad Im here..

P.S We will update our avatar and post pictures once we get everything in order.

[Countryfolks]

How much lift?

[Trapper350]

It has a 4.5" with 315 tires. They are lifting the camper with a sub frame and longer shackles. The company that is doing it has did it to over 20 trailers. Ive talked to 2 other people that has had this done with no problems to Montana's.

We did the measuring and the trailer will sit at 13'6". The max height for WA is 14'. The only thing that concerns me is side wind and tight corners. I do know I will have to slow down. I never towed my camper and boat over 60 anyway.

[Countryfolks]

You should be OK then, as long as you watch your overhead clearances including branches. We've found a lot of clearances less than 13'6", even on interstates.

[Trapper350]

Thanks John,

My wife says I am being OCD on the towing issue. Ive towed many horse trailers and travel trailers. But nothing quite this big. I will just take my time and get use to it.

[Countryfolks]

You'll do OK then. A 5er is easier to handle than a tag along. Watch the tail swing [behind the wheels] though, it seems harder to judge.

[Sinterior]

Hi, weigh your truck with everything you would load it with for a trip, ie, you, DW 5th wheel hitch, and all your "stuff". Subtract that from the sticker on the drivers doorpost that tells you your trucks carrying capacity to get a real weight reading, add the pin weight of your 5th wheel....it will be well over the 2390lbs advertised weight by the time your loaded and ready to go, then do the math and make a decision.


Air bags and overload springs don't add to your specified weight limits on your truck, read the fine print.
Some say you can tow anything with a 1/2 ton, others say you need a class 8 for a tent trailer, exaggerated yes, but it's your choice.

Peter

[Tom S.]

A little bit off topic, but at that height, you might want to pick up a copy of Rand McNally Motor carriers road Atlas. It gives locations of low clearances.

[Hooker]

IM very HO, you don't have enough truck for a 5th wheel that grosses over 14k. In fact, I think you'll find you were well in excess of 1,000# over the GW for the truck with your Lance slide in. The normal pin weight is 20% of the trailer's GW...that 2,800#, plus all the other stuff in your truck will put you well over 3,000# which is way over the cargo capacity of any diesel 3/4 ton truck.

The sticker that Sinterior mentions will not be on your truck, they were not required until model year 2005.