tow vehicle questions

[PatnRich]

FYI I have a 2010 3400 RL. We are snowbirds and loaded for Florida we tipped the scales at 15,200 with just over 3,000 lbs pin weight. Your mileage my vary.

[rforten]

When I do fifth wheel math it usually comes down to the pin weight vs. the capability of the truck. Realized very fast that I needed a dually (3791RD).

A 1 ton SRW could be made to work. I've towed my Montana with both and much prefer the dually.

[Darrel D]

My Dad has the exact same trailer and he has a 2006 Ford F450, Super crew, dully., 6.0 turbo diesel, 4:10 rear end. No worries towing. Put on many, many miles. Averaged 10 -12 mpg towing or not towing

[Michael7262]

Originally Posted by 432bartman

I looked up the specs on your 2500. CC, 4x4, 2500, 6.0 with a 4:10 gear. Max payload is 3,093 lbs., max 5th wheel towing is 14,200 lbs. Looking at the specs for a 2013 3400RL, it says the dry weight is 12,589 lbs., hitch weight is 2,140 lbs., and GVWR is 15,640 lbs. It doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room if you were to max out the payload capacity of the trailer, which is 3,051 lbs. I looked up the specs on your year of dually and it says max 5th wheel is 13,500lbs, but the payload is 3,988 lbs.

It’s not so much the weight it’s the torque and ease of towing and fuel efficiency you find your truck will pull the 5 th wheel but it’s not idea you will kill the gas truck

[Leonard R.]

Originally Posted by Entoman

Hi Everyone,
I have a 2018 2500 4wd chevy silverado (gas) with the towing package and 4.11 gears.

in looking at fifth wheel campers for my transition into being mobile in the winter and spending a fair amount of time traveling from state to state for work and pleasure
the fifth wheel camper I like is a Montana 3400RL it seems to have the space and layout that is needed

I would prefer it to be a triple axle, but can live with a 2 axle, but am concerned that my tow truck might not be up to snuff. I have a 2000 chevy 454 1 ton dually but it isnt nearly as comfortable as the 18 silverado what is the collective wisdom?

thanks
Entoman

Hi Entoman,

As posters have already mentioned, a 2500 might be a little "light". I have a 3500 diesel dually which has plenty of tow capacity, and stability from the dual rear wheels. You may want to consider the extra benefit of the exhaust break on the diesel trucks. For me, it is just a no-brainer.

[JAWs]

Sell both trucks and buy a diesel dually! I've pulled stuff since I was able to drive...pop-ups, campers, boats, farm equipment and fifth wheels. Never, Ever will I pull a fifth wheel with a SRW. Did i mention EVER...even if it was able to. I will not give up the stability nor more importantly the safety!

[Pace & JoAnn Mimms]

Originally Posted by Entoman

Hi Everyone,
I have a 2018 2500 4wd chevy silverado (gas) with the towing package and 4.11 gears.

in looking at fifth wheel campers for my transition into being mobile in the winter and spending a fair amount of time traveling from state to state for work and pleasure
the fifth wheel camper I like is a Montana 3400RL it seems to have the space and layout that is needed

I would prefer it to be a triple axle, but can live with a 2 axle, but am concerned that my tow truck might not be up to snuff. I have a 2000 chevy 454 1 ton dually but it isnt nearly as comfortable as the 18 silverado what is the collective wisdom?

thanks
Entoman

Pay attention to the hitch weight - I purchased the 2020 3781 Montana with a dry weight of 13490 and hitch weight of 2695. Purchased the 5th wheel then went looking for something to pull it - dealership recommended the 2020 F-250 Diesel - almost after a 5000 mile initial trip while on the interstate I had to make an emergency stop - Almost stood on the breaks and squeezed the electric brake thing on the dash before stopping and missing the rear end of the vehicle in front on me - in fact I had started heading towards the left and nearly over the edge ( was on off ramp ). I knew I was overloaded but thought the truck could handle it - it pulled without a problem, but stopping is more important. Was able to complete the trip and went immediately and traded the F-250 for a 2020 Chevy 3500HD Dually. Plenty of pulling and stopping power....

[richfaa]

Originally Posted by JABURKHOLDER

Concur fords are heavy. My 2016 F350, diesel, dually, CC, LB, ready to pull weighs in at 9300lbs. But, I still have 4700lbs available payload left. Plenty for the pin weight of an 18000 + lb RV. And still be under my GCWR too.
Hell of a truck.
(not intended to start a whose truck is better debate)

Same truck but a 2008 our actual weight self, Helen, Bird 40 gal of fuel ready to pull was 9250Lbs. We pulled a 06 3400 and now the 13, 3402.

[mlh]

Originally Posted by richfaa

Same truck but a 2008 our actual weight self, Helen, Bird 40 gal of fuel ready to pull was 9250Lbs. We pulled a 06 3400 and now the 13, 3402.

My 08 F250 with 1/3 tank of fuel and the B&W hitch without me is 8300 pounds.
Lynwood