Towing 3750

[ourturn]

Recently purchased a 2011 3750FL, for full time use. but don't have our truck selected. As I understand, we may be weighing just north of 15,000 lbs. Opinions on other forums suggest a larger truck, either MDT or HDT. MDT is cost prohibitive. Not sure we want the footprint of an HDT, but do appreciate the power and stopping ability.

While I am sure this has been covered at length previously, I am interested in hearing the good and bad of what you all are using to pull your larger Montanas. The other forum suggests serious concerns with being able to stop on hills or in a panic situation. What say ye?

Thanks in advance!

[bncinwv]

We are pulling the same model with the truck in the signature below. Never had a problem and we live in the hills of West Virginia. Not an endorsement, just letting you know what we are using.
Bingo

[Art-n-Marge]

It's all about the ratings. I don't think any Montys or SOB fifth wheel requires an MDT, or HDT, and most duallies will work. The advantage to a dually is that they are shorter than heavier duty vehicles and much easier to use as a drive around.

All 3 brands have duallies that will work. I think the only concern is that any single rear truck will struggle or be close. In all cases the ratings will consider ALL factors to support its ratings - like carrying, moving, braking, wind, rough roads, etc.

A panic stop will always be a concern even with a heavier duty vehicle. After all, the heavier duty vehicle is proportionately heavier and therefore would be harder to stop in a panic. The key for panic stops is that the supplemental braking system on the trailer be at its best. This is one reason that trailers with standard drum brakes are being upgraded or ordered with better disc brake systems. Not that the braking system was bad, it's just a way to make it better.

In conclusion, make sure the ratings and the actual weights are maintained and you should be good. No doubt the closer you are to the Gross ratings the more time to make a stop, but you'll never be able to stop on a dime.

[kylec2]

I agree with what has been stated previously, an MDT or HDT is really not required. I would suggest a 1 ton with a long bed; I prefer a dually as it has a higher cargo (pin weight) rating, but many here do fine with single rear wheels. Like Bingo, we are pulling what you have with no issues (see sig).

[maximo]

I am pulling a 2011 3580RL Big Sky with a F250 set up as the signature below states. Your RV is about 900# heavyer than mine but I do have a lot of weight in my basement. I live in California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a lot of my trips are on steep roads. The truck pulls great and the B&D Exhaust brake is great in the mountains.

[TLightning]

Many good folks end up getting what they want, not what the need. Anything "North of 15k" will take a dually for sure.

[1retired06]

We pulled all three Montanas in our signature with SRW F350 diesels; We now have a F350 dually which we like better than the SRW, but having said that, the 350 SRW worked just fine.

[jwedell]

The only safe way is to run the numbers. I'm not kidding. The results may shock you.

[ourturn]

Thanks to all. While I understand running the numbers is key, I have also learned that just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you should. I appreciate the perspective of those that do. The dually does really appeal to us and would not limit our access to some of the places we want to visit - well no more than the length of our Montana.

Now, what truck is best? And what is the best beer? And... Just kidding.

[jwedell]

Also my GMC Dually D/A can pull a 22K fiver and carry 4900 lbs. If some day we want a heavier trailer we do not need a bigger truck.

[AaronAnita]

All, great information provided here. We have a '03 SRW one ton, tow a 3750FL and are seriously considering upgrading our TV. Thank you for your input it helps a lot!

[Captain Joe]

We tow the same model with the truck in the signature and picture below. Ran the numbers and we are fine. Recommend the 1-ton dually. We have no problems and we live in the Ozark Mountains. Good luck.

[snowhawk2]

I can speak first hand here. I have towed my 3750 with a 2006 f350 SRW 6.0 diesel shortbed and now a 2011 f350 longbed dually, both were crew cabs. The SRW was capable in towing the 3750, but at times, in some circumstances, wasn't all that comfortable. The length and weight influenced the truck more then I would have liked. Going down the highway at 65 no problem. Hit a bump, or bridge step up and it could get a bit unsteady. So we traded for the DRW and the towing experience is night and day. Stability much improved under all conditions. And the power of the new 6.7 is exceptional and handles the weight with power to spare. So having said all of that, my experience is that I don't feel anything heavier is required to tow a 3750. Especially with a GVWR 13,300 and CGVWR of 30,000. The heaviest combined weight I have had was 24,950. I would recommend towing this camper with a dually because of its length and weight. I hope my experience is helpful in some way.

Rich

[RickW]

I do use a HDT and I am the first to admit that a HDT is not required to pull any Montana. It works well for us but we are well aware that using a HDT is not for everybody. We love having the Jeep when we arrive at our destination. It fits and goes almost anywhere.

The most important thing in picking a truck is selecting one that is capable of hauling the weights you plan to pull. GCVW is typically not the problem. The problem is in payload of the truck when the truck and trailer are fully loaded. I always suggest that you plan on pulling the trailer fully loaded and figure you pin weight around 20% of the GVW of the trailer.