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Old 04-01-2011, 02:51 PM   #1
gahirsh
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New 3750FL Coming and Need Help

Great forum here!

I currently have an 05 Chevy 2500HD Allison/Duramax and I am in process of purchasing the 3750FL.

I drove a 40' Newmar prior and this is my first stint on a 5er. I need guidance on hitch recommendation.

Realizing the 5er is beasty in size/weight and my newness to 5'ing, I need some experienced folks to lend a hand.

My initial research is pushing me towards a PullRite/SuperGlide.

Note: The truck already has base rails installed by prior owner.

My dilemma is should I be looking at 15,16, or 18K hitches. Even though I'm an engineer, the weight calculations are baffling for a newbie.

I don't forsee loading the 5er to the limit, hence my angst. Or maybe I don;t know what 3000lbs looks like

Thanks in advance

Glenn
 
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Old 04-01-2011, 03:14 PM   #2
mhs4771
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My opinion, bigger is better. Dealer wanted to give me a 16K, I wanted at least 18K, they didn't have an 18 so I ended up with a 20K, overkill at present, but who knows what we might get in the future. What ever we're pretty well prepared.
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Old 04-01-2011, 04:10 PM   #3
H. John Kohl
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Agree bigger better. Then you don't push the limit. I have a 20K Reese because the RV dealer maintenance guy ordered it for me. I did not even think about size. Glad he did.
If you have the short bed the suggest the slider again for the cushion.
Not saying you will pull with that but it gives you cushion.
Welcome to the forum and good luck.

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Old 04-01-2011, 04:35 PM   #4
Clemson1881
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Your hitch should always equal or exceed the trailer's GVWR. So 16K or larger will put you where you need to be. There is no harm in going bigger, but I wouldn't go with anything smaller with that trailer. I assume by you mentioning the slider you have a short bed truck. I had a short bed before and never needed a slider, but it is wise to have it with the short bed just in case.
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Old 04-01-2011, 04:55 PM   #5
bncinwv
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Fully loaded allowable weight on your rig is very close to 16k, you probably need to go 18k at the lowest for an added safety factor.
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Old 04-01-2011, 05:23 PM   #6
Clemson1881
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Didn't realize any Montana went over 16K. Thanks Bingo for the correction.
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Old 04-01-2011, 06:02 PM   #7
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Bingo is absolutely right (and he should know - just look at his signature)
Just curious... is your 2500 rated to tow the 3750FL with cargo? You'll want to be sure before you purchase the rig.
If you have a shortbed, I recommend the pullrite Superglide. I'm very happy with mine.

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

Fully loaded allowable weight on your rig is above 16K, you need to go 18k at the lowest.
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Old 04-01-2011, 07:26 PM   #8
Carl n Susan
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

Fully loaded allowable weight on your rig is above 16K, you need to go 18k at the lowest.
Bingo
Huh? According to Montana's website http://www.keystone-montana.com/index.php?page=specs a 3750 shipping weight is 12285 plus the Carrying Capacity of 3455 equals a total GVWR of 15740. The way I was taught in school 15740 is less than 16K. What am I missing?
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Old 04-01-2011, 07:38 PM   #9
gahirsh
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Thanks for the input thus far. This is what I have:

2500HD Duramax Max Trailer Weight 15,400lbs

Hitch 2,240 (I believe this is Pin Weight?)

3750FL Shipping Weight 12,285
Carrying Capacity 3,455
Total 15,740

On the face I'm cutting it close. My understanding is that my Carrying capacity will be lower than that by at least 1,000. For me to load 2,000 lbs seems like a lot even after adding upgrades.

I'm not sure I understand basis of 18K hitch recommendation versus 16K?

Thanks again all!
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Old 04-02-2011, 03:40 AM   #10
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Whoops, sorry about that, we have a 16k hitch that I knew was close (the 15,700 is correct). Remember the pinbox stickers on the Mor-Ryde that were less than the total capacity of the rig???? I guess I had addled mind syndrome. If I had my choice I would still go with at least an 18K, since a 300 pound safety factor on a hitch may not sit well with some?? I thought we would load ours light when we got it, but when you add in built-in generators, dishwashers, washer/dryer, etc. etc., we are probably a little close for comfort on the hitch capability, hmmmmmm, wonder how the dw would react if I told her another mod was necessary (Gotta have a new hitch dear!!!!). I think I will wait on that one for a few months!! Sorry for the misinformation, folks!!
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On edit: I modified the original post response, so I would not seem as dumb as a hillbilly!!!
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Old 04-02-2011, 05:43 AM   #11
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Hello Carl n Susan

Can you explain how your chart works?

If I add the Shipping weight and the Carrying Capacity should I come up with the GVWR?

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Old 04-02-2011, 06:15 AM   #12
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There is one other thing you aren't considering. There are 2 models of the Pullrite Superglide that are made to fit standard base rails. You will find the best price at Tweety's. There is a 15K for $811.00 and an 18K for $1,269.00 These hitches will fit right on your industry standard base rails without using any adaptors. I'm using a 15K for my 3295RK and it works great.
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Old 04-02-2011, 07:42 AM   #13
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The 18K hitch is the right one for the 3750 and you probably don't need a slider. I have an F250 crew cab short box and have NEVER had to use the slide. A 79 degree turn is more than I've even needed.
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Old 04-02-2011, 09:45 AM   #14
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I had a 15K Reese hitch and just upgraded to a 20K head. I didn't feel comfortable with the 15K and after inspecting it, I was starting to wear the rear plate. I agree, a bigger hitch will give you more buffer.
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Old 04-02-2011, 09:54 AM   #15
Carl n Susan
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Phil P

Hello Carl n Susan

Can you explain how your chart works?

If I add the Shipping weight and the Carrying Capacity should I come up with the GVWR?

Phil P
That is correct - Shipping Weight plus Carrying Capacity equals the GVWR.

Then you get into the discussions of how much of the GVWR is carried on the axles v. the pin box or the front legs (when unhooked.
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Old 04-02-2011, 10:15 AM   #16
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Hi

Thanks for the reply.

I wonder if there is a difference by the year of manufacture.

Phil P
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Old 04-02-2011, 02:25 PM   #17
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Personally, I don't like to cut it close on weights. I like a little "breathing room". Having said that, I know that my values aren't those of others. There is a vast amount of experience here on the MOC and you can gather all the input and make an informed decision. Best of luck to you and welcome to the forum!!
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Old 04-04-2011, 06:37 AM   #18
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18K would ease any future concerns. I have a 20K, only because I traded my used 16K for an used 20K when I purchased my 3750FL.
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Old 05-18-2011, 02:07 PM   #19
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Conclusion:

I ordered the Pull Rite SuperGlide 18K that will fit my standard Base Rails, thank you Dave Nowlin for recommendation. Being new to 5'ing I thought the slide would give me a little extra room for error. It was installed two days ago, looks great in the truck. Box was so heavy the FedEx guy asked (begged if I could pull my truck behind it so he could slide it onto my truck. Had it installed by local mechanic for $50. Hell of a deal.. Got the unit from Tweety's and have had excellent service from them thus far.

Picking up the 3750 early next wee. Wish me luck!!!
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