2005 Mobile Suites 36TK

[mhardin38967]

We just purchased a 2005 Mobile Suites 36TK and love it. We have had fifth wheels for years and are pulling with a 2002 F 250 7.3 diesel we purchased new. Since buying this fifth wheel several people have said we need a dually. The camper pulls well and I have had no issues on local trips. Any advice from Moble Suites owners?

[RustyJC]

Yeah, you really do need a dually to pull these beasts. If you check the tag on the left front of your MS, you'll probably find that the GVWR is at least 16,000 lbs (it is on our 36RE3) - that means you need to size your truck for a pin weight of up to 3,200 lbs (20% of 16,000 lbs). I would suspect that, if you take your rig to the scales and weigh it, you're going to find that you're well over your 3/4 ton truck's GVWR.

Can you pull a MS with a 3/4 ton truck? Yes, as you've discovered. Can you pull a MS with a 3/4 ton truck and stay within the truck's ratings? Very doubtful!!

That aside, I'm glad you're enjoying your MS - we've owned ours since August 2004 and still love it.


Rusty

[wingnut60]

Welcome to the IRV2 forums.
I have an '05 36TK3 also--will be happy to help you with any questions about it that come to you.
Unless the original owner bought it with the Magnum suspension, you have a 16000lb GVWR and 16" wheels. Look in the cabinet above the stove--there should be a label listing the Gross weight and the shipping weight and carrying capacity.
They are well built units and should last you a long time into the future.

Here are 2 forums you might want to check out:

5thWheelForums.com :: Index

Suites Owners International Travel Club Forum

Lot of traffic from Suites owners on the above sites.

Joe

[Billieg]

I have a 07, F-350 dually pulling a 13,700# 5th wheel and can't imagine using a 250 SW to do it never mind pulling a 16,000# 5th. You are seriously over weight for the truck and will soon find out when your springs and drive train go south. Hit a big bump at 60 and see what happens. Sorry to give you the bad news but you do need a dually for that unit.

On the other hand you got one nice 5th wheel! Good luck.

[TXiceman]

As note, you need a DRW for that much trailer. My F350 DRW is not rated high enough for that trailer.
Ken

[mhardin38967]

Thanks for all of your advice. I am already shopping for a dually. hoping to find a F 350 with 7.3 diesel. I have had really good luck with my F 250.

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhardin38967 Thanks for all of your advice. I am already shopping for a dually. hoping to find a F 350 with 7.3 diesel. I have had really good luck with my F 250.

You might not be able to go with the older 7.3. You may need to go with a newer 6.0. You will need to make sure it can handle a 3400# pin weight and be able to tow the 16,000# trailer and still not be over on the whole unit.