Community Forums

RottenRalph · 12-23-2018, 08:22 PM

I am another that is considering going to the other side and switching from a MoHo to a 5er. I want to tow with a late model F250 crew cab gasser with 3.73 rear end. Most 5ers that I look at or about 15k lbs. Is that doable?

I work at a retail store that faces a busy interstate and see 3/4 ton trucks towing HUGE 5th wheels and wonder if they are comfortable or just clueless.

How much weight do you comfortably tow?

Cumminsfan · 12-23-2018, 10:37 PM

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 gas 6.4 with 4.10 gears rated to tow 15,600 IIRC and carry 2900+ lbs. Absolutely no way would I think about maxing my 5er out to 15,000 lbs.
I tow 9300 lbs and it feels fine. I would do 11-12,000 max if I were towing on more flat land. I go from 132' to 5,000' regularly. What goes up must come down. I don't want to beat the crap out of my stuff so I'm a little conservative.
The other issue is MPG's. I get around 8.5-9 towing. Adding 2700 lbs and another 5+' in length would cut into the mpg's as well.
I can't imagine having a 12-13,000 lb trailer behind me towing into a headwind.

Loydmeeks · 12-23-2018, 10:46 PM

I tow around 8200, plus what we carry in the bed. It is very comfortable tow and I am very happy with the gasser. $9000.00 buys a lot of fuel. I have 373 gears and get around 8mpg with no headwind.

keymastr · 12-23-2018, 11:09 PM

I think about 9500 is as much as I have had on it. Towed well but it knew it was there. Any more and I would want a 350. Over 15000 is generally dually territory. Don't kid yourself, it's no fun towing maxxed out.

RottenRalph · 12-24-2018, 05:51 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking along the same lines but wanted some confirmation.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

**Spdracr39** · 12-24-2018, 06:49 AM

I have a GMC 3/4 gasser and my 5'er loaded is about 12k. It pulls it fine but I wouldn't pull anything heavier.

cpaulsen · 12-24-2018, 05:40 PM

3/4 ton Ford V-10.....4:10 gears.....towing 5ver at about 12k. No problems

mtofell · 12-24-2018, 09:56 PM

2014 2500 Ram 6.4 Hemi, 3.73 gears, 11K loaded 5th wheel out west in the hills and I wouldn't want to go much heavier. Most of my problem is the crappy gear spacing in the Ram. My setup is generally okay but a more well thought out tranny would sure be nice. I think a lot depends on terrain.

Bamaman · 12-24-2018, 11:24 PM

10-11K lbs. would be my maximum suggested towing weight with a gas engine. You mentioned 15K lbs. fifth wheels, and a diesel dually would be required for them.

The problem with 3/4 ton trucks and fifth wheels really is the king pin weight being too much. Many fifth wheels will end up 3,500 lbs. or about 1000 lbs. more than they really need on the bed.

I have a Grand Design fifth wheel that weighs 11K lbs. dry. The kingpin weight is 2K. My 3/4 ton diesel is rated for more bed weight than most newer 3/4 ton trucks, and I am max'd out--even with air bags on the rear end.

Do yourself and buy more truck than you think you need. A diesel engine truck even if has to be 2-3 years old.