The right truck to fit my 5th wheel

[davidjeritx]

I'm looking for the right truck to safely tow my 2005 36' Limited edition with a GVWR of 18,750 minus UVW 14,390.
I've own a F250 powerstroke now but am sure it won't handle the weight.

Any suggestions?

[TXiceman]

David, welcome to iRV2. It is good that you are asking. Once you get a truck it will weigh more than the brochure shows. My F350, Crew Cab Dually, 2 wheel drive weighs a bit over 8000# with the 5er hitch and tool box. So if you plan to load the trailer to near max rating ( and the weight does add up fast) you will be pushing or over 23000# GCW for the rig. The pin weight on your trailer will close to 3900# which is way more than any SRW can carry when you figure the truck is loaded with gear, people and hitch (200# plus)

You need to be looking at an F450 or 4500 series truck to handle the trailer.

Ken

[powerboatr]

my last 06 350 dually had a gcvwr of 26k
we towed around a fiver that grossed in at 14k, 38'
even with the dually and the tow boss package i ran around at 24k loaded out road ready with the "lite" fiver, truck alone was over 8200

you would be looking at a 350 or even a 450, to be covered,

[TXiceman]

Note that powerboatr sid the F350 had the Tow Boss package to get the GCWR up to 26K#. without the tow Boss, the GVWR was about 23K#.

Ken

[davidjeritx]

Great information, Thanks much

Do any of you know if/where there is a truck comparison chart?

I've looked around at different web sites to find bits and pieces to compare Ford GM and Dodge, but was hoping find something other than a sales pitch and the specs/data is in one place.

I'm thinking I will try to find a truck that is a couple of years old but not worn out. The new F450 sounds great but is a little pricey.

Thanks again for your help the previous information.

David

[Workshop]

David I don't know if you have visited the Excel Owners section on the forum....but most are using a 350/3500 series as a minimum and a lot of the newer members have gone to the f450 as their TV for this size unit. We don't fulltime, and usually do 5-9 day trips once a year and mostly 3-5 days when we get the chance. On my 33RLE Limited, I weigh 14,580 on the trailer and 3060 on the pin. Right now we tow with a 2500 HD and at the limits and will be looking at the new F350 or C3500 this summer as an upgrade in our TV.

I don't know of one place to look to compare. I'm concerned about the height of the bed to ground as the Chevy sits higher than the Ford and I have to get my 83 yr old Mother in the truck on occasion.

[SuperGewl]

It's time to go big, F450, Dodge Chassis Cab, maybe a true MDT. Better over due the TV than take a chance and loose it going down the road.

[Ray,IN]

This might give you some truck comparisons: Ford F450 - Compare Autos - Compare Models, Compare Prices, and Get Price Quotes at NexTag

[TEX-CTD]

all good info. 1 ton DRW at min. but 450 would be better.

when looking at trucks look at the GAWR(axle rating) and GCWR(total wt truck and trailer) w the axle rating being important

[wandering1]

how do you know it wont handle the weight??? Did you look at the specs for your F250 which will tell you how much weight you can tow and the payload capacity??

[SuperGewl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandering1 how do you know it wont handle the weight??? Did you look at the specs for your F250 which will tell you how much weight you can tow and the payload capacity??

Most 3/4 ton's have a payload of less than 3k and tow weight of less than 16k even the long bed regular cabs. Your heavy payloads come from the 1 tons, duallies being able to handle the most payload. Other things to take into considerations is the gear ratio, the higher the better.

[SuperGewl]

Here is some FORD 2010 Tow Data:

6.4L V8
Turbo Diesel

3.31/3.55 23,000 16,300 15,800- -16,000 15,500 – – 15,800 15,300 – – – –

3.73 23,500 – –16,300 15,800 – – 15,900 15,500 – – 15,700 15,200 – –
4.10 26,000(3) – – 18,800 18,300 – – 18,400 18,000 – – 18,200 17,700 – –

4.30 33,000(4) – – – – – – – – – – – – 24,600 24,200

It's alittle hard to under stand but the F250' highest 5th wheel towing is 16300 in the Reg Cab 2WD; the Max 5th Wheel in Crew Cab 4x4 is 15300 All of this is with Auto Tranny. Just a little food for thought.

[Larry]

I wouldn't tow that big without a dually.
Larry

[Ray,IN]

Ignore the UVW, it is as useful as a screen door on a submarine. The GVW is the only weight you need be concerned with. Now find a truck that will truly handle that GVW and for maximum family safety, have a 20% truck capacity safety factor. The market is flooded with used MDT 5er haulers right now. Look at the for-sale board on any RV forum, Good Sam magazine, internet, etc. IMO_ There is no 1ton vehicle today that will safely handle 18,750lbs. of trailer - - especially with my family aboard!