Towing for 35k-40k

[JRinger]

Although we have be RV'ing for over a decade now, I have never had a need for anything larger than a 3500. What types of trucks do you all recommend for hauling a 35k 5th wheel? I honestly don't know where to begin! TIA!

Jenna

[halfwright]

Google "medium duty truck". Many use converted Volvos for this weight class.

[Old-Biscuit]

What 5th wheel weighs 35,000# ?

[Dale & Mark Bruss]

There is a website with a lot of information on MDT and HDT trucks at Heavy Hauler RV Resource Guide.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by JRinger

Although we have be RV'ing for over a decade now, I have never had a need for anything larger than a 3500. What types of trucks do you all recommend for hauling a 35k 5th wheel? I honestly don't know where to begin! TIA!

Jenna

35,000 5er would require a large MDT or HDT IMO.

[1bigmess]

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

35,000 5er would require a large MDT or HDT IMO.

And no one ever complained that I've heard because they bought too much truck!!!

[JRinger]

Thanks so much! And I feel certain that DH would agree that there is never too much truck!

And its for a 52'. They said it will weigh roughly 30k unloaded.

[SmokeyWren]

First, none of the factory pickups have enough oomph to tow a 35k trailer. Even the class 5 trucks aren't enough.

For example, Ford F-550 chassis cab with the special order only high capacity trailer towing package and with aftermarket tow body has only a 26,000 pounds tow rating. So you're looking at a minimum of a class 6 chassis cab truck with aftermarket tow body (or flatbed with a 5er hitch).

So as a minimum look at Class 6 chassis cab trucks from Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack. Study the specs and order one with enough oomph to not only pull 40k but to also haul up to 10k hitch weight at the same time.

Mountain Master is a custom truck builder that will build you a tow vehicle that can tow your trailer without being overloaded. Not cheap, but safe and reliable. Here is link to their Freightliner custom trucks: (They also can build a Ford F-650 to your specs.)
Mountain Master Exterior

Sport Chassis converts FreightLiner medium-duty trucks by adding a pickup bed, tow body or flatbed with 5er hitch to a chassis cab truck.

Here is a link to SportChassis RHA 350 on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis:
SportChassis.

I don't see the towing specs on that website, so go to the Freightliner website and get the towing specs for the M2-106 chassis.

Here is a link to SportChassis RHA 450 on a Freightliner M2-112 chassis. Plenty of tow vehicle for your needs, but note you will need a CDL with air brakes endorsement to drive this tow vehicle:
SportChassis

And finally there are lots of folks that insist on a retired OTR class 8 truck (HDT or heavy duty truck/tractor) to economically tow that much trailer. That retired but overhauled HDT with less than a million miles on the clock will cost a lot less than a new Mountain Master or Sport Chassis medium-duty truck (MDT). And with a proper overhaul/rebuild, it should last you another half-million miles towing only 40k, which is only half it's designed towing capacity..

[JRinger]

Thanks! I will definitely look into those!

[IronCobra]

First, you need a CDL. A 2016 F450 (like mine) will get you a 31,200lb towing capacity and combined 40,400lbs...but that's not enough for your trailer.

I've heard the 2017 F450 will be between 36-38k towing capacity.

If you can find a 5ver for around 30k lbs (which is crazy huge) I would suggest that. No need driving a MDT around all the time if you don't need to.


Who makes the trailer you are buying? Any pictures or links? I'd love to see the beast.

[JRinger]

Its made by North American RV. I have another post on this forum about the manufacturer. I'm a little hesitant, as I have never heard of them, but maybe some of ya'll could help me out.

And I do have a floorplan pic, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to load it, without a URL. It's just on my computer. LOL

[38Chevy454]

I agree that at least a class 6 medium duty chassis, and better a full class 8. The class 8 can be a single rear axle, you won't exceed the load capacity. However two rear axles is a lot more common. You won't necessarily need a CDL, but you should get your state license that is good for over 26K weight; whatever class license that is for your state.

while you may find a F550 or Dodge Ram 5500 that has the rated capacity, why be right at the limit? The safety factor of a real truck chassis will ensure no reliability or performance problems.

[JRinger]

Thank you! DH has his CDL, but I may look into that weight rated state license for myself. I very rarely drive, but would like to be legal if I HAD to drive. And I agree about the F-550. Some of the ratings for those are not that much higher, or even some lower than our Ram 3500. You all are so helpful! I love this forum

[Gordon Dewald]

I vote for a Peterbilt.