"tugging fifth"

[RustyJC]

I remember pulling up in a new 1996 Dodge 3500 dually (V-10/automatic) to buy our first 5th wheel. The salesman came out to meet us at the curb with his eyes lit up and rubbing his hands with his first words being, "Hey, you're set up to tow anything we have on the lot!"

Unfortunately, you learn very quickly when dealing with truck or RV dealers to do your own math....

Rusty

[SilverBullet]

I have decided on a set of Air LIft air bags to help my stabilitiy issue...I know it will not help my GVWR issue.

I have been researching Firestone, Ait Lift, Pacbrake, and Hellwig. What I have found is Toyota guys like the Hellwig, Pacbrake isn't talked about much, and most Ford/Chevy/Dodge guys use Firestone or Air Lift.

Any thoughts on Firestone vs. Air Lift???

[SilverBullet]

Had the first trip with the Air Lift bags...pulled great! First 300 miles with 55psi and return trip with 50psi. The 50psi felt better.

[wingnut60]

Good for you! Just take it easy, remembering you are over the weight recommendations. Braking in panic situations and on long downgrades are the biggest concerns--keep the controller on 9 or 10, if it doesn't lock the trailer brakes--and be sure the trailer brakes are adjusted correctly and in excellent shape.
Joe

[wandering1]

Get a long bed. See link: Should Shortbed Trucks Tow Fifth Wheels?

[SilverBullet]

Ahhh...this article is a little misleading as GM short bed is what is offered on the 1500 crew cab. I am not talking about 1500HD which has a standard bed. The standard bed is what you find on most 2500HD trucks unless it has a long bed.

From the article..."Manufacturer's note: Shortbed models are not designed or intended to tow fifth-wheel trailers."

Also from the article..."Yet another manufacturer's note defines shortbed as 69.3 inches, standard bed as 78.7 inches and longbed as 97.6 inches."

I agree...I would not tow a 5'er with a short bed, but would (and do) with a standard bed. Ideally, I would love to have a long bed, but...

[CD]

Sounds to me like there is a short bed, a shorter bed and a standard bed. My reasoning is, years ago there was only an 8' bed so it was standard.

[spock123]

I am looking to buy a 29RLBS Wildcat, I have a Silverado 08 2500 diesel with a 90gal fuel tank, the trailer will weigh about 10500lbs, pin weight of around 1800lb. What I want to know is if I fill up the fresh water tank which is at the rear, will the pin weigh go down? I also plan to put 2 Honda!s on back of trailer,another 200lb

[SilverBullet]

Yes, but it probably will not be a pound for pound weight exchange since your fresh water tank is probably closer to the rear wheels than your hitch.

Here are a few numbers to help you calculate...

Fuel (gas 6.2 lb/gal, diesel 7.0 lb/gal)
Fresh Water (8.35 lb/gal)
Propane (4.22 lb/gal)

With my setup, I am actually under the GVWR for each axle, but over for the truck by 100-200lbs. I told my wife she needed needed to ride in the back of the trailer!

[wynot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC I remember pulling up in a new 1996 Dodge 3500 dually (V-10/automatic) to buy our first 5th wheel. The salesman came out to meet us at the curb with his eyes lit up and rubbing his hands with his first words being, "Hey, you're set up to tow anything we have on the lot!" Unfortunately, you learn very quickly when dealing with truck or RV dealers to do your own math.... Rusty

Having been an RV salesperson, seeing ANYONE not trying to tow with a CR-V is a dream. The opposite end are the people with diesels who think they can tow anything.

I'm going to tell you all from experience, find out whether the salesperson has a camper themselves FIRST. I had been doing this for about 5 years before I ever sold an RV.

I failed as a salesman because 1) I would not sell to someone who didn't have an adequate tow vehicle, 2) I refused to let anyone go into far more debt than they could ever manage, and 3) I wanted them to be in the right RV.

(Just a note - I was the only RV salesperson who had ever towed ANYTHING before at my dealership AND knew how to drive all the various rigs - From popup through coach

[lambbill]

I have a GMC 3500 dually. I am running a B&W drop in 5th wheel set up. I get that tugging and I was wondering if it could be because there is more movement in the hitch tower since it is not bolted to any rails??

[CD]

lambbill
It may be due to where base length. I had that with our present TT and a 91 Dodge 3/4T. When we got the 1T no more bounce. The 1T has more length on the wheel base. What is the location on the 5th wheel pin? If too close the rear axle that might cause a problem.