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gdkodiak · 06-16-2016, 10:48 AM

I'm buying a 2016 Arctic Fox 29-5K fifth wheel. Specs are 2663 hitch weight, gross dry 11,208 and GVWR 16600. I am looking at the Ram 3500 diesel (dually and single) which has max towing capacity of 25,360 dually/16860 single and payload of over 4000 lbs. Also looking at the 2500 diesel which has a max towing capacity of 17,210 and payload of 2380.

For me it seems the 3500 dually is the only choice and the others are not a viable option.

raineman · 06-16-2016, 10:58 AM

I am prejudice, but I think you have already arrived at the correct answer. Good luck

Gavenger · 06-16-2016, 11:05 AM

Somehow I think I'm misreading your post where you say both the 3500 Dually and SRW have the same payload capacity?

IMHO, get the DRW, you won't be close to max on any of the capacities and will have plenty of margin for any situation.

drdarrin · 06-16-2016, 01:15 PM

The 3500 DRW is the minimum pick based on your numbers. That said, if you should decide to add a tool box and transfer tank to the truck, watch your weights. Your 5er will use between 3,320 and 2,500 pounds of that payload capacity plus fuel and people and gear and whatever else you decide to add.

Cummins12V98 · 06-16-2016, 09:30 PM

Get the RAM 3500 Dually, Aisin, 4.10's and factory rear air ride and don't look back. Don't forget the hitch.

gdkodiak · 06-16-2016, 11:30 PM

Thanks everyone for the great responses and confirming what I had concluded.

SmokeyWren · 06-18-2016, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdkodiak

I'm buying a 2016 Arctic Fox 29-5K fifth wheel. Specs are 2663 hitch weight, gross dry 11,208 and GVWR 16600.

Ignore the dry weights. You won't be towing a dry RV. With GVWR of 16,600, count on a wet and loaded trailer weight of at least 15k. If you are a full-timer, then expect to get right up against the GVWR of the RV - because when you move you have to haul everything you own in the truck and trailer. Pin weight (kingpin or hitch weight) On that RV is about 23.75% of wet and loaded RV weight, so that's over 3,500 pounds when you load the RV to 15K. The dry hitch weight is 23.75% of dry trailer weight, so expect that percent to apply as you load the trailer. Plus, if you load the RV to the GVWR, then add an auxiliary fuel tank and tool box and floor jack and jack pad in the bed of the tow vehicle, you might be overloaded even with the dually.

Forget about a 2500 or even a 3500 SRW. You'll be overloaded with that 4-season full-timer's RV with less than a dually tow vehicle.

Even with a dually, you need to know how much available payload capacity you have for hauling additional weight, such as campfire wood or toys or extra passengers. So use the CAT scales religiously.

Quote:

For me it seems the 3500 dually is the only choice and the others are not a viable option.

You nailed it!

plasma800 · 06-18-2016, 10:12 AM

I met a guy towing almost the exact same trailer with a 2500 HD gasser.

I asked him how that was working out... he said "it's fine, we're not the fastest up hills, but we've got over 60k miles in towing, and it's always worked"

So you *could* get away with it.... but that dually is going to be so stable!!! Until you drive it unloaded, then it'll bang the teeth out of your head, but the 2500 will too.

I cringe at speed bumps unloaded....

Maybe the ram has a variable suspension or something for a better ride with unloaded. I'm also an over achiever.. so I'd have the dually and if I ever wanted a bigger rv, I could do it.

Cummins12V98 · 06-18-2016, 10:21 AM

" but that dually is going to be so stable!!! Until you drive it unloaded, then it'll bang the teeth out of your head"

I'm thinking you need to test drive a truck like this with factory rear air ride.

plasma800 · 06-18-2016, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasma800

Maybe the ram has a variable suspension or something for a better ride with unloaded. I'm also an over achiever.. so I'd have the dually and if I ever wanted a bigger rv, I could do it.

glennwest · 06-18-2016, 08:37 PM

Mine is smooth both ways also and way less money.

Cummins12V98 · 06-19-2016, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennwest

Mine is smooth both ways also and way less money.

Show off!

09 harley · 06-21-2016, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

" but that dually is going to be so stable!!! Until you drive it unloaded, then it'll bang the teeth out of your head"

I'm thinking you need to test drive a truck like this with factory rear air ride.

My brother has that same truck and when we went across a speed bump in a restaurant parking lot I lifted completely off the rear seat. I was surprised by that. When it's towing the 5th wheel it's fine.