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Old 05-26-2016, 10:16 PM   #81
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too many people see ads on tv that say max towing ability for certain brand and think that's for all of that brand.my bil being prime example
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Old 06-20-2016, 02:34 PM   #82
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would my 2016 jeep cherokee six cyl pull my a frame camper also do i need electric brakes in stalled thank you
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Old 06-20-2016, 04:37 PM   #83
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I am looking for info on best MPG TV for hauling prods. My leased Honda pilot pulling the178 looks for gas stations!
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Old 06-20-2016, 05:42 PM   #84
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would my 2016 jeep cherokee six cyl pull my a frame camper also do i need electric brakes in stalled thank you
If the trailer has electric brakes, you need a Brake Controller installed.
Hope you have the factory tow package in your Jeep.
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Old 08-08-2016, 11:35 PM   #85
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tow vehicle abilites...

Hubby and I are in the process of upgrading both our TT to a 5th wheel and our tow vehicle. We tried to be smart and do LOTS of homework, but now that we are in the home stretch, it feels like we studied for the wrong test.

We need a BH, so we are looking at larger/ heavier 5th wheels.

The floorplan that we have decided on has a dry weight of 12,200, pin weight of 2800, and cargo capacity of 2550...

We intended to purchase a RAM 2500. Once we got ready to pull the plug on both vehicles, I finally asked enough questions to get a 'truck specialist' to come out and give us a min-lesson on how each truck has an individual tow rating... seems like the truck we wanted is actually rated at 15.600 ( not the 17,000 that the sales guy kept touting.

So after a bit more research, and some soul searching about whether I really want to drive my kiddos to school in a dually, I decided to downgrade my expectations on the 5th wheel, and look for something a bit lighter ( but not as perfect for us)

Now I have both the RV store and the Dodge guys doing all sorts of dances about how they have never heard of anyone having a problem pulling any dual axle 5th wheel with a 3/4 ton diesel truck...and they are just sure that I will be just fine.


I keep bringing up the 20-25% cushion that I have heard as a good rule of thumb, but in the end, I am no expert. I am making one purchase, and there are a lot of moving parts here...They are telling me that a diesel engine with all of the torque will compensate for the missing percentage points.

Does anyone have any real world experience? I do spend a lot of time in my trailer, driving my kiddos to all of the National Parks for 10 weeks out of the summer, so we do encounter a few continental divides....
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Old 08-08-2016, 11:50 PM   #86
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You may run into issues, trying to get a National Park campsite, with a big 5th wheel.
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Old 08-09-2016, 12:22 AM   #87
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Originally Posted by desert diva View Post
Hubby and I are in the process of upgrading both our TT to a 5th wheel and our tow vehicle. We tried to be smart and do LOTS of homework, but now that we are in the home stretch, it feels like we studied for the wrong test.

We need a BH, so we are looking at larger/ heavier 5th wheels.

The floorplan that we have decided on has a dry weight of 12,200, pin weight of 2800, and cargo capacity of 2550...

We intended to purchase a RAM 2500. Once we got ready to pull the plug on both vehicles, I finally asked enough questions to get a 'truck specialist' to come out and give us a min-lesson on how each truck has an individual tow rating... seems like the truck we wanted is actually rated at 15.600 ( not the 17,000 that the sales guy kept touting.

So after a bit more research, and some soul searching about whether I really want to drive my kiddos to school in a dually, I decided to downgrade my expectations on the 5th wheel, and look for something a bit lighter ( but not as perfect for us)

Now I have both the RV store and the Dodge guys doing all sorts of dances about how they have never heard of anyone having a problem pulling any dual axle 5th wheel with a 3/4 ton diesel truck...and they are just sure that I will be just fine.


I keep bringing up the 20-25% cushion that I have heard as a good rule of thumb, but in the end, I am no expert. I am making one purchase, and there are a lot of moving parts here...They are telling me that a diesel engine with all of the torque will compensate for the missing percentage points.

Does anyone have any real world experience? I do spend a lot of time in my trailer, driving my kiddos to all of the National Parks for 10 weeks out of the summer, so we do encounter a few continental divides....
You already know more than the truck salesman. Loaded pin weight will be +/- 3000#. Add maybe 325 for you and hubby plus another 125 for 'stuff' in the cab and bed. Add the weight of the kiddos. You may well be over payload. Now you are in dually country! My 2016 F350 diesel 4x4 has a payload listed on the yellow sticker on the door frame of 3434# for cargo and passengers. My truck with your load would be over for sure. A 3/4 ton would be way over and should not be even considered. Nearly always you will run out of payload before weight pulled/towed.
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Old 08-09-2016, 07:55 AM   #88
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There ya go...
That's what I'm talking about.

Thanks 'Mtelkman'

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I would have pulled in to the first auto parts or rv store and replaced the brake controller since stopping is so important.
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Old 08-09-2016, 04:21 PM   #89
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You already know more than the truck salesman. Loaded pin weight will be +/- 3000#. Add maybe 325 for you and hubby plus another 125 for 'stuff' in the cab and bed. Add the weight of the kiddos. You may well be over payload. Now you are in dually country! My 2016 F350 diesel 4x4 has a payload listed on the yellow sticker on the door frame of 3434# for cargo and passengers. My truck with your load would be over for sure. A 3/4 ton would be way over and should not be even considered. Nearly always you will run out of payload before weight pulled/towed.
Now they are talking to me about adding airbags to the suspension to increase the payload #.... Is this a valid option/ fix?
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Old 08-09-2016, 04:29 PM   #90
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Airbags don't increase payload. They just raise the bed of the truck.

In fact, they actually will lower the payload by however much they weigh!
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Old 08-09-2016, 04:33 PM   #91
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A Fool-Proof Method for Judging your Tow Vehicle

Lol Rockford is correct, airbags do not raise your payload.
They Make your truck look like it's not overloaded, and in fact they lower your payload from the weight of the bags and brackets!




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Old 08-09-2016, 04:43 PM   #92
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Now they are talking to me about adding airbags to the suspension to increase the payload #.... Is this a valid option/ fix?
NO!!! Airbags will NOT increase the payload! You MAY get by with a single rear wheel (SRW) 1 ton but will be on the upper end of or over the limits with the load you spoke of. Additionally, the cost of installed airbags is very close to the difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton SRW truck. Few truck sales people have a clue and yours does not have a clue about towing or is more concerned about the sale than the safety of your family and everyone else on the road or if you are legal or not.
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Old 08-09-2016, 05:13 PM   #93
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A lot of truth has been spoken here already. I pulled a 42' 5er with a gross of 14k and a 2300lb pin weight with a 3/4 ton truck. Did it pull fine? Absolutely. Did it handle it ok? I never felt out of control, but have had lots of experience. I traded the truck off after not quite 2yrs (normal) and bought a dually. How did that handle the 5er? Never had to worry about any road conditions and was solid as a rock. How was drivability? My 16 yr old daughter wanted to drive it to school every day and did quite often. This was a 4x4 crew cab dually with an 8' bed and she loved driving and wasn't afraid of taking it anywhere. I was a bit nervous of her taking it at first, but she handled it like a pro!


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Old 08-09-2016, 08:27 PM   #94
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Airbags don't increase payload. They just raise the bed of the truck.

In fact, they actually will lower the payload by however much they weigh!
Others have said it but not so succinctly. Airbags can help with load leveling and ride smoothing; but not payload. That number is "frame" driven; not axle or suspension.
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Old 08-10-2016, 10:17 AM   #95
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IMO, A WDH is going to help distribute that load where airbags are going to support the load. Is that right? So I'm thinking air bags do more for ride quality than a replacement or aid to WDH? Anything over 500 lbs tongue weight requires a WDH with or without bags, correct??? Air bags might help prevent sag if WDH is not used and maybe enable carrying more without sag but does not increase GVWR as mentioned. I don't have air bags, never have. This is not a statement of fact but a though looking for confirmation.
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Old 08-10-2016, 10:34 AM   #96
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Quote:
Originally Posted by desert diva View Post
Hubby and I are in the process of upgrading both our TT to a 5th wheel and our tow vehicle. We tried to be smart and do LOTS of homework, but now that we are in the home stretch, it feels like we studied for the wrong test.

We need a BH, so we are looking at larger/ heavier 5th wheels.

The floorplan that we have decided on has a dry weight of 12,200, pin weight of 2800, and cargo capacity of 2550...

We intended to purchase a RAM 2500. Once we got ready to pull the plug on both vehicles, I finally asked enough questions to get a 'truck specialist' to come out and give us a min-lesson on how each truck has an individual tow rating... seems like the truck we wanted is actually rated at 15.600 ( not the 17,000 that the sales guy kept touting.

So after a bit more research, and some soul searching about whether I really want to drive my kiddos to school in a dually, I decided to downgrade my expectations on the 5th wheel, and look for something a bit lighter ( but not as perfect for us)

Now I have both the RV store and the Dodge guys doing all sorts of dances about how they have never heard of anyone having a problem pulling any dual axle 5th wheel with a 3/4 ton diesel truck...and they are just sure that I will be just fine.


I keep bringing up the 20-25% cushion that I have heard as a good rule of thumb, but in the end, I am no expert. I am making one purchase, and there are a lot of moving parts here...They are telling me that a diesel engine with all of the torque will compensate for the missing percentage points.

Does anyone have any real world experience? I do spend a lot of time in my trailer, driving my kiddos to all of the National Parks for 10 weeks out of the summer, so we do encounter a few continental divides....

Your pin weight is part of your payload attached is a comparison of 2015 RAM payload and tow capacity. This is only single rear wheels unless you opt for a dually.

Click image for larger version

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Old 08-10-2016, 10:41 AM   #97
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According to the pin weight you provided you're over payload capacity on some models. Extra capacity is always better imo. Airbags DO NOT increase capacity. Keep doing your research and ask questions, you're on the right track. I hope this helps.


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Old 08-10-2016, 10:57 AM   #98
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I think the scariest thing nowadays outside of the weights, is that any john dick or harry can get into a 42' motor coach and roll down the highway, or hookup to a 41' fifth wheel or 30' TT and has no experience towing anything outside of his/her lawn tractor and never driven anything bigger then their minivan. I've seen too many folks out there bring trees down, running over cars, etc when trying to turn, etc. I think there should be an endorsement to allow for folks to tow and drive some of these things out there today. I know some states have it but they're never really enforced. And now with some of these manufacturers are selling 1 ton trucks that claim they can tow #30k, well that's a little scary.
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Old 08-10-2016, 12:47 PM   #99
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Just an FYI... Interesting reading... a good exercise.

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-tow-vehicle-sizing.shtml
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Old 08-13-2016, 06:56 AM   #100
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Safety is critical when towing an RV Trailer. This training video discusses the importance of understanding a Truck's ratings and how these ratings limit the size of the trailer that can be safely towed. You will be provided the tools and basic understanding needed to assist your endeavor to properly match a truck and trailer, so that you can enjoy RVing safely.



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