Is This Horse Big Enough to Pull This Cart ??

[debbilicious]

I'm purchasing a 35' 5th wheel with a dry weight of 9644 lbs and a hitch weight of 2020 lbs. I'm looking at purchasing a Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton, Diesel with Ally tranny. My research so far tells me this: "The 2500HD ups these ratings to 16,100 pounds (7,300 kg) with the 8.1 liter engine or 10,600 pounds (4,800 kg) with the 6.0 liter engine, and 4,058 pounds (1,841 kg)"...I don't know what all that means really, so is the "horse" big enough to pull my "cart"? ; )

[Dave_Monica]

You didn't list it, but I'd expect that the GVWR of this camper would be in the 12000 - 13000 lb range...well within the towing weight limit of the 2500HD diesel.

The potential problem, if any, will be the payload limit. Most likely the loaded pin weight of this camper will put the truck over its GVWR for a 2500HD diesel, but well under the RAWR of the 2500HD diesel. The 2500HD would handle that load fine, but would exceed the weight limit set by the manufacturer. Many RVers with 3/4 T TV's pulling 5th wheels are also in the same situation.

A gas powered 2500HD may give me more available payload, depending the the GVWR of this combination, but I don't think you'd be happy pulling that camper weight with the 6.0L gas.

[herk7769]

Excellent summary of the problem.

[ng2951]

Would a gooseneck make a difference? It looks like it would be lighter than 5th wheel. I saw a gooseneck adapter at CW this past weekend. There must be a reason...

[Dave_Monica]

The issue I point out is camper pin weight vs real payload capacity of the truck. I gooseneck adapter would reduce the weight of the hitch in the truck. Isn't this only of use in a 8" bed as it would be non-sliding?

The weight reduction wouldn't be sufficient to get below the trucks GVWR as the impact would be 100 - 150 lbs.

Dave

[cardinal4fun]

Here is a link that will help you answer your question. Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator

I would also make sure on what ever truck you decide on to get at least a 4:10 rear end, it will cut your fuel mileage a bit, but the up side is you towing will be alot better.

[ng2951]

I was wondering about the hitch weight of 2020 pounds. I don't think a turnover ball assy is nearly that heavy.

Of course in my regard I already have a turnover ball in the truck (came with the truck) with a bumper pull TH. Somewhere down the road I might get a 5ver, just not now. So I still want to understand the issues.

[Ovair]

The 2020 isn't the weight of the actual "hitch". It is the weight the trailer exerts on the hitch. Therefore comparing the weight of the gooseneck assembly to the hitchweight of a 5th wheel is apples/oranges.

But to answer the question: the reason why someone would have a gooseneck or a convertible hitch in their truck bed is because they have farm equipment or horse trailers (or similar such items) that are manufactured with goosenecks and they need to retain the ability to pull those items.

[Hoo Dad]

Originally Posted by Ovair

But to answer the question: the reason why someone would have a gooseneck or a convertible hitch in their truck bed is because they have farm equipment or horse trailers (or similar such items) that are manufactured with goosenecks and they need to retain the ability to pull those items.

I'm not the most knowledgeable concerning FW hitches but the reason I got the B&W turnover system was that I could fairly easily take out the FW companion and use the bed of my truck without any rails being left in the bed. Now, my daughter also rides horses so she could probably talk me into pulling a gooseneck horse trailer for her.

[hatstomper]

To save yourself some grief, buy a Chev 3500 single wheel. Price is exactly the same.