Need help with trailer selection

[dj3spots]

Using a Chevy Silverdo 2500HD Crew Cab Standard Bed with a GVW 9500 and Max trailer weight of 9400(per truck manual) as Tow Vehicle(TV). Currently own a 2010 Rockwood 2607s. Our TV pulls it just fine. Want to upgrade to a bunkhouse trailer. Know we can tow the Rockwood 2902ss but really want to get the Rockwood Signature Ultra lite fifth wheel - 8281ss. Depending on which site you visit the specs say GVW for trailer 8281ss is 9200 To 9407 lbs. Question: if we go with 8281 we're on the high side of our tow range; would it still be safe to tow? Two things you need to know. We really want that second bathroom(LOL) and this trailer will be crossing the Rockies more than once. Appreciate any advice offered. Oh, and we don't have a fifth wheel hitch. Thought we'd wait and see what hitch pin was on the fifth wheel if we got one.

[h20ski]

Are you sure you have a 9400 lb tow rating? I have a 2007 Cevy 2500HD Long bed abd it has a tow rating of 14900 with a GCWR 22000. be very careful not to go over the GVWR for the truck. My truck weighs in at 7300 with hitch installed, tailgate removed and my lard but in it. OH ya and wiffeee. I have to be careful with hitch weight or I'll over gross the truck. I recommend you weigh yoour truck and post truck specs and weight and you will get alot of folks to help you out. Need more info. Good luck and WELCOME.

[dj3spots]

Yes, Sorry. Forgot to state have 373 rear. Hence lower tow rate. Going to get truck weighed. Duh, should have thought of that. Thanks.

[dj3spots]

Originally Posted by dj3spots

Yes, Sorry. Forgot to state have 373 rear. Hence lower tow rate.

Taking your advice and going to get the truck weighed. Thanks.

[Dave_Monica]

The 3.73 rear axle ratio is a big limiter and truck-wise, your only issue. If it were 4.10 ratio, the conv. towing limit is 13000lbs and 5th wheel towing is 14200lbs. The GCWR is 20500lbs both both.

If it's RWD, not too expensive to change...4X4 much more but still may be a better option than changing the truck.

Dave

[dj3spots]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

The 3.73 rear axle ratio is a big limiter and truck-wise, your only issue. If it were 4.10 ratio, the conv. towing limit is 13000lbs and 5th wheel towing is 14200lbs. The GCWR is 20500lbs both both.

If it's RWD, not too expensive to change...4X4 much more but still may be a better option than changing the truck.

Dave

Yes, that 373 is really a sore point between DH and myself. I wanted the plain 1 ton with a 410 rear and DH said it was overkill. Figure I'll get a few nice dinners out on this one.😁 We decided not to swap the rear or buy a new truck. We' ll just go with what we have. Btw the truck is a 4 x 4. I just wanted the extra room for our empty nester "child" - an 80 lb. American Bulldog. Figured if she had a bed of her own I'd have more room in mine or I'd have a place to sleep. Thanks.