What Tow Vehicle For A 2016 3950BR 5ER?

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by tbln930

I never considered the weight shift of the design with the front living room. In my discussion with Ford they went conservative on my specific F150 configuration's ratings as they described how they arrived at the final numbers. They also tested the heck out of it in extreme conditions which I posted in another thread. They only did the same for the F250 F350 starting in 2017 but he said the numbers are real close for prior years. He said in no uncertain terms the newer F150s can easily out-spec certain configurations of F250s.

I agree the specs of SOME F150 exceed the specs of a lot F250 Diesel but there is a difference in towing. Put you 9,000 lbs TT behind your truck and the diesel F250 you see the difference with both in spec. Like I said above, sometimes even in spec it not a good towing experience.

[tbln930]

A 5er hookup is inherently more stable than a TT if both are setup properly (just from the physics). That said my current WDH TT setup is maybe unusually comfortable (zero sway) once the WDH got setup properly by weighing everything. The dealers initial setup was a bad joke (hitch guy was gone when I picked it up). I am finding many folks I meet with large TTs have a bum (dangerous in some cases) adjustment on their hitch or the wrong hitch.

I hope the hookup should be easier on the 5er???

[woodsman]

I just traded in my FKBSS for a 2017 avalanche365B. Love the floor plan.
PIN WT is 2800+
Hitch Wt 200
Cab Wt 450+
35 gal tank Wt ?

[tbln930]

That is nearly the same layout and specs. She likes the bonus room and loft for the "crew" that often comes with us.

What is your TV? F350 diesel DRW? 8'

[woodsman]

Yes 2013 f350 loaded. Specs listed in previous post. Enjoy the ride: set 30lbs empty and 60+ towing. The DW loves everything except the kitchen. Towing is a breeze. Sleeps 12+ no problem. Storage great. Big family. Got great price for TT.
Towing get about 10+
empty 17+ 0r over 600mi.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

When people start exceeding numbers I just don't stand the reasoning.

If we have to explain, you wouldn't understand. [emoji846]

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by 325BH

If we have to explain, you wouldn't understand. [emoji846]

My guess is they bought the wrong truck now they are trying to justify their purchase.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

My guess is they bought the wrong truck now they are trying to justify their purchase.

I can relate ~~ almost. Bought am F250 6.7 for the TT my wife wanted. Ended up she decided a 5er was more of what she wanted..... whoops need an F350 6 months and 8 days later.

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

I can relate ~~ almost. Bought am F250 6.7 for the TT my wife wanted. Ended up she decided a 5er was more of what she wanted..... whoops need an F350 6 months and 8 days later.

Me too.. 2013 Chevy 2500hd Diesel to 2015 Ford F350 Diesel. Went from 2475 payload to 3744 payload.

[tbln930]

I saw the F350 the guy is selling for his new one (which should arrive within four weeks). He maintains them like I do mine - spit shined. As a SRW it only has the 3.55 rear end and is rated for 15,900 fifth wheel max towing or 18,500 for TT with WDC. Payload is 3,614 so marginal on these heavy pin weight beasts but it sure kicks my F150s payload's butt. Not near the duelly which would be 5,117 payload for the Crew that year. What I like about it is the short bed where the DRW Crew is 172.4" WB (vs 156" for his). That would be a pain around even the rural burbs I live in.

In researching more fifth wheels it does become apparent that they are all not balanced the same. Some now shift some weight back more and I see pin weights empty vary by 800+ lbs. or more for 5ers with the same empty weight or very close. I wonder if shifting weight back affects the tow much?

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by tbln930

I saw the F350 the guy is selling for his new one (which should arrive within four weeks). He maintains them like I do mine - spit shined. As a SRW it only has the 3.55 rear end and is rated for 15,900 fifth wheel max towing or 18,500 for TT with WDC. Payload is 3,614 so marginal on these heavy pin weight beasts but it sure kicks my F150s payload's butt. Not near the duelly which would be 5,117 payload for the Crew that year. What I like about it is the short bed where the DRW Crew is 172.4" WB (vs 156" for his). That would be a pain around even the rural burbs I live in.

In researching more fifth wheels it does become apparent that they are all not balanced the same. Some now shift some weight back more and I see pin weights empty vary by 800+ lbs. or more for 5ers with the same empty weight or very close. I wonder if shifting weight back affects the tow much?

Not sure what shifts weight by 800#. My friend loads the garage in his TH with a golf cart and all kinds of stuff for about #300. The FW tank on my 5er is at the absolute rear of the coach and 60 gallons of water do not have a lot of effect. A front kitchen can add a ton and move it to the rear and it helps reduce PW. Frame concerns and etc often have the kitchen over the axels for the same reason. So, yes load and configuration make a difference.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by tbln930

In researching more fifth wheels it does become apparent that they are all not balanced the same. Some now shift some weight back more and I see pin weights empty vary by 800+ lbs. or more for 5ers with the same empty weight or very close. I wonder if shifting weight back affects the tow much?

Traditionally, 5vers have a much greater pin weight than a TT's tongue weight due to the position of the axles (farther back on the 5ver). This is common knowledge and makes sense in an evenly distributed load.

Now, with the uniqueness of a camper and everything it contains inside, it makes sense the camper manufactures could take advantage of that by moving heavier things to the rear and/or directly over the axles in order to lighten the pin.

Appliances, kitchen, storage etc. Redesign things so the basement, batteries, water storage, etc. is in the rear and things get lighter up front in a hurry. The basement might not be realistic, however batteries, propane tanks, etc. all sorts of things. Heck, with a properly designed HVAC ductwork, the a/c unit could be mounted in the rear.

Given the more stable trailering characteristics of a 5ver, I would think the pin could be lightened quite a bit before the towing experience and/or safety was compromised.

[tbln930]

I was trying to find the two I compared but I may have slipped a toy hauler (Edge) in there that had a 3600 pin weight. I guess it is still a 5er.

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Not sure what shifts weight by 800#. My friend loads the garage in his TH with a golf cart and all kinds of stuff for about #300. The FW tank on my 5er is at the absolute rear of the coach and 60 gallons of water do not have a lot of effect. A front kitchen can add a ton and move it to the rear and it helps reduce PW. Frame concerns and etc often have the kitchen over the axels for the same reason. So, yes load and configuration make a difference.

[davel1971]

Hitch weight will easily be 3500+ when loaded, and only a dually can meet the needs of that payload.