Will it pull it

biggiantshane · 02-22-2017, 12:27 PM

I have a 43' XLR with a Gross towing weight I think is around 16,000. I am looking at a cheap truck to leave at our rv spot mainly to pull the boat down to the lake but would like to be able to move the camper in and out of the spot if necessary. I found an 88 1 ton Chevy with a 454 already set up with a 5th wheel hitch I think it is rated at 10K. Will this truck pull the trailer in and out of my spot and maybe down a backroad for a short distance if I need to take it to a dealer? No interstate or high speed highway as the camper is pretty much permanent on our lake lot. Don't plan to travel with it so I don't need an expensive dually.

aceinspp · 02-22-2017, 12:43 PM

I'd say it would as I had one that had 4:10 gear and tow about anything I wanted it to. Short drive should be fine. Later RJD

KansasJohn · 02-22-2017, 03:54 PM

We would like little more info from you before we can make a sound recommendation

Not saying it's wrong, but just double-checking that the weight of the fifth wheel is actually 16k loaded. That sounds a little low for a loaded 43' FW, but I have nothing solid to base that on.
Obviously, a 10k fifth wheel hitch is not suitable for pulling a 16k fifth wheel. Even for short distances, you will need a new hitch for that truck. Overloading a hitch by 60% is not safe for any distance.
Are the rear axle rating and rear end ratio of the truck known? With good gearing, there is no doubt that a 454 1-ton truck will at least MOVE a 16k fifth wheel for short distances at low speed. Also, be very careful with any overloading of the rear axle. I know people who tempt fate by overloading the rear axle, but I personally wouldn't. Overloading the GVWR you may get away with, but axle weight ratings are a lot more critical.
You almost definitely know this, but obviously make sure you have a good electric trailer brake controller on the truck. I love my Tekonsha P3, and this is a popular model in many RV communities.
Last, but not least:

Cowracer · 02-22-2017, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KansasJohn

We would like little more info from you before we can make a sound recommendation

Not saying it's wrong, but just double-checking that the weight of the fifth wheel is actually 16k loaded. That sounds a little low for a loaded 43' FW, but I have nothing solid to base that on.
Obviously, a 10k fifth wheel hitch is not suitable for pulling a 16k fifth wheel. Even for short distances, you will need a new hitch for that truck. Overloading a hitch by 60% is not safe for any distance.
Are the rear axle rating and rear end ratio of the truck known? With good gearing, there is no doubt that a 454 1-ton truck will at least MOVE a 16k fifth wheel for short distances at low speed. Also, be very careful with any overloading of the rear axle. I know people who tempt fate by overloading the rear axle, but I personally wouldn't. Overloading the GVWR you may get away with, but axle weight ratings are a lot more critical.
You almost definitely know this, but obviously make sure you have a good electric trailer brake controller on the truck. I love my Tekonsha P3, and this is a popular model in many RV communities.
Last, but not least:

Agree with all but...

That truck should have the GM 14 bolt full floating axle, which is rated for 7500lbs direct load with dual rear wheels. I'm guessing you will not be getting close to that. The 14bolt FF is one of the strongest axles ever fitted to a consumer vehicle.

Also, it with the 454 it should have either the 4.10 (most common) or the 4.56 ratio. You can check by looking at the RPO codes. Usually listed on a sticker inside the glovebox door. G82 is the 4.56 G84 is the 4.10.

I have known farmers with old 454 duallys that pull stock and hay trailers near or even over 16K with no real incident. For my money, I would limit myself to about 40-45 mph, and make sure your trailer brakes are doing their jobs. Also I'd replace the U-joints with some quality Spicer ones first. The stock ones are generally pretty weak, and that is a LOT of torque.\

Tim

5picker · 02-22-2017, 04:23 PM

My hang up is with the 10k hitch.

biggiantshane · 02-23-2017, 09:01 AM

You are correct KansasJohn, it is a little heavier than I thought. According to the brochure: Hitch Weight is 2323 and GVWR is 18,000. I imagine the truck is stock. Like I said, its main use will be to pull the boat but I would like to be able to move the camper in and out of the spot once in a while but don't plan on taking it very far except maybe across the park to temporary parking so we can do maintenance on our lot.

ronheater70 · 02-23-2017, 11:33 AM

Question.. will it pull it..
Answer.. Yup

Just do it

Big Bill · 02-23-2017, 01:26 PM

it will pull it Did you consider hiring to move it ?

mdstudey · 02-23-2017, 03:18 PM

I had a 400 with dual barrel carb and it would pull anything I wanted it to. That truck is one of the good old work horses.

For what you plan to use it for, I would say go for it.

divers6926 · 02-23-2017, 03:43 PM

Yea that truck will pull it!!! Just make sure you can stop it, that is usually the problem. I don`t know what the tongue weight is on that unit, I`m sure I would buy the truck and use it as-is, if it were me.

elind · 02-23-2017, 04:12 PM

If your just using it around the CG I would say any old truck will do. Even a half ton would work if it was a couple of miles. Now if your going distance the correct truck is a must. Before I owned one of my trucks, the prior owner towed his 13,000lb down to the campground and back every year. Just had to take it easy.

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