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Old 10-13-2011, 09:39 PM   #1
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Well, my name is Chris, im new to the site and about to purchase a new 2012 wildcat 323qb-32qbt! Does anyone here own one and if so, how do you like it? Any pointers good or bad would be appreciated.
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Old 10-13-2011, 10:07 PM   #2
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Thumbs up hitch

Another question, i have a 05 chevy shortwide that i plan to buy the b&w companion hitch to pull the 5er. Will that work, or am i gonna have to buy a slider hitch?
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Old 10-13-2011, 10:11 PM   #3
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Sorry, don't own one and I can't answer your question about the hitch, but.....

to the forum

and good luck on your upcoming purchase.
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Old 10-13-2011, 10:31 PM   #4
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Chris,

Not a lot to go on in your post. Other than it is an 05 Chevy, what is the series of your truck? 1500 or 2500HD, etc.

Bed length is also a factor about the hitch.
Is it a standard bed? 6' 6"?
Or a Long Bed 8'?

Engine, trans, and rear gears are also needed.

Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator

How To Weigh | CAT Scale

CAT Scale Search

These links might help.
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Old 10-13-2011, 11:22 PM   #5
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My truck is a 2005 chevy crewcab 2500hd duramax, allison trans, 4x4, shortbox 3.73 gears, bullydog chip, straight 4" exhaust, afe stage 2 air intake, this thing will pull anything i put behind it! Will i need to buy a slider hitch or will the b&w companion hitch work with the 5er?
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Old 10-14-2011, 07:57 AM   #6
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As you can see from my post, I have pretty much the same truck (except 2x4 with Positraction rear for extra towing capacity).

While you might think you can "pull the moon" with that 15,400 pound 5th wheel rating, my truck is maxed out with a 9200 pound 5th wheel on its back.

Remember that for safe towing you need between 15% and 25% of the Camper's weight on the pin. Too light a pin, and the camper wander will tear up your truck's front wheels as you constantly steer to keep it going straight. Too heavy and you won't be able keep control if you hit bumps. Optimum for ride and stability is 17%-20% of TRUE camper weight carried by the pin (truck payload).

My 9200 pound 2010 Flagstaff has a 1400 pound pin weight (15%) and it maxes out my truck's GVWR at 9150 pounds. I go through front tires like crazy. With rotation, I got 28,000 miles on my OEM set till they would not pass inspection.

The short box will need a slider. I use the 3300.
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Old 10-14-2011, 08:08 AM   #7
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One other thing.

Nice camper though.
New Forest River Wildcat for sale in East Montpelier VT | 2012 Forest River Wildcat 323 QB Fifth Wheel For Sale from Mekkelsen RV Sales & Rentals in East Montpelier Vermont - Mekkelsen RV

As you can see, the DRY hitch weight is 1830 pounds.
That is a starting point in your homework; not an ending point. When you add your factory installed options the unloaded vehicle weight (ULW) and pin will increase. Add your personal gear (food and clothing and such) and your pin could run 2000-2100 pounds.

Hope you plan on pulling that camper by yourself since with hitch alone you will be almost at your max GVW with your truck and easily way over.
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Old 10-14-2011, 03:11 PM   #8
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I'd be happy to provide more information if you're interested! Send me your contact info if you'd like to discuss the 323QB in more detail...
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Old 10-14-2011, 04:33 PM   #9
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He most likely could use an actual UVW (yellow sticker) from a comparably equipped Wildcat so he can calculate a valid "traveling" pin weight.
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Old 10-14-2011, 05:19 PM   #10
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My gvwr is 9200, the gawr rr(rear) is 6084 lbs
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Old 10-14-2011, 05:51 PM   #11
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Arrow

Give me an idea of the optional equipment and I can try to get you a weight. We do not use a "stripped down" trailer for our posted weights, but rather a typical build (including some optional equipment). For instance, the 323QB usually has the optional 16" aluminum wheels with load range 'E' tires (10-ply). This extra weight is already figured in.

Specifications for the 323QB:
Dry Hitch Weight 1,830 lb. (830 kg )
Dry Ship Weight 9,489 lb. (4,304 kg )
GVWR 11,990 lb. (5,439 kg )
Cargo Carrying Capacity 2,501 lb. (1,134 kg )
Exterior Length 34 ft. 9 in. (10.6 m)
Exterior Height 12 ft. 4 in. (3.8 m)
Exterior Width 96 in. (2.4 m)
Fresh Water Capacity 50 gal. (189 L)
Gray Water Capacity 100 gal. (379 L)
Black Water Capacity 50 gal. (189 L)
Awning Size 15 ft. (4.6 m)

Your Wildcat dealer should be able to get the exact weight from the trailer you're looking at. Each unit is weighed individually and a yellow sticker is mounted on the entry door as well as off door side on the lower front corner.
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Old 10-14-2011, 06:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Lord View Post
My gvwr is 9200, the gawr rr(rear) is 6084 lbs
Yes, My 2500HD is also maxed out at 9200 pounds. Empty but loaded for camping (ready to hook up), my Duramax with Allison Trans weights 7760 pounds. That only leaves about 1440 pounds for pin load.
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