Do i have to much for my truck?

[Lawrencerj]

I recently purchased a 98 kit companion 22kf i have a 98 gmc pickup z71 with 3.73 gears new motor and about 20k on the trans. The title to the 5th wheel says it weighs 4800lb. My truck pulled it out of Albuquerque at 55mph in third gear auto. I wont say i didn't feel it. But i just wanted to know it this to much. This is my first camper.

[ryand]

Need more info.....what is the pin weight on the trailer and the payload capacity on the truck? Look for the weight of the camper on a sticker found somewhere in the camper cabinents, front door or somewhere on the outside. Get to the scales to get the best idea.

[Lawrencerj]

Can't find it the tag outside said refer to the cabinet above the sink i found nothing. I did measure the squat of my truck with the load it sat down one inch.

[ryand]

Get it to a scale to know for sure....otherwise tou will never know the truth!
Seriously its good to know especially if you intend to pile your family in the truck.
Compare the numbers to your towing capicity and you should have your answer.

[Lawrencerj]

Thanks i will be heading to the Cat scales at the truck stop Sunday after church l.

[TURBS]

Hello and welcome !

Just curious but why are you asking this now ? Why not research this before you buy something to big for your tv ?

When the sticker said refer to the kitchen cabinet normally the specs are on the inside of a door . Have you checked all the doors ?

Also you need all the specs on your truck as well .


Doing a google search I found it weighs 4406 lbs.
I am guessing thats unloaded weight which doesn't look good .


turbs

[Lawrencerj]

Looked in every cabinet still nothing. My truck is rated at 6500lb. I did do research but I'm taking a family trip for thanksgiving, i just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar set up. I dont want to endanger my family.

[Chuckinca]

I believe 6500 Lbs is the max towing capacity of your TV.

Your 5er is 4800 empty.

You should be fine if you keep the 5er and stuff in it under the 6500 Lbs.

I am concerned that you could only do 55 MPH leaving Albuquerque. Heading West or North would probably be going up hill from 5500 Ft Elev against the wind which is the issue I had with my 2006 F150 (that has a max towing capacity of 8400, but a gross vehicle weight rating of 14000 and I was near that weight).

Try to operate without water in the holding tank which will cut your weight by 300 lbs or so.

.

[Lawrencerj]

Thanks for the info. I left ABQ on I40 east out of the mountains. And 55 at 3000rpm seemed okay for the truck. Sorry i maybe over cautious. On flat ground it was 1500rpm. And i dont plan on hauling water around.

[Lawrencerj]

The only trip i made with this so far was last week. I bought the camper in ABQ and pulled it back to Clovis NM of course with out my wife or offspring. I really just dont want to buy another truck I've had this one so long.

[Chuckinca]

That's on flat ground in an interstate at elevation 5500 or so and with the wind at your back. Good luck going West or North.

I think you'll be fine if you keep the weight down as much as possible going on trips that are mostly uphill against the wind.

I really loved my F150 (I had been driving them for many years but not towing a TT) but it was just too light to do what we needed it to do.

.

[MillerTime]

Those are great trucks and I use to use one to haul a bunch of stuff, but I never pulled a 5er.

I think that while 5ers and even some tts, may be well under weight, even loaded - it seems like you are pulling a parachute with all the air you are having to displace. And that is a constant strain that pulling a car or tractor or something even heavier wont match.

Ps. A smaller tire will efectively lower gear ratio and give you a little more grunt. Also makes your spedi off a little.

[grayfox]

Originally Posted by Lawrencerj

I recently purchased a 98 kit companion 22kf i have a 98 gmc pickup z71 with 3.73 gears new motor and about 20k on the trans. The title to the 5th wheel says it weighs 4800lb. My truck pulled it out of Albuquerque at 55mph in third gear auto. I wont say i didn't feel it. But i just wanted to know it this to much. This is my first camper.

I hate to keep repeating myself on this issue, but I think it's important for you

to do the math. It's a great way for you to get to know the capabilities of your TV and capacity of your your camper. A real learning experience and eye opener.

Hope this link helps you. Good luck have fun

Tow Vehicle Sizing

[Lawrencerj]

Well this should be my last post. The 98 z71 could not pull the camper at all in a 35mi head wind. I sold the truck and i'm buying my buddies 2000 F250 with a 7.3 diesel. But any way there may be a half ton that can pull a 5er, but i know for sure i didn't have one.

[jevanb]

you will love the diesel towing. I have towed with gassers and will never again.

[rattleNsmoke]

Ehh, you'll be back with more camping questions.

[Lawrencerj]

Yeah i probably will. Now i cant wait to use my camper.

[asquared]

Enjoy the new to you f250. Did you ever weigh your 5 er? Some f250 don't have any more payload than a 1/2 ton so check that sticker on the door of the f250 before you finalize that purchase. If you don't believe me come look at my sticker, I have a payload of 1500 lbs on my f250 psd.

[jevanb]

my father in law has a 2000 F250SD extended cab long bed and tows a goosneck loaded down with 400-500 tires for the recycling center 2-3 times a week. his weight of the loaded trailer is around 15k and as a DOT scaled truck he is under weight (no idea his GCWR) but his is enough and never has recieved a overgross ticket. he loves his ford and the potential of his 7.3

[grayfox]

FYI

these guides will give you a close estimate of tow capabilities.