RV upgrade help

[bajrek]

We have been looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel rv but have been contemplating all this towing ratings, payload, etc… So hopefully you can provide a piece of mind information based on below:

Truck info:
2018 GMC DenaliHD 6.6L SRW 6.5 SB 4x4 Crew Cab
GVWR 10,000
Curb weight est. 7,845
GCVWR 25,300
Payload (yellow sticker door sill) 2,155
5th wheel towing capacity 14,800
GAWR Rear 6,200

So what I am confused about is how can the truck be rated to tow up to 14,800 knowing with any 5th wheel of GVWR 10,000 loaded the pin will be approx 2k plus hitch, passengers, etc exceeding payload number?

Do we go by payload or rear axel number?
What’s safe/best case scenario?

In terms of our camping style, we live in CNY region so basically lot of Adirondack Park camping which is 1 1/2 hours away from the house. Not big hills and no out of state or cross county towing/hauling. We only camp the camping season (May-October) and go approx 6-8 trips in a given season.

We looked at some 5th wheels that were in 8,700-10,500 dry range but have stopped further exploring it due to this towing numbers dilemma

Read a lot of comments here on forum and watched lot of YouTube videos talking about the subject including posts by Big Truck Big RV but still confused in terms of making an educated decision.

Any feedback is appropriated!
Thanks…

[corn18]

Originally Posted by bajrek

We have been looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel rv but have been contemplating all this towing ratings, payload, etc… So hopefully you can provide a piece of mind information based on below:

Truck info:
2018 GMC DenaliHD 6.6L SRW 6.5 SB 4x4 Crew Cab
GVWR 10,000
Curb weight est. 7,845
GCVWR 25,300
Payload (yellow sticker door sill) 2,155
5th wheel towing capacity 14,800
GAWR Rear 6,200

So what I am confused about is how can the truck be rated to tow up to 14,800 knowing with any 5th wheel of GVWR 10,000 loaded the pin will be approx 2k plus hitch, passengers, etc exceeding payload number?

Do we go by payload or rear axel number?
What’s safe/best case scenario?

In terms of our camping style, we live in CNY region so basically lot of Adirondack Park camping which is 1 1/2 hours away from the house. Not big hills and no out of state or cross county towing/hauling. We only camp the camping season (May-October) and go approx 6-8 trips in a given season.

We looked at some 5th wheels that were in 8,700-10,500 dry range but have stopped further exploring it due to this towing numbers dilemma

Read a lot of comments here on forum and watched lot of YouTube videos talking about the subject including posts by Big Truck Big RV but still confused in terms of making an educated decision.

Any feedback is appropriated!
Thanks…

Use the payload number.

Step 1:

2,155 Max Payload
- people, pets, other carbon based life forms
- hitch
- anything else you will put in the truck

= max pin weight

Divide max pin weight by 20% and that is the max GVWR 5er you should be looking at.

An example:

2,155 Max Payload
-350 lbs of living beings
-50 lbs for Andersen Ultimate hitch (the lightest 5th wheel setup available. Most weight 200lbs)
-100 lbs of misc stuff

= 1,655 lbs left for pin weight

1,655 / 20% = 8,275 lbs max 5er GVWR (DO NOT USE DRY WEIGHT)

Look for a 5th wheel that has a GVWR of 8,275 lbs or less. There aren't many.

[llr]

The bad thing about a diesel 2500 is the payload is not much better then some half tons and this is your limiting factor. And the includes people, trailer and everything else in or on the truck that wasn't there at the factory.

That said I would not be too concerned with payload but your axle and tire weight limits are real safety / durability limits. I am not familiar with GM but at least some years of Ford the only difference is an added spring leaf, which could be added afterwards.

If you were hauling commercially you could be in trouble being over weight. I have never heard of anyone checking personal use.