truck for cedar creek 34rl

[plasma800]

I'm getting near pulling the trigger on a:

15,16,17,18 dodge ram 3500 with an Aisin transmission, crew cab, long wheel base.

Before I do, I wanted some opinions on this truck, and/or this truck matched to a cedar creek 34rl.

This won't be my first RV, but it would be my first fiver... so I have not much knowledge of the hitch, connecting and disconnecting routines...

but I do want to make sure the truck won't cause me any major problems mated to a Cedar Creek 34rl

[florabama]

Cummins Turbo Diesel? You will be fine.

[donniedu]

The newest trucks have really upped the payload numbers. Im pulling a 13,500 pound Cedar Creek with a Dodge dually. And honestly I would not have it any other way. Other than tight parking lots I much prefer my dually over the wifes Suzuki. But in reality a 3500 SRW would likely be just fine. Asian trans? My 68 RFE is stout, works great, so the additional cost? That a toss up.

[plasma800]

wondering if stepping up to the aisin transmission is worth the extra money.. vs the 68rfe

[wmbuttion]

I own a 2014 3500 dually with the Asian. Best truck out there. I pull a Cedar Creek 38 RD no problem at all. You will need an aux. tank

[donniedu]

Originally Posted by wmbuttion

I own a 2014 3500 dually with the Asian. Best truck out there. I pull a Cedar Creek 38 RD no problem at all. You will need an aux. tank

Why? I normally get 10.5 pulling, with a 35 galon fuel tank thats over 360 miles between fill ups. And believe me I want to get out and stretch long before that point. I just dont see dragging an extra 500 pounds around for what? Maybe 5 cents a gallon cheaper.

[Sterlingsilver]

I pull a Cedar Creek 38 CK with a Chevy 2500 Duramax. It's a 2012 and has been in all 48 states. My loaded trailer is around 15,500. The truck is rated to 17000. I typically caution against buying too much truck. The ride, handling, and safety is poor when the tow vehicle is not closely matched to the load. This is not necessarily a case where more is better. I can tow easily in overdrive on level ground. I keep speeds around 60 to 65. Never had a crash. Get 13 MPG and over 400 miles per fillup. Never felt compromised. Enjoy your camping and take it easy.

[donniedu]

Originally Posted by Sterlingsilver

I pull a Cedar Creek 38 CK with a Chevy 2500 Duramax. It's a 2012 and has been in all 48 states. My loaded trailer is around 15,500. The truck is rated to 17000. I typically caution against buying too much truck. The ride, handling, and safety is poor when the tow vehicle is not closely matched to the load. This is not necessarily a case where more is better. I can tow easily in overdrive on level ground. I keep speeds around 60 to 65. Never had a crash. Get 13 MPG and over 400 miles per fillup. Never felt compromised. Enjoy your camping and take it easy.

Im guessing that is 17K bumper pull. Whatmis your scaled weight? A 15,500 pound fiver is going to dump well over 3000 pounds directly on the rear axle. You need to know and have accurate weights before recomending something.

[wbduckman]

QUOTE
I pull a Cedar Creek 38 CK with a Chevy 2500 Duramax. It's a 2012 and has been in all 48 states. My loaded trailer is around 15,500. The truck is rated to 17000. I typically caution against buying too much truck. The ride, handling, and safety is poor when the tow vehicle is not closely matched to the load. This is not necessarily a case where more is better. I can tow easily in overdrive on level ground. I keep speeds around 60 to 65. Never had a crash. Get 13 MPG and over 400 miles per fillup. Never felt compromised. Enjoy your camping and take it easy.

Sterling, you forgot to mention one of the most important weight ratings of your rig. MAX CARGO RATING of your 2500.

If my research was correct, your C.C. 38CK has a 5th Wheel Hitch rating of approximately 2,450 Lbs. I have never seen a 3/4 Diesel with a Max Cargo rating much higher than that. My Point is you very well may be over or at least AT your Legal Limit.

If the specs I found are

[spock123]

Originally Posted by Sterlingsilver

I pull a Cedar Creek 38 CK with a Chevy 2500 Duramax. It's a 2012 and has been in all 48 states. My loaded trailer is around 15,500. The truck is rated to 17000. I typically caution against buying too much truck. The ride, handling, and safety is poor when the tow vehicle is not closely matched to the load. This is not necessarily a case where more is better. I can tow easily in overdrive on level ground. I keep speeds around 60 to 65. Never had a crash. Get 13 MPG and over 400 miles per fillup. Never felt compromised. Enjoy your camping and take it easy.

I wish I got 13 mpg , I have a 2012 3500 SRW Silverado pulling a Cedar Creek that weighs less than that and the best I can get is 11 mph. Oh well

[149252]

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 4x4 68RFE 3:42 short box. Be careful what size tires are on your new one, mine has LT 285/60R20E which are high for my 5er, now the trailer does not sit level. Truck purrs down the road. 12mpg with 13500 lb 5er.

[aceinspp]

Also with the new Dodge you can get the 5th wheel hitch from them installed from factory. later RJD

[spock123]

Originally Posted by donniedu

Why? I normally get 10.5 pulling, with a 35 galon fuel tank thats over 360 miles between fill ups. And believe me I want to get out and stretch long before that point. I just dont see dragging an extra 500 pounds around for what? Maybe 5 cents a gallon cheaper.

I use my extra fuel tank for convenience as I have to get out and stretch my legs too. I like to stay out of truckstops plus I can save a lot more than five cents a gallon, on a long trip what I save on diesel adds up. DW had rather just ride than going in truckstops to pay for fuel. It doesn't work for everyone but it works for us

[timerie]

I pull my 34rl with a 3500 SRW chevy diesel. My pin weight is 3108, 34rl weight is 14,000. Had to trade in my 2500 due to the pin weight. I average 10 mpg.

[plasma800]

Originally Posted by 149252

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 4x4 68RFE 3:42 short box. Be careful what size tires are on your new one, mine has LT 285/60R20E which are high for my 5er, now the trailer does not sit level. Truck purrs down the road. 12mpg with 13500 lb 5er.

interesting.. that's on a 17inch wheel right?

[W5CI]

My 2015 RAM 3500 DRW with 3.42's does a great job for me. it has the 5er prep kit.

[Splashes3]

I just bought a 2017 GMC 3500 DRW D/A in anticipation of when I trade in my current CC Silverback, which weighs loaded around 12600....for a CC 34RL2....which would be too heavy had I kept my 2008 GMC 2500 D/A....even with the upgraded tires and wheels.

You should consider a DRW....you may go heavier in a few years.

Good Luck

[149252]

20 inch on the truck 16 inch on the trailer.

[wtblakeman]

I too pull a 34RL with a 2013 Chevy 2500 Duramax HD and had no problems. Have pulled many steep hills in 5th gear at 65 mph. I'm getting 13 mpg by the computer

[spock123]

I have a 2015 32RL Cedar Creek that I pull with a SRW 2012 Silverado 3500HD and I have never got 13 mpg, I usually run 64 mph for a few days. I must be doing something wrong. Anyway I just keep the tank full