jumper

I came across a very nice one-owner fifth wheel. I'm wondering whether its realistic to consider hauling it with my 2500, and if it really fits my camping lifestyle. I've never owned a TT before, but have been towing boats for 35 years and worked driving wreckers of all sizes for a while in college.

The trailer dry sits right at the rated tow capacity and payload for the truck, say 13.2K and 2.2K respectively. The truck came with these 35" tires rated at 3000#. My manhood would be safe going with shorter tires with stiffer sidewalls and higher load rating, but I'd just as soon not also pay to replace the 17x8" wheels. I've also got 3.73 gearing with the auto trans. I'd get an exhaust brake and might do some tranny work. Its just our nature that we'd be hauling this in the mountains. So, is just plain pulling this weight an issue?

The other reality check is that this trailer is 39.5 feet long, and 12 feet high; its got a lot of surface area both front and sides and could become quite the sail in a good cross-wind or when getting passed by a semi going 75. My sense is that the SRW 2500 and 3500 trucks differ only in the helper springs on the latter's rear. It'd be OK to add some air bags, but do I really need a dually for this trailer to counter the trailer's sail effect? The trailer's a dual axle, not a triple if that matters.

Another consideration, I wonder how many campgrounds just can't handle this large of a rig? I'd hate to pull up to the perfect CG and have to continue on. Again, we're backroads types and not looking just to pull off the interstate into Palm Springs for the winter. I do have a vision of leaving the unit on a piece of property for parts of the season and making that a destination when we're not traveling.

Lastly, I've got the short box on the truck. Does one need a slider type hitch to keep the trailer out of the cab when turning? I presume that the 140" quad cab wheelbase is probably OK, right?

It's unfortunate that I don't have a fifth wheel hitch so I could just hook it up and go for a ride.

Thanks, I'd appreciate your insights.

SundayMoney

How do you know what the trailer weighs? If you're going by the manufacturers ratings,be prepared for the numbers to be low.

A fifth wheel almost 40' long and 13k lbs seems light. Mines 32' and is almost 9k empty. I'd be willing to bet the pin weight will be way more than you think as well. I'd bet more than 3k lbs.

A fiver that big is squarely in the dually range IMO. Power wise you should be fine,but thats ALOT of trailer for a 2500.

Im not overly conservative when it comes to towing,but I wouldn't tow that fiver with my 3500SRW.

jumper

The 13K number came from a sticker on the inside of a cabinet door and is a couple hundred higher than the catalog page. Its a 2005 Prowler AX6 395. The pin weight may have come from the catalog. Its got two eight lug 7,000# axles.

Regardless, I'm approaching this as a skeptic and leaning toward your opinion, but wanted to hear from those who may do or have done it.

Bill1374

I would guess that you're looking at a 15k loaded weight plus a pin weight over 3000 pounds. I'm afraid thats going to be a bit too much for a 3/4 even with added airbags. You can pull it with the Cummins but it will be one very uncomfortable tow.
Most newer rv parks will handle a 40 footer without too much problem. However older parks and state parks will probably be out.
A slider hitch in a shortbed is a necessity, either that or be prepared to bang the cab with the trailer every sharp turn.
Just to compare, my trailer at about 14k pulled ok behind a friends 3/4 but I certainly wouldn't make any of my down the coast trips with that combo. It sets just nice behind the dually.

Bill

Busboy

Father in-law has 36 footer with washer/dryer up front and 2 slides and the second year he pulled it down to Arizona he burnt out the auto tranny on his 2500 truck. It cost him $4000 for the job in a small town. This year he has a 3500 6X6 (4X4 dually) but with a 6 spd standard and he says it's a world of difference in stability and no automatic transmission problems EVER again. I have a 34 foot same make with 2 slides and the GVW almost the same as his mines 12500 that I pull with my 2500 4X4 since 2002 and never had any problems even in the mountains. It is tough to get sites for the bigger trailers especially if you are on the road and pull in late with no reservation all the good/big sites are gone. I think 30 feet is about as big as I want to go and I am thinking of down sizing possibly just get more slides to get the space.

67HotRod

Your not going to be happy with it. If you weigh the prowler, you probably find it weighs more than the spec. Most of the national parks and remote campgrounds were designed for 30ft trailers. Your going to have a problem with a 40ft in more remote areas. If your going to keep the truck and not upgrade, I would suggest a mid-profile 5ver in the 32ft range. And expect to get a slider hitch, due to the short bed.

jumper

Thanks all. The older couple who owned it used it as a park model on their property, then upgraded to a real park model. The undercarriage looks like its never been wet.

But, it doesn't seem like the right rig for me, too big both for my truck and my camping style right now.

HONKEYTRUCK12

I have to agree with the panel. #1, that is too much trailer for a 3/4 ton with an auto tranny. You absolutely need dual wheels. My tt is 11k, and my 3/4 suspension needs help. #2, most campgrounds I go to want to stop the trailer length at about 30-32 ft. Even if you do get in to that campground, all that is left are the tight, eneven spaces with a low hanging tree, no sewer, and it is pitch black out


2006 qc 4x4 6spd lb ho 4:10 2500
1999 qc 2500 2wd
2005 salem travel trailer

grantx5

What he said. 32 is max for most nat'l and state parks and even that is really pushing it at many of them. We have a 27' and it's close in some places. Make sure about the weights, do your homework now. The safety of your family depends on the decision you make.