stack_climber

We are looking at buying a 5th wheel camper. I was wondering how to figure out if the one we like is to much for my truck.

Here are the specs on the Colorado 5er:

Hitch Dry Weight : 1,734
Gross Vehicle Weight : 12,192
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 9,072
Net Cargo Capacity : 3,120

Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks in advance

BillnBama

My Cedar Creek is lighter than the Colorado by about 1000lbs all the way around and loaded up ready to camp I am within 60lbs of GVWR according to the CAT scales but under all other (tow, GCWR).. my pin weight runs about 1650.. you will probably be over on GVWR by a bunch as you will probably outweigh me as well (4x4 vrs 4x2)

TexasCTD

Since your truck is a 2500, your GVWR is 9000lbs. The SRW 3500 trucks are 9900 and duallys are 12,200 for comparison.

Your truck is going to weigh around 7700lbs with a fiver hitch and a full tank of fuel and you.

So that leaves you about 1300lbs for other passengers, gear, what nots, and PIN WEIGHT for the 5th wheel if you are trying to stay within the LEGAL GVWR.

So technically, you are going to be over weight by a little bit due to pin weight. Maybe 500lbs or a little more.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. Get some Air Bags if you think your truck needs them (probably not) and maybe look at some higher load rated tires.

Your truck is fine for pulling the load and be within the Gross Combined Weight Rating.......of 21,000lbs total..........for your 3.73 gear. GCWR is the total weight of your truck, its cargo and trailer and it's cargo.

burlhall

I agree with TexasCTD, your truck will handle the load just fine but you will be over the legal weight because of the pin weight.

GreyTD

TexasCTD, are there two different 2500's. I have seen 2500's rated at 8800lbs and been hearing others say 9000lbs. All the 3500's SRW are rated at 9900lbs. Was there a change?

bulabula

My 2500 is rated for 9000; maybe the older 2nd gens were 8800? I thought the Ford F250's were rated for 8800 too.

Tiny

The second genners are GVW'd at 8800.

RickCJ

Get a dually!! or a lot smaller trailer!

TexasCTD

Like others have already mentioned......the 2nd gen 2500s are rated at 8800. As far as I know, all the 3rd gen 2500s are 9000lbs.

TexasCTD

I disagree, with that particular trailer and load. I'd get the trailer if that is the one you want........and go on down the road. It is very expensive to swap trucks and your truck will handle it fine. Dodge under-rates the trucks for what they are capable of handling.

Now having said that..............I wouldn't want to go much BIGGER than that without going to a dually.

If for whatever reason you aren't comfortable with the load after you pull it a time or two.........look at some Rickson wheels and heavier rated tires. Also air bags, if needed.

Mike M

I have the same truck as you, with the addition of Air bags, 4.10 gears and 19.5 tires (I hate duals) wife hits everything with them and the single 19.5 can carry more weight and have 14ply side walls 4,500 per tire. Anyway I pull a 14,000 5th wheel with out any problem at all, including weight, side winds etc. my 2cents worth.

stack_climber

Thanks guys for the help. I need all I can get.
Now, from the replys I've recieved I take it that the pin weight is going to be my bigest concern.
Is the the pin weight the same as what the RV man. list as the "Hitch weight"?
Is the prodigy controller and pullrite hitch a good setup?

TexasCTD

Hitch weight........is the PIN WEIGHT on 5th wheels. On travel trailers (bumper pull) it is the "hitch weight".

Can't answer your question on prodigy and pullrite. I have heard nothing but good stuff about prodigy...but I don't own one.

You might go to RV.NET and post some questions there and get dozens of responses.

Stillman

Get the trailer and enjoy it! The Prodigy and Pullrite are also good to have. My '04 2wd pulls an '02 Hitchhiker with UVW of 10,780#. Loaded to travel I am 200# less than the GCWR of 20,000#. I have had absolutely no problems with the combo. My truck/trailer stops on a dime and maneuvers very well. I do have a Pullrite Superglide and tow with Michelin XPS Ribs on the trailer. I also have the Prodigy and must say it has performed well thus far. Be sure and weigh your rig at traveling weight so you know without a doubt what you are handling.