I have the rig shown in my sig but am considering a new fiver. Wondered how large a 5th wheel others tow with the 2004.5 3500 srw auto? I think my gcvwr is 23,000 lbs, truck wirgh about 7,100 lbs. Will this truck handle a 15,000 lb fiver?

 

It depends but you're probably okay.

The 4.10 rear end should get you maximum capacity. You really need to get accurate weights on the truck when it's loaded, the trailer when it's loaded and the trailer hitch weight when loaded. All those affect how much you can truly tow. You don't want to overload the truck's payload capacity anymore than overloading the towing capacity. At least weigh your truck when it's loaded with fuel, people, pets and stuff. You can use the trailer manufacturer's provided unloaded weights to get an estimate of what you'll be able to handle.

I think you should be able to tow the trailer okay as long as you don't overload the truck's maximum payload.

 

It is the pin weight that will be the limiting factor. You will be limited to pin weight of around 2500 pounds tops, depending on what else you carry in the truck. That equates to a fiver of around 12,000 pounds max gross weight. Anything around 15,000 and you are in dually territory. As the previous poster recommended, weigh it before you buy it. Good luck.

Casey

 

I have the same question about mine, My trailer is a 40' toy hauler, I weighed it this morning,
My truck weighs 7,960 lbs and the trailer loaded is 17,200lbs for a total of 25,160 lbs.
I just bought a new dually to pull it but am a liitle scared of hurting the truck.

 

Not that I will ever admit it but I am at 25,920 combined and it hasn't hurt the truck so far. But I drive conservatively and get about 11.5 mpg so she can't be working too hard.

 

theres a thread around here of 43000 combined.... Much of this depends on driving habits, and how often you plan on using your trailer. if you pull a lot, even though the single may be safe, a dually may make better sense because it will be more stable. if you occasionally pull it, a single may make more sense as long as it is loaded properly and you are sensible with pulling it since SRWs are easier to negotiate in parking lots and other tight locations.

just my 2 cents...

 

Changes are with a 15K 5th wheel you are going to be very close to overweight without a dually.

You need to hook it up and get on a scale. Your tires are rated to 3195*2= 6390.

A 15K 5th wheel should have a 3750# pin weight... Your truck in the rear end probably weighs about 3000#... putting you over by 360#... Gotta weigh it to find out exactly.

 

I will pick up my trailer soon and pull it on the scales and axle it out.

 

theres a thread around here of 43000 combined.... Much of this depends on driving habits, and how often you plan on using your trailer. if you pull a lot, even though the single may be safe, a dually may make better sense because it will be more stable. if you occasionally pull it, a single may make more sense as long as it is loaded properly and you are sensible with pulling it since SRWs are easier to negotiate in parking lots and other tight locations.

just my 2 cents...


i looked at his pics. WOW that was a awsome site to see but he also has the twins under his hood. im at a total of gcvtw of 20000# with air bags and it pulls like a dream. 32' 5er. the air bags makes the ride feel like my 2nd gen dually. i went with the srw this time around for the ease of airing down in sand.