jrevere

I have bought a 38 foot fifth wheel. It has 4 wheel brakes and I have asked the factory to weigh it before delivery. The axles are rated at 7,000 lbs each. Does that mean maximum expected weight is 14,000 lbs? Pin weight is 2160 lbs.

I am looking at, for purchase in the next few days, a truck -- does the following spec work in the above application? 2003 Dodge 3500, quad cab, 4X4, SRW, Cummins Diesel, 4.10 gear, limited slip differential, trailering package, and automatic transmission. My wife can't drive a manual transmission. Are there any guidelines or concerns you can alert me to before the purchase.

I have found that dealers are pretty inept in this subject area.

Appreciate your help --- Regards, John

pappyman

Get the HO with a 6 speed tranny they offer a new auto 48RE but its unproven as far as standing up to long term towing without being beefed up.... and dont forget to get the towing mirrors and towing package<br><br>Welcome to the forum ;D

Big dawg

Jrevers, <br> Welcome to the site. That's a huge 5er. What kind is it???<br>The Dodge will pull it, but the weak link is the tranny. Not sure if they upgraded the tranny in the 03's or not. If not, your going to have to upgrade the tranny soorner or later. There are many different upgrades available, depending on your needs and how deep your pockets are. I upgraded with the DTT setup and I'm very happy with it. I pull a 5er (only 32') with a WT of 12,500 or so. I am adding an exhaust break to help with the breaking. If I had to do it again, I'd go with the 5 or 6 speed manual vice the Auto. But I'm stuck with what I have. Also I highly recommend adding gauges before you go for a long trip, it will help you monitor what your tuck is doing...<br>Again, welcome to the site...happy camping...<br>Big dawg ;D

pappyman

I also for got to mention that with a 6 speed your better set up to add a exhaust brake and the exhaust brake will work alot better then with a auto tranny....do you travel in the mountains and foot hills ??

FiverBob

John,<br><br>Welcome to the forum. Good information here.<br><br>Two 7000# axles means they are rated to carry a maximum of 7000# each, or 14000 total weight on the axles. Hopefully the unit purchased will not exceed that rating when loaded and wet. I have a 36' triple slide and I come right up against 16000# total with water but empty holding tanks.<br><br>You have spec'd out a truck closely that would do the job. I definitely recommend dual rear wheels. Much more stable on the road and it gives you a safety factor if a tire blows. <br><br>The 2003 Dodge tranny (RE48) has been upgraded to handle the job. I have not yet seen the GCWR of a one ton with that tranny. I have the six speed and have a 23000 rating. I would definitely get the 4.10 Limited Slip rear end. It places your RPM's in a very nice place on the Cummins engine. I have heard the new auto tranny will accept a Jake brake. <br><br>You need to look inside the kitchen cabinet usually above the sink and find the empty weight rating and loaded rating. Just because it is rated high does not mean you HAVE to load it to that. I would also check the tires - - be sure they have a G rating, not E. 38' is pretty long and the weight could add up in a hurry. You will be maxed at just under 16000# towing and keeping it legal.<br><br>It was mentioned above, be sure you order the towing mirrors and towing package on the truck. Then, get some gauges right away for towing that much trailer.<br><br>Bob

DPG

Jrevere:

The fiver you bought could weigh as much as 16,000 pounds.
Each axle can hold 7,000 pounds, plus the tongue weight of 2000 pounds or so. Hopefully the rig will give you at least 2000 pounds of carrying capacity for your &quot;stuff.&quot;

I just went back and read fiver bob's reply. His advice is all good. I have the 4:10 gears and towing at 65 mph on the freeway in OD puts my Cummins right in the middle of the sweetspot, that is, the best rpm while towing for torque and mileage. On the 24 valve engine, thats between 2000 and 2200 rpms. At least for the second gen. engines.

Good luck with your new rig. What make is your fiver? Checking out fifth wheels is a hobby of mine as I would like to full-time someday.

DeWain

Bill1374

John,<br> As mentioned, your trailer gross weight could be in the 16k range, axles plus pin weight.<br> Your truck package sounds good but I would consider dual rear wheels for pulling that combination.<br><br>Bill

turbob

You mentioned SRW. Not sure why you would choose single<br>rear wheels for a trailer that big. My rule of thumb is 30 ft.<br>and over use DRW. DRW trucks don't squirm as much under load especially cornering at speed or uneven pavement and the tires won't heat up as much since the weight distribution<br>is better.Not to mention braking with a larger footprint.<br>The cost is'nt much more. I see someone else picked up on this one as well...its good advice.<br><br>Good Luck,<br>Bob<br>

moss2904

I have a 31 ft fifth wheel it is 10,800 lbs empty.The gross weight rating is 13,700 lbs. Pin weight is ~2100 lbs. The axles are rated for 7000lbs each so using the axles+pin weight method to estimate weight could be inaccurate.<br> Anyway I went from a single rear wheel to a dually. There is a major difference pulling and running empty. I think the dual rear wheels are worth the extra hassle when running empty. It is so stable compared to the single rear wheel when pulling my trailer. I am also impressed with the HO and 6 speed combo. <br>FWIW Randy

FiverBob

There is no comparison between pulling my unit with a 2500 short bed single wheel and a long bed dually. Stays straight, no veering from trucks, peace of mind with extra tire in case of emergency. And I don't find driving solo all that different now that I am used to it.<br><br>Bob

pwabbott

jrevere,

With two 7000# axles the maximum weight carried on the axles is 14,000#. Which is over the GVWR of 13,700# you stated. Check the label on the left front corner and be sure of the GVWR on the label. GVWR is the maximum weight of the trailer when loaded with liquids, all your gear, supplies. Never exceed this weight.

Inside one of the cabinet doors is a sticker which is an actual weight. See if it the 10,800# you say is the empty weight. The difference between the 13,700# and 10,800# is 2900# or the maximum for gear, supplies, food, liquids, propane, etc.

The maximum you can tow rating for any 3/4 ton 2500 is 13450# with a standard output and 5 speed tranny. (Sorry guys the HO 6 speed tranny is only rated for 13300#.) The one ton HO 6spd w/3.73 axle is 14,200#, w/4.10 axle is 16,200

With the one ton, 3500 HO Diesel will tow your trailer loaded to the maximum and it is available in single or dual rear wheels. With that length trailer the long bed should be your only choice.

moss2904

&lt;&lt;With two 7000# axles the maximum weight carried on the axles is 14,000#. Which is over the GVWR of 13,700# you stated. Check the label on the left front corner and be sure of the GVWR on the label. GVWR is the maximum weight of the trailer when loaded with liquids, all your gear, supplies. Never exceed this weight.&gt;&gt;<br> I had no intention of overloading my trailer thank you. My point using my trailer as an example was axle ratings+ pin weight can be a impecise method to estimate actual trailer weight. Also if you reread my post where I descibed my trailer check which truck I have. I think jrevere described a different trailer.<br> jrevere you can know see how confusing this subject can be. If you are going to buy a trailer that big there is no doubt you would be better off with a dually. I have towed with both single and dual rear wheels. Knowing what I know now I would recommend the dually.<br> FWIW Randy<br> <br>