Howdy Everyone,
We bought a DRW CTD almost 2 years ago with the idea of moving up to a 5ver. We have been looking at many models with the hope of buying in another year. With looking at so many different models GVWR has been really brought to my attention. I am really surprised how easily you can over load even a 3500 DRW. My truck has a GVWR of 11,000# and a CGVWR of 20,000#. Owners manual says I am rated to pull a 12,800# trailer. My truck weighs in at 7680# with a few tools and fuel.

Most of the 5vers we have been looking at have a pin weight around 2000-2500# and are between 11,000-12,000# dry. I know that once we get everything in the coach we would hit the scales over CGVWR. Most 5vers have about a 1600#(200-225 gal.) capacity in water sources alone,not that you would ever have all filled all at the same time.

I have been looking at specs on the Ford F450 4X4 DRW models and see that the noticable differences is their gears and they run 19.5" tires. I would think their brakes are heavier but motors and trannys are pretty much the same as lighter rigs. A F-450 4X4 DRW GVWR is 15000# and a CGVWR is 26000#. I really thought that buying a CTD 3500 DRW you could just about pull anything. With 3,4 and 5 slide units the weight surpasses the average 3500 pretty quick when loaded. Also I will say that many rigs I see on the road are very overloaded. With the talk around RVers getting weighed in the future I really don't know the best way to go..buy a 5ver that you really don't like or chance the over weight issues for now and upgrade to a F-450 later? Let me know what you think...don't be gentle.. Thanks, Ken

 

same sort of problem here too, except that I ve been looking at enclosed car trailers (race cars). Seems pretty easy to go over. I ve found a way to be under for the most part. I think it gets down to a lot of people do it, almost everyone, the dot doesn t have the funds or man power to weigh RV's. The hiway patrol knows there are problems but tend to target gross screw ups.

The sad part is I ve sen guys loaded to 35-40k even.....and Im worried about being over the oem recommended cgvw but Ill make it on per axle etc....and be under the cdl requirements.

 

I seems to me that Dodge should be looking at bringing out a version of that 5 ton that they have just for the many RV pullers out there !!!!

I would bet that they would sell quite a lot of them, especially if DOT starts pulling over those large RV's.

I have seen a couple of the 5 ton Kenworth's on the road and they sure look snazzy.

 

Kamper, Wouldn't switching to 4.10 gears bump the GCWR up about 2k#?

 

Kamper, it sounds like you're in the market for an MDT (let alone an F-450); then you'll never have to worry of being overweight again.

I'm not sure how a 6.0 PS in an F-450/550 would compare to a Cat etc... developing around 800TQ for hauling that big fiver of yours.

 

Yeah you may be better off getting a F450 or F550 but don't get the PowerJoke engine
You will have to step up to the plate with a CAT or somthing bigger.
You may want to look at a Freightliner M2 Mountain Master conversion fo somthing as big as you are talking. Those tow vehichles are designed just for that type of towing and you can get them in QC's with all the goodies for the kids
Of course get ready to put out about $80K for one of those babies and it's only really good for towing, not your average everyday driver

 

I only thought you could get an F-450 & 550 with a PSD or a 10 banger; and if you wanted anything else, you had to step up to the F-650.

 

Ken,
Just remember that the weight ratings for the truck are not an enforceable item. They are factory suggestions. It would be almost impossible to get an RV over the enforcement weights. That said, here in NY it would be possible to run afoul of your registered weight.
Most fifth fresh water supplies are in the 70 gallon range, not 200. That figure would include your waste tanks which are normally empty on the road.
I would be inclined to say that by shopping around, you can find a fifth that would suit your desires and that you could tow comfortably with your one ton.

Bill

 

why do u say it is not an enforcable item????

 

You are correct. I was thinking about the F-650. Then you get the Cummins CTD, just like the one most of us already have

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd get the RV of choice now, and upgrade the truck later IF there were any problems.

Your dually can certainly get the job done.

The lower CGVWR is because of your 3.54 gears, the 4.10's are better for heavy towing.

JMHO

 

Howdy Everyone,
Thanks for all the input....My truck is so close to the weights that I am looking for. I see Dodge is offering a HO model for 2004.5 that has 325 hp and 600 ftlbs with a exhaust brake ready option. The specs for this truck is towing capacity of 16400#. This could be an option down the road... The idea of getting into a Medium Duty truck is not that appealing when you consider the cost and limitations of everyday driving. We are still looking at different options we have with brands of 5Vers right now.

I generated an email to the WY Highway Patrol about the future of weight enforcement for RVs in the future and just how a Trooper would check for a overweight condition. I will be curious of their response. I will keep you all updated in the future.. Thanks again, Just my $0.02 Ken

 

Quote:....You will have to step up to the plate with a CAT or somthing bigger.
You may want to look at a Freightliner M2 Mountain Master conversion fo somthing as big as you are talking.
I was reading a trailer life article about this rig and it looks like it can tow just about anything but only has a cargo capacity of about 3620 lbs. GVW of 18000lbs and curb weight of 14380. Price if you have to ask $115,000 . Guess this would just barely be big enough to carry a l2 ft cabover camper.

 

Dan,
Sorry for the delay in reply but been out of town. NY law has no provision for enforcement of the ratings on the truck. NY law does say that one can be ticketed for being over the registered weight of the vehicle.

Also if my mind serves me correctly ( holler if I'm wrong) but weren't the original ratings established by the Feds as a break point for truck specs and mileage?

Bill

 

as far as i know the gvw is established by manufacturing specs and design then certified by the feds. now as far as the rest goes if you are issued a summons for being over weight whether in violation of registered weight or some other aspect of weight wouldnt that be enforcement for being over weight?