Hello all, I'm trying to decide what to get to tow my new to me 5er. The unit will weigh 12k to 14k loaded (14K is max GVW). I've been looking at medium duty trucks and even converted tractors as I though the pick ups would just be overloaded at 14k (14K will be a rarity), recently some conversations have me thinking that a Dodge might be a good choice. If I went with the P/U $12,000 is about my max budget, which gets you into some 97-98 trucks. What would be better a 2500 or 3500? It seems to me that the dually would be very desirable pulling that much but I am commuting 60 miles a day, my currant Explorer is getting 19-20 MPG and diesel is more expensive than gas here in Colorado so I'm somewhat concerned about fuel mileage. I’m also concerned about towing that much through the Rockies on I-70 or even on I-80, which is commonly very windy, I would think the SRW would be somewhat hairy in those situations. And what about a rear blow out with SRW at highway speed with that much on the hook? Your feedback is appreciated.

 

I think the weight isn t an issue for a 3500. Keep in mind though that a stock one isn t going to do very well pulling those hills and altitude. You will want to do things to it which will probably put you outside your budget.....

a fifth wheel, 4inch exhuast, clutch at some point, kdp fix, 5 th gear nut at some point, bhaf, fuel plate, maybe injectors .....

 

We pull a 13,500 lb 5th wheel with our dually (see signature). This 5th wheel carries 10,800 lbs on the axles and 2,700 lbs on the pin which puts us on the road at 10,380 lbs GVW (10,500 GVWR) and 21,180 lbs GCW (21,500 GCWR). I would certainly recommend a dually for a 14K 5th wheel, and even then you'll be over the truck's GCWR for an early 2nd generation truck.

Rusty

 

Thanks for the replies guys (thanks to wpzone too) I was thinking that if I went with the P/U I would need to do some mods to the engine,
Hitch is coming with the 5er, how much should I expect to pay for the other mods I am an intermediate home mechanic although I would probably just pay to have the clutch and 5th gear nut done. What is bhaf? kdp fix? Thanks