I'm looking for a new fifth wheel and found one that I really like, it's the Forest River 32QBBS with a Gross weight of @11600 lbs. I will be OK on the pin weight, it's the Gross that has me concerned. My truck has a 3.55 in it and is rated at 9450 lbs. Now here is my question: Why is the 5 speed rated at 13400 lbs and the 6 speed at 13200 lbs? On my Chevy 1/2 ton the ratings were just opposite. The auto had more capacity. Is my trans the weak link and if it is, if I upgrade it with a valve body and shift kit and then put on an EZ should this bring my ratings up to an acceptable level?

I like to keep my truck well within it's limits so I don't tear anything up and also for safety. Right now I'm about 20% under Gross with my current TT and would like to keep it around the same if not a little less.

 

The 6 speed weighs more so it has less towing capacity and payload.