I think I Made a Mistake

[Freddie780]

Looking for help, assistance, and advice.


My Question - I would like to purchase a 5th wheel around 8-10k lbs (empty) knowing I will probably add 1-2k lbs of stuff. DO I have enough truck? Already gave the sales manager a heads up that I think we might need to look for a 3500HD. I might mentioned, with a family of four and three dogs we will add about 800 pounds of occupancy to the truck.



Here is the story - Purchased a Silverado 2500HD yesterday - 4x4 Crew Cab Standard Bed. I believe the GVWR of the truck is 10,000 with a GCWR of 25,300 (13,500 towing). I believe the weight is 7,462.


The inside of the door jam has two stickers - one tells me my occupants and cargo should never exceed 1,960 lbs. The other is the GVWR (as mentioned 10k) and then the GAWR Front at 5,200lbs and then the GAWR Rear at 6,200lbs.



I added the link to the vehicle I purchased as it should still be up for a day of two longer.


https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/se...ting=203195281

[Notanlines]

Freddie, this is what is most important: "Occupants and cargo should never exceed 1,960 lbs" A pin weight of about 2400 pounds, 800 for family, 160 for fuel, 200 or so for hitch, should I go on? Your RV AND truck sales person will tell you "No problem, son." They are only after the sale. Yes, you did make a mistake. Minimum of a 3500, maybe a dually.

[Freddie780]

Talked to the dealer over the weekend. They went out of there way to take the truck back and dealer trade for another 2018 (this time a 3500) nearly 200 miles away and sent their driver to get it. That is customer service. I am thrilled to now have a truck that I dont have to worry about what it can safetly handle for payload.

[fjr vfr]

Glad to here you were able to work with the dealer to get the right truck.

Towing a 5th wheel is a lot different than a bumper pull and most people, especially new to 5th wheels, don't understand the differences.
Many 5th wheel owners are over their trucks limits.

BTW, who is the dealer?

[wingnut60]

Yes, very great customer service. Not the norm nowadays.

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Freddie780

Talked to the dealer over the weekend. They went out of there way to take the truck back and dealer trade for another 2018 (this time a 3500) nearly 200 miles away and sent their driver to get it. That is customer service. I am thrilled to now have a truck that I dont have to worry about what it can safetly handle for payload.

So based on the fact that you have a GM 3500 you may still need to be careful to be within the GVWR and payload of you new TV.


Is your 3500 a SRW or DRW? If it is a SRW your new GVWR is likely less than 12,000#, maybe closer to 11,500#, with all your stuff and pin could easily be 3,500#+, you may still be close.

[wingnut60]

If he stays with a GVWR of around 13-14000, that should limit the pin weight to around 2800. Probably going to work with a SRW 3500, unless he is hauling lead in the bed.

[GearHeadOSU]

I went through a similar experience a couple years ago; already had a 2500 and travel trailer, which it pulled just fine. While shopping for a 5th wheel the dealers said "you'll have no problems". But as pointed out, if you do the math the pin weight alone is WAY more than the remaining weight capacity of the truck. Oh darn, I HAD to upgrade to a new 3500 - glad I did!

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Freddie780

Talked to the dealer over the weekend. They went out of there way to take the truck back and dealer trade for another 2018 (this time a 3500) nearly 200 miles away and sent their driver to get it. That is customer service. I am thrilled to now have a truck that I dont have to worry about what it can safetly handle for payload.

Just wondering what is the GVWR and Payload of the new 3500?? I would say that is a great dealer.

[Freddie780]

The GVWR of the truck is 11,500 and the sticker inside the door tells me I have just under 3,900 pounds of payload with 17,200 of towing.

[MTK46]

So now to find that perfect 5th wheel.