What Truck Do I Need?

[hmmhunter]

Hello,

I'm in the process of getting a Grand Design Solitude 377MBS which according to the website has a GVW of 16,800 so based on my calculations, that puts my pin weight at 3,400. With the new fifth wheel, I also need a new truck but am having a hard time finding the max capacities for trucks based on different trim options.

As far as trucks go, I'm hoping to find a crew cab, with standard/short bed, diesel engine, and single rear wheels. I'm going to be towing roughly 9 months out of the year, traveling going up to mountains for skiing and that sort of thing. Is there a truck that safely fits into my criteria or do I need to look into a dual rear wheel truck?

Thanks!

[Notanlines]

First and foremost, you need to keep in mind that the pin weight will not end up being close to their figure. After you have loaded your RV over a period of a year of use, you will find that the weight of the RV will have increased by a minimum of 1500 pounds, not including and liquids in the tanks. There are literally thousands of RV'ers hauling their RV's over the gross of their TV's. You will be one of them either right off the bat, or within that year. It will be your choice to make. The RV deserves a dually, and you'll buy one or you won't. I'm usually more concerned by those who tell me that their new 2500 will "pull the socks off a rooster" and won't pay attention to the real numbers. Kudos to you for asking.

[wingnut60]

At a minimum, if you opt for a SRW truck, be sure and get the 350/3500 model. And, anything you look at, check the payload rating on the door sticker. With that 3400 pin weight (and that is a reasonable number) you will be pushing any SRW you may choose, the most deciding factor being the rear axle ACTUAL weight when loaded/towing vs the load capacity of the tires. Have you thought thru this tire load situation?
Good questions, hope you find you need a dually or drop down on the fiver size.
And, welcome to the forum.
Joe

[MTK46]

I agree with with the posts above. For that RV you need a one ton dully.
I've towed with one ton longbed SRW F-350s. It towed a 34' 15,000lbs. GVW Teton fine.
Also towed a 39' 16,500lbs GVW towhauler. I never overloaded the truck but in a strong side wind I did have to keep it to 55 mpg cause the tail would wag the dog.
Pin weight on my MS loaded is right at 4100lbs. GVW is also right at 18,250lbs. My 2017 F-350 dully handles it great.
IF you do go for a SRW make sure it's a longbed one ton, but that's not what I would recommend.

[terry and jo]

I am going to agree with much of the above, largely because I've seen too many cases where someone purchased an RV and truck, only to upgrade the RV within a year or two and then be outmatched for the truck.

I'm also going to STRONGLY suggest that you go with a long bed. I've seen a few short bed trucks break out their rear window in trying to turn with a fifth wheel in a somewhat tight spot, such as backing into an RV site.


You also want to look at the specs of any truck you consider and consider more the Gross Combined Vehicular Weight and Gross Rear Axle Weight ratings. Do NOT pay any attention to the truck manufacturer's "tow rating," as that rating is seldom accurate. GCVW is the total weight of both the truck (loaded with passengers and cargo) and the RV loaded up as well.


The wife and I have a 38 1/2-foot DRV Suites that has a GVWR of 18,500 lbs. Having been a former 18-wheeler operator, I decided that I wanted nothing less than a Ford F450 back in 2008 to 2010, when we were researching and choosing our RV. It's better to have too much truck than not enough.

Terry

[dmorse68]

You’ll need a 1 ton dually with an 8 foot bed for that RV. If you go Ram, then you’ll need a 2014 or newer with the HO motor and Aisin tranny. If you go Ford, get the 6.7L Powerstroke, not the 7.3L, 6.0L, or 6.4L.

[Stevencoles]

I’ve got just the truck for you 2017 DRW Ford F-350 Deisel with 41k miles. If you are interested you could save 1,000s off what a new one would cost.

[DennisM71]

Seriously, take a good long look at HDTs. You will be much happier in the long run with a true truck that is more than capable of towing your fiver. I love mountains!

Our truck is quiet, comfortable, gets great milage and has the capability of stopping the fiver. W've been towing with our Volvo for 16 years and 120k miles and have never regretted our choice. Unexpected benefit - with 300 gallons on board we can go over 2,000 miles between fuel stops. Amazing how much time that saves during a day on the road.

Take a look at the Escapees HDT forum.