New 2500 Diesel Question

[rjp]

We are new to the forum and wanting to get into the RV lifestyle for retirement. Starting from scratch, we will need both the truck and RV. We will be looking for a truck that can carry a 5er of 35 - 42 feet and up to 16K pounds Gross weight. Considering either a RAM 2500 or a GMC Sierra Diesel. Two Questions - 1. Does anyone have opinions as to which is better, especially for someone with a bad back? 2. An option on either one is a Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle Auto Level Rear Air Suspension. Hopefully I do not need that option, for a fifth wheel as it adds even more onto the price. Any advice?

[wingnut60]

Word of caution--I believe you are looking at fivers that will require not only a 350/3500, but a dually also. Be very careful of the rear axle weight rating (RAWR) and the rear tire capacity on a SRW truck when you consider the pin weight of a 16k trailer.
For instance, a 38' DRV will usually have a PW around 4000-4200lbs. If you find a triple axle trailer, that would help reduce the PW.
Good luck and patience in your search.
Joe

[rjp]

Thanks for the info. All of the fivers we are looking at have a hitch weight of around 2500, so do you think we are safe with a 2500? Really don't want to go any higher on the truck, but will definitely check out their RAWR.

[wingnut60]

Please revisit the weight figures for the fivers you are researching--use the 'dry weight' published figures for weight/pin weight and divide the listed weight into the pin weight--this will/should be around 20/%. Now take the GVRW (what the mfg says the trailer could safely weigh when loaded for camping) and multiply it by .80 and that will give you the probable pin weight for actual use. A 16k trailer could have a pin weight of 3200 lbs--if you put that on a 2500 series truck, you are going to be over the RAWR and probably the GVWR for the truck. The truck mfgs do basically the same thing when publishing the ratings for their trucks--IF you are never going to have a passenger(s) and anything in the bed of the truck, then the figures will work out. With a family and camping gear/fuel/firewood/water/dogs,etc, you quickly diminish the weight available to handle the pin weight of a fiver. Don't forget what the hitch will weigh, also.
Another caveat: use the same 20% of GVWR on a fiver and subtract it from the GVWR, this will give you the weight the tires on the trailer will/could be subjected to. Divide this by 4 to get potential weight on each tire. Now, look at the tire closely for weight rating (most will have 16" tires) to find out the load rating for the tire. If you don't have a substantial overcapacity per tire, you are most likely going to have tire problems.
All the above has been discussed over and over on all the RV forums--look at IRV2.com for similar posts/answers--you will quickly find that this weight situation comes up every day from buyers trying to find ways to tow large fivers with 3/4 ton trucks.
No one EVER tows a trailer at the weights the factory publishes, unless when it it delivered to the dealer.
In the end, its your money, your family in the truck, your camping experience.
Joe

[rjp]

Thanks for the info. We are now researching RAM 3500's. Not a lot more in price for more safety.

[wingnut60]

Made a mistake above--multiply by .2, not .8----.8 would give weight of trailer on axles.