[wingnut60]

First, use ONLY the Gross Weight (GVWR) of the trailer you are looking at--that is where the salesmen hide the facts. The F250 is overloaded on its own Gross Vehicle Weight with the Pin Weight (PW) of almost ANY fifth wheel over 28-30 feet long. The PW of any fiver will be about 20% of the GVWR of the trailer. Assume a GVWR for the fiver of 14000--this will give a PW of 2800 (20% of 14000) that will be directly on the rear axle of the F250. The F250 is probably rated for a GVW of 8900-9000lbs, but it by itself weighs about 7000+lbs---do you see the problem? If the truck can weigh a max of 9000, and it already weighs 7000, that leaves 2000lbs of load carrying capacity--and the PW will be 2800 BY ITSELF. With no one in the truck, no "stuff" for camping, and no fuel--you are already overloaded, on both the GVWR of the truck AND also the Rear Axle Weight Rating (RAWR).

You SHOULD go to a 1-ton minimum or a 1-ton dually to be ok with that trailer. But look around at what is being towed daily by what truck--people do it all time--doesn't make it right.

You are very correct to be concerned about what the salesmen are saying.

Joe