Tow vehicle question

[UPSGUY]

Hi everyone, first post. I’m new to the 5th wheel world and have a couple of questions. I’ve got my eye on a 37’ trailer with an almost 2,800# hitch weight and a GVWR 16,500. I’d like advice on the tow vehicle. I’m planning on a one ton diesel but not sure if I need a dually or single wheel? Also, short bed or long?

[fjr vfr]

Well, if your gross weight is 16,500 your hitch weight will be 20% which is 3,300 lbs. Don't go by the sales number. That number is the factory assembly weight and not actual real world. They like to use assembly line "dry weights" and for sales purposes. When you get it weighed you'll find the pin weight will be about 20% of gross no matter how lightly you load the trailer.
Next you have to add in the hitch itself, all passengers and anything in the truck. In the end I'd guess your total payload will be over 4,000lbs. Probably around 4,250lbs.
Some srw one tons can handle it...not all. You can't go wrong with a dually.
Most of these trucks will be long bed, but standard beds are an option if you have a newer trailer with the rounded front.
Good Luck
P.S. Don't trust the advise of sales people. They will tell you anything in order to make a sale.

[DMW]

I agree with fjr. My heaviest weigh returned a hitch weight of 21% of gross trailer weight as loaded. This is common for 5th wheel trailers. Keep in mind that the weight from the factory does not include dealer installed options. I added a third air conditioner, 7kw generator set, and batteries. Plus, I added a residential washer and dryer set myself. All of which, plus other items added a lot of weight. And this also does not include any liquids. Fully loaded, I'm sneaking up on 2,000 lb of liquids as my standard load. I bought a Silverado 3500, diesel, dually, 2WD, long bed, crew cab to pull my 21,000 lb toy hauler, and glad I did. IMHO, fjr is also right in that you can't hardly go wrong with a diesel dually, long bed. You may be able to get by with less of a truck, if all you want is to just "get by". You will appreciate the dually in the first wind storm you get caught in.

Dave