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Old 08-26-2012, 08:01 PM   #1
brucem26
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Alpine 3495FL & F-350

I've been towing a TT for several years but new to 5th wheels.

We are buying an Alpine 3495FL (specs 12,300 dry, 15,500 gross, 2296 pin weight)
We have ordred a 2012 Ford F-350SRW Crew cab Diesel 6.5 box

The big question: is this enough truck? I've heard some folks saying I should definitely be buying a DRW but I can't justify that much truck for the 8 months of the year we're not camping.

Thoughts? Am I within bounds here? Thanks

Bruce
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Old 08-27-2012, 08:21 AM   #2
Motor31
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The answer to your question is in the specs of the truck. You need to find the axle rating for the truck and see what the weight limits are for the tires as well. The dealer should be able to provide that data for you even prior to delivery. Another point is that when you are running near the max limits you are more likely to see a failure at some point than when running at say 75% or so of the limits.

It's up to you to determine how much risk you want to put your family in.
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Old 08-27-2012, 08:38 AM   #3
brucem26
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specs

Ford lists the maximum loaded trailer weight as 15,700 with a payload rating of 3,790 lbs
Axles are rated Front 6,000lbs and rear 7,180lbs

Mostly I want to know what others are doing. Do most folks towing a high end fifth wheel use SRW or do they go to a DRW (diesel is a given).
thanks.
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Old 08-27-2012, 10:57 PM   #4
wingnut60
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Your problem is when you are loaded to near the GVWR of the trailer--at 20% of gross as pin weight, you might have as much as 3100 lbs on the rear axle. Also, check the weight capacity of the tires on the truck--that will absolutely be the weakest point--I would not worry too much about being over the axle rating some, but NOT over the tires. If you are careful about loading the trailer, you should be ok. What about the short box and a slider hitch?
Joe
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Old 08-28-2012, 08:27 AM   #5
brucem26
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I would definitely be using a 6.5' box. My understanding is that slider hitch is there to prevent the trailer from hitting the cab on tight turns. Is there any other reason they should be used (not that avoiding hitting the cab isn't enough reason) ;-)
ie: do they play any role in determining the max loading capability?
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Old 08-28-2012, 04:08 PM   #6
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brucem...Have been full timing over 5 years all accross Canada and the US. To answer your question we see all kinds of F-350, 3500 SWD trucks hauling Alipines like yours. My guess is that about 2/3 are 350/3500 SWD with the other 1/3 HDTs, 350/3500 DRW and 250/2500s. Our Escalade weighs 15000 and we use a F-350 DRW but thats just what we like. Likeothers have said...look at the truck specs and tow within them.
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Old 08-29-2012, 09:19 AM   #7
Motor31
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Just a correction here netjam. HDT refers to using a semi which is a class 7 and 8 tow vehicle. The 350 level or class 3 truck is in the light duty towing range. MDT is the 400 through 600 series and includes the "baby freightliners as well as the larger Ford's (450, 550, 650).

No matter what the advertising company says a ford 350 is not a heavy duty tow vehicle. Don't confuse advertising hype with real world standards. Women won't swoon when you drive up in a F350 either, unless your exhaust overcomes them or you run over them.
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Old 08-29-2012, 09:48 AM   #8
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MDTs would likely be a good option for towing an Alpine but I have never seen one towing an Alpine.

motor31......my comment was not that HDTs are 250/2500 or 350/3500 series trucks but that roughly 1/3 of the Alpines we have seen were towed by either 250/2500s, 350/3500DRW or HDTs.
brucem26 had ordered a F-350 SRW and wondered if that was enough truck. My unscientific estimation of seeing 2/3 of Alipine owners pulling with F-350 SRW seems to indicate a lot of Alpine owners agree with his choice.
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