1500 Fifth Wheel Towing

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mark4Jesus

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I have been told buy a RV dealer that tow capacity is higher using fifth wheel as opposed to receiver pull capacity. I cannot find that anywhere. Is it true? If so, where would I find that information. Trailer Life Tow Guide doesn't differentiate between the two types of towing.

The tow capacity on my truck (Quad cab, 4X4, 5.7, 3.92 rear end) is 8500, he said a fifth wheel would add 1000 lbs to the capacity.
 

MADDOG

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Well, that's a little bit of a lie as it won't add capacity but it does allow you to tow more weight without exceeding your hitch capacity.

A 5'vr hitch, based on it's design, will allow you to haul more tongue weight (aka pin weight on a 5'vr) vs. a class III, IV or IV receiver hitch.

But, it does NOT allow you to add capacity or to exceed the vehicles Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating.
 
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mark4Jesus

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That makes sense. This a very reputable dealer, I have friends who have purchased from them. If we go back there again I will talk to the salesman and give him this information. Thanks!

It appears we will have to budget to graduate to a 2500.
 

Docpaulo

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You will lose payload before gcwr

At 20% tongue weight your 7500lb trailer will put 1500lbs in your bed...

Your dealer is just lying to sell you a trailer... reputable dealers still have desperate hungry and misinformed salesmen... once you sign the paperwork its your problem if you get into an accident or ticketed...

Forget that a 5.5ft bed is too short for a 5th wheel hitch... a sliding hitch may help if you have a 6.5 bed
 
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mark4Jesus

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I have a 6.5 bed. The newer 1500's have a much higher towing capacity than mine. A friend has a 2014 with all the same accessories and engine, and the towing capacity on his is 10,500. I think I will look for a 2500 instead of getting one of the newer 1500's. I will have to look for a used 2500, can't spring for a new one.
 

vwmaniaman

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We tow a 24.5ft fifth wheel with an Anderson hitch. Pin weight is just over 1000lbs. Tows easy with our 2WD 2007 hemi. Don't need a slider with our 6.5 bed and the Anderson. Hitch weighs just 40lbs Dry weight on our trailer is 5700lbs. Truck has 202K miles now.
 

0rion

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Like someone else said....payload will be your problem. My 5er was advertised as half ton towable. I had a 2500 at the time so it wasn't really a selling point to me but just doing the math told me that it would take a miracle finding a half ton that could legally tow it. Pin weight and slider hitch is around 1700 lbs alone. 20 gallons of gas is ~120 lbs. Then we have a family of 5. Just wasn't going to work for us to get a half ton.
 

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