SGTrucks
Junior Member
Short background - towed a 5400 lb travel trailer - dual axle, weight distribution hitch 6000 miles in 18 days to 10 national parks, was at 85% of my cap, had a few issues when it was hotter out (80+) and a few grade issues in Colorado and Utah where I capped at 45mph (heat related capped around 60mph). It was ok and will work for the short term but want to upgrade before the next trip to Grand Canyon and back next year (Live in Ohio).
My question is future proofing a bit for a live in / work in retirement truck / trailer - planning on working at Campgrounds / KOA 62 yo to ? (maybe 75 or so?) - want to see the country and what better way than to work part time and live in an area for 3 to 6 months and see different sections of the US while I can still get around well![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Looking at a 5th Wheel - 43 ft, 2150 hitch weight (2400 loaded) 11.7k unloaded trailer weight, 14k loaded trailer weight.
Specifically this 5th Wheel (there are a few similar / other brands but this has what I want) - https://www.forestriverinc.com/rvs/heritage-glen-fifth-wheels/369BL/6874
80% rule I need something that will tow 18k max and 3k hitch (bed in this case / payload). Understanding extra weight in the cab (me / dog / kid adds to to that).
Most of the 2500 V8 Gas hit about 17K / 3K roughly (need to stay away from the lower end 2700 payload capacities).
Most of the 3500 V8 Gas hit about the same - they start shooting up to 30k with the turbo deisel / right transmission at the high end.
2500 -
Been looking at the 6.4 V8 Gas with the 8spd 8HP75 Tradesman 2500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 4.1 Ratio which has a Payload of 3230 Max Trailer of 17070. - or -
Been looing at the 6.7 I6 Turbo Diesel with the 6SPD 68RFE 2500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 3.73 Ratio which has a Payload of 2480 Max Trailer of 19170. (I think this one is OFF my list due to Payload).
3500 -
Been looking at the 6.4 V8 Gas with the 8 Spd 8HP75 Tradesman 3500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4"Box 4.1 Ratio which has a Payload of 4240 Max Trailer of 16970. - or -
Been looking at the 6.7 I6 Diesel with the 6SPD 68RFE Tradesman 3500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 3.73 Ratio which has a Payload of 4000 Max Trailer of 20220. - or -
Won't be towing every day - this is more of a go somewhere for at least a week setup (if not a season or a month).
Looking to buy something this year - thoughts on Diesel vs Gas? 2500 vs 3500?
Thoughts / Experiences with towing a 14K 5th wheel? (I don't want to get heat capped / grade capped and would like to be able to do a solid 60mph or 70mph and be able to pass someone if needed). I don't need to consistently drive 75 to 80 though (it might be nice to do a solid 75 across Kansas or North / South Dakota though lol).
Any advice / experience appreciated. Thank you!
My question is future proofing a bit for a live in / work in retirement truck / trailer - planning on working at Campgrounds / KOA 62 yo to ? (maybe 75 or so?) - want to see the country and what better way than to work part time and live in an area for 3 to 6 months and see different sections of the US while I can still get around well
Looking at a 5th Wheel - 43 ft, 2150 hitch weight (2400 loaded) 11.7k unloaded trailer weight, 14k loaded trailer weight.
Specifically this 5th Wheel (there are a few similar / other brands but this has what I want) - https://www.forestriverinc.com/rvs/heritage-glen-fifth-wheels/369BL/6874
80% rule I need something that will tow 18k max and 3k hitch (bed in this case / payload). Understanding extra weight in the cab (me / dog / kid adds to to that).
Most of the 2500 V8 Gas hit about 17K / 3K roughly (need to stay away from the lower end 2700 payload capacities).
Most of the 3500 V8 Gas hit about the same - they start shooting up to 30k with the turbo deisel / right transmission at the high end.
2500 -
Been looking at the 6.4 V8 Gas with the 8spd 8HP75 Tradesman 2500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 4.1 Ratio which has a Payload of 3230 Max Trailer of 17070. - or -
Been looing at the 6.7 I6 Turbo Diesel with the 6SPD 68RFE 2500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 3.73 Ratio which has a Payload of 2480 Max Trailer of 19170. (I think this one is OFF my list due to Payload).
3500 -
Been looking at the 6.4 V8 Gas with the 8 Spd 8HP75 Tradesman 3500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4"Box 4.1 Ratio which has a Payload of 4240 Max Trailer of 16970. - or -
Been looking at the 6.7 I6 Diesel with the 6SPD 68RFE Tradesman 3500 4*4 Crew Cab ST 6-4" Box 3.73 Ratio which has a Payload of 4000 Max Trailer of 20220. - or -
Won't be towing every day - this is more of a go somewhere for at least a week setup (if not a season or a month).
Looking to buy something this year - thoughts on Diesel vs Gas? 2500 vs 3500?
Thoughts / Experiences with towing a 14K 5th wheel? (I don't want to get heat capped / grade capped and would like to be able to do a solid 60mph or 70mph and be able to pass someone if needed). I don't need to consistently drive 75 to 80 though (it might be nice to do a solid 75 across Kansas or North / South Dakota though lol).
Any advice / experience appreciated. Thank you!