2500 or 3500 for 5th Wheel Retirement Towing

[runamuck]

View attachment 525682
2016 3500 Laramie 4x4 dually long bed, 6.7 HO Cummins, Aisen transmission, 410 rear end, every option BUT the snow plow. Our 2nd 5th wheel is a 2020 Jayco Seismic. Just shy of 33,000lbs rolling down the road.
We’ve been full timing for over a year now. This truck is AWESOME.
We have driven in rain, wind, over some of the biggest passes in the western states, in the dessert, plains, dirt road, crappy paved roads, you name it we have driven on it. The truck just keeps on pullin’!!!
If you do not get the 8’ box you limit your turning ability due to the danger of the trailer hitting the cab in a 90 degree turn. I have had to make this type of turn a couple times. You sometimes just cannot predict or avoid it.
I am a retired truck driver. Not to insult anyone or discount their OPINION, but ask a truck driver about percentage of rated load capacity and your either gonna get a deer in the headlights look or a massive belly laugh. Professional truck drivers load to the maximum weight every day. Trucks are speced to pull/carry a load. The manufacturer tells you what that is. Believe it or buy a Semi rated for way more than you need and stop worrying! Thats my OPINION and experience. Good Luck in whatever choices you make, and enjoy the lifestyle!!!

what is that rack over the top and front of your truck

 

[18CrewDually]

what is that rack over the top and front of your truck

Fabitup.net

 

[runamuck]

wow..what a rig. pretty cool

 

[nlambert182]

I've towed with both a 2500 and a 3500 DRW. I would go with the 3500 DRW all day long. The towing experience was really nice and comfortable. No sway, no worry on payload (with my rig), etc... The 68RFE in the SO will work just fine, but some like the HO option with the Aisin. I have no experience with that one.

I daily drove my 3500 for 4 years. Once you get used to maneuvering it around town and in parking lots it's no big deal. I am still struggling to get used to my 1500 now and really wish I were back in a 3500 DRW.

 

[quickster2]

I've had only 2500's since 2003. If I ever buy another it will be a 3500 since we went to a pop-up truck camper many years ago. The 3500 gives you a margin for the heavy loads.

 

[rambilt]

3500 dually or single but must be diesel!!

 

[CrispyBacon]

Uhh.... It's nice that you want to see all of the USA but Canada has all the good scenery Don't forget to plan a trip here!

 

[tron67j]

Read some of this, but future-proofing is a 6500. That would be hard to exceed.

Always buy the right tool for the job. What if one buys a 3500 DRW diesel and then never gets near the true capacity. Unless that is always the truck desired just because, then not a good financial decision and as much a waste as if buying too little truck and then needing to trade in a couple years later.

Better to decide on trailer first and then buy a truck that fits the bill.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Read some of this, but future-proofing is a 6500. That would be hard to exceed.

Always buy the right tool for the job. What if one buys a 3500 DRW diesel and then never gets near the true capacity. Unless that is always the truck desired just because, then not a good financial decision and as much a waste as if buying too little truck and then needing to trade in a couple years later.

Better to decide on trailer first and then buy a truck that fits the bill.

True, you don't have to actually buy the trailer first, but you need to know what you want.

 

[MikeF69]

We are not traveling this year due to family issue, when we do travel almost everything you see in an RV park with a 5th wheel is a diesel. I myself like the lower RPMs at power and climbing hills at 2000 or so RPM instead of 3300 at 35 MPH in second gear with a gas truck.