Overmatched Truck???

**bertschb** · 05-17-2019, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by FatTire

The only place I've seen it written that axle capacities are all that matter is on an RV forum by guys with 3/4 ton trucks and monster fifth wheels.

Pretty much

**JKellerJr** · 05-17-2019, 03:00 PM

I cant believe all those crazy people who buy F450's when the F350 is obviously a more capable truck. Just look at that yellow sticker it says so.

Sorry couldn't resist.

I probably wouldn't be pulling that unit with a 2500 but I also would never buy a 2500. They just don't make sense to me.

**pjmjunior** · 05-17-2019, 03:54 PM

There is very little difference between the 250/2500 and 350/3500. On the modern Fords, the only difference is one extra leaf in the rear pack for the 350. That's it! If I wanted the same physical capabilities as a 350 I would just add the 350 rear pack. My 250 is instead cheaper to insure and in a lower registration bracket.

**JeffD68** · 05-17-2019, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by FatTire

The only place I've seen it written that axle capacities are all that matter is on a RV forum by guys with 3/4 ton trucks and monster fifth wheels.

I've seen it on truck forums, too.

Of course, these same forums are also the only place I've seen it written that GVWR and payload are legally significant limits and that you will be held legally responsible for all damages in the event of and accident if you are one pound over your GVWR but you'll be free and clear if you're one pound under. It is all hyperbole.

That being said, I custom ordered the most capable 3/4 ton truck that any of the Big 3 make and I am well over GVWR/payload with my puny little 303. A SRW F-350 configured like my truck would probably be slightly over GVWR/payload with my trailer connected. The OP is likely exceeding every limit of his truck with that big Momentum. I am not judging at all (glass houses, throwing stones, etc.). Thousand of 3/4 ton trucks have towed hundreds of thousands of miles "overloaded" without incident. I would want a DRW with his trailer.

**gigattime** · 05-23-2019, 02:43 PM

We have a 2016 350M and once loaded, it is definitely pin heavy. I agree with the suggestions to hit the scales and see where you really stand.

I think it does better with some weight in the rear (like a toy, full fuel tanks, etc.) so adding the motorcycle should help reduce the pin weight.

We pull with a 2011, F350 DRW and it does a nice job. Personally, I wouldn't want to pull ours with anything less as it really is a lot of trailer.

Good luck.

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**mkgolfer** · 05-23-2019, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Kennydawg

We have a 2017 350M being towed by a Short Bed 4x4 2017 Ram 2500 with the larger diesel w/ air suspension.
Reading this forum has frightened me as to the prospect of putting my BMW motorcycle in the garage and hauling it around the country. I'm going to sound kind of stupid because I'm really new at this but we have the largest Pullright slider hitch offered. Am I way out of bounds? We have put roughly 2000 miles without incident or difficulty.

Yea, you have too much pin weight for a 3/4 ton truck. Not knowing the tow weight of your truck...the GVWR for that rig is about 16,500lbs...which I am guess is either right at the towing limit or exceeding the towing limit of the truck. You will hear folks saying they can pull and haul that rig with a 3/4 ton..and yes they can. But because you can does not mean you should. And another good thing to follow is don't go beyond 80% of your truck's payload and towing capacity.

Also, if you ever get in an accident and your truck+rig combination is found to exceed your truck's capabilities, you could be found at fault or fined at minimum. Better to be safe than sorry.

**whaines** · 05-23-2019, 06:48 PM

fifthwheelst.com all the info for towing

**brucedunning** · 05-23-2019, 07:12 PM

kennydawg - What did you end up doing about your truck and rig?

FYI - I drive a 2018 2500 and we pull one of Grand Design's smallest fifth wheels - 230RL. Last year we had it weighed fully loaded and I was very satisfied with the results as I still had margin. But I could not imagine going to a bigger rig with my truck.

**Kennydawg** · 05-23-2019, 08:00 PM

Some sober reflections on my situation is all at this point. Began shopping for a good deal on a 3500 DRW. We are planning to leave in less than 2 weeks, so a real complicated thing to throw in and actually solve now.

**bertschb** · 05-23-2019, 09:13 PM

I don't really like owning a DRW truck. It doesn't fit in my garage. It's a hassle driving in town, etc. But, when I hook up my 5th wheel, I'm REALLY glad I have it. It makes the towing experience stress free. I don't worry about the payload. I don't worry about the axles. I don't worry about the tires. I don't worry about anything. I just sit back, turn on the seat heaters, massage and ACC and cruise down the highway...

For RV's over 15-16,000lbs it's the only way to go.