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07-02-2023, 04:14 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Swanton
Posts: 6
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Towing Capacity
Been looking to buy a new truck that can haul my 5th wheel better . But can’t seem to get a straight answer from dealer on the actual towing capacity of their Trucks is there a web site that you put the VIN in and it tells you what the towing capacity of that truck is . Any help would be appreciated and helpfull in deciding which truck I will buy. Thanks
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07-02-2023, 04:23 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,335
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Better that you tell us (generally knowledgeable members who don’t have a dog in the fight) which RV you own, year and model, and the members will tell you what size truck and what necessary options you might want.
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07-02-2023, 04:30 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,357
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines
Better that you tell us (generally knowledgeable members who don’t have a dog in the fight) which RV you own, year and model, and the members will tell you what size truck and what necessary options you might want.
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Yup!! “Tow rating” is not the number you want to use anyway. Remember the commercial with the tundra pulling the space shuttle?
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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07-02-2023, 05:07 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Portland metro
Posts: 238
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^ ^ ^
X2
Tow capacity is an almost useless number.
What is important is payload capacity and hitch weight.
__________________
GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS
Solarflex 400i + 150w suitcase; 206ah LiFePO4; ready for boondocking
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07-02-2023, 05:12 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
Yup!! “Tow rating” is not the number you want to use anyway. Remember the commercial with the tundra pulling the space shuttle?
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So true, the real numbers are payload and rear axle rating. Just an example our 2016 Ram 3500 DRW has a tow rating of over 29,000#. My empty payload from the sticker is 5,411#, BUT ready to hook up the 5th wheel my truck weighs 10,000# on a GVWR of 14,000# so I am down to 4,000# of carrying capacity, limiting me to a 5th wheel between 16,000# to about maybe 20,000# depending on the weight percentage 20% to 25% of the 5th wheel GVW, when looking good percentage use is 23% of trailers GVWR.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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07-02-2023, 05:25 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Hershey
Posts: 114
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Ford publishes a towing guide that lists all the specs based upon engine, drive line (two or four wheel) and axle ratio. It lists gross combined weight ratings, payload capacity, as well as towing capacities based upon hitch type. It is a good “reference” guide
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07-02-2023, 07:21 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,307
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For the true numbers on a particular truck, look for the sticker on the drivers door pillar. Those are the factory numbers for that individual truck based on equipment and options.
Good luck,
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07-02-2023, 07:25 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,479
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This should be interesting!
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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07-02-2023, 07:47 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Swanton
Posts: 6
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I have a 2021 Cougar 368MBI seems like this more complicated than I thought t would be
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07-02-2023, 08:16 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 780
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Memark
I have a 2021 Cougar 368MBI seems like this more complicated than I thought t would be
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Not more complicated, just takes a little more info and time to get the answer you want/ need. The guys on here (or at least most of them) will help and are a font of information for towing within specs.
The best piece to remember - payload is the number you are mainly going to be concerned with for towing a fifth wheel. That is typically the amount (poundage?) of loading you will run out of first when towing a camper.
The next best piece of info - all manufacturers will have a yellow sticker on the drivers side door jamb stating what that payload is for that specific truck. That yellow sticker has the important information on it. The numbers printed by a manufacturer in any booklet/ brochure they give will NOT be even close to what is reality for most trucks people look at purchasing, due to being a usually stripped down truck that is 2 wheel drive (trim levels, sunroofs, etc all add weight to a vehicle which is subtracted from its payload capacity).
__________________
--Lynette
2019 F-350 diesel 4x4 CC LB DRW, not the mom taxi anymore...
2021 Alliance Paradigm 340RL
2016 F-350 diesel 4x4 CC LB SRW, mom taxi - sold
2014 Cougar XLite 28RDB - sold
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07-02-2023, 08:17 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,702
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It's not difficult if you throw out the advertising/sales gimmick numbers and focus on the real ones.
Here's a link to your trailer;
https://www.keystonerv.com/product/c...orplans/368MBI
Note the gvw of the trailer (dry weight plus payload) is about 14k lbs. Since it is a 5th wheel estimate the pin weight of the trailer will be approx. 23% of the gvw or 3220 lbs. People, gear etc. will be added to the required payload of the truck so figure 3220 + 500lbs. Now we're looking for a truck with a minimum of a 3720lb. (approximated) payload. You are in 1 ton truck territory.
Towing capacity, dry trailer weights etc. are meaningless numbers meant go snare buyers then leave them in a lurch.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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07-02-2023, 09:10 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough
It's not difficult if you throw out the advertising/sales gimmick numbers and focus on the real ones.
Here's a link to your trailer;
https://www.keystonerv.com/product/c...orplans/368MBI
Note the gvw of the trailer (dry weight plus payload) is about 14k lbs. Since it is a 5th wheel estimate the pin weight of the trailer will be approx. 23% of the gvw or 3220 lbs. People, gear etc. will be added to the required payload of the truck so figure 3220 + 500lbs. Now we're looking for a truck with a minimum of a 3720lb. (approximated) payload. You are in 1 ton truck territory.
Towing capacity, dry trailer weights etc. are meaningless numbers meant go snare buyers then leave them in a lurch.
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Memark, this is pretty much right on.
I see two items I don’t agree with 100%
Sourdough only estimates an additional 500# for passengers hitch and other stuff. He may travel light, we on the hand lost 1,400# to those items, we have an in bed tool box with some heavy items.
Next almost 40’ bunk house, means more passengers, then there is the 2,285# trailer payload. If you have children your stuff and the children’s stuff could easily put a the 13,980# GVWR.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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07-02-2023, 09:12 PM
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#13
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo
Memark, this is pretty much right on.
I see two items I don’t agree with 100%
Sourdough only estimates an additional 500# for passengers hitch and other stuff. He may travel light, we on the hand lost 1,400# to those items, we have an in bed tool box with some heavy items.
Next almost 40’ bunk house, means more passengers, then there is the 2,285# trailer payload. If you have children your stuff and the children’s stuff could easily put a the 13,980# GVWR.
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I was trying to illustrate how the smallest of loads in the truck is going to put the combo in 1 ton territory.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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07-02-2023, 09:47 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough
I was trying to illustrate how the smallest of loads in the truck is going to put the combo in 1 ton territory.
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The 14,000# GVWR does that easily, even with faker GM and Ford 250/2500 with GVWR over 10,000# just a one ton with a 3/4 ton sticker.
When we were looking at a newer truck with what we carry even with a 4,200# payload I would be within less than 200# of max, with a 2,800# pin weight.
Many underestimate the other stuff, the people, stuff, and hitch.
The 3,200# estimated pin, with four passengers, hitch and some firewood and tools, could easily put the OP at 4,000#.
We chose to go with DRW because we wanted enough payload for a larger 5er.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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07-03-2023, 03:23 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Sun City West
Posts: 907
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Memark
I have a 2021 Cougar 368MBI seems like this more complicated than I thought t would be
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It can be a lot to absorb/consider.
'Payload Capacity' = Curb weight of truck subtracted from its GVWR (maximum the manufacturer has determined it can weigh). Example: truck has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs and weighs 6500 lbs. Available payload capacity for that specific truck is 3500 lbs. Manufacturers determine a vehicle's payload capacity prior to it leaving the factory.
As mentioned, you need to figure about 3200 lbs just for pin weight for your 368MBI, to that figure add the weight of everyone that will be in the truck, 150 lbs for the hitch and the weight of anything else you carry in the cab or bed.
Added all together, this grand total will identify the amount of payload capacity the truck will need to have in order for it haul the trailer, gear and people around without being overloaded.
Armed with your grand total, start opening driver's side doors on the trucks you see at the lot and look for the attached ' Tire & Loading Information' sticker on the door pillar. The sticker (among other things) will indicate the cargo carrying (payload) capacity of that specific truck.
If this figure does not meet or exceed the total you've calculated, you will be 'overloaded' as you've exceeded the truck's payload capacity and as a result it's GVWR.
__________________
2022 Rockwood Signature 8324SB
2019 F350, SRW, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
Sold: 2020 Keystone Cougar '1/2 ton' TT, 29RLKWE
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07-03-2023, 04:28 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Middle of nowhere
Posts: 577
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Best advice can give is "please" listen to these guys. I got sucked into the "towing capacity" and found out the hard way my truck wasn't man enough. Had to go buy a new truck. Get the right one now since your already looking. Don't underestimate that payload and rear axle capacity. They make the difference!
__________________
2023 Passport SL 229RK
2023 Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi.
Nebraska
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07-03-2023, 05:02 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: USA and Canada
Posts: 873
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Sounds like you need a dually. Better to have more truck than less. By the time I had our Fuzion 405 loaded it scaled around 18,500. And if money's not an issue go with a diesel. That extra 500+ ft/lbs of torque over the gas engines makes a BIG difference.
__________________
2010 FZ 405
2011 F350 6.7 Dually w/Banks Power making 510 hp and 1065 ft/lbs torque
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07-03-2023, 07:44 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Bryan
Posts: 227
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The sticker(s) on the truck door jamb will provide a payload capacity and a rear axle GAWR. These are the two numbers that are the most important for your considerations.
First the specs list that trailer as 13,980 lb. for GVWR. Figure that you loaded in weight will be about 20 to 22% of that or 3,075 lb. This means that you can potentially have a 3,075 lb. weight in the bed of the truck. Add to that the weight of the hitch, anywhere from 100# to 300#, the weight of any cargo in the bed (firewood etc.) and passengers beyond the theoretical 150# driver.
so, add 3,075 plus 300# plus another 300# you are 3,697# into your payload. Also check that you are not overloading the rear axle. For this you will need the true axle weight on the truck to add the payload to and see if you are under the GAWR. Most of the load from the trailer goes on the rear axle. Passengers will contribute some to the front axle, but not a lot.
It appears that you will need a truck that can handle a payload or close to 4000#.
When we were full time with our 19,000# 5er, our loaded pin weight was almost 4200# andwe had a 1-ton DRW F350 as we had an added 30-gallon auxiliary fuel tank and a 300# air ride hitch. We were under on the rear axle by 500#.
Have fun shopping, do your own homework and you can tell when the sales person is lying...his or her lips will move.
Ken
__________________
2023 Cougar, 2022 F150 EcoBoost tow max Lariat 4x4 Off Road. Former full-time RVer
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07-03-2023, 10:55 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TXiceman
The sticker(s) on the truck door jamb will provide a payload capacity and a rear axle GAWR. These are the two numbers that are the most important for your considerations.
First the specs list that trailer as 13,980 lb. for GVWR. Figure that you loaded in weight will be about 20 to 22% of that or 3,075 lb. This means that you can potentially have a 3,075 lb. weight in the bed of the truck. Add to that the weight of the hitch, anywhere from 100# to 300#, the weight of any cargo in the bed (firewood etc.) and passengers beyond the theoretical 150# driver.
so, add 3,075 plus 300# plus another 300# you are 3,697# into your payload. Also check that you are not overloading the rear axle. For this you will need the true axle weight on the truck to add the payload to and see if you are under the GAWR. Most of the load from the trailer goes on the rear axle. Passengers will contribute some to the front axle, but not a lot.
It appears that you will need a truck that can handle a payload or close to 4000#.
When we were full time with our 19,000# 5er, our loaded pin weight was almost 4200# andwe had a 1-ton DRW F350 as we had an added 30-gallon auxiliary fuel tank and a 300# air ride hitch. We were under on the rear axle by 500#.
Have fun shopping, do your own homework and you can tell when the sales person is lying...his or her lips will move.
Ken
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The 1st thing out of the rv or truck salespersons lips moving will be "Oh yea! Your truck has a tow capacity of XXXXXlbs & that rv dry is ONLY XXXXlb, you'll be good to tow anything on our lot!", all from the lips of someone that's likely never spent a single night in any rv & has never towed one so much as around the block. They have but 1 agenda, sell you whatever they can.
Congratulations, you deserve a big ole' attaboy for asking people that don't have a horse in the race about actual useable weights BEFORE purchasing something that isn't capable of handling what you plan & regret it 5 minutes later.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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07-03-2023, 11:50 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,479
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This thread has been played out over and over. Tow Capacity? Ever ask how the truck manufacturer comes up with that number? Specially equipped model that you will never see for sale and used to pull a weighted flat bed on a closed course. TOW CAPACITY IS THE SINGLE MOST MISLEADING STAT that the OEM pukes out. Look at those GM commercials where they have their HD Duramax (single rear wheel) dragging a HUGE 5th wheel up a steep grade. They never mention payload which I understand has improved in the past couple years but I would hazard a guess that the HD Duramax is over payload. Is the engine capable. Sure. Is the chassis? Hmmmmmm
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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