Truck recomendation for a Montana 5th wheel

[Salsaman1a]

So, looking to switch over to a Montana 3701LK but not sure what to pull it with. I am looking for recommendations from the experts. it has a GVWR of 16400lbs and hitch weight of 2600lbs. I have a few trucks in mind but......:ermm::ermm::o:o

[Laredo Tugger]

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34556

Plenty of discussion here on almost the same trailer. And I'm sure there are many other threads on the subject as well.
My take, you tow with whatever you feel safe with. But I will add that you are most likely looking at something DRW.
I tow about 3000 lbs. less than you with a SRW and payload is almost used up. Just a starting point for you to consider.
RMc

[rhagfo]

Well should be looking at a Diesel DRW if you want a pleasant towing experience. Brand is your choice, although personally I would get a RAM!

[chuckster57]

1ton DRW minimum.

[Javi]

1 ton dually...

[travelin texans]

1 ton diesel dually!!!!

[Javi]

1 ton diesel dually!!!!

Do they still make a gas dually... that would be a waste of steel... :D

[rhagfo]

Do they still make a gas dually... that would be a waste of steel... :D

Yes, I believe all of the big three still offer a 350/3500 DRW with gas engine.

[bob91yj]

Can't speak for Ford/Ram, but GMC's and Chevy duallies can still be had with a gas engine.

[sourdough]

Do they still make a gas dually... that would be a waste of steel... :D


I don't drive a diesel but I totally agree that they are needed in many applications. Javi makes a good point. IF I follow my own rules and require a diesel if/when I exceed 10-11k then what point is a gas dually? Pulled up the Ram website and checked out a Tradesman one ton dually with the 6.4 gas engine and a 3.73 axle ratio w/13,300 gvw. I would have to ask....why? I have the same engine and axle w/10k gvw, I can't imagine trying to strap that combo with what the dually could tow/haul; that would go back to the last statement...I do agree that it would be a waste of steel:)

[Gegrad]

I don't drive a diesel but I totally agree that they are needed in many applications. Javi makes a good point. IF I follow my own rules and require a diesel if/when I exceed 10-11k then what point is a gas dually? Pulled up the Ram website and checked out a Tradesman one ton dually with the 6.4 gas engine and a 3.73 axle ratio w/13,300 gvw. I would have to ask....why? I have the same engine and axle w/10k gvw, I can't imagine trying to strap that combo with what the dually could tow/haul; that would go back to the last statement...I do agree that it would be a waste of steel:)

Because a 1 ton Dually with a gasser would have a higher payload than a diesel dually with the same GVWR? Of course the diesel may get you a higher GVWR to begin with, but since we have seen the manufacturers allow for widely different GVWRs that could be an issue.

[sourdough]

Because a 1 ton Dually with a gasser would have a higher payload than a diesel dually with the same GVWR? Of course the diesel may get you a higher GVWR to begin with, but since we have seen the manufacturers allow for widely different GVWRs that could be an issue.


Once you pass the 10-11k threshold, tongue weight, payload etc. what does it matter? When the engine/drivetrain is maxed out at 10-11k what does the payload even mean? That was the point of the original post.

[Barbell]

As the Texas contingent says, one ton diesel dually. Brand is the only option but mine is a Ram.

[Dave-Gray]

Here is a good page to start your research: The Basics: What do I Need to Tow it? (http://fifthwheelst.com/what-do-i-need-to-tow-it.html)

[larryflew]

Identical weights of our Alpine that we tow with GMC 3500 duramax/allison combo. It is not a dually but is at the max without duals. Been towing it a few thousand a year for 5 years. Plenty torque. Gas mileage towing runs around 11 and freeway not towing is over 20. Love the engine tranny combo and it's shifting abilities.

[Irv gates]

With a 2k+ hitch load , I would go with a f450 Diesel or similiar. I have a trailer with a hitch wgt of 2k and The one ton (2009 F350 DR W Diesel) works great with it , but another 500 lbs and I would have to go to a F450. After 38 Yrs of towing Fivers ,I have gotten to realize what I need .


Irv Gates
2014 Montana HC 39ft

[Frederick]

Get a 6.7 Ford F-350 SWD or DWD I have the Alpine 7355 40 ft my F-350 docent even know its back there

[dneuenfeldt]

I pull My 40 ft sprinter with a dry weight of 10800 lbs, but who pulls dry weight ? I pull 13000 lbs with a gas f350 dually , if I had the means to trade for a diesel I probably would the truck struggled up in the mountains, but it always makes it , but anyone would have torque with a diesel but always might have an injectors problem with a diesel

[BadmanRick]

If you want to tow it safely get a full blown 1 ton or 1.5 ton to pull that much weight.

[travelin texans]

Get a 6.7 Ford F-350 SWD or DWD I have the Alpine 7355 40 ft my F-350 docent even know its back there

A 3500 GM or Ram will do equally as well.
My '13 GMC towing a 16.5k 5er, set the cruise at 68 mph (1700 rpm is the sweet spot), enable the exhaust brake & tow/haul & never break a sweat towing all day long.

[idcruiserman]

Get a 6.7 Ford F-350 SWD or DWD I have the Alpine 7355 40 ft my F-350 docent even know its back there

I doubt that 😊. My 6.7L Ford dually tows a triple axle voltage, and it's definitely aware of its presence.

[aehjr]

After upgrading two trailers that required two truck upgrades, I followed the advice of my service advisor to buy the biggest truck I could imagine needing. That's why I went with the dually.

The new truck has a payload of 5300 lbs and is rated for towing a 27,000 lb fifth wheel. Could have had a 31,000 lb rating if I had bought a truck with the 4.10 rear end. With this trailer upgrade, I had to upgrade the SRW F350 that only had 3500 lb payload. Adding the required fifth wheel hitch prep and fifth wheel hitch to that truck and with Jan, me and the dogs in the truck, we would have been about 500-600 lbs over on payload and 1,000 lbs over on rated towing capacity with the new trailer (hitch weight 3140 lb).

[Sinton4616]

After upgrading two trailers that required two truck upgrades, I followed the advice of my service advisor to buy the biggest truck I could imagine needing. That's why I went with the dually.

Sound advice. Since OP is looking at a Montana, I wouldn't look at anything less than a 350/3500 DRW.

[JimMach1]

http://fifthwheelst.com/images/volvo-780-with-smart-car.jpg
Never worry about size of rig again.

[travelin texans]

http://fifthwheelst.com/images/volvo-780-with-smart-car.jpg
Never worry about size of rig again.

On the contrary, I'd be always wondering if that beast would fit into or be a place to park it at every park/campground. Solved one problem only to create another. My GMC3500 will easily tow anything we'll ever want to put behind it!!!

[xrated]

With a 2k+ hitch load , I would go with a f450 Diesel or similiar. I have a trailer with a hitch wgt of 2k and The one ton (2009 F350 DR W Diesel) works great with it , but another 500 lbs and I would have to go to a F450. After 38 Yrs of towing Fivers ,I have gotten to realize what I need .


Irv Gates
2014 Montana HC 39ft

The F450 Dually CrewCab will get you LESS Payload Capacity than the F350 Dually CrewCab!

[xrated]

Get a 6.7 Ford F-350 SWD or DWD I have the Alpine 7355 40 ft my F-350 docent even know its back there

You need to be more aware of your surroundings.....That ^^^^ statement is laughable! I've got a 2016 F350 DRW Diesel and a 13K tow behind Toy Hauler and it's very easy to tell when I'm hooked up to it or not. :banghead:

[MattHelm21]

The F450 Dually CrewCab will get you LESS Payload Capacity than the F350 Dually CrewCab!

I completely agree. Do the math carefully. The increased weight of the F450 due to the heavier duty components comes directly off the payload. Since it has a GVWR of 14000 lbs(same as the F350 DRW) the payload is less.