Looking at a 5er

[lonewolf]

I am looking at a 2002 Montana 2880RL and am wondering if I will be ok with my tow vehicle, (2500HD Duramax). I hope it will be ok as I can't pass up the price for the Montana, it has 3 slides so just checking. (tx)

[Jim W]

Most diesel trucks will pull anything, but they maybe over their GVWR or the GCVW or GRAW. What these are in case you do not know are the maximum weights that the manufacture has certified that the truck can safely tow or carry. These weights are on the driver side door post so you can find them easily. Most 3/4 ton trucks are certified to a 20,000 LBS Gross Combined weight rating, this means that the truck, occupants, all items in the truck and the fully loaded trailers weight should not be over the 20,000 LBS.
I do not know what a 2002 Montana 2880RL weights but the weight should be specified on a placard on the Montana,
Jim W.

[mhs4771]

Where you may fall short will be on the ability of your 2500 to carry the pin weight, don't forget you have to subtract weight of passengers, tank of fuel, and anything else you might have in the bed of the TV. 2500s normally have 2500 to 3000 Lbs cargo cap. and Montanas normally run on the heavy side on the pin typically 2000 to 3000. Only way you'll know for sure is getting on the scales.

[rhagfo]

Well depend on a couple of things.
You need to know the GVWR of the trailer, and the pin weight of the trailer.
You didn't state the year of your 2500, the older the lower the stated GVWR will be. My 2001 Dodge 2500 has an 8,800 GVWR, needless today I exceed that by close to 1,000#s, BUT I am well under my GAWR and well, well under my max tire weight rating. Those are two weight ratings I will NOT exceed!!
While I do not suggest this for others I am still at less than 90% of both of my axle ratings, I see where many new 1/2 tons run a GVWR near 95% of GAWR. I a still able to climb hills at 55 mph.
This current trip the truck scaled 9,700# and the trailer axles had 8,800# for a total GCVW of 18,500#.

[KanTC]

Lonewolf,

We also have a 3/4 ton Duramax, and I agree with the others -- your first limiting factor will be the truck's
payload capacity. Chances are you'll be at/over the GVWR once the truck & trailer are loaded & ready to go.
The Montana's empty pin/hitch weight is listed at 1940 lbs... when loaded, it may be as much as 2400 lbs
(est at 20% of GVWR). 2400 lbs PLUS 250 lb (+/-) for a 5th wheel hitch, PLUS passengers, cargo & fuel, etc.

As already suggested, check the payload # on your driver's side door post... here's the #'s on the trailer.

2002 Montana 2880RL Specs
Shipping Weight N/A..... (NADA site shows 9130 lbs; empty, with no options)
Carrying Capacity 2970
Hitch 1940
Length 30' 11"
Width 8'
Height 12' 6"
Fresh Water 60
Waste Water 38
Gray Water 76

GVWR 12,100 (based on the figures & ad found)

Ad shows weight sticker http://tucsonrvs.com/units/2002_Montana_2880RL_Fifth_Wheel_1858.html


Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)