3/4 Ton Payload Capacities??

[fla-gypsy]

Originally Posted by reubenray

As we get ready for our third trip we have been thinking about future trips and possible upgrading. I am retired and my wife will be retiring in 5 years or less. So I want to start looking for a bigger fifth wheel and of course a bigger TV. I really do not want to go larger than a 3/4 ton and do not want a diesel. We will not be fulltiming, but may be gone for weeks if not a month at a time.

As a starting point in my research (which is half the fun) what amount of payload capacities can I be looking at? It will always just be the two of us. Also I am not locked into a particular brand, but I would like an extended cab if possible.

Since diesel is not a requirement there are models available with nice payload capacities. My F-250 Crew Cab with a 6.8L V-10 has a 2890 lb payload capacity.

[Ken / Claudia]

I do not want to sound rude or against a truck or fuel type but, because of my background I found that asking the right question will get me to the type of information I need.
Reubenray, maybe start another thead asking what tow vehicles folks have to pull 34ft 5ers and if they are happy. I know what I would use but, you ruled out that type and size.
I have found that truck GVW ratings are below that they will carry/pull for safety and RV GVW postings are under what you will actually carry/pull. They are good starting points but, you need to weight them as you load them for your use. My last Artic Fox camper posted 3475 dry weight, it was 4450 at the scales loaded for weekend use.
Good Luck with what ever you get. Ken

[dave-g]

I have a 2011- f250 6.2 gas- I pull a 325srx toy hauler with it. It is about 11,000 fully loaded.

I have ZERO problems with hills or power. The new built in brake controller is fantastic. When in tow haul mode it does a great job on down hills controlling speed by automatically down gearing the trans.

I believe the new 6.2 makes a great motor for towing- I could not be happier. Yes you will get better mileage with a diesel, and you will have more power- but the gas will save you 6k or so when you buy.

I hear the diesel will last 300,000+ miles- maybe they will but the rest of the truck is made the same-for me, at 15,000 miles a year- I do not want to own a 20 year old truck.

For me the gas was the right choice-( there is no wrong choice) so get the truck and go camping!

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by dave-g

I have a 2011- f250 6.2 gas- I pull a 325srx toy hauler with it. It is about 11,000 fully loaded.

I have ZERO problems with hills or power. The new built in brake controller is fantastic. When in tow haul mode it does a great job on down hills controlling speed by automatically down gearing the trans.

Dave,

I am very interested to know how your SRW deals with the pin weight of the 325SRX. I just stepped up to a '12 6.7 F-250 and am contemplating adding air bags just to keep the rear end of the truck from sagging too much.

Your insights and experience are greatly appreciated.

[LittleJoe]

Just an example:
My 325SRX loaded is 2400lb on pin and 10,000lbs on axles (scaled).
My 04 DRW truck published (i think dry?) weight 7585lbs + pin+fuel and aux fuel/toolbox tank+DW and DH+ hitch + incidental crap= 11960LBS.

Total rolling wieght 21960LB. I am over published GCVWR by 960LB but Under truck GVWR by 240LB.I am under Front axle GAWR by +/- 300 and under rear GAWR by +/- 2200LB . Truck is comfortable with this weight and a pleasure to drive. With this setup I would be over GAWR on rear for 3/4 tons and over or right at GAWR for newest SRW 3500's. I personally would never feel comfortable pushing the Max rear GAWR on a SRW. Blowing a rear tire in a corner at interstate speeds does not conjour up pretty pictures.

The only way I would consider running over or right at the axle GAWR is with 19.5" tires on a SRW. Tires would be safe but you are still open for DOT crack down if found over Max Axle weight.

I am a little surprised figuring all this out .......adding my aux fuel tank took me from 3500SRW territory to mandatory DRW to be safe/legal at least in my mind.

[dave-g]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

Dave,

I am very interested to know how your SRW deals with the pin weight of the 325SRX. I just stepped up to a '12 6.7 F-250 and am contemplating adding air bags just to keep the rear end of the truck from sagging too much.

Your insights and experience are greatly appreciated.

when hitched the back drops abiut 3 in. looks fine but i do notice it at night. Ihe head lights seem off. but the ride is great and very controled

I'll hve to put it on a scsle come spring