to dual or not to dual

[nuskovich]

New to 5th wheel towing...purchasinga 2011 Raptor 361LEV (18000 GVWR). I'll be taking it back and forth from Michigan and Alaska yearly. What are the pros and cons for DRW and SRW in the 350/3500 series diesels? Stability, load distribution, etc.

Secondly, the hitch should be 18k, why are some recommending heavier hitches?

[rhagfo]

Dually for sure and at least a 20 K hitch

[christopherglenn]

you are looking 4-5k pinweight, well beyond the payload / rear axle rating of a 350/3500srw. Add the weight of the hitch, and passengers, and whatever cargo is in the truck.
The 18k hitch is good the the 18k trailer, if there is somthing cool about a 20k hitch, go for it, but real world I doubt you will upgrade the trailer any time soon.

[rhagfo]

Well the range is 15% to 25% of GVW, so this would be between 2,700# to 4,500#. while still a load it would likely split that weight as it is a Toy hauler say 20% of GVW 18,000 X .20 = 3,600#
Well on page 20 of this towing document, there is a nice RAM 3500 Dully that will pull 19,900# with a payload of 4,500#.

So I would say anyone of the Big three makes a package that would handle that rig.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_g...wing.Specs.pdf

EDIT: 20K hitch as I would never pull a 18K trailer with a 18K hitch, go a bit oversize for safety.

[hankaye]

nuskovich, Howdy;

The only draw-back to a DRW is the extra expense of tires.....
If you don't want to handle that then .....

Were I you I'd go with the DRW and a 20K hitch.
Why ???
Extra traction of the duel tires, you may run into areas where
you are placing abnormal loads on the hitch... (eg. rutted roads,
pot holes etc.), when one is uncertian, the 'oversizing' may prove
to be helpful, beneficial or neessary ...
This is an area where the expression "Go big or stay at home!" applies.
But, that is only my opinion.....

hankaye

[LittleJoe]

Definately DRW with this load and the distances you are travelling.

In my experience with proper rotation it does not cost any more to run 6 tires than 4. The six will have a longer life span by at least 25% and the DRW tires are in general less money per tire than the SRW size.

If you run your rear duals too hard and wear the centers out, than that is a different story.

[chain_dogg]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Dually for sure and at least a 20 K hitch

X2. I Agree

[SAABDOCTOR]

Gotta go x3 i have had both srw drw. the dully's last longer. and alaska is not a place for marginal. if you have been there you should know. if not i am sure you will get the proper replies. i have been thereduring iditarod. flew there not commercial. bad place to have broken equipment. go BIG or stay on the porch

[Keeper]

With that size and weight you'll be safe with a dually, and safety should be your primary concern for your family and everyone else on the road. Also, you'll need a 4.10 axle for that weight. Check out the charts for the 3.73 and 4.10. You'll see a substantial difference in towing capacity.

Just a note on the safety issue. If you ever hurt or kill someone on the road and the personal injury lawyers prove that your tow vehicle wasn't rated for the trailer, they will own you.

[Carlosmodesto]

We pull a 361 LEV with a DRW and 20 K hitch. I am happy with the stability of the ride.

[hankaye]

nuskovich, Howdy;

Time to poo or get off the pot (toungue-in-cheek humor)

...go get'cha one of these;

http://www.sporttruckrv.com/?gclid=C...CFW5tgodzFmgIg

hankaye

[nuskovich]

hankeye...that was funny. A rig that you could live in if you lost your RV. A bit too large for my current needs.

Sorry to disappoint all but I have chosen the 2012 Chevrolet 3500 HD, SRW Z-71, Trailering Pkg. Airbags will be added with a 20K hitch. I'll never come close to carrying the maximum passenger as I will be alone most of the time, putting along, seeing the sights. I don't drive 70 now without the trailer and it bugs the wife.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Well the range is 15% to 25% of GVW, so this would be between 2,700# to 4,500#. while still a load it would likely split that weight as it is a Toy hauler say 20% of GVW 18,000 X .20 = 3,600#
Well on page 20 of this towing document, there is a nice RAM 3500 Dully that will pull 19,900# with a payload of 4,500#.

So I would say anyone of the Big three makes a package that would handle that rig.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_g...wing.Specs.pdf

EDIT: 20K hitch as I would never pull a 18K trailer with a 18K hitch, go a bit oversize for safety.

Originally Posted by Keeper

With that size and weight you'll be safe with a dually, and safety should be your primary concern for your family and everyone else on the road. Also, you'll need a 4.10 axle for that weight. Check out the charts for the 3.73 and 4.10. You'll see a substantial difference in towing capacity.

Just a note on the safety issue. If you ever hurt or kill someone on the road and the personal injury lawyers prove that your tow vehicle wasn't rated for the trailer, they will own you.

Originally Posted by nuskovich

hankeye...that was funny. A rig that you could live in if you lost your RV. A bit too large for my current needs.

Sorry to disappoint all but I have chosen the 2012 Chevrolet 3500 HD, SRW Z-71, Trailering Pkg. Airbags will be added with a 20K hitch. I'll never come close to carrying the maximum passenger as I will be alone most of the time, putting along, seeing the sights. I don't drive 70 now without the trailer and it bugs the wife.

Nuskovich,

Why did you ask if you don't listen??

Not a single responder said go SRW, ALL stated DRW, the number 1 reason was Safety, second was Payload, SWR will be overloaded with that pin weight.
Have you ever driven the Alcan highway? Everything I have ever seen about it is that it is one tough road.
Good luck with your decision, but you will soon be regretting not going DRW.

[SAABDOCTOR]

Did you do this when you were growing up? ask onething then do another!. good luck with the srw. bring plenty of tires for the alcan. na skip that you don't need advice! enjoy your trip. fustrating day told a guy not to buy this car went and did it anyway now it blew a motor and he is yelling at me! if you an't gonna listen don't fricken ask!

[SAD]

Soooo based upon the last two responses, don't ask for advice on this forum unless you take it? :shrug:

[SAABDOCTOR]

HEY IT'S A FREE COUNTRY STILL ask for advice take it for what it's worth if you get all responses tell you one thing and no one says the other maybe you should listen! maybe if not say thank you and do waht you want.and move on. i feel and this is my feeling only. you asked do throw it back at me like well i realy don't want your opinion. how ever going to alaska reuires the right equipment period. if not you'll be the one that sends the rescue crews out. i was in serch and rescue. i would accept the risk when things go horribly wrong but when stupidity is involved i wish we could have chraged them for the use of the resorce. now i am not saying the poster is stupid don't go down that path. but sftey is priceless yours and mine! kinda like the 4th boating accident on long island 3 kids dead 20 odd people on board not enough life vests kinda senceless yes?

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Oh, well .....
Lead a (insert appropereate animal here),
to the watering hole..........

hankaye

[SAD]

OP's location says Juneau. I presume he knows 'something' about Alaska. We don't have enough information to determine otherwise.

Best I can tell this thread is what 18 posts long... Don't assume you people are the only one he has consulted.

He could have consulted a listing of people and our posts on this forum are in the minority. Quit being so right try not to be like RV.net.

[SAABDOCTOR]

got it you can stop berating me now!!! i'm off to the watering hole. i'll keep my opinons to myself sorry i upset youps been in the auto service industry for 40+years i assume nothing. maybe the heading should have been I already did it now i want confermation HaHaHa take another sip ah feel much beeter now

[azlee56]

I am going to tiptoe in here and just pat you all on the back and offer you a root beer! (too early in the morning for a glass of beer you know).

Now in typing that last line I had to correct it because what I had typed was "a lass of a bear". I think it is too early for that too.

Cheers!