How to increase RV cargo carrying capacity?

[rbrdriver]

If he is going to insist on 1/2 or even 3/4 truck only he might as well not even consider fifth wheel toy hauler of any kind, especially since it sounds like he is hauling lots of other stuff too, such as people, equipment, etc. Hate to burst someone's bubble here......

[gearhead]

Sounds like a bunkhouse motorhome would be appropriate.

[flybouy]

So, 4 adults, 2 kids, and 1/2 ton truck. Pile all that into the 1/2 ton and head to the scales. I'll bet you'll have enough remaining payload to carry about a 24' travel trailer IF your truck isn't a heavily optioned top tier model. No way will you be able to carry the pin weight of a fiver.

Here's what I recommend you do before diving into the deep end. Try "camping" at home. Block off all rooms except the kitchen and maybe one small bedroom. Also block off all but the smallest of bathrooms. Also fill up about 1/2 of your refrigerator and freezer with empty boxes. Now live in that space and see how "enjoyable" 4 adults and 2 children are in that space.

I don't know of any fiver the size you're thinking about that has the food and clothing storage to accommodate. A small trailer won't have enough seating or sleeping capacity to comfortably exist full time. Over a week end pulling out a couch, or dropping a dinette to make a bed is tolerable but doing that every single day? And forget the "bunk house" as those bunks may not support an adult of any height or weight.

You're talking about full timing 4 adults and 2 kids you are going to need space and that requires a much larger tow vehichle. JMHO

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by flybouy

So, 4 adults, 2 kids, and 1/2 ton truck. Pile all that into the 1/2 ton and head to the scales. I'll bet you'll have enough remaining payload to carry about a 24' travel trailer IF your truck isn't a heavily optioned top tier model. No way will you be able to carry the pin weight of a fiver.

Here's what I recommend you do before diving into the deep end. Try "camping" at home. Block off all rooms except the kitchen and maybe one small bedroom. Also block off all but the smallest of bathrooms. Also fill up about 1/2 of your refrigerator and freezer with empty boxes. Now live in that space and see how "enjoyable" 4 adults and 2 children are in that space.

I don't know of any fiver the size you're thinking about that has the food and clothing storage to accommodate. A small trailer won't have enough seating or sleeping capacity to comfortably exist full time. Over a week end pulling out a couch, or dropping a dinette to make a bed is tolerable but doing that every single day? And forget the "bunk house" as those bunks may not support an adult of any height or weight.

You're talking about full timing 4 adults and 2 kids you are going to need space and that requires a much larger tow vehichle. JMHO

Wow, I was looking at the weights more than the passengers, didn't see 4 ADULTS 2 children! I can't image full timing with four adults even in a huge Bunk Hous or Toy Hauler without toys!
DW and I full time in a 32' 5er that is too big for even a 3/4 ton and would be close for a 1 ton SRW with the stuff we carry in the TV. We have a pin of 2,800# at last weigh.

I just don't see the storage space for that many people for full timing, warn weather / cold weather cloths fill our closets and chest of drawers.

Then there is the comfort of the beds, most extra beds are ok for a vacation of two weeks, but not for full timing.

[Goliath-goes]

Our 381th is 17000 gvw as well and we scale weol within limits of our F350 1 ton srw no dually required.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

Our 381th is 17000 gvw as well and we scale weol within limits of our F350 1 ton srw no dually required.

Your 5ver has a pin weight of 3400 lbs. What is your payload? Just curious. I also have an F350 and wouldn't consider a 17K lb camper. I have never tried pulling this much weight but I doubt my 6.0L SRW would be happy. I think maybe payload-wise, I would be OK but the weight? Not really confident.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

Our 381th is 17000 gvw as well and we scale weol within limits of our F350 1 ton srw no dually required.

I'm with George above. I've got a srw 3500 and wouldn't put 17k on it. The 381th is 13,550 empty with 3454 carrying capacity = 17000lbs. If you carried very little the srw would probably get the job done - minimally. If that is the way you travel it would be beneficial to note that when saying you're within specs. You don't list the details of your truck but those I could find say that 17k is either right at, or exceeds, the max tow capacity for a 350. Payload/gawr/gcwr will be a whole other matter. Just want anyone contemplating such a combo to be fully aware that a 17k lb., 41 1/2' trailer behind a srw pickup is not ideal.

[Goliath-goes]

We don’t go minimal. We have my 900 lb Harley in garage and food and clothes for wife and I we are not full timers yet and with 25 years otr truck driving I’m very well familiar with all the weight regulations If I ever think we are to close to either axle weight capacity or gross weight capacity then I will convert my srw to dually just no need to do that yet and I know you all say that doesn’t change capabilities of the truck. I would go thru all the inspections and requirements to upgrade weight restrictions as well not just add the dual wheels

[wiredgeorge]

Just curious, what does your payload placard indicate your payload is? This is an example located in your driver door frame. Just curious.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

We don’t go minimal. We have my 900 lb Harley in garage and food and clothes for wife and I we are not full timers yet and with 25 years otr truck driving I’m very well familiar with all the weight regulations If I ever think we are to close to either axle weight capacity or gross weight capacity then I will convert my srw to dually just no need to do that yet

I find your 5er to be very unique, a front living room rear master bedroom. So when ever you stop for the night the toy(s) need to moved out to lower the bed. Granted toys and bedroom in the rear should help to keep the pin weight down.
What ever works for you, the SRW must be very new as Ford still had 11,500# GVWR until 19 or 20.

[WDPatterson]

Originally Posted by rvwonderful

Looking at a 5th wheel bunkhouse floor plan:

Dry weight(UVW): 8295 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1338 lbs
GVWR: 10195 lbs
Fresh water tank: 62 Gal
Grey Water tank: 78 Gal
Waste Water tank: 39 Gal

It is bunkhouse model and supposed to sleep up to 6 persons.

The cargo carrying capacity(CCC) is GVWR-UVW: 1900 lbs, which is too small for a family of 6 persons full time living, e.g. 4 adults and 2 kids.

62 gal fresh water is 62*8.3, about 500 lbs.
Grey/waster tanks: assume half empty 500 lbs
6 persons: e.g. 800 lbs.
Food: 200 lbs
Cooking utensils: 100 lbs
Clothing: 50 lbs * 6 = 300 lbs
Propane: 60 lbs
Portable washer: 50 lbs
Misc: 200 lbs

the CCC of 1900 lbs is just too small. Is there a way to increase CCC to about 3000 lbs? Thanks.

What will you be pulling this with?

[WDPatterson]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

Our 381th is 17000 gvw as well and we scale weol within limits of our F350 1 ton srw no dually required.

What year model is your 381th??
With the specs I see, you shouldn't be pulling it with anything less than a dual rear wheel F-350.
Remember, you have to leave yourself a little bit of room.

https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2020-keystone-montana-high-country-fifth-wheel-floorplan-381th-tr42619

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

We don’t go minimal. We have my 900 lb Harley in garage and food and clothes for wife and I we are not full timers yet and with 25 years otr truck driving I’m very well familiar with all the weight regulations If I ever think we are to close to either axle weight capacity or gross weight capacity then I will convert my srw to dually just no need to do that yet

While your OTR trucking experience will certainly help you with your RV experience, your training to watch OTR axle weights and gross weight might lead you astray with an RV. For a vast majority of all towed RV rigs, the first "limit" in capacity that you will hit is "payload" of the tow vehicle. This may be something you could completely ignore with your OTR rig. That's why George is suggesting you look at the Payload sticker on your tow vehicle. Once you know your payload, you will need to also get scale weights on your rig. Only then can you determine if your loading plan falls within your manufacturer's certifications and DOT requirements.

Recognize that "converting" your SRW to a DRW does nothing to resolve an over-payload RV towing rig. While it might help with tire loading, the GVWR of the tow vehicle is a certified rating by the manufacturer based on frame, running gear, breaks, axles, spindles, tires, etc.). No amount of aftermarket additions (DRW, airbags, helper springs) will change or improve the certified rating of your tow vehicle. You have to decide if you want to run legal or not. But any DOT or accident investigation will always be based on the little yellow sticker, the VIN number, the out-the-door certification of the vehicle by the manufacturer.

Hope that helps.

[Ken / Claudia]

I have the answer for the poster. Since the answer for what is wanted is a no and no way it can happen.
With 4 adults, there must be at least 2 available drivers.
Get 2 RVs and 2 TVs. Many 1/2 tons can pull most TTs up to 26-28 ft range and with that size. You can get into parks, will have 2 bathrooms, 2 beds made for adults, room for extra clothes, the list goes on. With extra space the 2 RVs would give, at the end of a week you might still all be friends.

[Goliath-goes]

No not at all. The bed is raised to load toys then lowered into use position. I have about 6” clearance from top of the mirrors on my bike to bottom of bed platform. I don’t raise the bed to unload since it’s not a big deal to lean forward slightly as I back out

[Goliath-goes]

Mine is 11300 gvw
My Montana has third axle witch puts more weight on trailer and by putting 960 lb bike on tail in garage takes a lot of the weight off pin I’m not on here to argue I know what works and I know I’m legal. I don’t think potential buyers should be swayed into buying a $80k dually because some people feel it’s a must
Also my gcvw for my specifics truck is 35000 if trailer and truck both maxed out which they are only equals 28000 and yes I still have class A Cdl so I’m legal to operate at this weight as well

[Goliath-goes]

2020 381th

[Goliath-goes]

Thank you all for your input. I’ll hook this up and hit cat scale about 8 miles from my house then I’ll try to post scale ticket on here

[chunker]

To the OP, please understand the difference between "sleeps 6" and being able to have 6 people of any size move around and be anywhere near comfortable. The GF's bunkhouse 5th wheel was listed as sleeping 11. If you put 11 in there for more than a few minutes there would be mass murder and suicide. As others have said or alluded, you probably have unrealistic expectations as per your original post.

[chunker]

Originally Posted by Goliath-goes

Mine is 11300 gvw
My Montana has third axle witch puts more weight on trailer and by putting 960 lb bike on tail in garage takes a lot of the weight off pin I’m not on here to argue I know what works and I know I’m legal. I don’t think potential buyers should be swayed into buying a $80k dually because some people feel it’s a must
Also my gcvw for my specifics truck is 35000 if trailer and truck both maxed out which they are only equals 28000 and yes I still have class A Cdl so I’m legal to operate at this weight as well

I think you will find that you weight shift with the bike loaded is a lot less than anticipated. On my Raptor 356 with an 800# HD loaded and all the tools and heavy stuff in the garage I got minimal shift. I'm going back to a 3500 DRW because I couldn't get the shift and want adequate capacity and safety margin. But to each their own. Oh and I scaled several times with empty truck, empty trailer, 2 different loaded truck/trailer configurations and weights.