Did I Get Too Much Coach?

Kojak · 08-06-2015, 09:28 PM

Ok so I think I went overboard by purchasing a 2015 Keystone Raptor 5th wheel which has a dry weight of 13,400lbs and having a 2008 Duramax with a towing capacity of 13,600lbs.

Now I dont have any toys and I dont plan on getting any anytime soon. I only got a toy hauler because I do a lot of dry camping and I can only find the large water capacity in a toy hauler.

I fill up and dump right across from my campground so I wont be hauling any water around.

I do have air bags and Im in the market for tuner.

So will all you professional fifth wheel haulers give this novice some good advice. Thank you in advance.

bsmith0404 · 08-06-2015, 09:43 PM

Upgrade your truck to a dually! Toy haulers are notoriously pin heavy, it compensates when toys are loaded in the back. You don't have toys so you are always going to be very heavy on the nose. the concern is not how much weight your truck can tow, it's how much can you safely load onto the rear axle and frame. My guess if you hit the scales you will be over your GVWR and GAWR by quite a bit

Kojak · 08-06-2015, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Upgrade your truck to a dually! Toy haulers are notoriously pin heavy, it compensates when toys are loaded in the back. You don't have toys so you are always going to be very heavy on the nose. the concern is not how much weight your truck can tow, it's how much can you safely load onto the rear axle and frame. My guess if you hit the scales you will be over your GVWR and GAWR by quite a bit

Believe me I've thought about that but unfortunately that isn't an option right now but my wheels are spinning....

jsmith948 · 08-07-2015, 04:23 AM

You know the old sayings.......
If wishes were horses then beggars could ride - and - You can put lipstick on a pig, but, you still have a pig.

Not to say that your Duramax is a pig, but no matter what you do - air bags, overload springs, tuners, etc., you still have a srw 3/4 ton truck.
Have to agree with BSmith. You need a dually - maybe even a 450/4500 series. That is a heavy trailer. Good luck.

Javi · 08-07-2015, 04:27 AM

Short answer.... YES

Long answer...... HECK YES

GaryWT · 08-07-2015, 05:06 AM

Once you put your gear in which will be more than 200 pounds it will be interesting. Plus as others said pin weight vs payload needs to be looked at. If you are going to tow it, drive slow and hopefully you will stay safe, good luck.

Blrmaker · 08-07-2015, 06:14 AM

Very interesting. Yes you may have.

Can you tow it safely?

Ram189 · 08-07-2015, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryWT

Once you put your gear in which will be more than 200 pounds it will be interesting. Plus as others said pin weight vs payload needs to be looked at. If you are going to tow it, drive slow and hopefully you will stay safe, good luck.

Once the driver gets in it will be over payload unless you are under 200 lbs.

X-Treme · 08-07-2015, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Upgrade your truck to a dually! Toy haulers are notoriously pin heavy, it compensates when toys are loaded in the back. You don't have toys so you are always going to be very heavy on the nose. the concern is not how much weight your truck can tow, it's how much can you safely load onto the rear axle and frame, and more importantly, how much you can STOP!!! My guess if you hit the scales you will be over your GVWR and GAWR by quite a bit

Fixed it for you.

x96mnn · 08-07-2015, 07:13 AM

Everything that was said above and I will add, your trucks life span could take a hit hauling that kind of weight and load over any period of time.

The Duramax is a great engine and you will have power and pull, but it is going to be working a lot of the components you cannot see.

hoffbrew · 08-07-2015, 08:07 AM

What are the specs of your truck? 13,600 doesn't seem right??

Kojak · 08-07-2015, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoffbrew

What are the specs of your truck? 13,600 doesn't seem right??

I have a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 Duramax 4x4

BirchyBoy · 08-07-2015, 08:24 AM

The best thing to do is find the appropriate placards on your truck that list all of the necessary numbers, go weigh your truck and trailer on a CAT scale, and then compare these weights to what your truck is rated for. There are online calculators to help out if you need it. This will tell you your actual weights and then you can know if you have any capacity for passengers, cargo, etc.

Good luck!

hoffbrew · 08-07-2015, 08:27 AM

Crew cab or extra cab? Long bed, short bed?

Kojak · 08-07-2015, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoffbrew

Crew cab or extra cab? Long bed, short bed?

Crew cab with standard bed

Kojak · 08-07-2015, 08:35 AM

I haven't even picked up yet from the dealer or signed the final paperwork but I assume by this time it is too late to do anything since I did sign some paperwork.

BirchyBoy · 08-07-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kojak

I haven't even picked up yet from the dealer or signed the final paperwork but I assume by this time it is too late to do anything since I did sign some paperwork.

Now's the time to go back to them and say you need a different unit.

bsmith0404 · 08-07-2015, 08:41 AM

It's only too late when you signed the final bill of sale taking ownership

hoffbrew · 08-07-2015, 08:45 AM

Dang.... I would have thought your truck had more towing cap. Your truck will do it but I see a dually in your future.
My crystal ball is showing one for me!!!

Kojak · 08-07-2015, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoffbrew

Dang.... I would have thought your truck had more towing cap. Your truck will do it but I see a dually in your future.
My crystal ball is showing one for me!!!

Why do you say my truck will do?

You may also like: