towing fifthwheels

rnasti · 01-31-2006, 08:12 PM

Im thinking about tradeing up to a bigger trailer. I want to buy a fifthwheel and was wanting feed back from some one who is doing this.
p.s. I keep hearing about rear end going out, mine has had a rear seal start to leak fluid, I wounder if thats causing fluid levels to drop to low and creating the problem from there. I do all my own maint and spoted this sortly after I took a camping trip( i was rotating my tires ) but for the record I beat the crap out of mine and use it for work and aside from the leak no problems nock on wood.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-31-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnasti

Im thinking about tradeing up to a bigger trailer. I want to buy a fifthwheel and was wanting feed back from some one who is doing this.
p.s. I keep hearing about rear end going out, mine has had a rear seal start to leak fluid, I wounder if thats causing fluid levels to drop to low and creating the problem from there. I do all my own maint and spoted this sortly after I took a camping trip( i was rotating my tires ) but for the record I beat the crap out of mine and use it for work and aside from the leak no problems nock on wood.

What size camper are you currently towing?

rnasti · 01-31-2006, 08:21 PM

jayco 23 d hybird about 4500 lbs

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-31-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnasti

jayco 23 d hybird about 4500 lbs

You don't say whether you have the KC or CC but either will tow a 5th wheel, and people here do tow 5ers with both. Here's a great hitch for such applications:

http://www.pullrite.com/superglide_12.htm

Remember that you're driving a 1/2 ton truck when choosing and don't go over the proper trailer length for the wheelbase of the truck.

rnasti · 01-31-2006, 08:38 PM

I have a kingcab, let me tell you there proud of that bad boy! ( pullrite )
have you talked to any of these people and how dose the truck do?
the trailer im looking at now is about 29 feet but the hitch weight is 1400 lbs witch will bring me over my gvwr but the trail in hole only comes in at 6900lbs dry

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-31-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnasti

I have a kingcab, let me tell you there proud of that bad boy! ( pullrite )
have you talked to any of these people and how dose the truck do?
the trailer im looking at now is about 29 feet but the hitch weight is 1400 lbs witch will bring me over my gvwr but the trail in hole only comes in at 6900lbs dry

Yes I have spoken to one guy. It's actually his dads truck and loves how it tows his 5th wheel. I don't recall the size of his though. I tow a 28' travel trailer with a 6200+ LB dry weight and over 8600+ LB max. The weight of your trailer is fine, just be careful of your GVWR. See if there's something that can be done about lowering that 1400 king pin weight. Some trailers axles can actually be reconfigured to put more over the trailers wheels and less on the king pin. Good luck!

DeTitan · 01-31-2006, 10:35 PM

Masti,

Perhaps you could load the trailer such that the weight transfers back-wards.

That may bring you closer to the specs of the truck.

Take a look at the water tank, if its behind the rear axle you are in luck!

*BAT1* · 02-02-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnasti

I have a kingcab, let me tell you there proud of that bad boy! ( pullrite )
have you talked to any of these people and how dose the truck do?
the trailer im looking at now is about 29 feet but the hitch weight is 1400 lbs witch will bring me over my gvwr but the trail in hole only comes in at 6900lbs dry

Your trailer will be driving you with that kind of "dry" weight. Plan on another 1000-2000 pounds on top of that.

I wouldn't do it. Time to upgrade to full size.

ptgarcia · 02-03-2006, 09:54 AM

1400 lbs at the pin is just about perfect for a 6900 lb 5'ver - thats about 20% of the total weight. Trying to lower that weight by loading the rear could cause instability while towing. You're going to max out your GVWR, but the 6900 lb tow won't be a problem. While towing, just remember you have a large load and keep the speed down. Good luck!

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 02-03-2006, 10:50 AM

You'll never even come close to adding 2000 LBS in cargo, food etc to your camper. What does add a lot of weight is your grey, black, and fresh water. Be sure to carry EMPTY grey and black tanks and keep only a tiny amount of fresh water (in case you need to use the toilet while traveling) while towing.
Use the chart in your owners manual that gives you your GCVW as well as all your weight limits to make your buying decision. Remember, a dealer will sell you ANYTHING just to make the sale, so don't go by what they tell you. But a 7000 LB dry weight is plenty safe for towing with the Titan as long as it's properly equipped. Good luck!