Towing
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 26
From: BA, OK
That's a loaded question and without knowing more details, a bit hard to answer. That's like asking do you really have to drive the speed limit? Of course you do, it's the safest thing to do. But you get away with it unders certain circumstances.
This should help.......
2019 Super Duty Towing Guide
This should help.......
2019 Super Duty Towing Guide
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
A properly loaded 18K 5th wheel will place a minimum of 3600 additional pounds of payload on that hitch (potentially as much as 4500 pounds); and don't forget the actual weight of your hitch and other cargo. Then take a peek at the specific allowed cargo for the truck you have in mind - it will be posted on the tire label (inside the drivers door).
If longevity (and/or legality) is of any importance to you then Yes - you need a dually. Otherwise you can use whatever (Tacoma), just plan on replacing it prematurely.
If longevity (and/or legality) is of any importance to you then Yes - you need a dually. Otherwise you can use whatever (Tacoma), just plan on replacing it prematurely.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
The 18K is not an issue at all. The pin weight might be. While many will estimate your pin weight based on the old armchair engineer 20% rule, there are RV's that don't work out that way. Mine being one of them. It can weigh between 18 and 20k depending on loading but my pin weight never pushes me over my truck's ratings. So, if you want to go to a SRW, you simply need to weigh your pin. Take your current truck and RV to the CAT scales. Weigh the combo. Then pull to the side, unhook, pull back on and reweigh. Figure out how much more your trucks axles weigh hooked up vs. empty. For $10, you'll have your answer.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
Here is what I found for a F250 Lariat
https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-du...s/f250-lariat/
With a 3,600 pin weight you should be good to go. Just remember you get a bigger fuel tank with a crew cab versus a crew cab
Click on specifications.
The 17 may be in the same class but the 16 has a lower load rating
https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-du...s/f250-lariat/
With a 3,600 pin weight you should be good to go. Just remember you get a bigger fuel tank with a crew cab versus a crew cab
Click on specifications.
The 17 may be in the same class but the 16 has a lower load rating
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
The 18K is not an issue at all. The pin weight might be. While many will estimate your pin weight based on the old armchair engineer 20% rule, there are RV's that don't work out that way. Mine being one of them. It can weigh between 18 and 20k depending on loading but my pin weight never pushes me over my truck's ratings. So, if you want to go to a SRW, you simply need to weigh your pin. Take your current truck and RV to the CAT scales. Weigh the combo. Then pull to the side, unhook, pull back on and reweigh. Figure out how much more your trucks axles weigh hooked up vs. empty. For $10, you'll have your answer.
Armchair engineers have demonstrated that too light of a pin weight (under 20%) easily leads to trailer sway.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
In over 30+ thousand miles of towing my 21k GVWR rig behind a 2012 SRW 350 and now a 2017 SRW 350 I can tell you that for me, 20% is not needed or required for a smooth/sway free towing experience. I've been south to FL a couple times, down to Mammoth Cave KY, out to Wisconsin Dells, up to Nova Scotia and tons of places in between (along with my 4 annual trips back to IN for a freshen up at the plant) with varying road conditions, traffic, grades, wind, etc. During all of that, I have never once been uncomfortable or had any trailer sway. That's with varying pin weights from 12-16% and never any more. But, that's just my experience. What's yours with a similar setup? At what % did you find sway showing up?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
We all have opinions; I contend it is inadvisable to tow a fifth with a too light pin weight. It is equally inadvisable to greatly exceed your trucks payload capacity. JMHO.
Because I have ample payload capacity (5352#) - if anything I load on the heavier side.
Because I have ample payload capacity (5352#) - if anything I load on the heavier side.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Here is what I found for a F250 Lariat
https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-du...s/f250-lariat/
With a 3,600 pin weight you should be good to go. Just remember you get a bigger fuel tank with a crew cab versus a crew cab
Click on specifications.
The 17 may be in the same class but the 16 has a lower load rating
https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-du...s/f250-lariat/
With a 3,600 pin weight you should be good to go. Just remember you get a bigger fuel tank with a crew cab versus a crew cab
Click on specifications.
The 17 may be in the same class but the 16 has a lower load rating
Your not towing 18k with a F250. The lack of payload and the max tow rating is 16.5k on a 4x4 for fifth wheel.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Oh, absolutely! In this case I'm basing my opinion on actual (long term) experience though which is why I asked what your experience was that lead you to your opinion...
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
I will side with Karl on this one. Get your current rig weight with truck and trailer and then without so you can determine what you already have.
Then you can determine the truck configuration that works best for you.
A DRW is a nice truck, I have one myself but not because of pin weight or stability. A SRW may be an option depending on what you actually have.
Then you can determine the truck configuration that works best for you.
A DRW is a nice truck, I have one myself but not because of pin weight or stability. A SRW may be an option depending on what you actually have.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
I will side with Karl on this one. Get your current rig weight with truck and trailer and then without so you can determine what you already have.
With this I concur; the SRW is quite capable -
but I disagree with unloading the pin so as to allow the use of one.
I strongly disagree with encouraging others to do so.
With this I concur; the SRW is quite capable -
but I disagree with unloading the pin so as to allow the use of one.
I strongly disagree with encouraging others to do so.