I have a Early 99(2-98) F-250 SD,PSD, Lariat, SC,Shortbed, 4x4, Auto and am looking at a Jayco 5er. The GVWR on the trailer is 9700. My truck is stock except for the A-pillar gauges and 10K mod. I was wondering what I will need to handle this trailer or will I already be able to? Also what kind of 5th wheel hitch do you guys currently have on your trucks? The RV place has a REESE that pivots all over the place? Dont know much about these things but need to know before I make the guy an offer on the 5er. TIA

 

Rok31, a pivoting 5th wheel hitch is very nice, you know how when you pull in to fuel up, the uneven curb slopes up, well it strains the frame of mostly the 5er when you try and go up these. But a draw back would be now it will pivot side to side, so you have to watch the clearences between the trailer frame and the corners of the box.

Is your truck a PSD or a V-10? The GVWR of the trailer is 9700lbs so the wet weight will be about 9000lbs ( I am guessing) so make sure you are not overloaded ( GCWR) your truck if its a diesel will weigh about 7300lbs ready to pull so now add the 9700 to7300 = 17000Lbs Combined weight see whats on your door placard for the GCWR. also find out the pin weight too. Where is the water tank at? Is it above the hitch? thats alot of extra weight if you run it full of water.

Rob/HBT

 

Thunder- I have a PSD and according to the literature I have, my truck is rated at GCWR of 18000lbs, max trailer weight is 10000lbs.

Now the specs on the trailer lists as: Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) 7645lbs, Dry Hitch Weight (I assume this is the pin weight) 1215lbs, Gross Vehicle Weight 9700lbs. I am not exactly sure about the water holding tank, but I am thinking it is closer to the back over the trailer axle. Either way that puts me awfully close to maxed out. Kinda puts a new spin to my shopping now.

As far as the pivoting hitch goes, I can see where it would be an advantage in situations like you spoke to. My concern was with the pivoting side to side. If the RV place installs all this, wouldnt that be one of their jobs, to make sure that there is enough clearences? They are a fairly reputable dealership and are high volume so I assume these guys arent going to shaft me. I did look at one they just installed on a 97 F-250 RegCab PSD, and they do a nice looking job.

Thanks for your help.

 

You will be fine just crunch your numbers and be sure you are not overloaded insurance companies can be mean nowadays. Those 7.3's when chipped are awesome, trust me (bad choice of words)

as for hitch being installed at the dealership, yes, it is ther job to do it correctly just be sure to communicate with them that this is a concern of your and they will adjust properly. I had about 6" between the trailer and the F350 box but I was a dually and it came close a couple times but I did watch just in case.

What gears do you have, probably the 3.73's hey? I don't think the 4.10's were available for the F250's. If you get the dealer to put the hitch in, ask them before you sign if you can test tow it and get it wieghed. You can put this down as a stipulation (sp). Tell them if the numbers jive the deal is signed. I work in the RV industry and most NOT ALL will blow smoke you know where to get the deal.

I was at a car lot and the saleman there said "oh ya, it will pull your 5th wheel it has the 5.4 in it." ya well the axle code is 3.31. you are on the right path tho Homework and inform yourself as much as you can cause it all comes down to this, its your money spend it wisely and make a smart decision.

Rob/HBT

 

Thanks
One more question HBT, I was reading in the posts you had about the F-150 Shortbed, that you recommended getting a sliding hitch mount to maintain proper clearence on the cab. Since mine F-250 is also a SB will I need to get this? And again thanks for all the info you have provided.

 

You will definitely need the slider hitch for your shortbed also look to see if the fifth wheel has an extended pin box.

check out this website on hitches.... reeseprod.com