I am new to the fifth wheel adventure and would like to know about the ford F-350 sw. I am trying to determine how heavy the fifth wheel can be. And what the pin weight can be. I do not own either of these yet and want to be able to match them up properly. I am sure there are things I should ask but can't think of them just yet. Thanks

 

This link may answer some of you questions.. You may have to copy/paste the link to your browser..

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/

Open the desired year, and select line 14-15 for 'Entire' Truck/SUV towing specs..

Welcome to FTE!!

........................HP...................

 

YES....Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE.
Must read if you own a 6.0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=325000
See you on the boards.
Enjoy FTE …..

 

I am guessing you mean F350 SRW (single rear wheel)
Every model will have a GVWR ( gross vehicle weight rating ) This is the max. legal weight of the truck and its payload. So for example ny truck has a 11200 GVWR and it weighs 7500 pounds leaving 3700 pounds for a payload. Most large Fivers can put 2000 pounds on the pin and that would leave me 1700 pounds for passengers and other stuff.

Every model will also have a GCWR ( gross combined weight rating ) which is the total weight of the truck and trailer.
My GCWR is 21000 pounds so again my truck weighs 7500 pounds. so 21000 pounds minus 7500 pounds gives me a max trailer weight of 13500 pounds.

The rear end ratio really affects your GCWR and I have 4.10s If I would have ordered
4.30 gears I would have had a 23000 pound GCWR.

 

Sounds like you may be in the same (happy) boat that I am in.

The wife and I have decided to do the fifth-wheel thing next year (we also are new to the towing scene) and plan to buy a towing machine (AKA SuperDuty) also. I have owned an F250 before ('97 PSD) but don't own a towing machine at this point. I am giving myself at least six months to get "edumucated" on the proper tow vehicle (plan to purchase next spring) and we will buy our fiver next fall. We see ourselves going out every six weeks or so with the fiver, and I may drive the truck to work twice a week.

First off, I have spent hours reading old posts on FTE. Lots of info here. I have definitely been swayed to the V-10. It looks like I will be also leaning heavily toward a SRW F350. Since we plan on buying in the 12000 lb range, that will be sufficient.

As far as your fiver, spend some time on rv.net. You may also want to get a subscription to Trailer Times (I think that's the name of the magazine, it's at home). Go to RV shows and look! Go to rvtrader.com and LOOK!

I figure that we will be putting out a substantial sum of money next year, and I do not want to be disappointed within six months!

Good luck!
Michael

 

Go for it, we bought ours 5 months ago and use it at least once a month. It is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Dan

 

Try this site, Openroads forum.com a lot of towing info there, good luck.

5er driver from Tampa

 

We are on our 2nd. fifth wheel camper. First, we pulled it with a SW 97 F250 with a 460, 4wd, had to keep tire pressure at max due to rearend swaying because of weight, terrible gas miliage. Got an 03 F350 drw 4wd 6.0 Diesel, better fuel miliage, better handling and closer to being legal, got an 05 drw, 6.0,4wd,13,000 GVWR, got newer camper, hitch weight, 3,100, camper total weight is 15,280. Would like to say one main think about the bigger campers and truck with 4wd. if you live in a area with hills, grades, slopes and you have to back it up a slope, grade or what ever, 4wd is a must, 4 low and you are not tearing your tranny apart, it will almost idle it in the spot. With a camper or any trailer as large as you want, wouldn't even think of buying anything but a dwr truck, 4wd. Better all around handling.

 

50jd60, I agree with your post. With 3100 pounds of pin weight you want a dually.
I have hauled slide in campers and towed 5th wheels since 1974 and I have seen so many people cooking their automatics trying to back up a big fiver on soft ground like you see in a lot of campgrounds. In a 4X4 , you put her in Low range and idle that rig where you want it. Another good place for good RV prices, try RVDirect.com.