I have been searching on this for quite some time and have found nothing conlusive.

I am looking at a 5'ver with a total GVWR of 14,000lbs and an UVW of 10,500lbs.

My truck, 2000 F350 7.3L DRW 4x4, suppossedly has a fifth wheel tow rating of 12,600lbs and a GCWR of 20,000.

The guy that has the trailer now has the same truck as me. What can I do increase the weight rating by was of suspension or any other mods.

 

So I have been doing the math and all limits are okay with a total cargo availability of 1,440lbs. -600 lbs of people and stuff in TV, -200 lbs for hitch, leaves me with 640 lbs left in the camper.

 

You are looking to increase the weight rating of the truck, is that correct? What kind of tires are you running now? Make sure they are E range, and if you are wanting to go all out, swap out your wheels and tires for a set of 19.5" wheels and tires. Much better stability, much stronger tire and wheel, longer tread life, and g and h load ratings. Just like the F-450s and 550s, however they are 8 lug and bolt up directly to your axles the way they are. You can add an air bag setup to the rear, i have that done on my 07 f-350 CC dually Towboss. It is an excellent setup, helps control sway, makes the truck sit level with virtually any load. It takes 85-90 psi to level the truck out sometimes, when i pull the 34' enclosed trailer, with several thousand pounds in front of the axles, which turns into tongue weight, the airbags do a great job of keeping the truck level. The good thing about that is the bags act as the main part of the springs, while the main leaf springs are still within the first 1-4" of travel, which keep the leaf springs at the softer edge of their progressive rate, which makes bumps in the road less harsh. I do find that the bags also reduce bouncing over longer bumps in the road, like uneven bridge edges where the tongue weight on the trailer would have a leverage effect of really pushing the back of the truck down when the back wheels clear the bridge....

I just found this, here is a picture before the airbags. Just imagine now it sits perfectly level. I can even make the back of the truck higher if i want..

 

a set of ride rite air bags will help all, 5K rating, easy install, make sure you get the 5er style bags, abouit 300 bucks if i remember right, and if your truck didnt come stock with the rear sway bar, id pick one up at a junk yard.
and a set of slotted rotors and hawk pads would help you stop it.
just a few thought off the top of my head.

 

That for the info Kris.

I am just looking to make it as safe as possible. Air bags are definitely an option. I have e-rated tires.

I'm looking into the exhaust brake and slotted rotors now.

 

beat me too the punch kris.

 

Whats new

 

LOL. kris

shenders, my KWIK EBPV brake works good, costs a hole $10 or so in parts.

 

Should I be too concerned if my GCVW is say 21,500 while the book says 20,000 from other than a legal stand point?

 

no, i wouldnt think so and i dont think about it, my truck weighs about 7.5K and my loaded 5er is 13K.

 

No, don't be too concerned. I have had 20,000+ behind me (trailer and cargo) on the new gooseneck and i know it's illegal however it does the job just fine. If my birthday would come sooner i could get my CDLs...