Towing and Hauling / RV Discuss towing and hauling here. Share your tips and tricks. RV and camping discussion welcome.

okay i found a fifth wheel can the truck handle it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-11-2006, 10:23 AM
  #16  
DBF
Registered User
 
DBF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cLAYH
There is an indicator light on my brake controler that tells me if there is a short or problem with the trailer brake wiring. My trucks brakes have actually been upgraded and have the 1 ton shoes(NAPA Premiums) and wheel cylinders. I could have brought that load to a stop if needed with just the truck brakes given adequate room but I seriously doubt that any truck hauling any kind of sizeable 5th wheel trailer would be able to do an emergency stop with just the truck brakes without jack knifing. Thats why trailers have brakes and why they need to be checked regularly and kept in good condition.

Sounds like maybe you should look into that 1ton upgrade for the next time your trailer brakes fail.
I took steps to prevent that happening again right after I changed my shorts.

I also went to rear disk brakes, which helps a bit. I still want to do a little more on them - larger master cylinder perhaps.

I also stay out of hills with steep downgrades, using the two editions of the mountain directory. And I stay with my little 28'.

Regards, DBF
Old 07-11-2006, 10:46 AM
  #17  
Registered User
 
cLAYH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cochrane Alberta
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Do you have rear ABS on your rig? If you don't you might have to remove the porpotioning valve and install an adjustable one to get more pressure to the rear.

What did you use for calipers? Chevy's?
Old 07-11-2006, 11:11 AM
  #18  
Registered User
 
Patrick Campbell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Central VT
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think 9500 lbs is really that much if that is really what it weighs but I have no knowledge of 93 trucks. What are the front/rear GAWRs and GVWR?

40 ft however is LONG.
Old 07-11-2006, 11:29 AM
  #19  
Registered User
 
rockhound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Bailey, CO
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the weight is not the problem its the lenght and the pin weight

that 40 fter will push that srw all over the place

at least its not a tag along
Old 07-11-2006, 12:04 PM
  #20  
Registered User
 
DSjockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Denver Co.
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That long, that much weight I would want a dually
Old 07-11-2006, 12:29 PM
  #21  
DBF
Registered User
 
DBF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cLAYH
Do you have rear ABS on your rig? If you don't you might have to remove the porpotioning valve and install an adjustable one to get more pressure to the rear.

What did you use for calipers? Chevy's?
EGR kit, which turned out to be Cadillacs. They wore down after 60,000 and I had a heck of a time finding replacements in Alaska; finally got Midas equivalents.

I'm going to take out the ABS next time I have it up in the air and connect around it.

I'm leery of screwing with proportioning, which I know nothing about. Guess I ought to do a search here & get more info.

Tx, DBF
Old 07-11-2006, 12:52 PM
  #22  
Registered User
 
ptgarcia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fontana, CA
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I seriously doubt a 1987 year 40' 5th wheel only weighs 9000 lbs. If that truely is the weight you'll probably be okay. I pulled 8000 lbs with my 1/2-ton Titan without issue.

What's the GVWR of the 5th wheel? Is it that 14,000 lbs you mentioned? If so I'm betting that coach is closer to 12,000 lbs unloaded. And 12,000 lbs of 40' 5th wheel will put you way past your trucks limits.
Old 07-11-2006, 01:09 PM
  #23  
Registered User
 
cLAYH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cochrane Alberta
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
The 1978 NU-WA 40' I pulled back from BC wieghed 10,500#. It was completly dry and the genset had been removed. Honsetly it towed fine with my 3/4ton. I had zero problems. It was a one time tow to get it where I needed it and won't be making a habit of it as I know I was over my legal limits. But with the eninge turned up, aftermarket TC and the rear airbags it towed VERY well. Better than my camper/flatdeck/Jeep combo that I normally tow. I pumped up the rear airbags to 40psi, just enough to level the truck.

When weighed at the weigh scale I was about 800# too much on the front axle and still had about 1200# left on the rear but was over my total weight limit. I know my hitch is too far forward but unfortunatly its a cheaper unit and once installed thats where it is. I won't be hauling a 5th wheel again anytime soon some I'm not going to mess with it.
Old 07-11-2006, 01:54 PM
  #24  
DBF
Registered User
 
DBF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ptgarcia
What's the GVWR of the 5th wheel? Is it that 14,000 lbs you mentioned? If so I'm betting that coach is closer to 12,000 lbs unloaded. And 12,000 lbs of 40' 5th wheel will put you way past your trucks limits.

For my 92 with auto & trans coolers it's this:

GCWR=14,000. Combined, per Dodge.

Truck:
FrontAxle (GAWR 4000)
RearAxle (GAWR 5450)
BothAxles (GVWR 8510)


DBF
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
misterKTM
Towing and Hauling / RV
24
02-11-2015 01:21 PM
blackram2500
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
9
04-29-2010 04:36 PM
ratlratl
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2007 and up
81
03-12-2010 09:04 PM
checkster
Towing and Hauling / RV
8
03-28-2008 04:25 PM
turbo hoss
Towing and Hauling / RV
7
07-13-2006 02:19 AM



Quick Reply: okay i found a fifth wheel can the truck handle it?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:54 AM.