I plan on towing a 5th wheel trailer, more than likely 3-4 different locations per year. I really hate to have a DRW to drive all year long, when my actual towing is in the number of a couple of weeks out of the whole year.

Any advice appreciated as to if I can get by with a SRW 3500 vs the DRW 3500. Will be towing a 5th wheel in the 35-37 foot range, probably 12,000 lbs. Plan on using the gooseneck hookup to do so, so as to save room in bed and not have to wrestle around a hitch several times per year.

Thanks for your advice.

Okie looking to retire soon.

 

I personally would opt for the DRW. I think any time you are towing anything of any significant size or weight you will be a lot safer with the dual wheels. I see a lot of cattle trailers and flat goosenecks being pulled with heavy loads by trucks with SRW's and always wonder what they would do if they blew a back tire. I feel safer knowing if I have one go down or blow I still have another to rely on. In my opinion DRW is the way to go. Just my opinion and sure you'll get many more.

 

I would strongly urge you to stay away from the gooseneck adapters that attach to the 5th wheel RV's pin box. These adapters act like cheater pipes to increase the bending moment applied to the frame of the 5th wheel well beyond design values, and any number of individuals have experienced damage to the frames of their 5th wheels due to the use of these gooseneck adapters. If you want the capability to tow a gooseneck, a 5th wheel and to have a clean bed when neither is in use, look at the B&W gooseneck hitch with the companion 5th wheel RV hitch at www.turnoverball.com.

If you're going to be pulling a 35-37 foot 5th wheel, I would highly recommend a DRW. The high pin weight (approximately 20% of the total trailer weight) of a large 5th wheel will put you well over the GVWR of a SRW truck.

Rusty

 

I agree with jgn, be a lot safer with a 35ft 5ver. The springs will carry the weight but the tires will be near max weight with singles. A dually would be a lot more stable too.....

 

For that kind of a trailer, a dually is the only safe way to go. Why overload a single rear and risk the rig getting away from you?

 

a rig that size won't feel as stable on the road without duals, and if you don't feel comfortable towing it, you will use it even less.

 

Dually, and if you go with the B&W Turnoverball one person can easily have that hitch in or out of the truck bed in 5 minutes.

Happy haulin'

Ken

 

Don't use the goose hook up.. You can get cracks in the trailer frame or the goose adapter.. Not a good Idea.. I'm a full time RVer and I wouldn't have any kind of goose hook up...

 

I saw you're an Okie,, what part of Okla are you from??? I have an mail addy in Midwest City. I graduated from Del City High in 66, I retired from the Army in 96. e-mail me if you want to, and we can talk RV's... Hippie...

 

If your Trailer is only like you say 12k there is no need for a dually. If you hang aroud here long enough you will see the dually guys keep pating themselves on the back. There are a few that do need it but not the majority.

 

With all respect, I have seen very few 35' to 37' 5th wheels with a loaded weight of 12,000 lbs. 13,500 to 16,000 lbs (or more!) is more typical. If you want to pull a big 5ver, get the right tool for the job - a dually.

Rusty

 

With all due respect to juicedcummins, I agree with Rusty. There is no comparison in handling between my SRW previously owned and this dually while pulling the same fifth wheel. And I am not "patting myself on the back" - - my druthers would be to have SRW, but common sense says no when my objective is safety when towing.

And, I second the comment on the gooseneck setup - - don't do it. Only use gooseneck on trailers that are designed for them unless you want a cracked frame on the fiver.

 

Here you go Blowout Bob....I'll pat you on the back.

 

Now who let you out from under your rock? Another heckler. Man, when will this harrassment end?

We luv ya, man.

NewTiresBob

 

Go with the dually! Like the guys said a 35-37' 5ver is going to run more than 12000 lbs. and you need the extra stability you get with the dually and the added safety.

Why would you hate to drive a dually all year? I drive mine every day and love it.