You can get the gooseneck on the trailers from the manufacturers now on some brands. The gooseneck is stronger than the fifth wheel by the ratings and with the size of the trailer that you will be getting a DRW is a must to handle the unit. Probably will have several slide outs and that will probably put your tounge weight over the top for a SRW.

 

I also agree, that a dually would be required. I also agree that the goose adapter is probably not a good idea, unless the manufacturer of the 5er says (in writing) that it is ok. I've heard some RV builders will not warranty the frame if such an adapter is used.

Anyhow, to give you some numers:

Dodge says curb weight for a 6 speed long box SRW quad is 7220, and max payload is 2680. Max combined is 23000 if 4.10 or 21000 if 3.73 axle. That leaves 15,780 or 13,780, respectively for everyone and everything in the truck and the weight of the trailer.

I happen to have a King of the Road brochure here, and it lists their 35 footer as 11,400 dry and 14,900 GVWR which at first would appear to be within the capacity of the truck, but the dry hitch weight is listed as 2350.

That leaves you only 330 pounds to put the truck over payload capacity, and that is with the TRAILER DRY AND EMPTY, and it would probably put the rear axle over capacity (6150) as it is.

The weight of the driver and hitch assembly will surely exceed 330, and with the trailer loaded, hitch weight could be up around 2900.

Sorry to be long winded, but my point is the pin weight of a 35' trailer can quickly exceed the limits of a SRW, even though the weight of the trailer is under what Dodge lists as it's towing capacity...

I don't claim to be an expert. These are just the numbers off the truck, and the trailer brochure.

P.S. VtxMan, I see this was your first post. Welcome. I've sure learned a lot from the people on this forum, and the general tone is always friendlier and cleaner than most.

 

Vxtman,

Thanks Jeff for pointing out a first post here. Vxtman, sorry for not welcoming you in my first post. Sooooo, welcome. There are really nice people on here (just watch out for the one named Hoss, Scotty or Casey - - they are baaaad people). I have learned lots and we have fun - - yeh we do.

FiverBob

 

VxtMan,
Welcome to the forum. As most have pointed out, a 35'+ 5er will exceed your rear axle weight rating before your finish loading the trailer with food, water, etc. When I bought my first dually, I didn't think I wanted one, but after I traded the tounge pull for the 5er, I was glad I had a DRW. The stability difference is quite noticable, and the safgety factor of the extra tire in case of a blow-out is extra peace of mind. I've seen a few pics of the SRW's that were pulling a heavy 5er when a rear tire blew, and none of them made gracefull stops (severe damage or total of the trailer and/or truck). I use my current dually as a daily driver and have gotten really spoiled on it, and would not now go back to SRW even if I sold the 5er. I guess it is someting that grows on you. I recently had to drive a loaner 2500 for a few weeks, and I was having severe withdrawals from my dually by the time I got it back from the shop.

 

Sorry to sound ignorant, but what is this gooseneck adapter? Does anyone have any pictures?

 

HERE is one example of a gooseneck adapter.

Rusty

 

I've had two duallies, and one single rear wheel (DRW, then SRW, then back to DRW) Driving the dually is just the same as driving the SRW. The only time I don't like my dually is in very small parking lots, and when I have to replace all six tires at once. As almost everyone has mentioned, there is no comparison when towing the fiver, and mine only weighs about 11K loaded.

Good luck with your decision! (Go ahead.....you know you really want the dually, they are sooooooo cool!)

DeWain

 

1st choice...dually. 2nd choice....SRW with Rickson 19.5's