DRV Weight - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Flashman · RV-Dreams Community Member

DRV Weight

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes that can be right. DRV is a heavy well built RV. Great insulation, box tube frames, real wood cabinets, etc. Depending on the year of the Ford, it could very well be struggling. The new Fords, and Dodge - 2013- to present- can cope with the heavy weights, but the older ones usually didn't. That's why you see many F450's towing. Same engine and drive train, but better frames, and different rear end ratios to help out.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very true. The newer trucks have considerably more HP and torque or perhaps the truck in question doesn’t have the appropriate, for its year of design, rear axle ratio for heavy towing. Additionally if you may be considering a change of vehicles the following may be of interest.

If you look carefully at some of the specs on the newer Ford F-350 vs. F-450 you may find the F-350, which has the same drivetrain (engine / transmission, etc.) as the F-450, could actually be a better choice depending on the trailer among other things. The rear axle weight capacity on the F-350 is much more capable and in some cases allows for a better towing machine. It can better handle much higher pin weights, aux fuel tanks and a hauler bed due to the rear axle GWR. The “I can tow this much trailer” specification is not the only specification to look at.

It is just necessary to check the specs for each truck specifically. There is no such thing as an “F-350” standard. It totally depends on the year and configuration.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cummins12V98 · RV-Dreams Family Member

39TKSB3 Mobile Suites 32,500# combined. Front axle, rear axle and combined weights are within specs. Truck handles the 23K MS VERY well!

-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Thursday 8th of October 2015 11:11:01 PM

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Are you using the Aisin tranny and what gear ratio in the rearend?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

Getting back to the DRV weights, that weight would be very likely, especially if it happens to be an Elite Suites model. Our 38-foot Mobile Suites model listed in my signature has a GVWR of 18,500 lbs, and the Elite Suites of the same model would have been around 20,500 lbs. Both Mobile and Elite suites are built on the exact same frame and other configuration, so even if they have a Mobile Suites, the 20,000 lbs wouldn't be out of hand.

Like the others have said, the age of the truck is important here. If it is an older Ford F350, then yes, the truck could be short on capability for the trailer. I suggest that they go see a Ford dealer and have them look at their truck and its data plate at the door to see just what the truck is rated to carry. The newer F350's can even be purchased with the same kind of front end (wide-track?) as the F450 has, thus it would have an excellent turning radius for a dually.

Terry

Cummins12V98 · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggaRView wrote:
Are you using the Aisin tranny and what gear ratio in the rearend?

Aisin and 4:10's

Aisin really is a nice trans!

-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Friday 9th of October 2015 04:34:29 PM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cummins12V98 wrote:
biggaRView wrote:
Are you using the Aisin tranny and what gear ratio in the rearend?
Aisin and 4:10's
Aisin really is a nice trans!

Regarding the Aisin transmission in the 3500HD: There are two versions – when you order the Max Tow package in the 3500HD you get the “-69” version which is the same commercial grade transmission used in the Cab and Chassis 4500HD/5500HD MDT RAM trucks. Different rear end ratio, but same transmission. 4500HD/5500HD with Max Tow get 4.88 rear - 3500HDs get 4.10.

Cummins12V98 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
biggaRView wrote:
Are you using the Aisin tranny and what gear ratio in the rearend?
Aisin and 4:10's
Aisin really is a nice trans!

Regarding the Aisin transmission in the 3500HD: There are two versions – when you order the Max Tow package in the 3500HD you get the “-69” version which is the same commercial grade transmission used in the Cab and Chassis 4500HD/5500HD MDT RAM trucks. Different rear end ratio, but same transmission. 4500HD/5500HD with Max Tow get 4.88 rear - 3500HDs get 4.10.

The Aisin is offered in the 3500HD SRW trucks but 3:42's are the only option. With the 3500HD Dually Aisin there are 3:42, 3:73 and 4:10 ratios offered. The 4:10 has a larger ring gear, someone can fill in the blanks on that one.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our DRV also is in the 23k range. And the Ram 3500 w/ aisin handles it with room to spare....

trimixdiving · RV-Dreams Community Member

I am not sure about the weight of our 38 Mobile Suite but would guess it is in the 19000lbs to 20000lbs range before some upgrades. We have added four more batteries and a generator so was concerned about our tow vehicle. We looked at an HDT as a possible choice, but settled on the 2015 F350 dually. It gets the job done and we have been impressed with the power and ride. I did have to install an air helper kit to level the truck as the DRV squatted it to the helper springs.

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

On the ring & pinion, the lower the gear the bigger the ring gear is and the smaller the pinion gear is.

The 4:10 has a larger ring gear, someone can fill in the blanks on that one.

Here is the ring & pinion, This is 3/73 gears.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond+Gear/836/GM82C373/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710795330&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000848352&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwqZKxBRDBkNmLt9DejNgBEiQAq8XWPlnrMvdVE8masrmuLNKkhiw7g4lkklCnSUBDiur-b_UaAkdZ8P8HAQ

Lonney
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