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We have a 2012 Ram 2500 6.7 liter diesel full 4 doors and an 8ft bed and are looking at a Montana High country to travel in with our 2 kids and was curious if the truck we have would have any issues with that as a setup or if anybody has a recomendation for a fifth wheel in the $ 60K range that would be better. WE have not committed to the Montana but it is high on our list.
Review the weight of the trailer. Should be posted somewhere on the outside. Then get the specs of your truck. GVWR is the first number to check but there are others. Your personal stuff and the liquid in the tanks will increase weight. Remember that just because a truck will PULL a trailer does not mean that the rig will STOP. I've also heard that there may be an issue with the height of the sides of the truck bed. Some newer trucks have higher sides and the trailer needs to be adjusted so you can turn.
Others here have a lot more information than I do. I'm sure they'll chime in.
When considering a tow vehicle for a fifth wheel your primary concern is how much weight the TV can carry before becoming overloaded and exceeding the TVs GVWR.
Figure out what you and your three passengers weigh, all other cargo in the truck bed including the fiver hitch. Then add the fiver hitch weight. There is no doubt about the truck being able to haul the trailer, but, can it handle all the cargo its going to have to carry? With a normal complement of four people your load is always going to be heavy with a trailer hitch weight in the 2500 - 2800# range.
When researching hitch weights it’s best to remember the manufacturer’s published hitch weight is an ideal weight calculated by spec designers. The real world figure is normally a bit to a big bit higher.
-- Edited by FastEagle on Wednesday 18th of May 2016 07:25:02 PM
1) You need to weigh your tow vehicle with all occupants, full fuel, the hitch in the bed, and any "stuff" you would normally carry. You then would subtract that weight from the GVWR for the truck and that's your left-over payload (for pin weight). Of specific concern is the rear axle rating (and tires) and not exceeding that in any case.
2) Figure on 23 - 25% of the manufacturer's GVWR (NOT dry weight) for an estimated pin weight on the trailer. The manufacturer of our fifth wheel lists a pin weight of 2,090 lbs. in the specifications. Lightly loaded for full-timing - and with an added front AC - our actual pin weight is 3,000 lbs.
If your "$60K range" is based on MSRP, many of us will shop around to find a deal that is about 30% off the MSRP. The Montana's are good units, in my opinion, but you may be able to get a better deal if you have a target entering into negotiations.
Rob
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2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7
PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
