First Time buyer

[beastley]

Hi,

My hubby and I are looking for our first 5th wheel and are considering a 31RE. We have a question.How much room do you need to leave when you are considering the pin weight capacity of the truck?? We have a 2008 Chev 2500 HD, and were told at the dealership that it has a capacity of 2700 lbs hitch weight. It has a gas tank in the bed (475 lbs full) and with 200 lbs allowed for the actual hitch we are allowing for 2000 lbs on the hitch for the 5er. The dealer brochure says that the 31REwas 1580 lbs, but the dealership weighed it and it's actual hitch weight is 1826 lbs! That actual weight is dry with no gear so I am nervous about our ability to tow it. We are considering not actually filling thetank... maybe run it athalf full.

Is there a rule of thumb about having a certain percentage of "room"that makes a safe allowance for your gear? Thanks!



Mike and Judy

 

[dalemac]

I doubt your hitch will weigh anywhere near 200 lbs., and filling your tank half way should solve your problem. Welcome to the forum and good luck with your first 5'er. We love ours.

 

[artgpo]

The carry capacity of the '08 2500HD should be about 9,200 lbs. That is the weight of the truck, about 6,000 lbs, the passengers, full tank of fuel, any cargo, the hitch, usually about 125 lbs and the pin weight. You will be very close if you avoid filling the tank.
Welcome and good luck with the new Cruiser!