Looking at a 355MBQS

[M109pilot]

Looking to get some of your professional opinions on towing. I currently own a 2014 F-250 with the camper package. We currently have a TT but we are looking at a Jayco 3554MBQS. I have never owned a 5th wheel before and need to get some advice on towing. Is the F250 a good TV for this trailer?

Thank you,
Jason

[rsday75]

I have a 2003 GMC 2500 Duramax/Allison.
Towing for my truck is 14,900lbs. Lots of folks say I should be able to tow a camper like the 355MBQS and then some.
BUT.......
I have had my truck over a scale with full fuel and my son. I am at 7120lbs.
GVWR for the truck is 9200lbs that leaves 2080lbs for pin weight and any other gear in the truck. I would not be over the rear axle rating.
That camper GVWR is 13,750lbs. So, I am good there, but will be likely over by a few hundred lbs on the GVWR for the truck.
Research shows that the difference in my 2500 and the 3500 SRW is an additional spring in the spring pack, and 265/75r16 tires instead of my stock 245/75r16 tires.
I will be adding a helper spring, and already have 265.75r16 tires.

All that said. I think I may try it with my existing truck, until funds are available for a newer 350/3500 series as we usually only take local trips with one trip of a longer distance each year.

So, long way to answer your question......
The 250 should be ok, but you will likely be right at or just over the GVWR for the truck.....the scale and only the scale can tell you for sure.

[M109pilot]

Thanks for the reply, rsday75.
I still haven't made the purchase but things are shaping up this week and I may be ordering the 355MBQS on Friday. Ive been trying to sell my current Open Range TT but it looks like Ill be trading it. The market for selling a used trailer doesn't seem to be very strong.

No one else has experience for a TV and a 355 trailer?


Jason

[hunter1393]

We have been towing a similar 5th wheel,Thor,Kingston model for six years. Out west several times through mountains. no issues. We just upgraded to the 355mbqs. Have had it only 4 months. Easy tow.

[M109pilot]

Originally Posted by hunter1393

We have been towing a similar 5th wheel,Thor,Kingston model for six years. Out west several times through mountains. no issues. We just upgraded to the 355mbqs. Have had it only 4 months. Easy tow.

Thanks, Hunter. What do you tow with?

[hunter1393]

I have a 2010 Silverado 2500. Diesel with the allison trans.

[HeloHokie]

Jason,

I'm in the same boat you were in and was wondering if you purchased the 355MBQS? I've run the numbers and it looks close but do-able with my F250 4x4 CC SB.

Let me know if you've had success with your setup.

-Chad

[Obenaufc]

We are picking up that same RV next week, the 355. We literally just upgraded our 2011 Chevy Duramax 2500HD, to a 2015 Chevy Duramax 3500 HD Dually. The "dry weight" is listed at 12,300 and almost 15,000 loaded, not including weight in your bed and cab. We wanted to make our 2500 work, but we also live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and travel a lot. If we lived where it was flat and didn't plan on a lot of travel, we would have stuck with the 2500. Generally, it's always better to be overpowered when hauling, safety first. Good luck, we are really excited about our 355Mbqs

[HeloHokie]

We live in SC and don't plan on doing a lot of mountain driving. I'm kicking myself for not getting the 11,500# GVWR F-350 but the F-250 is essentially the same truck. I may just add the upgraded springs for peace of mind. Wanted to know how other people are doing with towing the 355MBQS (or similar) with a 250/2500 diesel?

[M109pilot]

Originally Posted by HeloHokie

Jason,

I'm in the same boat you were in and was wondering if you purchased the 355MBQS? I've run the numbers and it looks close but do-able with my F250 4x4 CC SB.

Let me know if you've had success with your setup.

-Chad

Chad,
I have had great success towing with my F250. The only thing I wish I had was a long bed truck. With that being said, I was able to sell my F250 (not trade) and I purchased a new F350 with a long bed for a smoking great price. I will tell you that these trucks are essentially the same though but my new F350 sits a couple inches higher. I wanted a long bed so I could add more gear in the back. The issue I am facing now is that with my trailer loaded on the truck I am sitting at 13' 5 or 6 sixes, depending on which eye ball I use. This could pose an issue for me as I live in Virginia Beach and I will have to travel a tunnel to get out of the area. That's unless I want to take the really long way around.
Jason

[HeloHokie]

Did you add anything to the F250 rear suspension? No issues towing the 355MBQS? We're looking to order one and want to make sure there aren't any issues with my F250 towing it. I think I am going to put Hellwig heavy duty leaf springs on it as a precaution.

We just moved from Va Beach in February so I know what you're talking about. The long way around is definitely a pain. Maybe throw a few extra pounds in the bed of the truck! Good luck!!!

[M109pilot]

Originally Posted by HeloHokie

Did you add anything to the F250 rear suspension? No issues towing the 355MBQS? We're looking to order one and want to make sure there aren't any issues with my F250 towing it. I think I am going to put Hellwig heavy duty leaf springs on it as a precaution.

We just moved from Va Beach in February so I know what you're talking about. The long way around is definitely a pain. Maybe throw a few extra pounds in the bed of the truck! Good luck!!!

I had zero issues towing. I didn't have any mods done to the rear suspension. I would have added timbrens or something like that down the road but didn't have any reason to do it right away, if that makes sense.

Jason

[HeloHokie]

Thanks for the help!

[srvdmy4usn]

I am looking at the 2017 355MBWS, slightly different but very similar. Does anyone have actual loaded/scaled weights of their 2016, and if so, what add on's did you get in the 5er? More of a curiosity then anything, I know the factory weights don't include any of the add ons.