Standard box vs long fifthwheel

7mgcmn · 04-03-2012, 07:08 AM

Hi,

I was wandering if anyone out there is pulling a 37'-41' fifthwheel with a standard box SRW truck? I have 2012 Sierra 2500HD duramax, looking at the 365 BHS. I am sure that the power is there, curious on how it will ride? If need be I wopuld install a set of airbags for a additional carrying capacity. I realize that a long bed dually would be the way to go, but the truck has other uses. Any experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Quahog · 04-03-2012, 07:20 AM

Welcome to the JOF, 7mgcmn.

drfife · 04-03-2012, 07:36 AM

I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD, SRW, CC, standard bed, Duramax. We are also shopping for 5th wheels.

You have plenty of truck for the 36BHS.

I plan to install a PullRite Superglide 18K automatic slider hitch when we get a 5th wheel. There is debate if it is absolutely required, but I do not wish to take the chance, get into a bind, and impact the 5th wheel to the truck cab.

You can get a manual slider 5th wheel hitch. They cost and weigh less than the Superglide.

There are many people that do not use a slider hitch and report no problems towing their 5th wheels with standard bed trucks.

I'm sure you will be pleased towing the trailer with whatever hitch you chosse to use.

nylyon · 04-03-2012, 07:57 AM

Mine's a 35' with a short bed F250. I think that the biggest issue is the turning radius and whether or not you need to have a slider hitch. My 5th is equipped with the Reese Revolution and I have full articulation with this setup without risk of contact between the 5th and the truck. I had looked at that camper as well, (it is very nice) but because I have an F250 I went with the lighter camper.

7mgcmn · 04-03-2012, 07:57 AM

Thank you, for the warm welcome and quick responses. I am leaning towards the superglide for the added protection. I was unaware that you could not Hitch and Un-Hitch at angles greater than 16 deg. Probably will never need to, but something to consider when spending big money on the superglide. Will post updates once trailer, hitch, linex, and othergoodies are installed.

Greg

krsmitty · 04-03-2012, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mgcmn

Hi,

I was wandering if anyone out there is pulling a 37'-41' fifthwheel with a standard box SRW truck? I have 2012 Sierra 2500HD duramax, looking at the 365 BHS. I am sure that the power is there, curious on how it will ride? If need be I wopuld install a set of airbags for a additional carrying capacity. I realize that a long bed dually would be the way to go, but the truck has other uses. Any experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Believe you would need to check the max bed/towing weight for your truck. As long as it can handle the hitch weight for the 5er you are looking at you will be ok.

Father had to upgrade from a F250 to F350 when he upgraded to a 40' Designer.

drfife · 04-03-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mgcmn

Thank you, for the warm welcome and quick responses. I am leaning towards the superglide for the added protection. I was unaware that you could not Hitch and Un-Hitch at angles greater than 16 deg. Probably will never need to, but something to consider when spending big money on the superglide. Will post updates once trailer, hitch, linex, and othergoodies are installed.

Greg

Greg, the 16 degree limit for hitching concerned me, but in reality, should never be a problem. There are tricks to unhitch just in case you get in that situation.

I ordered a 3500HD to allow a bit more GVWR and GAWR. You may need to add air bags or Timbrens to improve your ride.

The truck add ons, add up. I got my truck 1/31/12. Since then I've installed Raptor 5" stainless steel wheel to wheel staps, WeatherTech floor mats, Amp Research BedStep, Line-X Premium bedliner, Retrax Pro bedcover, Rand McNally RV 7710 GPS, MultiVex mirrors and Wincos front window tint. And I have not even installed the Superglide. $3,500 and counting....

krsmitty · 04-03-2012, 08:26 AM

Then...if you do any performance type upgrades...CAI, exhaust, etc...You are right Russell, the add ons add up fast...LOL

3'senough · 04-03-2012, 10:45 AM

Welcome.

I pull a 2011 365 BHS with my 03 F350 Dually 6.0. I added 4 turbo back exhaust and have a Edge tuner which help on both fuel and power. I don't know if anyone on the forum pulls a 365 with a 2500 series or not. Even a larger Pinnacle owner might give you some insight as I think there a couple with a package like your considering.

There's a lot of camper there to pull. Both long and weight wise once you load it up with gear. While the engines are pretty much the same in the 3500 vs 2500 series in almost all diesel applications. There is the question of spring package and rear. The duallys have more beef to them in that aspect which in turn help with the 2500# hitch weight. Plus 4 vs 2 wheels which make it a little more stable IMHO. It tows great, sometimes I forget it's there other than the occasional tug.

I have not scaled this unit yet due to having no CAT scales within 300 miles of my home. I plan on doing this over the summer to confirm it all as there will be one on my route.

When I hitch up, my truck sits level since the rear is about 1.5" higher unloaded. If your truck is level to start it will most likely sit down a little, so some firming up will most likely be needed in the rear to have it sit correctly. I have no experience with added suspension systems so really can add much there. There are several members with the two setups your asking about so I am sure you'll get some +/- feedback on each.

Most of the specs for the earlier 2500-3500 models have about 100-200# from one another on trailer weights. Now there seems to be more of a spread since the frame rails and specs are changing.

I would also strongly reccommend going with the mor ride pin. Night and day on the chucking and hard starts.

Just my experience and 2 cents. The unit itself is great.

Bozemanite · 04-03-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

Greg, the 16 degree limit for hitching concerned me, but in reality, should never be a problem. There are tricks to unhitch just in case you get in that situation.

I ordered a 3500HD to allow a bit more GVWR and GAWR. You may need to add air bags or Timbrens to improve your ride.

The truck add ons, add up. I got my truck 1/31/12. Since then I've installed Raptor 5" stainless steel wheel to wheel staps, WeatherTech floor mats, Amp Research BedStep, Line-X Premium bedliner, Retrax Pro bedcover, Rand McNally RV 7710 GPS, MultiVex mirrors and Wincos front window tint. And I have not even installed the Superglide. $3,500 and counting....

Hi,
What are the "tricks"? I hope that I never have to use them, but it would be good to know about them just in case. Might save me some frustration. :hihi: Thanks, Don

drfife · 04-03-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nylyon

....My 5th is equipped with the Reese Revolution and I have full articulation with this setup without risk of contact between the 5th and the truck....

I was informed that the use of a Reese Revolution or Sidewinder hitch were not endorsed by Jayco and could impact warranty claims on the frame.

Did your dealer install the Revolution?

drfife · 04-03-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bozemanite

Hi,
What are the "tricks"? I hope that I never have to use them, but it would be good to know about them just in case. Might save me some frustration. :hihi: Thanks, Don

I do not currently have a Superglide.

I was told if you get into this situation, to pull the pins that attach the hitch to the frame rails or Superrails, raise the landing gear to free truck from hitch, then drive out.

The hitch remains attached to the kingpin.

My question is what to do when you need to hitch back up?

This was what I was told. I have not tried it.

Shin Pond Hunter · 04-03-2012, 04:39 PM

I too pull a 2011 365 BHS using a Pullrite Superglide hitch. My TV is listed in my signature. I wanted more cab room, so, I suffered for bed length. As mentioned earlier, this is a long camper; in my opinion, you won't find too many situations where you would want to unhitch with a 16 degree (or greater) angle. I had one tight squeeze in Hershey Park CG where I had to jackknife the thing to get it in the spot; however, once it was in I could easily pull forward and "erase" that 16 degree angle. Remember, it is a long rig ~ especially when you add the cargo rack on the rear (like I have)...

Rob_Fla · 04-03-2012, 06:50 PM

We pull our Pinnacle 5er with a Chevy Duramax Crew Cab Short Bed.

We have a a slider hitch but in the 6 years we pulled our 05 Eagle and since we have had our current Pinnacle, we have never needed to use the slider on the hitch.

The Pinnacle with the rounded front cap has more clearance that the 05 Eagle did so we may never use the slider portion of the hitch.

drfife · 04-03-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_Fla

...The Pinnacle with the rounded front cap has more clearance that the 05 Eagle did so we may never use the slider portion of the hitch.

Rob, I hear you, but I'd hate to get into a situation and only have a non-sliding hitch.

It's like insurance. You only need it if you don't have it......

7mgcmn · 04-03-2012, 08:08 PM

I really appreciate the info. How do you like the 365 BHS? I was wandering what dealer you bought it from, and if you had ever attended the Hershey RV show? I here that there are some great deals during the show and I am trying to get some info to decide if I should wait for the show, or buy one now. This will be one of my next posts, but seing as you mentioned Hershey CG, (which my family just lives for,) thought that you may have attended. Thanks again.

Greg

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