weight issue help

[BigWW79]

So...put the deposit down to hold a 2019 Pinnacle 37mdqs.

Talked to service and all seemed well with the towing capacity of my truck but I started to do a little more research and this is what I've found.

My 2017 Denali HD is rated for a maximum towing weight of 13,500

The 5th wheel is 14,010 unloaded weight and 16,995 gross vehicle weight. Now service is going to look at some things and call me back...

I dont know what they can do to bridge the gap. Seems like my truck isnt strong or safe enough to pull this one. Am I wrong? Any ideas? (other than the obvious which is buy a new truck or pick a smaller RV)

Thanks in advance and what a BUMMER!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by BigWW79

snip..... Seems like my truck isnt strong or safe enough to pull this one.......snip

IMO your correct.

Good chance the 37MDQS is in the 1-ton TV class, and "possibly" a dually depending on your loading habits (loaded pin weight consideration).

Loaded FW pin weights normally fall in the recommended 20% to 25% range of gross loaded weight...., so don't overlook TV "payload capacity" requirements as well.

Bob

[eagleback]

I know you had the other post and sorry to add to this one too. But its not only towing capacity but your going to be over on your payload, and your just not going to find it in the 3/4 ton truck and the full profile pinnacles. even the northpoints are just to big. You should look more into the mid profile Eagle as they have nice floor plans with lighter weights, also you mentioned that your are going to place it on a lot and it wont be moving, You could look into having it hauled there by a transport company and then the pinnacle is easy reach.

[Old skipper]

As you do additional research you will find what your limiting component is. If you really need to increase your towing capacity changing your axle ratio will result in significant gain. I personally like the 4:10’s for overall drive ability. When I was towing heavy with Old truck I went with an even higher ratio. Watch your transmission temperature. You can make your truck.
Of course there is the new HD 3500 great ride, good pull added safety.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Old skipper

As you do additional research you will find what your limiting component is. If you really need to increase your towing capacity changing your axle ratio will result in significant gain. I personally like the 4:10’s for overall drive ability. When I was towing heavy with Old truck I went with an even higher ratio. Watch your transmission temperature. You can make your truck.
Of course there is the new HD 3500 great ride, good pull added safety.

Changing the rear end may increase the PULLING capacity, but there's nothing you can really do to increase the PAYLOAD capacity. I think this will be the most limiting factor in this situation because of the significant pin weight.

There are stories of OEMs using the exact same components on their 3/4T trucks vs 1T trucks except that the 1T version has an extra leaf in the rear, or a beefier leaf pack. But I'm not sure I would trust that on a consistent basis, there could be other differences you don't/can't know about. I'm quite certain the OEM will not adjust the rated payload capacity based on equipment or parts installed by the end user.

[Old skipper]

There is a difference between what the truck can pull and handle safely and the numbers found on the door jam. For those that want to be under all the lowest numbers you really need to be looking at a mid size truck. Then on the other hand look at all those hot shots pulling multi car haulers with one tons.

[bap]

Are you talking to your truck service department or camper service department? Big difference on advice you will get.

[ROC-REQS]

BigWW79,

If you're putting the FW on a seasonal site arrange with the dealership to have it delivered, as someone else previously mentioned.

If you plan to travel with it, you definitely need a bigger truck.
A 1 ton truck - SRW would work; DRW will give you more cargo capacity in the truck and provide better stability while towing.

Good luck

[Old skipper]

How about a fellow JOF member help BigWW get the trailer home. If i was in the area I would lend a hand and a truck. We are all brothers and sisters here.

[eagleback]

Originally Posted by Old skipper

How about a fellow JOF member help BigWW get the trailer home. If i was in the area I would lend a hand and a truck. We are all brothers and sisters here.

If i were near Texas, i would bring the dually and help them out. Their concern warrants help because they care about not only their safety but the safety of others. I hauled a 2016 pinnacle for a friend last year and that's why were getting one, but that camper let me know it was hooked to my pickup and my cargo capacity On my Ram is 6700 LBS and 30860 LBS towing. I towed nice but it is heavy.

[RobD]

SORRY IMO
NO WAY can you tow that safely!!!
I have a 2017 eagle 355MBQS and I brought it home from dealer in a 2013 GMC 2500 gas which has pretty much the same tow rating as yours. My 5th wheel is about 1500 pounds lighter then that one and my truck absolutely hated it.
I traded my truck in for a 3500 diesel
Sorry about the bad news, but safety first...

[BigWW79]

Thanks for all the input guys and it seems like you are all verifying my fear....I need a bigger truck!

[Old skipper]

Originally Posted by BigWW79

Thanks for all the input guys and it seems like you are all verifying my fear....I need a bigger truck!

Bigger, better and more bad ass. Go for it

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Old skipper

How about a fellow JOF member help BigWW get the trailer home. If i was in the area I would lend a hand and a truck. We are all brothers and sisters here.

I would totally do it if I had the truck to do so, and I'm sure I live pretty close being in the San Antonio area. Even my old truck could've probably done it, but I didn't have 5th wheel hitch. That's assuming the rig was basically empty too; I had a little over 3K lbs of payload capacity. Sold that truck and drive a Grand Cherokee now, so I'm of little help...