SRW and Towing Feedback for Large North Points

Redbaron32 · 03-09-2018, 02:09 PM

So I realize that the questions of tow capacity have been the subject of many posts on this forum and there is lots of helpful advice as to the size truck that is ideal for the trailer. My question is not what do I need, but rather to other people who have the same or similar setup with what their experience has been.

I have a 2017 Ford F-350 CCLB SRW with the 6.7 Powerstroke. We are awaiting delivery of a 2018 377RLBH. I realize and recognize that the loaded pin weight will likely put the truck over its rated capacity and I recognize that ideally I would have a 350 or 450 DRW. This is simply not an option for us. We are, however, planning a cross-country trip this summer and are trying to figure out what to expect from the tow characteristics of our setup.

So for other owners of the 377 or similar 40+’ size North Point or Pinnacle 5ers who are towing with a SRW truck:

-How has your towing experience been?

-Do you have Airbags installed and do you feel they are necessary?

Thanks so much!

estesbubba · 03-09-2018, 02:35 PM

I can't help you with the towing experience with a SRW and 377, but with our previous smaller fifth wheel and 2500 adding Timbrens made a nice difference.

**norty1** · 03-09-2018, 03:55 PM

I have towed my 351RLTS with a SRW for 6 years. Love it. My pin weight is 2800 lbs. Within the limits of my truck.

I did add Timbrins and recommend them.

2naEagle · 03-09-2018, 05:08 PM

I also have a 2017 F350 CCSB SRW.
50 gal RDS Auxiliary fuel tank (extra 500#)
B&W hitch (extra 150#) and a Hellwig Big Wig Sway Bar (I highly recommend it)
My North Point 315RLTS has a washer and dryer in it and I have a lot of stuff in the storage.

I have the 20" rims and I got some Michelin Defender tires in LT295/65R20 to up my weight rating on the tires to 4080# each from the 3750# stock ones giving me a extra 660# on the tires.

My truck full of fuel
Steer Axle 4780
Drive Axle 3720
Gross 8500

Truck and Trailer ready to camp
Steer Axle 5000
Drive Axle 7300
Trailer 10640
Gross 22940

I have be to the Tennessee mountains and down the Florida Peninsula and a lot in-between.

I have to say the truck has been doing a great job.

Edit and Full Disclosure:

I'm tired of my truck being so high in the back. I'm working on putting smaller blocks on the back and adding air bags.

klassic · 03-09-2018, 05:39 PM

I have a NorthPoint 341RLTS and a 2017 F350... loaded I am close to 28-3k on the pin.
You’ll be 7-800 more lbs than me on the pin.
I had to lower the axels 1” (most I could get on my 2016 NP) because the truck is so high. And I put on 235/85 tires and got another 1/2” of height.
Truck sat nice when it was brand new. Now it’s starting to sag a little in the rear. I’m going to use timbrens again, I had them I my 2012 F350 and they were perfect.
My opinion, you’ll need something in the rear to keep your new truck from sagging. My vote is timbrens. Easy to install and inexpensive.

Picture is with axels lowered but without the taller Goodyear’s.
I have just under 6” of clearance from the bed rails. No way I would go lower. I’ve come close a few times.

Redbaron32 · 03-09-2018, 05:43 PM

Klassic - That’s interesting about the height. I’ve read everything from ‘you’ve got nothing to worry about’ to ‘it’ll be way too high.’ We’ve ordered from RVOne so when we drive 600 miles to pick it up I’d hate to get a surprise. One thing we’ve been looking at is choosing the hitch. The Curts can go as low as 13” while the B&W (our preference) only go as low as 17” so that’s been a consideration...

Fishermanbb · 03-09-2018, 06:08 PM

I have a 2017 F350 CCSB 6.7 and a 2017 Pinnacle 38 REFS. Loaded and weighed last summer and JUST within all limits on the truck (Payload and Tires). Well within all other limits. It Tow’s great (By the way - my first trailer). I have had zero issues. I did add airbags and it helps but I didn’t really need them.

Unless you really load that trailer up you will be fine. Also, I have a Pullrite Superglide hitch which is close to 300 LBS. You won’t need that with the LB (But you give up a little payload as well.

klassic · 03-09-2018, 06:10 PM

The lower you go with the hitch, the closer you are to the bed rails.
That’s why hitch adjustment is, sort of, a moot point.
Don’t go lower then 5.5” spacing...even that is pushing it.
There’s only one fix. Lower your truck (as pointed out above) or raise the trailer like I did.
Watch your overall height, IMHO 13’6” is max.
You really won’t know until you are hooked up. I know the spring hangers and which side the axels are on has changed since 2016. You might be good.
I do know driving with the rear of your truck sagging sucks.
And even though some say being nose high on the trailer is ok... i say it transfers more weight to the rear axel, that is already almost at it’s max..especially with the weight of a 377. Bearings don’t like that.
I hope you picked the Goodyear option with your new rig. 2016 didn’t have that option, all came with 235/80 China bombs
The 235/85 is such a better choice

Redbaron32 · 03-09-2018, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klassic

The lower you go with the hitch, the closer you are to the bed rails.
That’s why hitch adjustment is, sort of, a moot point.
Don’t go lower then 5.5” spacing...even that is pushing it.
There’s only one fix. Lower your truck (as pointed out above) or raise the trailer like I did.
Watch your overall height, IMHO 13’6” is max.
You really won’t know until you are hooked up. I know the spring hangers and which side the axels are on has changed since 2016. You might be good.
I do know driving with the rear of your truck sagging sucks.
And even though some say being nose high on the trailer is ok... i say it transfers more weight to the rear axel, that is already almost at it’s max..especially with the weight of a 377. Bearings don’t like that.
I hope you picked the Goodyear option with your new rig. 2016 didn’t have that option, all came with 235/80 China bombs
The 235/85 is such a better choice

Thanks yes the 2018 units come standard with the 16" goodyears, morryde pin box and dexter axles. At least we've got that going for us lol.

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2naEagle · 03-09-2018, 06:20 PM

klassic is exactly right about that. I had my axles adjusted down also. I have 6" of bed clearance
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Redbaron32 make sure you have that done.

Redbaron32 · 03-09-2018, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

klassic is exactly right about that. I had mine adjusted down also. I have 6" of bed clearance

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Redbaron32 make sure you have that done.

Thanks! Won't know for sure til in Buffalo to get it so hopefully can be addressed on site if needed.

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2naEagle · 03-09-2018, 06:36 PM

Maybe some more will commit on this because it is important.

You will want that trailer axle adjust to the lower setting not only for the truck and trailer clearance but to help keep the back stabilizers from dragging.

cariboocreek · 03-09-2018, 07:47 PM

I have airbags. They work well. I have no issues towing a large fiver with a SRW. I have had a dually but traded it for my current truck.

klassic · 03-09-2018, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

Maybe some more will commit on this because it is important.

You will want that trailer axle adjust to the lower setting not only for the truck and trailer clearance but to help keep the back stabilizers from dragging.

Some people have complained the rear levellers are too close to the ground on the 377.
After I lowered the axels on my 341 I also lowered the leveled too. I was getting “out of stroke” errors more then I wanted before I dropped the axels, so lifting the trailer frame would have made it worse.
I lifted the trailer frame 1” and lowered the levels 1”
Something to think about too.

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