Trailer vs. Fifth Wheel

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Newsguy - 08 Mar 2007 19:35 GMT

Greetings,

I'm new to RVing and am looking to buy a unit. I have a 2003 GMC 1500HD.
I've researched my truck and can safely say I have a 10K Lb rating. My
question(s) is/are:

What is the difference between towing a travel trailer versus a fifth wheel
with respect to towing capacity? Can I haul a heavier fifth wheel than
travel trailer?

I know how they sit on the vehicle , but I'm not sure if there is a
significant difference, if any, because a fifth wheel rests directly on the
axle vs. the trailer and the hitch.

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

C

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Frank Tabor - 08 Mar 2007 20:00 GMT

> Greetings,
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> C

You have to go by the GCWR. Weigh the truck and subtract that from the
GCWR and that will tell you how much trailer you can pull.

A fifth wheel pulls better than a TT. However, you have to figure the
pin weight in the rear of the truck can be as much as 25% of the total
weight of the trailer. Your 1500 won't take but about 1500 lbs, max.

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Frank Tabor
Avoid gunfire in the bathroom tonight.

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HDinNY - 08 Mar 2007 22:08 GMT

>>Greetings,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> pin weight in the rear of the truck can be as much as 25% of the total
> weight of the trailer. Your 1500 won't take but about 1500 lbs, max.

He's got the 1500HD Frank. From Edmund's site;

> Exterior
> Length: 237.2 in. Width: 79.7 in.
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Maximum Towing Capacity: 10200 lbs. Drive Type: RWD
> Turning Circle: 49.6 ft.

Looks like he's be okay with the right 5th wheel.
Hugh

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Newsguy - 14 Mar 2007 16:46 GMT

Thanks for the help.

> Greetings,
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> C

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