it's a v-nose trailer but i've herd that its almost the same cuz of the crosswinds on a v-nose who knows regardless its a v-nose that im looking at

 

Something I haven't seen in the earlier posts is 5th-wheel vs travel-trailer.

A 1500 with the same equipment (engine, trans, axles, wheels) will be able to pull/stop about the same amount of weight. The difference is that the 5th wheel puts a LOT more weight into payload than a travel trailer does.

Rule of thumb is 10-15% of trailer weight on the tongue, and 20-25% of 5th-wheel weight on the pin.

Splitting the difference for 12% on a TT and 22% on a FW, at 7,000lbs you are putting 840lbs on the truck with a TT and 1,540lbs with a FW.

That is where the 2500 and 3500 take care of the problem.

 

These are my experiences:
My boat weighs about 3500 lbs. My '09 pulls my boat just fine. I've never weighed it, however, I would guess the tongue weight to be 350 lbs. The truck does not sag in the rear any more than my '07 GMC.

My work trailer is a 16' enclosed that weighs about 6500 lbs. The truck pulls and stops the trailer fine. I would guess the tongue weight to be about 600-700 lbs. The truck squats to a point where Dodge should be embarassed. I will be putting air bags on this truck. Mind you this will be at my expense.

One last issue. I may be wrong, however, I didn't think you could put a 5th wheel in this short a bed and still be able to turn without the trailer hitting the cab.

 

Some manufacturers are coming out with 5th wheels specifically made for a short bed. Heartland RV is one.

Good point, though. "Sure you truck can pull it and stop it. Just don't turn with it."

 

I just hauled my travel trailer this past weekend and not to happy sag real bad just went and brought air bags see if that helps. tt weight id 5200 dry and 7200 gross. I should have kept my titan

 

Hi bigkahuna1 - Are you using weight distribution with this setup as well? I have a camper that is rather close in weight and I noticed some sag as well, the weight distribution seemed to help, but I too was looking at the air bag just to help with the squat and a little of the ride comfort.

What brand did you choose?

 

I pulled a 27' Baja from Louisville to Chicago and back last weekend and had the bed full as well and it pulled just fine even with some very stiff winds. The boat and trailer weighs about 6,000 lbs. We averaged around 12.5 MPG for the entire trip. My truck is a fairly well loaded sport crew cab with the 3.55 gears (thought it had 3.92). I got a guy that will swap my open differential with a factory posi unit and 3.92 gears (may go 4.10) for around $850 or so. My normal pull will be with my boat a 22' Baja that will weigh around 5,000 lbs. on the trailer. It should do just fine. I experienced minimal squat (no more than my 03 Quad Cab).

Craig

 

My travel trailer weighs at least 4500-4750lb loaded up. Didn't have a problem pulling at all with 3.55's. I do have a weight distributing hitch, so that took care of what little sag I had (not much).

 

lubie40 yes I 'm using weight distribution. I let you now the brand of the air bags.

 

Here's a couple of pics of my sport cc with the trailer and toys attached. There is about 3-4 inches of sag but I did not experience any soft steering or have any problems towing the trailer. Even had one emergency braking episode just out side of San Antonio when I came up on a guy driving 25 mph in a 75mph zone. Trailer has surge brakes on both axles but the front axle had shed the shoes on the passenger side which I didn't know at the time. Even with that I did not have any problems slowing it down and keeping it straight. Not sure of the total weight but the rhino on the back weighs in at 1200lbs, the 2 4 wheelers are around 350 each and the trailer is 16' all steel with 2.6 PT wood deck. Jeff.



We also had 4 guys all over 200 lbs and all our gear in the bed on the way down.