Towing limits with 5th wheels

[AK_GONZO]

I have a 3500 duramax dually and we are looking at purchasing a 5th wheel that may hit 27k lbs. We still haven't decided on which manufacturer, but look up DRV, Luxe, and New Horizons if you think I'm off on my weights...New Horizons are by far the heaviest of the three.

 

My question is this, with the max trailer weight being 22,600 lbs (from what I've found), is it possible to SAFELY increase hauling capacity to meet what I need or do I stop while I'm ahead a look at something bigger? I know I can add airbags but how much capacity will I gain? I've seen on Classy Chassis website I could do a complete air ride swap but I haven't checked cost or load capacity.

 

I'm running a FASS 165 Titanium and non deleted tunes from Duramax Tuner, and S&B intake, everything else is stock. I also have a B&W companion 20k 5th wheel so it looks like that will need to be replaced as well.

 

 

[shane.lawrence.311]

Rule of thumb is no more than 80% of your max towing capacity for the weight your camper...

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[cmysstailights]

You cannot increase your towing capacity or your payload. At 27k lbs whats the pin weight??? 5th wheels are pin heavy so you might exceed ur payload first. Does your license allow you to drive that weight? Here in ny i need a special r designation for over 26k lbs combined weight. Adding airbags will help but not in the capacity you need.

What are your tires capacity raiting?
Payload capacity
Axel capacity
Trucks actual gvwr (yellow door sticker has all info)
Srw or drw(that heavy better be drw)


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[aseibel]

6 hours ago, AK_GONZO said:

My question is this, with the max trailer weight being 22,600 lbs (from what I've found), is it possible to SAFELY increase hauling capacity to meet what I need?

NO, any modifications you make to the truck are for your convenience only. Nothing increases the GVWR or your ability to drive legally.

[newdude]

I'd be looking F-450 or a class 4-6 toy hauler, or a full blown RV/Motorhome.  If for whatever reason you had to be scaled as part of some sort of check, you'd be WAY over weight, no matter what you did to "increase" the capacity of the truck.         

[Kubs]

Airbags do NOT increase capacity.  They are designed to help level a load and make for a safer towing experience within the limits of the vehicle.

[AK_GONZO]

Thanks guys for the comments, this is what I thought but I have some friends here that keep telling me that this truck is more than capable of hauling more than what its rated for. I've actually looked at and driven a '19 f450, nice truck but the 86k price tag is a hard pill to swallow.

[2018GMC]

Holy $hit thats expensive! But I’m sure prices and inflation will continue to rise instead of decline. 

 

Have heard some people towing heavy with F series complain about death wobble. But that was a few years ago and not sure how common since it was on the internet. Just something to keep in mind if you decide to go Ford or Ram. 

 

New GM HD’s 2020! Prob just a sheet metal change. 

 

Look at a smaller trailer?

[AK_GONZO]

So I ended up going to an '18 Dodge 3500 Limited, it has the H.O. 6.7, Aisin tranny, and self leveling airbags.  Dodge now has an in house designed 30k 5th wheel for the 3500 which beats the F350 AND F450 due to the limits of the 27.5k 5th wheel rating.