Dually or not to Dually Understanding Towing Capacity

Dually, or not to Dually Understanding Towing Capacity vs. Cargo Capacity - Jeff Webber 1

You May Not Need These … 2

BUT, Better Than These … 3

Tow Truck Considerations Six things to consider before you buy: • Towing Capacity • Gas vs. Diesel • Payload Capacity • Single Rear Wheel (SRW) vs. Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) • Bed Length • Hitches and Airbags • Examples NOTE: Intent is to educate members on tow vehicle and weight considerations. We will not make any specific truck, RV, or option manufacturer recommendations. We will only look at examples for discussion. 4

Towing Capacity (Motor capabilities) How much the truck can pull (and stop) safely? Based on: • Engine (gas vs. diesel) • Transmission/Rear End Ratio (3: 55 / 3: 73 / 4: 10) – Most popular rear end ratio in trucks today is 3: 55 § averages towing power vs. fuel economy § good ratio for the occasional towing or hauling – More frequent towing and heavier loads: 3: 73 or 4: 10 more appropriate • Weight / Brakes 5

Gas vs. Diesel Which is best for towing? Gas • Gas engines cost less upfront • Fuel costs less at the pump • Maintenance costs are generally lower for gas engines Diesel • Greater towing capacity due to large torque outputs • Diesel engines tend to last longer than gas engines • Superior fuel economy saves money over time Recommendation: If you're going to be towing a hefty fifth-wheel, particularly over long distances, a diesel engine would be more beneficial. However, gas engines are also perfectly capable of towing a fifth wheel, so a diesel engine is a recommendation, not a requirement. 6

Payload Capacity (Axel Capabilities) Do I need a ½ ton, ¾ ton, or 1 -ton truck? How much weight will the truck actually hold? Payload Capacity = Gross Vehicle Weight - Curb Weight Based on: • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) • Subtract truck’s curb weight - see stickers inside truck door • Cargo added to the truck: passengers, pets, tools, fifth wheel hitch, fuel tank, fuel, and of course … fifth wheel pin weight! • ½ ton - Ford F-150, GM/Dodge 1500 • ¾ ton - Ford F-250, GM/Dodge 2500 • 1 -ton - Ford F-350/450, GM/Dodge 3500 7

SRW vs. DRW Do I need a standard truck or a dually? SRW - Single Rear Wheel DRW - Dual Rear Wheel Pros • Slightly more affordable truck option • Better fuel economy • Perfectly capable of towing if you are an everyday driver with little need to tow heavy loads • More comfortable ride without a load • Easier driving, parking and handling Cons • Lower payload capacity and less capable when it comes to stability when towing in windy conditions • Duallys are safer in a blowout situation - If a tire blows out in a standard four-wheel truck it may be more dangerous Pros • Increased maximum payload capacities • More stable for a trailer specifically in a windy situation (therefore, added safety when needed) • Perfect for a 5 th wheel trailer or larger heavier hauls Cons • Decreased fuel economy • Can be more difficult to park and drive because of the wider and heavier body to accommodate extra wheels • More expensive purchase cost of the truck and tire replacement • Less comfortable ride without a load 8

Truck and Bed Length Should you use a long bed or short bed and do you need a Crew Cab, single, or something in-between? Long Beds - 8’ Short Beds - Under 8’ Shorter Beds - Under 6’ Pros • Best RV turning clearance • Most convenient for towing • Best traction/reduced sway • Most cost-effective setup Pros • Easy to park & maneuver when not towing • Often include larger cab • Excellent daily driver Pros • Lightweight and easiest to maneuver when not towing • Often include larger cab • Excellent daily driver Cons • Large for a daily driver Cons • Reduced RV turning clearance • Less convenient for towing • Less traction • Less cost-effective setup Cons • Highly reduced RV turning clearance • Least convenient for towing • Least traction • Least cost-effective setup 9

Type of Hitch What kind of hitch do you need considering the bed length? Short Bed Long Bed Fixed Hitch - 8’ bed Slider Hitch - Under 8’ Pros • Lighter and cheaper than a slider hitch Cons • May not allow enough clearance in shorter bed tight turns Pros • Best turning clearance on a short bed truck Cons • Heavier and more expensive than a fixed hitch Toolbox • Don’t forget toolbox or fuel tank height considerations Other Options • Goose neck conversion • Sidewinder pin box If a Crew Cab is a must-have, but it comes with a short bed, the good news is that towing a fifth wheel is possible with the proper equipment. However, hitch and pin box upgrades will have a higher out-of-pocket cost and aren't as convenient as fixed hitch setups. Recommendation: A truck with an 8 -foot bed and a fixed hitch would be preferred. 10

What if I add Air Bags? While air bags can help level out an over-loaded truck by jacking up the rear, it changes nothing about the truck's cargo rating. The truck will be level, but still over loaded … Conclusions: The more you add to a truck, such as: 4 x 4, DRW, diesel engine, crew cab, hitch, fuel tanks, tool boxes, etc. the less weight you have left available for tow and payload capacities. 11

Manufactures Towing Charts 2020 GMC 3500 12

Manufactures Towing Charts 2021 RAM 2500 SRW 3500 SRW / DRW Conclusions: • A DRW carries more axel weight than a SRW. • A diesel pulls more vehicle/trailer weight than a gas engine. 13

Redwood Specifications 2021 Floorplans Floorplan 3401 RL 3901 MB 3901 WB 3911 RL 3951 MB 3951 WB 3981 FK 3991 RD 4001 LK 4150 RD Length 36’ 8” 40’ 3” 40’ 10” 42’ 2” 41’ 4” 42’ 10” 44’ 10” Dry Weight 13, 583 14, 333 14, 307 14, 680 15, 308 15, 394 15, 038 14, 808 15, 088 15, 824 Carrying Capacity 4, 654 3, 791 3, 805 3, 220 2, 912 3, 094 3, 248 3, 092 2, 534 3, 008 Max Weight 18, 237 18, 124 18, 112 17, 900 18, 220 18, 488 18, 286 17, 900 17, 622 18, 832 Hitch (Pin) Weight 2, 362 2, 570 2, 412 2, 778 2, 732 2, 736 2, 824 2, 620 3, 152 2, 934 Conclusions: • The 4150 RD is the longest and heaviest Redwood! • The length and max weight may not be the heaviest pin weight. • Nor does the shortest RV mean it is much lighter … Note: These are only planning numbers…the weight sticker on the RV rules! 14

Example 2020 GMC 3500 HD and Redwood 4001 LK 15

Examples - 2020 GMC 3500 HD • Crew Cab • Duramax Diesel • Long Bed - 8’ • 4 X 4 • Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) • Tool Box / 90 gal Fuel Tank – – – GVWR - 14, 000 lbs GCWR - 40, 000 lbs GAWR RR - 10, 500 lbs Curb Weight - 8, 814 lbs Max Payload - 5, 186 lbs 16

Examples - Redwood 4001 LK 2020 RW 4001 LK • Rear Kitchen • Forward bedroom/bath • Length - 42’ 10” / Height - 13’ 6” – Unloaded - 14, 899 lbs – Max GVWR - 17, 900 lbs – Max Cargo - 2, 941 lbs 17

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Results: My truck is about 160 pounds over weight, and my RV is only 20 pounds under its weight max. 19

Example Ford F-250 and Redwood 4150 RD Can the “reasonably” smallest Ford Super Duty pull the largest Redwood fifth wheel? - F-250, SRW, 4 x 2, short bed, gas engine 20

Example 21

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Example Ford F-250: SRW, 4 x 2, short bed, gas engine + Redwood 4150 RD • 9, 900 lb cargo capacity - minus 6, 057 curb weight = 3, 845 max pin/cargo/etc. - RW 4150 RD: 2, 934 = 911 lbs remaining cargo capacity • 26, 000 tow capacity - minus 6, 057 curb weight = 19, 943 lbs trailer max - RW 4150 RD: 18, 832 = 1, 111 lbs remaining pull capacity - must have 4. 3 rear end vice more popular 3. 55 else you will burn up the transmission … Floorplan 4150 RD Length 44’ 10” Dry Weight 15, 824 Carrying Capacity 3, 008 Max Weight 18, 832 Hitch (Pin) Weight 2, 934 Result: Yes! A ¾-ton, Single Rear Wheel gas truck can tow the largest Redwood 5 er! However, it is maxed out and do not recommend much more cargo or additional passengers. Driver must be extra considerate of breaking distance and cross winds. 23

Conclusion Do You Need a Dually? In short, no—you may not necessarily need a dual rear wheel truck to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. Recommendation: If you plan on frequently towing a large fifthwheel, a diesel dually is an excellent choice for a more stable ride. However, if you plan on towing a smaller fifth wheel, or if you'll only be towing your trailer on occasion, then sticking with a single rear wheel truck can provide more day-to-day driving comfort. 24

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