3/4 Ton GMC Payload for 12,000 GVWR Fifth Wheel

[stevenffc]

Looking seriously at a 2016 JAYCO Eagle and 2019 Grand Design. Both fifth wheels and have similar weight of around 12000 GVWR. I have a 3/4 GMC that permits goose tongue of 2490 and trailer of 16,620. The max pay is 3342. Wife me and dog go around 500lbs. Assuming a tongue weight of 2500, this puts me close to maxing out payload? Too much trailer for truck?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'd say you are pushing the practical limits but not yet in unsafe territory. You may end up exceeding the payload and/or rear axle GAWR by a couple hundred lbs but the wheels aren't gonna fall off and the wear & tear difference between max payload vs max +200 is negligible.

But you would probably be happier with the extra weight capacity of a dually 350/3500.

 

[Derby6]

I think you are good to go.

 

[JavaCheeks]

I've been told to stay 10-20% UNDER towing rating limits.

In your case a trailer weighing 12,000 lbs would be pushing it. I understand most people (including me) don't ever expect to come close to maxing out your trailers capacity until we do.. you, wife, dog, water, groceries, gear.. it adds up quick.

your truck tow limit of 16620 lbs would put you at a max trailer weight of 13,296 - 14,958 lbs. (that is calculated at the 10-20% under your towing capacity) The camper your looking at maxed out would be 15,342 lbs.

I'm by no means an expert, I just keep a close eye on safety, and the 10-20% under is just a rule of thumb I have been taught.

 

[JavaCheeks]

I just saw the date on your post....

 

[RayIN]

Read this website thoroughly first, then use it to accurately match a 5er and tow truck. FWIW, NEVER use the unloaded weight of a trailer when matching it to a tow vehicle --- UNLESS that's how you plan to go camping, with an empty trailer.
RV Safety|Towing Capacity Info|GCWR Charts

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I've been told to stay 10-20% UNDER towing rating limits.

That's good advice for a car or SUV, but the rating on most trucks is a real world number, usually conforming to the SAE J2807 standard. That said, RV trailers with their huge frontal area and high sidewalls are a harder tow than a utility trailer, so staying on the low side can help.