Once again, videos like this should be mandatory for RV sales personnel BEFORE they speak to a potential customer. Yea, I know, it’s a perfect world scenario. 🤣

Thanks for making it simple for those of us who aren’t gear heads.

I drive that exact truck minus the Carhart package. I love everything about my truck. I use that tailgate feature all the time. It’s been a good investment. I haul a 40 foot toy hauler with a weight of around 11k pounds. This truck pulls it with no regard what so ever. It’s a beast.

@DirtTrailAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Is that 11k lbs empty weight? My pull behind 37’ toy hauler is 12800

You should also state that towing also has to do alot with the driver as well. For example if you have someone who thinks they have to do 80-90 mph down the road you are going to want a one ton dually to tow even your small trailers. But if you have someone who isn't aggressive like that it makes a big difference

@brogan56

3 жыл бұрын

I wave and them and wish them luck down the road. That kind of driving with any truck and especially when you are towing is ill advised.

@cidco43

3 жыл бұрын

I know someone who does that...80-90 mph on the freeway pulling his 5th wheel and thinks nothing of it! Wait 'til he has a blow-out at those speeds, maybe then he'll learn to slow down!

That's why my next truck will be a 3500/350 SRW, enough to pull any TT and almost all 5ers under 35'.

Thanks J.D. for sharing this for those who didn’t know or who thought they could get away with less truck. Keep the roads safe. Thanks as well for other videos which helped me realize I needed a 3/4 ton one year ago and glad I did (Toy Hauler tongue weight of 1100 lbs; spooky). I even changed the rear shackles to Sulastic on new truck as you also have reviewed - Wow, great investment for a softer all around ride; loving my 2020 Chevy 2500HD Double Cab Z71 Gas engine unit so much more now. Take care, from Alberta.

Great video JD. I love that you speak to safety and what people should expect. I went a little overboard with my truck but I would do it again anytime to have more truck than trailer. It makes a HUGE difference to the ride and handling and safety! My 5th wheel is listed as a “half-ton towable” (I don’t like it when RV companies do this...) with a pin weight of about 1500 lbs (empty) and GVWR of 10000 lbs. I oversized my truck going with a F350 SRW with a payload of 3800 lbs. It’s nice to feel comfortable and safe while moving the RV around.

Excellent video! It puzzles me why anyone would dislike videos like this. The information you are providing here is factually based, which probably flies in the face of what guys think they can do, rather than what they should be doing! These are probably the guys that are disliking your information.

Ya. You talk about the truck? you reminded me. In 1985 Chevy had an Outdoordsman ed. And gave a way a Winchester model 94 with each truck sold.

@daveonezero6258

3 жыл бұрын

the good ol days.

Thanks very much JD. You talked about several things here I hadn't considered which will come in handy.

Great video. A safe common sense approach to towing. Would love it if you could do more vehicle testing in relation to truck campers.

Very good information JD. Most people don't know these things!

I am already subscribed, I definitely gave you a thumbs up and I would like to thank you for doing this. Lots of excellent information. I went looking at one tons today in Chevy/GMC as I have a tundra that’s coming off lease. If I had bought the trailer I wanted to buy which was only about 5000 pounds I still would’ve probably been over my weight limit. Thank you for the info!

Great explanation. Would like to see something regarding wheelbase vs trailer length.

Love the auto open tailgate. I work construction and find the auto open tailgates wonderful. Just helps when carrying items in both hands. Very similar to our lift gate in thr suv. Really beneficial. That being said, I much professional the multi function tailgate. I’m older and the step feature is awesome and so is the extension option.

Nice video. I like how you explain things in an easy to understand way.

Once you said arctic fox is one of the best made trailers, i hit subscribe. Love our 2020 af 25r. I tow it with a dodge ram 2500. With the equalizer hitch she pulls like a dream. Salesman said i didnt need the equalizer as it was overkill, but now i have the best trailer made, towed by the best truck, hitched with best load leveling hitch.

Great job explaining this. Your one of the few who can do it.

Wow thank you..... Im just getting into this and I appreciate all of the knowledge that you share!.

J.D. I'm starting to think just to cover all the bases just buy the 450 series is the best option. LoL

As always, good reminders. Thanks!

I love that Carhart Package. Visually very cool.

Once again great info. Unfortunately the vast majority of big 5th wheel trailers I see on the road are pulled by 3/4 ton SRW diesel 4x4 pickups.

@GunsmithLC

3 жыл бұрын

I've seen a few of those... MAJOR liability issue if/when it gets into a crash.. Nope.. Not me. I've always gone by the motto " you can never have too much truck"... As to the truck in the video, I hope it comes with extra driving light bulbs - since GM is notorious for vehicles on the road with one burned out. We call 'em Cyclops around here.. LOL.

JD, Great video and explanations! Happy holidays :)

I pulled my trailer (about the weight of the Viking here) across the scales yesterday and was really surprised when I calculated the tongue weight.

I sure wish we'd have seen your videos regarding what can be towed with 3/4 ton trucks vs. 1 ton before we purchased our Ford F-250 diesel truck last year. Because we've never owned this size of truck and some RV and truck dealerships focused on the max towing weight of 19,100 fifth wheel prepped & 20,000 travel trailer weights, they told us sure you can tow a 5th wheel toy hauler RV etc. Thank you for educating us, we won't make the same mistake with our next truck, we'll be properly equipped to tow a 5th wheel RV.

I agree with you depending on the one you pick you buy with the gas. My 2020 gas 2500 i have 3500 lbs of payload so id be close but ok. Also i noticed it depends on each model for how much pin weight you get some are closer to the 15% range. I know you know that. Mine only 14500 bumper pull and ive done it with a pintle hitch and i wouldnt want 18k behind me like this one is rated for. At these weights i think a dually is the way to go. It seems like its 2 easy to over load the rear of the truck. Im going to get the curt betterweigh to check my weights. I think im to high in tongue weight with the excavator. I load it in the same spot as when used to haul it with a 02 3500 gmc dmax cab n chassis.

Excellent breakdown of tow capacities than even a newbie can understand JT. Muchas Thanks, bill in Florida P.S. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK!

That's Outstanding information!!! I'm in the process of getting a Travel Trailer to live in. I just sold my house and picked up a 22 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. It's the gas 6.6.

Got the same truck and rims. In red. Love it.

I tow a 29 foot Passport by Keystone. Fully loaded the scales say 6438 LBS. I tow with a Chevy 2500 Express Van, and I never tow over 60 MPH. Only thing I wish is that it had a V8 diesel. I live full time and stay in a RV Park about half of the year. The other half I visit family and friends, so I only pull it about 4 to 5 thousand miles a year, over about a 6 month time. A Van just suits my needs better than a pickup. Take care everyone and be safe.

We just picked up a used 2014 RAM 2500 5.7l Crew Cab 4x4... excited to have the pulling ability.

I'm late to this party and video. But this is great information and REASONABLE information. I've seen so much stuff about how you need a 1 ton for hauling an RV. Which is just overkill. Not that a margin of error isn't warranted but to claim every travel trailer needs a 1 ton is just crazy. 90% of camping people don't own even a 3/4 ton making most of the 1 ton videos seem like outer space to me. Yet tons go camping in RVs all the time in their half tons.

I've owned everything from a F600 light 2 ton truck, several 1 and 3/4 tons to my present Nissan Frontier. For both a Landscape business I used to own to my currant retirement. For regular towing of trailers over 8000lbs plus payloads of over 1000lbs the 3/4 ton will always do better than a 1/2 ton even with the heavier tow capabilities of currant trucks. And once you get to 10000 lbs trailers and payloads a 1 ton is best even a single rear wheel is better. Now I rarely tow trailers but my Nissan is rated for 6500 trailer but that leaves almost no payload. Bottom line for regular towing go with the next heavier truck. More suspension and better brakes are a definite plus.

Good video that brings out a lot if important facts.

For the price /ride /towing /weight go up to one ton .

@Bobs-bd3yo

3 жыл бұрын

I'll have to say excellent advice. I do not understand why someone who knows they are in the market for a fifth wheel trailer or any trailer for that matter wouldn't just pay the little more for a one ton. I have had both and it does make a difference.

@daveonezero6258

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I went with a 350 SRW for my travel trailer. I love it. I went used and it has been great so far.

I found most of the Arctic Wolf 5th wheels can be towed by a 3/4 ton truck. Most 5th wheel toy haulers exceed the pin weight.

Wish I came across this channel before buying a truck. I bought a 1/2 ton and now realize I should of bought a 3/4 ton gasser

@joegracia77

3 жыл бұрын

According to him if you bought a gas sir you wouldn't even be able to pull a travel trailer...

@jamesbeaman6337

3 жыл бұрын

@@joegracia77 That's incorrect sir. Now if you're joking, that's another matter.

@getnautical9579

3 жыл бұрын

What are you towing with the 1/2 ton

@frankstith7800

3 жыл бұрын

I did that too, and then traded my 2020 half ton hemi for a diesel 3 quarter ton. At least now I know all tires of the truck are firmly in contact with the road, whereas before i wasn’t sure about the front tires! Good luck to you.

@gilianrampart8514

3 жыл бұрын

@@frankstith7800 cause your a

All good info, especially on the tongue weight. Now the truck, well, it's big and shiny and black, but I'll keep looking for something better.

I love my 2019 Silverado and it’s generous payload of 1900 pounds BUT it is setup for comfort above work capacity

@slaytanic921

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, my payload is 1982. It’s a 1/2 ton too.

This video was a Godsend to understand tow weights.

I hope pairing my tow vehicle to my t.t. pays off. I went with a 5 ltr. Cummins Turbo Diesel (2017) and a '21 2375 Lance. 12K towing 7.8K. I'm expecting longevity and a reduction in overall fuel expense.

I believe one truck missed, and many people don’t understand is the Single Wheel One Ton. I don’t think many folks realize if they getting a diesel 3/4 ton, they can get the 3500 single wheel with the same fuel mileage and more capacity. Would be cool to show folks what RV can the towed with the SW1ton. Appreciate your wisdom and passion

@Joe26003

3 жыл бұрын

This is the first video I have come across that explains the relationship between truck and tow. Many RV dealers have no clue!

@getnautical9579

3 жыл бұрын

My father had that issue. He ordered a Chevy 3500 diesel and with covid it was taking to long. He found a 2500 diesel and got it but for his 38’ fifth wheel he put air bags in the bag snd added a leaf to make it essentially a 3500

@byronteer8251

3 жыл бұрын

go ahead and get drw not much more makes it a true 1 ton

What I wouldn't give to have a Ram 3500 with an Allison 10 speed. That pairing might be a towing dream come true.

If you had a lower equipment package on the 2500hd, you could tow that trailer and still have close to 1000k payload left. So you’d be able to tow and still haul the same amount of cargo as an empty raptor, Tacoma and/or most minivans and suvs.

Great video in specifically talking about looking at your payload. Interesting though that most of the newest 2500 trucks actually have the payload for a decent 5th wheel. Our gas 2500 only has 2570# payload, vs. 3810# of a friend's Ram. Our pin weight is only about 1600#, so it works for us, but close.

@ewdavis77

3 жыл бұрын

@@raymondjennings6861 Is 10500 dry weight or GVWR? I think it'd do fine. Check payload numbers and pin weight. You won't win any races, but ours tows very well.

Great video. Very informative!!!

All the bells and whistles are great! Yes my king ranch srw f250 6.7 Powerstroke has a terrible payload capacity (2100lbs) but for me I love it because I am not going to 5th wheel it. Because it can't handle most 5th wheels because of the payload capacity. If you pay attention to the sticker.

I have an Imagine 2800 BH that I tow with a 2020 Trail Boss. After watching your videos I went to the scale and realized how overloaded the rear axel was. I'm now within my weights after adjustments to the hitch and cargo. Made a 4500 mile trip over the summer no issues. Just sucks to have all that room in the bed of the truck and not able to use it.

@getnautical9579

3 жыл бұрын

How much does trailer weigh

@gilianrampart8514

3 жыл бұрын

Well, just buy a $80000 truck!

Great info. This is information often overlooked and definitely misunderstood

Great Video .. So much useful info for me to consider .. Debating Truck with TT vs Class C with Tow Dolly on FWD CRV

You can get a gently used tractor trailer for what these gimmicky pickups cost.

@michaelbrady4208

3 жыл бұрын

While that is a true statement. Are you going to take a gently used tractor to Home Depot for lumber? To Walmart for groceries? With the family for a vacation? Prob not.

@corbyn6597

3 жыл бұрын

A guy I used to know did that. Bought a tractor instead of a pickup to haul his camper. He hated it. Spent as much as a new truck and was useless for anything else but hauling his camper. Can't go on a date night with his wife in it. Home depot trips were out. Kids were embarrassed to be seen in it.

@RomansFiveDotEight

2 жыл бұрын

I mean… not at all. “Gently used” is north of $100k on the tractor trailer side. This is such a silly argument. The idea that the only trucks at $90k trucks. If you want something rugged and basic like a Class 8 truck, you could also get the work truck trims for much much less. The F-250 starts at $35k. And unlike the 7mpg Class 8 truck that requires an air brake endorsement, the 18-20mpg diesel 3/4 or 1 ton will be much cheaper to maintain.

@joeweaver9913

2 жыл бұрын

@@RomansFiveDotEight I was joking about how expensive these trucks have become. At a car show with a friend a couple of years ago, there were no zero trucks on display for under $50K. Demand for pickups has pushed up prices. People like the roominess and utility. They used to be mainly for getting work done. Now they're considered luxurious.

Another great trailering video.

Great video and love all the useful information. I was wondering why you said that 20% of the 11000 was 2500? Isnt it 2200? Did I miss something? Thanks again for ALL the great videos. So very informative.

That was very informative. Thank you 😊

I think this truck especially in black and a custom trim looks really good! I like the custom trim in the 2500. Not so much in the 1500.

Your valuable information, is a rendering a great and worthwhile service to the RV community! We owe you our deep felt gratitude! 🙏

ive had nothing but good luck/trust with 2500 Chevy/GMC trucks bc of stability and towing capacity... ive also seen a class8 semi truck fully loaded 45mph ==T-Bone drivers side hit into a 2500HD chevy 4dr and the driver of that walked out alive bc of how strong the frame is well built.. this is why I trust 2500 series of trucks.....my father had an older 2500GMC KingCab , early 90s series and that truck took 3 major hits and kept rollling untill the trans died...

Great segment. A lot of people run way overloaded and don’t even know it.

@allaboutroofing2

3 жыл бұрын

Many run way over weight and know it.

Probably a nice truck, but I just can’t get past that ugly front end. The GMC 2500HD looks much better!

@jimcollins8097

3 жыл бұрын

That's why I went down the block and bought a new gmc

@Wanderlust073

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I don’t know how that front end design got the thumbs up

@roberwt

3 жыл бұрын

Even the mirrors are doing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

@Joe26003

3 жыл бұрын

The ugly is to prevent theft, cause no one is gonna steal an ugly truck!!! :)

@BigAl52

3 жыл бұрын

Glad Im not the only one that thinks the new Chevys are ugly. Its the ugliest truck Chevy has ever built

Keep in mind also you are always better of having your truck weigh more than you trailer to keep that weight in check on the highway.

@melissasmess2773

3 жыл бұрын

Tail wagging the dog is a problem

Great job...not surprised

I would like to point out there are cases (depending on how a truck is configured) that a 3/4 and 1 ton share the exact same configuration and the only difference is the sticker that they slap on the door. For example, I own a 2020 F250 Tremor. This particular package shares the exact same frame, axles, leaf springs, diffs, brakes, etc as the F350 counterpart. There are times the manufacturer underrates a truck for one reason or another... maybe to get around certain state restrictions? I'm not sure.

@atvtinker01

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think so. None of the Tremors I spec'd had the same payload as a regular F350 including the F350 Tremor.

Have you ever considered starting a podcast? I think you have a lot to offer and there would be a pretty decent audience for what you have to share. You could share your knowledge and experience as well as interview people in the industry. I feel it would be an excellent podcast and would do very well.

@holylick5522

3 жыл бұрын

That is a great idea

At the 2019 SEMA show the people in the Allison booth were really going out of their way to let people know the only thing Allison on the new GM 10 speed was the tag on the trans that said Allison. Something to do with some deal GM had with Allison. This vid goes back to last year but if you’re interested in this type truck check with a good reputable trans shop about this trans. I deliberately went with a used truck to get the 6 speed Allison trans that GM had been using since the mid 2000’s.

I purchased a Imperials Outdoors X 195 this spring. People need to run their rigs (tow rig and RV) across scales fully loaded. It can be an eye opening experience if you want to have a safe trip. When I weighed my X 195 was 1,800# on the hitch, 6,800# on the axles. Not some thing I would tow with a half ton truck.

FYI. Doge Ram 2500 and 3500 Cummins 4x4 srw are the exact same truck with the exception of the transmission which are options picked by the buyer. Same rear end, same driveline, same front end. The only difference is one extra rear leaf spring on each side, the government sticker and the emblem.

Your math on the Jayco was off. 11000 GVWR would give a pin weight of 2200 lbs loaded according to the 20% rule, well within the 2775 spec. We have a 2020 2500hd and are looking at a fifth wheel with GVWR of 11995lbs. Of course, in our case, it's just the two of us in the truck so we won't have a ton of gear or supplies in the truck

When we were shopping for a new truck, the dealer tried to tell us a 1/2 ton with a medium gas v8 would tow our 3 horse, steel trailer up a steep hill. If that was so, our then current truck would have worked. We bought a 2500 HD Duramax w/ 4wd. Love that truck, but there are quality issues. I would consider a Toyota truck, BUT Toyota doesn't (a) make a truck with adequate weight support and (b) adequate power.

Informative. I really like the case study format and would watch future case studies. Could you make it even more detailed and overlay the numbers and methodology on the video and go a little slower? Could you even show how to construct a spreadsheet on the screen? Could you look at the truck weighting labels that aren't Chevrolet or do all the GVWR labels show the sane information? Also, how do I know the percent of weight stored in front of the trailer axle is transferred? How do I know if its 10 percent or 15 percent or 20 percent before I buy the trailer? Just trying to organize the numbers makes my head hurt.

I have the exact truck in this video. I tow bumper pulls and gooseneck trailers 6 hours a day 5 days a week. Trailer range from 6k pounds to 14k pounds. Do you need to know your numbers? Yes. Can you tow a 5th wheel with a 3/4 ton? Absolutely. When planning your 5th wheel, take your GVWR of that trailer and multiply by .2. There is the ball park of your pin weight. Almost no-one goes camping at maximum weight in trailer. I wish someone would show 5th wheels that do fit into the 3/4 ton territory. They are out there.

Gvwr is not the weight of the trailer. It is the maximum weight of the trailer and cargo. Knowing the actual weight of the trailer will help you make better decisions if the two vehicle capacity is close to the line.

Wish they would make sliding axles so you can adjust pin/tongue weight where you need it. With fixed axles you are at the mercy of the manufacturer how they balance the RV.

@marknewman9430

3 жыл бұрын

hmmm I think that would be very costly.

Big difference in MFG GCVWR for a pull trailer and a 5th wheel. My 2500HD Duramax 3.73 rear is rated at 13,000 lbs GCVWR for a pull and 24,500 lbs GCVWR for a fifth wheel / Goose neck. I've been told and also the only difference I can find between my 2500 HD and the 3500 is the leaf springs. other than that the drive trains are the same. I put my numbers in the fifth wheel weight calculator for my 15K 5th wheel. I am 12 to 17 percent under on my gross numbers. Thats well in safety margins. I enjoy the Videos and have learned much here. This one I just didn't get.

Damage to your tailgate was it from the trailer dipping down into it. I've seen several talking about it what's your opinion thx. There saying the height is the problem

Tongue weight is the weight your hitch and your trailer place on your tongue. This number is independent of how many people and how much stuff you have in your truck unless they are standing on your hitch. It is the total weight that the trailer tongue exerts downwards on your trailer hitch.

great info, have seen people tow at the ragged edge of their limits too often and while they all make it safely….the pucker factor is too great. Have exceeded by 60% a few times and its nuts. Searching for a full time unit for my family and the dealers wanna sell me a unit near the edge of my trucks limits….

@noahparker6209

3 жыл бұрын

@ted sheldon don't ever ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! try to put a pickup truck near its limits you will!!! and or could seriously hurt or kill someone if there's a mal function with the type of truck you have or the type of trailer you have

@tedsheldon11

3 жыл бұрын

@@noahparker6209 I agree whole heartedly…just have seen it way too often.

Good points . For a couple more bucks IMO just buy a 1 ton

Great video on such an important topic. Could you explain how that truck can have a payload of 1800lbs but still handle a tongue weight of 2000? I thought your tongue weight couldn't exceed your payload.

Seems a lot of people ignore payload and only look at a truck's towing max number.

For me I'd need a ladder to get in lol5.8 is all I stand at

i tow a Grand Design 150 series 295rl with a 2020 Silverado 2500 Duramax diesel like the one in your video.....I feel like im good

@andrewfidel2220

3 жыл бұрын

That's a nicely matched pair, also a nice trailer!

Nice video. When I become a millionaire maybe I'll buy one.

Can you explain why GM even puts Maximum Gooseneck weight ratings along with the corresponding Max Tongue Weight ratings on these 2500's if there's only a few trailers that would be light enough to be within spec? It sounds like those stickers would be more accurate if they just said "This truck is only suitable for light weight bumper pull trailers"

I'm not going to start the buying process for at least a year or two so I have more in savings but I'm thinking of getting a Truck Camper (something like Palomino HS750 or Lance 825) as well as a 20-30 foot *storage trailer. Would a 3/4 foot truck be enough? Overkill? Would I need a 1 ton? *I'm thinking a motorcycle trailer where I'd store a large bike as well as various clothes, electronics, and media.

Sa you pointed out: knowing how to pack your trailer is as important as the factory numbers.

Nice. But all of the new trucks are too tall for the older 5th wheel trailers. I would love a new truck but the rail height on all of them are about the same height as the overhang on my 2005 Cardinal 5th wheel.

Great info, thank you

Thanks JD!

2021 max tow ecoboost would blow this dudes mind 😂

@frogger2011ify

3 жыл бұрын

The lack of range would blow yours 😜. Same with life span of an engine running 5000-6500 rpm on the highway

Quick question, I have my eye on a Cougar “half-ton towable” fifth wheel. (Knowing that I will be towing with more than a 1/2 ton pu,) how much weight should I expect to be transferred to the bed of my tow vehicle if the GVWR of the Cougar is 11000#? Thanks!

Big Truck how much does utilizing fiberglass propane tanks and lithium batteries help in lowering the tongue weight? Was looking at the 2511s but would like to the keep the tongue weight under 850 not sure if that is a reasonable goal.

Good solid info

Great video

i own a 15 2500 6.0 gas with 3750 pay load. im amazed that a 2021 2500 diesel is rated this low. mine is a single cab 8 foot bed.

@xgomz

2 жыл бұрын

Diesel engine ways about a thousand pounds more, that’s why. A good 200+ lbs of that is literally just the diesels insane exhaust.

J.D. you should give me a commission check for all the people I have directed towards your channel about towing😆 Keep up the great work!!!

There are some farmers that need to watch this

Great info.

I really appreciate this video! I have a question I have a older 2500 truck with a 5k lbs air lift system in the rear I'm wondering how much extra weight does this allow of payload capacity on a 2500?

@conniechapin9278

8 ай бұрын

None

Great break down got a question is gcwr the gvwr of truck + gvwr of trailer or actual weight

@ubertocreote3198

3 жыл бұрын

Both truck and trailer weight together.