2500 versus 3500 for towing 16k pound 5th wheel

[bcbender]

Ive never owned a garage they fit it… that’s never given me a reason to own a short bed.

They do fit just fine in my shop thou, but that’s only been that last few years.

I’d rather have a truck with the proper bed sitting outside than a truck with a bed that doesn’t work for my use sitting inside.

But it’s gonna be hard to convince the F-150 guy on a Cummins forum of anything.

Same here, then I built my shop 6y ago to accommodate my 5er, truck, classic cars, atvs, etc and they were all inside. problem is then I bought more "stuff" and now they don't fit anymore!!

 

[C M McCormick]

The difference between your 10k and the OP's 16k is pretty significant.

Yes it is. Just saying you can tow with coil springs. And love the long bed.

 

[CROW]

Have towed fifth wheels for 18 years and currently tow a 39 foot Heartland Big Horn piece of junk with a 2018 dually Aisin.
Don't claim to be an expert on anything but I would strongly not recommend towing a 16K fifth wheel with a 2500. I agree with others who have said a 2500 is not the right tool for that large of a trailer. You need the 3500 for a 16K trailer. Do not want to start another debate but I am a big fan of using a dually to tow a fifth wheel especially if the trailer is heavy. Many tow larger fifth wheels with a single axle truck and do just fine, but -my opinion- after having rowed with both, I much prefer a dually.
Get the Aisin. Don't have a chart handy for late model trucks, but you may have to get the Aisin to tow 16K. Not sure the other transmission can tow that much. Good luck on your search. Keep us posted.

 

[kthaxton]

The 68 RFE is actually fine for 16k, the 2500 would be able to pull it fine other than it's simply too much weight on the rear end.

 

[Tuesdak]

But it’s gonna be hard to convince the F-150 guy on a Cummins forum of anything.

Warn a member before posting a funny like that. I snorted coffee out of my nose.

Happy to see the owner experience of other brands though as some of us own or have owned more than one.

 

[AH64ID]

Don't have a chart handy for late model trucks, but you may have to get the Aisin to tow 16K.

Per the charts a 2022 2500 68RFE is rated to tow more than my 2018 3500 HO Aisin SRW. Weird.

 

[bcbender]

Per the charts a 2022 2500 68RFE is rated to tow more than my 2018 3500 HO Aisin SRW. Weird.

Well you know they say it is till it isnt... The SO trucks are also now about the same output as the 18 HO. so not sure but likely upping the numbers to match engine output... Not trying to sell an AISIN, but I bought my truck to tow as Job#1 so the AISIN is the one that has the best record.. soo A+B=C....

JM2C

 

[JR]

I'm at 130k+ on my 68rfe 3500 srw. Lifetime mileage I am around 40% towing miles - as of the last 2 years it rarely moves unless its got a trailer hooked to it. 16k is no problem for the 68, esp with the lower 3.73 in the rear.

If you insist on a 2500 do NOT get one with 17" wheels (assuming thats still an option)

 

[SnoKing]

Per the charts a 2022 2500 68RFE is rated to tow more than my 2018 3500 HO Aisin SRW. Weird.

But it can not carry the pin weight!

 

[AH64ID]

Yes, with the difference in axle gearing the 22 SO is pretty close to the same rear wheel torque as an18 HO.

The biggest thing the current trucks have different is the 3.73 rear end. That’s 9% more rear wheel torque for the same engine output.

The 22 HO SRW has 24.5% more rear wheel torque than the 18 HO SRW, that’s huge!

 

[Cummins12V98]

My Sons friend is driving my DRW AISIN with rear air ride right now. He has a 16 LB SRW AISIN leaf rear. His comment is his truck is rough in comparison and mine is much more stable feeling. Thinks his next 3500 will be a DRW.