Anyone towing 14000+ with a 94?

[Big Mike]

I was just curious if anyone was towing a 14000 pound 5'er witha a 94 as the GCWR is only 14000 according to the owners manual. I am looking at a Newmar that is 14000 GVW and 10500 empty weight. right now I am towing a 9800 lb Travel trailer and have no problems being over the recommended weight. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Sojourner]

What is the difference in pin weight between the two?

 

[Big Mike]

The tongue weight on the TT is 910 lbs, on the new 5'er it is approximately 1780lbs.

 

[Sojourner]

If it were me, I would add some airbags (if you don't already have 'em).



Also, I would think you would definitely want to upgrade your wheel cylinders to the 3500 rear wheel cylinders if you haven't already done so.



In fact, seeing as how you're pushing the envelope a lil' with repect to your 2500's brakes, I would also suggest a complete brake overhaul with stainless kevlar brake lines front and rear, carbon kevlar pads and shoes, and a thorough flush with high end brake fluid at least once a year. I think it was Y-knot that posted something saying that rear drum can outperform rear disc if they're kept adjusted manually.



And then maybe a Brake Smart brake controller. If I did all that, then I would be comfortable pulling that 5er so equipped.



I am slowly upgrading my '94 2WD 2500 to pull my 15k Hitchhiker 5er, so I have a spare TV.

 

[klenger]

See http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/index.html for my experiences with 5er pin weights. If the advertised pin weight is 1780 lbs, expect to see up to 2100 lbs actual pin weight after you add propane, batteries, 5th wheel hitch, stuff, etc. You will most likely be well over the trucks GVWR.

 

[Slow Six]

I towed a similar setup with my 94 for about 2 years. I had about 250 lbs. more pin weight than you. I was equipped with air bags. The truck handled it quite well, except there was a bit of sway from strong side winds. I also felt that things would get interesting if a rear tire blew. I am towing the same rig with a dually now and strongly recommend going this way. Towing is a lot more relaxing and enjoyable and a lot more ease of mind knowing that there is enough rubber on the road for the weight and in my case usually lots of wind load. Also some jurisdictions are getting sticky on weights and truck ratings, etc. You will be over the GCWR and you will need to be careful of the rear axle rating which is the tire rating. I think most places get cranky when you exceed tire ratings.

 

[JerryTurbo]

AK DOT's opinion

The Ark Dot pulled me over pulling a gooseneck that had a GVWR of 20,000 lbs. He had me drive a mile to a rest area. He informed me that I couldn’t tow it any further because I was over weight. My 2500 GVWR plus the trailer made it illegal. :-{} :-{}