Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I have a 36ft. 5th wheel toy hauler with a GVW of 14,500 lbs. I have a 3500 SRW that pulls it beautifully, crossed the scales at close to 23,500 lbs early this spring, all weight was very evenly distributed. The truck broke down and I had to have a new short block installed (clogged injector melted piston 5) in Hickory NC. I had to get home so a friend of mine brought my other truck down to get me. It's a 2500 and I was concerned about the truck being overloaded... . it was. But I was amazed at how well it performed and now have no hesitation about which truck I use to pull the 5'vr. I had another travel trailer toy hauler a few years ago. It had a GVW of 11,600 lbs. I believe I crossed the scales at right close to 20,000 lbs. I used an equalizing hitch and pulled it with my 2500 for a couple of years without any trouble. You can safely haul a much heavier 5th wheel because of the pin being over the wheels in my opinion. But if you worried about insurance coverage, voided warranties and such, stick to the 20,000 lb. rule.
If your conscientious and perform all your maintenance and maintain your tires and such, you should be fine. Axle weight ratings, pin weights, tire ratings etc. are all good guidelines and are a good starting point, but when you have to get something done, you know you can.
If your conscientious and perform all your maintenance and maintain your tires and such, you should be fine. Axle weight ratings, pin weights, tire ratings etc. are all good guidelines and are a good starting point, but when you have to get something done, you know you can.
