What suspension mods will I need?

[Bighorn1]

Will I need to do any suspension modifications to pull our new 5er?

We take possession of a 2006 36’-10” Montana (3685 FL) this coming weekend.

My 2005 3500 SRW does a great job pulling our 28’ Jayco fifth wheel but the weight of the Montana concern me.

Dry weight 11,100lbs

Hitch Weight 2,390 lbs

I plan on upgrading the transmission after the warrantee period expires.



Thanks



Ed

 

[EricBu12]

Do you have the overload springs?



I bought this but you need to remove the overloads... Also I don't know it will work with the new trucks as you can't remove the overload tabs... .



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[TPappas]

Remove the overloads and get a set of airbags. You can adjust them for ride height and comfort with whatever your pin weight or empty weight is. I bought the the Ride Rites and am very happy with them.

 

[klenger]

I predict that your actual pin weight of the new 5er (including hitch) will be over 2700 lbs when all set to go. I'm currious to find out what the actual weights are.

 

[Bighorn1]

I think your right Klinger. Once the front basement storage area is loaded it will be close to 2700#. Air bags will be the next mod. TPappas where did you purchase the Ride Rights?

 

[Kirwin]

You will be over GVWR and GCWR for your truck

You've got more trailer that you can legally pull. Consider upgrading to a dually with the 4. 10 ratio. If your truck weighs 7500 lbs ready to pull, and you have 2700 lbs pin weight. That's 7500 + 2700= 10,200. 300 lbs over GVWR before you put your family inside. If the trailer weighs 14,000 loaded for the trip (and I would use the GVWR of the trailer for this comparison) plus your truck 14,000 + 7,500 = 21,500. 500 lbs over your GCWR! Think about your safety and your families. That's a lot of trailer for a SRW truck. IMHO Ken Irwin

 

[fyrescott]

Kirwin's right. That's why I upgraded to a DRW myself. I have a 35' Double slide Mountaineer (Montana). The 3/4 ton would pull and drive just fine but if anything was to happen like someone stopping abruptly in front of me :--) . Plus the added security of dual wheels in the rear.

 

[CUMMINZ]

36' Cedar Creek

My 36' Cedar Creek pin weight went to 3,000# after all was loaded. My 2500, I placed 2 full length leafs a couple weeks ago. My 315 BFGs are at their limit. I am planning a set of 19. 5s this fall. Your truck will do fine if you drive like you got some sense. You will be pushing your stock tires.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Upgrading

Will I need to do any suspension modifications to pull our new 5er?

We take possession of a 2006 36’-10” Montana (3685 FL) this coming weekend.

My 2005 3500 SRW does a great job pulling our 28’ Jayco fifth wheel but the weight of the Montana concern me.

Dry weight 11,100lbs

Hitch Weight 2,390 lbs

I plan on upgrading the transmission after the warrantee period expires.



Thanks



Ed

Ed, you really shouldn't need to upgrade the suspension. The suspension on your single rear wheel 3500 is the same exact as that on a dually 3500. Make sure you keep the tires inflated properly -- I would run the rears at or cloes to 80 PSI.

 

[TPappas]

I bought the ride rights at 4 wheel parts wholesalers. They were a great price and had them to me in one day. Very cheap shipping too!

 

[crobertson1]

I got my Ride Rites from Michigan Truckspring or truckspring.com. Worth every penny, especially with on board compressor and controls.

 

[Rman]

I can't say enough about airbags... Sounds like a nice rig, good luck!