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Old 09-05-2015, 07:01 PM   #1
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Tow vehicle

I just bought a 2015 voltage 3970. My tow vehicle is a 2011 f350 4 wheel drive short bed. Is this too much trailer for my truck?
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Old 09-05-2015, 07:38 PM   #2
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Since you're asking, I suspect you already know the answer...

However, if you feel the need for statistical verification... find the numbers for your rig's GVWR, the truck's GVWR, and the truck's GCWR.
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Old 09-05-2015, 10:07 PM   #3
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Well, I just drove back from SLC yesterday in 40 mph crosswinds, sure was glad I had my dually. It could have been done with a srw, but why risk it. On the other hand, if you drive accordingly, a srw will be fine. Some questions to ask yourself, what speeds do you drive, mountains versus flat, how is the braking, I'm sure your 11 doesn't have an exhaust brake, unless it's aftermarket, and in general, whats your comfort level.
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Old 09-05-2015, 10:44 PM   #4
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Yes, the 2011 F350 has an exhaust brake, not as good as the upgrade in '15 but I love mine in my 11 F350.
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Old 09-05-2015, 11:03 PM   #5
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Congrats on your new TH. Now tell the wife you need a new truck to pull it. That's what I had to do.
In a word...Yes. I just faced the same issue and no matter how you look at the numbers you are way outside the capacities of the F350 SRW truck. Your pin weight is somewhere around 3500#. Your truck has a 10k GVW and the truck empty weighs 8K. That leaves you 2K for fuel, passengers and cargo (hitch weight)
I towed my 3950 for about 3,000 miles with my 2012 F250 (same specs as your F350) and in will pull it fine but I constantly worried I would blow a truck tire or break an axle. Also the stated 5th wheel trailer weight limit for the F350 is 16K. You probable weigh that plus empty.

Just Say'n
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Old 09-07-2015, 11:50 PM   #6
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2015 f350 long box, Dually 6.7 powerstroke, pulls my new 2015 Voltage 3605 (16,800 lbs )with absolutely no problems. even fun to drive.
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Old 09-08-2015, 02:53 AM   #7
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To answer your question YES, that is too much trailer for your truck. Consulting the 2011 Trailer Life you would need a dually rear end (22,000+ capacity) to handle the 20,000 GVWR of your 3970.

Side note: do you have your Calif non-commercial class A license to pull a 5th wheel with a GVWR over 15,000 pounds? Cops WILL pull you over, especially CHP.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de...dl648/dl648pt2
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