We recently looked at the 33RKS and we both loved the layout. The stated Pin/Hitch weight per the brochure is 2180#s. I'd really appreciate some feedback from anyone who has actually taken their 33RKS to the scales to determine the ACTUAL Pin/Hitch weight. Our Chevy 2500 (with the Max Towing Pkg) has a payload capacity of 3600#s and with the Duramax diesel should have no trouble towing the vehicle. I'd also like to know what you're pulling this RV with and are you happy doing so.
Actual Pin or Hitch Weight of 33RKS
- Thread starter bretster
- Start date
Thanks. After researching many threads on different forums about different 5th wheels, I've found that actual pin weight vs dry (stated) pin weight is all over the place and actual dry pin weight vs brochure pin weight is always more (by a couple hundred pounds). For loaded 5th wheels, some state just a couple hundred pounds over actual empty pin weight while others state up to a thousand pounds additional. Considering our truck has a payload of 3600lbs minus driver & pax (375), minus new running boards, and fold up tonneau over (150) and other stuff in the backseat and bed (200), we are left with (3600-375-150-200) 2875 lbs of useful payload. Thus my concern that the 33RKS with it's stated empty pin weight of 2180lbs (more like 2250 or more actual) leaves us about (2875-2250) 625lbs to play with between actual loaded pin weight vs actual empty pin weight. It looks like your trailer jumped up about 600lbs (between empty and loaded) and so if that is true for the 33RKS we would be right on the edge of ALLOWABLE payload. I'm sure some pull this 5th wheel without any issues using a 2500HD or 2500HD with the Max Tow package....I'm just on the fence.
tcijoe
Member
I am right on the edge, weight wise, too. If I were buying a new truck, sure I would get a 3500. Realistically, the truck handles it great. Personally, I think we overthink some of these items. Do I drive safe? Do I feel safe? Heck yeah! This tows far better than my 44' boat trailer that weights in about the same. Wife drove it for the first time last weekend. said the same thing. We both have to set cruise to keep our speed below 65.
every time weight and tow capacity ratings come up, I am reminded of an article that I read but never validated. Basically it claimed that overseas jeep wranglers (huge jeep fan) are rated to tow 5000lbs; in the USA 3500lbs. We tow a 17' skiff that maybe weights 2000lbs with the trailer. I feel safer pushing the ratings on my 2500hd than I do being just over half of what the jeep is rated to tow.
every time weight and tow capacity ratings come up, I am reminded of an article that I read but never validated. Basically it claimed that overseas jeep wranglers (huge jeep fan) are rated to tow 5000lbs; in the USA 3500lbs. We tow a 17' skiff that maybe weights 2000lbs with the trailer. I feel safer pushing the ratings on my 2500hd than I do being just over half of what the jeep is rated to tow.
Don't try to over think the towing parameters. They are not based on what truck you already have, they do not consider your finances, they do not factor in how other countries rate their vehicles. They do not consider if the truck will fit in your garage.
If you are at your limits or exceeding your ratings your truck will perform like it at its limits or exceeding its ratings.
If you are within all your ratings your combo will perform that way.
On a clear sunny day the parameters are not critical, but on a poor weather day ,or during a sudden stop or evasive situation the ratings instantly become important.
Having/choosing the right truck is more about knowledge and understanding than $$$. In the grand scheme of things the correct truck does not cost more than the marginal or incorrect truck. Homework and research is the key factor to finding the right truck.
If you are at your limits or exceeding your ratings your truck will perform like it at its limits or exceeding its ratings.
If you are within all your ratings your combo will perform that way.
On a clear sunny day the parameters are not critical, but on a poor weather day ,or during a sudden stop or evasive situation the ratings instantly become important.
Having/choosing the right truck is more about knowledge and understanding than $$$. In the grand scheme of things the correct truck does not cost more than the marginal or incorrect truck. Homework and research is the key factor to finding the right truck.
you are right everybody over thanks it.