Tow Vehicle / 5th Wheel Combo Help

[Gman1988]

I am looking for advice or folks with similar setups that can provide me with some feedback on my situation:

We have a 2022 Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 280RS. As listed it has a UVW of 8566, a GVWR of 10995 and a hitch weight of 1384

I had a 2021 Power Wagon that I had modified a bit in order to tow but I felt it was still overloaded and not well suited for towing. It pulled the weight fine and stability wasn't an issue with airbags but it really struggled in the mountains (I live in the PNW) and I was averaging 7 MPG! When I say struggled, I mean it did it through even the steepest of passes but it definitely was working and I wasn't going to pull away from anyone. Not that this was a huge deal but it was! After hours of listening to the motor work that hard it can become stressful. I was not interested in a long stressful towing experience. The other stress was braking when coming down the other side. Again, not that it couldn't do it.... just that it seemed too much work for the truck to me and I prefer a safe buffer with no stress. If we were only travelling on short trips, it may have been fine but living in the PNW, you are always going over a pass if you are going on just about any trip.

Long story short.... I waited until the recent factory incentives and found what I thought was the right truck for me. Now after looking through many posts on here and in my 5th Wheel forum, I am seeing where many members are stating things that have me a bit concerned. Maybe they are speaking from a generalized standpoint, and they don't fully understand the specs for our 5th wheel. Or maybe it's just guys with 1 ton trucks that are rated to tow massive units spouting off because their rigs are so impressive? Please don't judge but there are reasons why I went the direction I did. I don't want a lecture on what I should have done, I just want real world opinions or advice from folks that have similar setups. I would also like recommendations as to hitching gear since I am starting with a fresh slate.

I now have a 2023 Ram 2500 Laramie SBCC 6.7 Cummins with the towing technology package. It also has the off-road package which I could have done without but it was what was available considering my wish list and late year inventory. The off-road package may be an important data point when considering my choices going forward. I couldn't find one with the factory 5th wheel prep so I have options there to consider when deciding my final setup as well. That's not a big deal. I wish I would have got the factory air but I couldn't find one with that either. I can also work around that. I just really wanted the towing tech. My payload is admittedly lower than I would have expected for a 3/4 ton truck @2206. I had a Ford F250 previous to my 2021 Power Wagon and it's payload was quite a bit better. I just always went back to the memories of towing with a diesel and would daydream about it! I finally just pulled the plug and did it. I am happy with my decision but again, looking for help from any of your who are in a similar situation. Hopefully some of you are pulling the GD 150 Series or something similar in specs. Ideally with a 3/4 ton truck and can offer some real world perspective. Coming from my previous situation, I thought I was going to be in a much better situation and I am sure I will. The goal is the best, most comfortable towing experience that is safe. The reason for going 3/4 is like many on the forums, I was looking for comfort and maneuverability as a daily driver. I am not restricted to driving it daily (I have other vehicles) but would prefer to drive it the majority of the time here in the PNW. I probably would have gone with a 1 ton if they had one that met my wish list but again, late year inventory was an issue.

If you had it to start all over, what would you do for a setup in my situation. 3/4 ton Ram, Short Bed (6.5' box), no 5th wheel prep so far, 2206 payload limit and a Curt Turning Point (Locked so far) pin box. In all of my travels with my 2021 Power Wagon with a 6.5' box, I never really felt like clearance was an issue with my 5er. Even in the most extreme turns, it didn't seem to be an issue with the 150 series narrower RV. Granted I had a B&W Patriot slider but I didn't seem to really need to use the slide. So I would like to know if you are running a similar unit with a 6.5 box and what setup is the best? Should I unlock the Curt Turning Point and use something with it? I had to take out the B&W Patriot when I traded in my truck and OMG.... never again. I wish to have a clean bed setup so that is very important to me as well. I am leaning toward the flip gooseneck ball and B&W Companion but I would like to hear what everyone else thinks or would do in my situation.

I look forward to the advice....thanks in advance.

 

[Grateful Dad]

I pull a 278 BH 150 Series with my CCSB 2500 though I’m rocking the good old Hemi. I went the GenY route and couldn’t be happier. I’ve got all the clearance I need and can turn pretty darn close to 90*. Since the 150’s are designed to be light on the pin you’ll be good with a 3/4 CTD. You’ll be right up to max payload but no where near any other rating on the truck. How many folks usually going along and how much stuff do you load in the truck?

As info, the listed dry pin weight from GD was pretty accurate and fully loaded my pin in 1700lbs (I use a weigh safe goose).

Stock suspension, my setup sits perfectly level.

Edit: in the pic you’ll see the B&W 4” offset. I don’t use, don’t need it. I bought it just in case. The pics with the truck turned almost 90 are with the weigh safe goose.

 

[Gman1988]

I pull a 278 BH 150 Series with my CCSB 2500 though I’m rocking the good old Hemi. I went the GenY route and couldn’t be happier. I’ve got all the clearance I need and can turn pretty darn close to 90*. Since the 150’s are designed to be light on the pin you’ll be good with a 3/4 CTD. You’ll be right up to max payload but no where near any other rating on the truck. How many folks usually going along and how much stuff do you load in the truck?

As info, the listed dry pin weight from GD was pretty accurate and fully loaded my pin in 1700lbs (I use a weigh safe goose).

Stock suspension, my setup sits perfectly level.

Edit: in the pic you’ll see the B&W 4” offset. I don’t use, don’t need it. I bought it just in case. The pics with the truck turned almost 90 are with the weigh safe goose.

OMG...this is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks...I will compare numbers with your model to see a ballpark until I can weigh in. I don't travel with water of course and I will be careful until I get a good idea where I am sitting. I've heard my model might not be Gen Y approved without voiding the warranty? I'm not a huge fan of the Curt Turning Point although I see why they did it for the folks that were going with a 1/2 ton.... not recommended!

 

[AH64ID]

You should be able to add the 5th wheel prep kit, so if you want a to use a 5th wheel hitch that is the route I’d go.

If you just want to add a B&W hitch and use a gooseneck adapter I’d look at the Reese goosebox. I have a friends trailer in the yard with a Gen Y and I’m not impressed.

Your state may not care about GVWR, which means payload is meaningless. RAWR would be your real limit.

 

[Grateful Dad]

OMG...this is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks...I will compare numbers with your model to see a ballpark until I can weigh in. I don't travel with water of course and I will be careful until I get a good idea where I am sitting. I've heard my model might not be Gen Y approved without voiding the warranty? I'm not a huge fan of the Curt Turning Point although I see why they did it for the folks that were going with a 1/2 ton.... not recommended!

It’s not Lippert approved and I knew that when I purchased. I won’t get into all the Lippert and Reese stuff but they are “in bed together”. And FWIW, the new Brinkley campers get their frames from Lippert and guess what’s a factory option on a Brinkley??????? A GenY goose! Anyway, that’s a call you’ll have to make and I completely understand why some would not go that route.

Currently the GenY is the only goose option, Reese doesn’t make on for the Turning Point and it’s “unique “ assembly (only pin box with 4 inline bolts per side).

 

[Jacob]

I have a similar truck and pull a 5th wheel. I added airbags, really helps. When I forget to fill the bags it can bottom out on highway-speed bumps. I have a bw gooseneck hitch with the companion. Friend sold it to me. I like it. I thought about the goosebox but the companion is working well. Truck pulls 5th wheel well. If you want the bed to be clean I would get the goosebox.

 

[wrvond]

Installing a 5th wheel prep is not something I would want to mess with. Hopefully it's not as hard as I think it would be and you'll be fine. I wish you good luck with that project.
My Cougar 24RDS is "half ton towable". I've got a Curt manual slider because the auto sliders are even heavier and I don't want to get stuck needing it and not have it. I use an engine hoist to remove/install the hitch. Works great!
My last truck had an 8' bed with above the bed rails. Installing and removing that hitch was a real workout for me and it separated into two sections. Wish I had thought of the engine hoist back then!

I installed LoadLifter 5000 ultimate airbags with internal jounce bumper. The airbags help stiffen up the ride which makes for a more comfortable towing experience.

Having towed with a Power Wagon I would imagine you already have more than an idea how it's going to handle. Your stress going up and going down the mountain passes is going to be significantly reduced.
Congratulations!

 

[whitexc]

Another 150 series 5er hauler here. I tow a 298BH with a 2500 CCSB Hemi, air bag equipped, B&W Companion(fixed hitch) in the puck system I installed(little nerve racking drilling big holes in your truck but it’s only a truck right?!) with the TP locked out. The hitch is heavy as hell and pretty much stays in year round unless I need to do truck bed things. I have a small utility trailer I use often for truck projects. I have not had any clearance issues yet and have tucked the trailer in some pretty tight spots. I tow flat lands in and around NY for the most part with small mountains and hills if we venture out. If I were towing more a diesel (fuel capacity/driving distance) and the exhaust brake would be nice to have. That said my truck does what I need it to do when I ask.

The weight police will chime in and tell you your diesel short bed can only handle 2 bags of groceries (which cost $200!) before you reach payload. While I wouldn’t recommend going way over, you know what you can do within reason. Load things properly and drive safely. It’s more important than those numbers. My $.02.





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[Lonestar]

Another 150 series 5er hauler here. I tow a 298BH with a 2500 CCSB Hemi, air bag equipped, B&W Companion(fixed hitch) in the puck system I installed(little nerve racking drilling big holes in your truck but it’s only a truck right?!) with the TP locked out. The hitch is heavy as hell and pretty much stays in year round unless I need to do truck bed things. I have a small utility trailer I use often for truck projects. I have not had any clearance issues yet and have tucked the trailer in some pretty tight spots. I tow flat lands in and around NY for the most part with small mountains and hills if we venture out. If I were towing more a diesel (fuel capacity/driving distance) and the exhaust brake would be nice to have. That said my truck does what I need it to do when I ask.

The weight police will chime in and tell you your diesel short bed can only handle 2 bags of groceries (which cost $200!) before you reach payload. While I wouldn’t recommend going way over, you know what you can do within reason. Load things properly and drive safely. It’s more important than those numbers. My $.02.View attachment 67635
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On a side note, how do you like the swing case?

 

[whitexc]

On a side note, how do you like the swing case?

I like it for the price. It entails yet another cple holes in the bed but it holds some straps and other towing junk. Couple pairs of gloves.


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[Rudy35]

I tow a Grand Design 260RD with mine. Added air bags and it sits just fine. I installed the 5th wheel brackets and rails myself (E Trailer had them). It's a job lying on a creeper, but can be done.

 

[gimmie11s]

Another 150 series 5er hauler here. I tow a 298BH with a 2500 CCSB Hemi, air bag equipped, B&W Companion(fixed hitch) in the puck system I installed(little nerve racking drilling big holes in your truck but it’s only a truck right?!) with the TP locked out. The hitch is heavy as hell and pretty much stays in year round unless I need to do truck bed things. I have a small utility trailer I use often for truck projects. I have not had any clearance issues yet and have tucked the trailer in some pretty tight spots. I tow flat lands in and around NY for the most part with small mountains and hills if we venture out. If I were towing more a diesel (fuel capacity/driving distance) and the exhaust brake would be nice to have. That said my truck does what I need it to do when I ask.

The weight police will chime in and tell you your diesel short bed can only handle 2 bags of groceries (which cost $200!) before you reach payload. While I wouldn’t recommend going way over, you know what you can do within reason. Load things properly and drive safely. It’s more important than those numbers. My $.02.View attachment 67635
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Nice work!!! Great looking set up.