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Which engine to get?

aboo155

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HI all! Newby here, preparing to get my first diesel engine, and we're looking at a 22k fifth wheel. should we get the HO engine, or can a SO engine handle the weight?
 
SO would do it (but with a 68rfe), HO would do it better, but as Brutal pointed out, all the 25's are "HO" anyhow so it kinda narrows down your choices LOL. But more importantly, with a 22k 5th wheel in tow I'd be looking at a dually.
 
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SO would do it (but with a 68rfe), HO would do it better, but as Brutal pointed out, all the 25's are "HO" anyhow so it kinda narrows down your choices LOL. But more importantly, with a 22k 5th wheel in tow I'd be looking at a dually.

Actually a SO wouldn’t do it on paper. Only the HO is rated to tow 22K lbs aside from a regular cab with 4.10’s.
 
My HO SRW is rated at 24K, SO even in a DRW configuration falls short and right under 20K (at least that was the case for 19-20 M.Y. I believe). It's not the engine though, its a transmission. Get a HO and as suggested, get a dually.
 
SO would do it (but with a 68rfe), HO would do it better, but as Brutal pointed out, all the 25's are "HO" anyhow so it kinda narrows down your choices LOL. But more importantly, with a 22k 5th wheel in tow I'd be looking at a dually.
Trying to educate myself, I'm wondering why the dually if the payload capacity is 4130, and tongue weight is 3160?
 
Trying to educate myself, I'm wondering why the dually if the payload capacity is 4130, and tongue weight is 3160?

Your issue will be rear axle capacity. A 22K 5th should have around 4.4K pin weight, maybe more. You just won’t likely have the ability to support that with a SRW.

While my SRW is rated to tow a 25K trailer that’s with only 15% pin weight and that’s just not a realistic number.
 
Your issue will be rear axle capacity. A 22K 5th should have around 4.4K pin weight, maybe more. You just won’t likely have the ability to support that with a SRW.

While my SRW is rated to tow a 25K trailer that’s with only 15% pin weight and that’s just not a realistic number.
My 40 foot fifth wheel which weighs 22K has a pin weight of 5200 pounds. Dually is maxed out. A SRW would be way over.
 
Your issue will be rear axle capacity. A 22K 5th should have around 4.4K pin weight, maybe more. You just won’t likely have the ability to support that with a SRW.

While my SRW is rated to tow a 25K trailer that’s with only 15% pin weight and that’s just not a realistic number.
I get It now......thanks!!!!
 
Trying to educate myself, I'm wondering why the dually if the payload capacity is 4130, and tongue weight is 3160?

Payload is total capacity of all your people and gear, hitch, etc. (and primarily in the bed over the axle for a GN or 5th). Tongue weight is at the rear receiver hitch (bumper location). Leverage is a bitch.
 
My 40 foot fifth wheel which weighs 22K has a pin weight of 5200 pounds. Dually is maxed out. A SRW would be way over.

Bingo

22k lbs 5er is absolutely DRW territory.... I wouldn't even consider SRW at that weight.
 
SO makes enough power to pull the weight but apparently the rest of the truck isn't rated high enough to do it legally, and not safely. So ignore my "SO would do it" advice (even though it  would....) A dually diesel and a 22k 5th wheel is really jumping in with both feet! I've been towing for years but honestly, in my advanced age, I just dont think I'd be comfortable pulling anything that big and heavy anymore. I'm gonna stay at 15k or less when we finally decide on a 5th wheel, or we may end up with another larger bumper pull. 22k is a big'n.
 
SO makes enough power to pull the weight but apparently the rest of the truck isn't rated high enough to do it legally, and not safely. So ignore my "SO would do it" advice (even though it  would....) A dually diesel and a 22k 5th wheel is really jumping in with both feet! I've been towing for years but honestly, in my advanced age, I just dont think I'd be comfortable pulling anything that big and heavy anymore. I'm gonna stay at 15k or less when we finally decide on a 5th wheel, or we may end up with another larger bumper pull. 22k is a big'n.
I’m 77 and quite comfortable pulling my 22k fifth wheel. However part of that is due to my capable truck.
 
I’m 77 and quite comfortable pulling my 22k fifth wheel. However part of that is due to my capable truck.
I guess for me it's more of a mental thing. The older I get the more I appreciate good ol' peace of mind. That, and I only have a SRW and 22k is just too damn much weight.
 
If I was buying a new truck and the primary goal was to have well north of 20k lbs. behind it I wouldn't even be looking at the 2500/3500 trucks. I would step up to 4500. As already noted, it's not the engine that will hold you back, it's the truck. A 4500 will be enough truck to safely handle that load for years to come. Better turning radius, bigger brakes, stronger tires, stronger frame, etc. Over on the Ford side, guys go to the F-450 very often and they love them.
 
If I was buying a new truck and the primary goal was to have well north of 20k lbs. behind it I wouldn't even be looking at the 2500/3500 trucks. I would step up to 4500. As already noted, it's not the engine that will hold you back, it's the truck. A 4500 will be enough truck to safely handle that load for years to come. Better turning radius, bigger brakes, stronger tires, stronger frame, etc. Over on the Ford side, guys go to the F-450 very often and they love them.
If the Ram 4500s and 5500s were available with a pickup bed, I would have gone that route. That said, at least the Ram numbers on my 3500 dually are good with my trailer. Just. Seems like payload is the big limiting factor.
 
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