I purchased a 34 ft 5th wheel that has a total weight of 11,660 lbs, can a 2008 - 2014 2500HD diesel handle the load?
Towing a 2009 Keystone Cougar 318SAB. Dry Weight 9210 + Cargo Weight
2450.
It should be able to handle that load without a problem but check your options list and see if you have the tow package and also what the gearing is. Your owners manual should have a section on towing and if not Chevy should have a towing guide online.
Actually a Ford F-150 Ecoboost properly equipped can handle that weight, but it would be at it's limit and the 3/4 ton diesel would be the best bet. Almost any 3/4 ton (2500HD) could handle that trailer. If it were me I would also consider a 2500HD gasoline version. You would get poorer fuel economy, but diesels are damned expensive to maintain and repair.
Bob is right. The cost to buy and maintain a diesel these days is absurd and they are not are reliable as diesels used to be.
Reg Cab LB 2WD 6.6L TD V-8 15,800 Reg Cab LB 4WD 6.6L TD V-8 15,500 Ext Cab Std Bed 2WD 6.6L TD V-8 15,400 Ext Cab Std Bed 4WD 6.6L TD V-8 14,300 CC Std Bed 4WD 6.6L TD V-8 13,600 CC LB 2WD 6.6L TD V-8 14,400 Keep this in mind, you need to check your tires to make sure they are at least Load Range E. You will also need to have a load leveling air bags put on the truck. This will keep your headlights aimed properly. They will also transfer the proper amount of weight onto the front tires. This is key when you are driving in adverse weather. With too much load on the rear tires, your steering will be lighter making it difficult to steer. Your braking will also be effected making your front tires less able to grip the road while stopping. If you have a short bed you will need a sliding 5th wheel hitch. With out one you can steer your fifth wheel nose into the back window of your cab. I have a CURT A-16 on a slider. It has a 16,000 lb. capacity. There is a kit that you can get that bolts directly onto the frame of your truck. NO HOLES TO DRILL! Don't get the brackets that are just "L" brackets, get the kind that is only two long brackets. One for each side. It appears to be very difficult but its not. I did it in about 1.5 hours without taking the fender wells out and with out bending anything (much). Just drop the spare and go to it! Kept the tires on it too! Good Luck and enjoy RVing! 2015 Chevy 2500HD LTZ Z71 Crew Cab Pulling a 2007 Pilgrim 359 RL 3S-5
