Next Level '34CK TH with '05 2500 4x4 SB CTD, OK ???

[TWynia]

Hi all ... my first post on TDR but have been on all the other forums out there .. thought I would get further input from people actually towing with my vehicle ...

Ok, I am kinda at my breaking point of research and what to do ... I just hate knowing I am at or over tow ratings and wont really know by how much until I buy it and its too late. This is also compounded by fact I am trying to go with a smaller 5er than many out there and still pushing it almost regardless of any 5er I buy and there is no real weights to go by.

I have '05 Dodge 2500 4x4 short bed QC CTD and just got my Valley 16K slider hitch installed. My combined weight rating is ~13,100# and my payload rating is ~2,200#.

I really like the 34CK Holiday Rambler - Next Level (McKenzie Dune Chaser is also same thing) toy hauler mainly due to all aluminum structure, only one with aluminum smooth walls, many unique options, and suprisingly it is essentially the exact same price as a WW 35LE equally equipped.

Base weight is 10,040lbs which means I have right at 3,000 left over for options, toys, gear, people, fluids, etc. Pin weight is claimed to be 2,470 so I will be over this with hitch, gear, people, etc ... i am thinking I will be ~3,000# payload when all loaded up. It is one of the highest published dry weight 33-35ft 5er's out their. My issue is, could they be giving more factual numbers where as many have already suggested WW is way under published as well as others ??? I would be rather irritated if I bought a WW 33LE or 35LE t "supposedly" save some weight only to find out I was fooled.

Looked at one today and the sticker inside said 11,700 dry. According to the sticker, and we called the factory rep (for what its worth?), this includes full 130gallons of water, full 60 gallons of fuel for station and gener., and also includes "most but not all options" (what the heck does that tell me?). This unit had the fiberglass option and bedroom slide which I am sure adds some good amount of weight (no idea if these were included in the sticker weight but feasable that they might have been) ... I wont be getting these options.

Also, I looked at several of the different Next Level models and the stickers they had for dry weight and all were different by several hundred pounds even on the same model so apparently they are trying to include something different for each unit.

Ok, all the above is probably a waste ... we will never be able to figure this out I dont think ... I could feasably be about 14,000 loaded up with two quads depending on whats really included in those weights. I guess I should be spending my energy trying to get the unit on a scale. The problem is I will be ordering and still wont know how much difference Al vs. fiberglass will make as well as no slide out and a couple other things ... if nothing else, I guess it would give a baseline to then possibly theorize off of. I cant beleive nobody but Skyline is willing to tell us what the trailer really weight and/or give a baseline weight for each option to add up the for a close approximation.

Assuming I am willing to travel no faster than 60MPH open freeway and 55MPH on highways max, maybe here are the real questions I should ask:

1. How much weight really "makes a difference" ... I mean is pulling a 13K 5er really that much different than pulling a 14K. Ok, is pulling an 11K 5er different than pulling a 13K 5er ???
2. In general would you think Dodge (and other manuf.) weight ratings of 13K max is more on the conservative side or true max ???
3. Should I really let a 1,000# or maybe 2,000# more scare me away from a Next Level I really want instead of maybe stepping down to Weekend Warrior 31LE???
4. I also have it stuck in my head that pulling a triple axle unit should make a huge difference in sway and safety in general. I mean, when I walk around in a dual axle on the lot I can feel the unit moving under my feeta and wanting to rock ... on the triples it feels almost like a solid foundation ... has to make a difference when pulling and thus maybe a bit more weight is ok ????

I know probably 70% of people are over wieght (Ex. rails in the back of 38 and 40 5ths) and its not like I really care to join them but it makes it frustrating when you know this, are trying to stay under limits, and what you want weights close to limits or over and all of these units are extremely heavy regardless (stepping down to say 31ft ony helps out about 1,000 in general and there a few 5ths smaller).

I guess I am trying to void that threshold of where risky becomes outright dangerous regardless of driving habits, etc. ...

Also, I think I will do the following to become safer:

- Upgrade to 4.10 gears (which brand?)
- Exhaust brake (which brand/type ?)
- Super spring or stock 3500 helper spring or air bags (this essentially, but yes unofficially, makes my truck a 3500)
- A little bit wider tires (wider wheelbase) while maintaining stock or above load ratingds ... probably moot ...

Any input appreciated (sorry to those who have seen this post on the other forums ... just getting everones input).