Can a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Safely Tow a Keystone Montana 3121RL 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
I am looking to purchase a Montana 5th wheel model 3121RL that has a 1250 EW with a hitch weight of 2,385 lbs. My truck is a 2016 GMC Danali 2500 HD DuraMax Diesel Crew Cab with a standard bed. Would you consider this 5th wheel too heavy for my truck? I am concerned about the weight, but also long term impact on my truck.
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and it looks like the max tongue weight for a 5th wheel trailer is 3,000 lbs and the max Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 21,000 lbs. With this being the case you can safely tow your Keystone Montana 3221RL but I recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual to verify these weight ratings.
Using your pickup to tow will obviously add some strain that will cause premature wear but since you aren't pushing the limits with this towing setup you don't really have anything to worry about. Just keep up a regular maintenance schedule and you should be just fine. You could add the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2709 to help with the longevity of your suspension parts.
If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch then I recommend the 20K B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W. This 5th wheel hitch is manufactured right here in the USA and has received high praise from customers and dealers alike.
The best part about this hitch is that it installs in the B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch # BWGNRK1016-5W which gives you a clear bed when you aren't towing as well as the option to tow gooseneck trailers.
I recommend installing the Curt # C56000 as well to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer wiring much easier.
Attached are some videos and installation instructions for you to reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Which Gen-Y Gooseneck Adapter Fits 2020 Keystone Raptor 424
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: Does The B&W Companion Have Side-To-Side Movement For Uneven Terrain
- Q&A: Recommended Air Bags for a 2011 Ford F-350 w/ a Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Do I Have to Have a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch in a Short Bed Truck
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?