Reflection Series 100 purchase and towing question

[OshawaDave]

I'm sure it's not what the OP was hoping to hear........but, you've got your answer.

 

[dbest1va]

Hey all!
Even though it’s a bit late I did want to see yalls opinions on our purchase. My main reason for posting and asking is to get yalls take on our purchase/truck combo and specifically if I have to have a bigger truck. Me and my wife purchased and will pick up our 2025 Reflection 100 series 27BH tomorrow. We drive a 2024 F150 and here are our numbers for the truck and the fifth wheel. Should I be worried towing this thing?

Truck Specs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
7,100 lbs
Gross Combined Weight Rating
19,400 lbs
Max Payload
1,851 lbs

Here are the fifth wheel specs

Hitch 1,280

UVW 8,200

GVWR 10,195

Length 32' 3"

Height 12' 3"

Sleep

Any and all replies would be so very welcome. Thanks so much

We just bought a Grand Design Reflection 28RL which weighs around 8k and with the research we were looking for either a 250/2500 level truck. Found a good used F350 with a fifth wheel hitch already installed. Hope you find a good truck to pull your rig.

 

[goducks14]

Op's F150 may be his daily driver. If he has short trips then a diesel is more headache than enjoyable. A 3/4 ton gas would be plenty for this 5er. With kids in tow he's probably just a weekend warrior with a couple longer stays here and there. No need for a $$$ diesel in that situation.

 

[Dutchman2]

Not speaking for Chris - just my opinion.

Chris lists NC as a home base, the blue ridge mountains are not far off so the terrain maybe similar. Those mountains might be enough to lean to a diesel for both the torque and exhaust brake.

Dutchman2

 

[goducks14]

A Ford F250-350 7.3 gas towing 9000 lbs on weekends and DD during the week would be much simpler and $10,000 cheaper. Not to mention the oil changes plus fuel filter changes. BTDT

 

[CHRISTOPHER_6770420f41e32]

I really can’t tell y’all how much I appreciate all the input. I feel like such a jackass So long story short…it was a very expensive mistake. I did want to list out the truck im heading to look at tomorrow and get everyone’s take… it is a
F250 with the 7.3L V8 with the “max payload upgrade” quotations…well cause idk

 

[Dutchman2]

Based on the numbers you are good. I assume this is a crew cab/short bed/srw? If so, look at the slider hitch offerings as this will help reduce the potential of the trailer front cap hitting the cab in the case of a 90 degree turn when backing up. You will have plenty of payload to have this option available if you feel the need. the truck will drive and handle much better - plus much safer!

Dutchman2

 

[CHRISTOPHER_6770420f41e32]

Based on the numbers you are good. I assume this is a crew cab/short bed/srw? If so, look at the slider hitch offerings as this will help reduce the potential of the trailer front cap hitting the cab in the case of a 90 degree turn when backing up. You will have plenty of payload to have this option available if you feel the need. the truck will drive and handle much better - plus much safer!

Dutchman2

Definitely hoping so. Now all I’ve got to do is get the hitch all sorted. Pullrite superglide was out in the 150 and the dealer says it can’t go in a 250. Reaching out to Pullrite first thing to find out exactly what I can do with this hitch in the other truck. What a nightmare

 

[Dutchman2]

The newer truck have the puck system and honestly it is a good setup IMO. I had the B&W turnover ball setup and with the Companion FW hitch was heavy to move. I actually installed an electric hoist in the garage to lift it out of the bed. The new truck with the puck setup and companion FW hitch is lighter and IMO easier to install and remove. The newer GM HD trucks the wheel base and standard bed offering was increased back ~ 2020. The puck system was also moved further back in the bed. This allows most of us with newer FW's to use a non-slider and not be as concerned about coming into contact with the trailer front cap and truck cab. The slider by design is a heavy unit to have to remove and install.

Dutchman2

 

[MtnGuy]

Based on the numbers you are good. I assume this is a crew cab/short bed/srw? If so, look at the slider hitch offerings as this will help reduce the potential of the trailer front cap hitting the cab in the case of a 90 degree turn when backing up. You will have plenty of payload to have this option available if you feel the need. the truck will drive and handle much better - plus much safer!

Dutchman2

Does the 100 series come with the Turning Point pin box like the 150 series ?? If so, no slider would be needed if the pin box was unlocked.

 

[goducks14]

Does the 100 series come with the Turning Point pin box like the 150 series ?? If so, no slider would be needed if the pin box was unlocked.

According to this guy it's a 1621 Lippert pin box.

 

[dryfly]

If so, look at the slider hitch offerings as this will help reduce the potential of the trailer front cap hitting the cab in the case of a 90 degree turn when backing up.

Dutchman2

I would just suggest avoiding 90 degree turns if at all possible. I know this has been discussed frequently but how often do you really need to make a 90 degree turn? Can you imagine how hard this is on a suspension?

I've been pulling 5th wheels for about 16 years now and have never engaged the slider function of my hitch. The way the nose of the newer 5th wheel trailers are made there is a lot more flexibility in making tight turns, but I guess there is always the possibility that you could get in a bind. YMMV.

 

[Dutchman2]

We get extremely close ~ 2" away from the truck cab in our old 2015 2500HD GMC when putting the unit back into storage. I learned the hard way how close it comes when it cost me $425 to replace the back glass and it left a permanent dent reminder on the cab.... The newer GM HD trucks with the longer standard bed and hitch located behind the axel has allowed for much more clearance between the cab and trailer. I do agree outside of trailer storage we hardly ever get close in tight turns during normal travel days. I also agree on the suspension binding is never good. The gravel lot at the storage facility helps relieve some of it when we put it up and pull it out. Even so I added the MorRyde X-factor crossmembers to help reduce the frame/spring hanger stress.

Dutchman2

 

[CHRISTOPHER_6770420f41e32]

According to this guy it's a 1621 Lippert pin box.

Is that…good? Sorry I haven’t had a chance to watch the video. I have however had a chance to make it back to my guy at our ford dealer lol. I did get into that 250 I linked with those numbers on the ford calculator. Though I found one with almost 1800lbs room after I added the 1500lbs pin weight and 450 pounds of occupants (we have two hundred pound hounds) but, I got a somewhat good deal on this 250 I had. I think I’ll be able to get my hitch back in (it is one that slides, the pullrite super glide) the bed but end of next week. Then get it on back out to get it weighed. All I can say is…what an ordeal. What an unbelievably humbling learning experience. The last real thing anyone said to me about the truck/fifth wheel at the dealer was the maint. tech who walked us through everything at the end. He said “They can pull a fifth wheel this size and are advertised to pull them. Doesn’t mean they should though” I’ll look at another dealer next time we turn into a new one, that’s for sure. Y’all have all been awesome though on this thread. I do really appreciate the bits of wisdom that’s come of it from ya.

 

[goducks14]

The Lippert 1621 pin is pretty common. It's a straightforward pin box with no turning capabilities like the Turning Point so it's beefier.
Yeah in reality GD is right that they are 1/2 ton towable but what they don't say is the 5er needs to be empty and only the driver allowed in the truck.
Nothing to be too humbled about it's a vicious marketing world out there for RV's. Lots of misinformation about all aspects. You did the right thing even though it stings a little.
Now you can start modding and getting ready for some camping fun without worry.

 

[Dutchman2]

You are not the lone ranger in this situation. Many of us have found ourselves in this dilemma once we cross the scales. I place the safety of my family and other families on the road a priority. That piece of mind unfortunately isn't cheap. Kudos to you for getting on the site and asking the right questions and doing the right thing. As other have pointed out it will provide you the ability to upgrade down the road.

Dutchman2

 

[Boogiejack75]

Hey all!
Even though it’s a bit late I did want to see yalls opinions on our purchase. My main reason for posting and asking is to get yalls take on our purchase/truck combo and specifically if I have to have a bigger truck. Me and my wife purchased and will pick up our 2025 Reflection 100 series 27BH tomorrow. We drive a 2024 F150 and here are our numbers for the truck and the fifth wheel. Should I be worried towing this thing?

Truck Specs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
7,100 lbs
Gross Combined Weight Rating
19,400 lbs
Max Payload
1,851 lbs

Here are the fifth wheel specs

Hitch 1,280

UVW 8,200

GVWR 10,195

Length 32' 3"

Height 12' 3"

Sleep

Any and all replies would be so very welcome. Thanks so much

IMO, no 5th wheel should be pulled by 1/2 ton trucks, unless they are in the 7000 lb GVWR range.
I would recommend at least a 250/2500 gasser or 350/3500 diesel. 250 diesel will only have around 2400 lbs payload.

Go to Towingplanner.com to learn how to weigh your rig.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[goducks14]

IMO, no 5th wheel should be pulled by 1/2 ton trucks, unless they are in the 7000 lb GVWR range.
I would recommend at least a 250/2500 gasser or 350/3500 diesel. 250 diesel will only have around 2400 lbs payload.

Go to Towingplanner.com to learn how to weigh your rig.

Good luck and have fun!

GM 2500 diesels can be optioned with an 11,400+/- GVWR which gives them in excess of 3000 lbs for CCC. Plenty for many 5th wheels.

 

[CHRISTOPHER_6770420f41e32]

Welp, hopefully getting a weight on it sometime here soon. Trying to get us all geared out and planning our first outing. Thank you guys again for being so helpful, understanding and gracious with me. Not 100% sure the wife is quite there yet in terms of matching my excitement but, she’ll get there. All the best!

 

[goducks14]

I wouldn't worry about weights with that truck but it's always nice to know.
Nice choice it should serve you well for years.