Really like this 5th wheel--opinions please

[Dabbelt1]

The park model trailer i was previously looking at a forest river model, you warned me of the shoddy craftsmanship, and it was suggested that i look into purchasing a 5th wheel instead. I really like the layout of this Keystone Avalanche 2010 Keystone RV Avalanche 340TG Fifth Wheels at Holman RV Batavia Ohio Holman RV



With my 2 kids i like the play area/sleep area they have, my wife and i also like the privacy that the door to there room would provide. With its aluminum frame it seems like a quality unit.



Please let me know if i am wrong, and should steer clear of this RV, i value your opinions.



My truck:2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 6. 7cummins





Thanks,



MIke Dabbelt

 

[Ram4Sam]

Looks nice but that is too much trailer for a single wheel 2500. With that much hitch weight,a tank of fuel, you, the mrs. and the kids, you will be way past the weight limit of your truck.



Sam

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have to agree I don't believe your truck is up to this. I have a 2002 Keystone Everest and as for manufacturer I am happy with them in quality. Oh you here bad and good about them all but in htis case seems to be more good.

Looks nice but that is too much trailer for a single wheel 2500. With that much hitch weight,a tank of fuel, you, the mrs. and the kids, you will be way past the weight limit of your truck.



Sam

 

[Barry]

Another consideration: Beware of buying new. In 36 months, I am going to buy that unit from the bank that repo'd it or the dealer that took it back in on trade for 50 cents on the dollar of what it sold for new.



There are lots and lots of very nice pre-owned units out there that can be bought for half of what they sold for new.



These 15 and 20 year financing programs work about as well as the little old lady that took a pair of scissors and tried to cut the hole out of her blanket.



Think long and hard.



I am not trying to poo poo your deal. Just make an informed decision. Shop the internet. Find a unit somewhere that the folks need to get rid of... ... ... even if you have to take a vacation trip to go get it.



mi dos centavos... ... ... .

 

[Jim W]

For your 2500 Mega Cab you would be better off pulling a Cougar 322QBS or a 318SAB. These both have a pin weight that a 2500 can pull. The 318SAB 1525 LBS and the 322QBS is 1460 LBS pin weight.

I have purchased a 318SAB and went over it with a fine tooth comb using a pre-delivery check list from RVNET. The only thing I found were two loose screws on the bath room door and two loose screws on a dining chair.

My weight numbers are: Steer Axle 4940 LBS, Drive Axle 5160 LBS, Trailer Axle 8140 LBS and the Gross weight is 18,240 LBS. This is from a certified "Cat" scale when I had the truck and trailer weight last weekend on our first camping trip.

Just my $0. 02

Jim

 

[HBarlow]

Yeah, I agree with the naysayers above.

I read your post early this morning but didn't want to be first to rain on your parade again.

The trailer you are interested in is far too much trailer for your 2500 and for at least two reasons. One, pin weight on the rear axle and two, short bed.

As Barry wrote, a brand new unit is not a bargain in the current economy. I also recommend buying used. This is a buyer's market. There are nice repo's for sale everywhere.

My oft given advice is to determine your budgeted amount . . . I mean purchase price not payment amount. Once you know how much you want to spend buy the newest, cleanest, best equipped USED unit you can find in that price range and make sure it is appropriate for your truck.

Unfortunately, with a 2500 megacab, you can't tow a good used Travel Supreme, Newmar, Carriage, etc. or other top quality unit but you could probably find a good late model entry level Jayco for $10k.

I know many TDR members own and like their Keystone products. I'm sorry but I do not and neither does George "Grizzly's" RV industry buyer's guide. I pulled a lot of them when I was transporting.

Among entry level lower priced units I have much more respect for Jayco products. Jaycos are not top of the line either but IMO they are a better value for your dollar.

 

[Dabbelt1]

Well... ... I did end up purchasing this avalanche today. Now, i have an auto-slider hitch being installed monday. We are not going to be doing any long vacations with this trailer for awhile. Will be pulling it about 50 miles to our permanent campground (Indian Lakes in Batesville, IN). Will it be necessary to install an overload spring or airbags--the dealer tech didnt seem to think so. I was also looking at Timbren Suspension Enhancement-these really sound nice and easy. I know i went against your better judgement but..... this is the one the wife wanted.

 

[Grizzly]

Now you're talking. A 5th wheel is a good way to go, however I have to agree with everyone else, limit the size and weight to a 30' with a max pin weight of 1500 lbs and total trailer weight of not more than 10k lbs. If you want a larger 5er, you'll need a larger truck. 30' Cougar would be a good choice, however no RV made by Keystone will be a quality made trailer. The highest rated Keystone is a 3 star, but that's only very few. Most are 2 and 2. 5 star rated. That's find if that's what you want. Many folks are happy with their Montana, Everest, Cougars, Hornet, Outback, Springdale and many more brands. If you want a better quality 5th wheel look for a 3. 5 or 4 star rated, such as Hichhiker, Jayco, Excel and anything by Northwood Mfg.



If I can be of help, let me know, george

 

[Grizzly]

Oops, I was two minutes too late. The damage is done. I wouldn't put much trust in anything the dealer's, so called tech, tell you. You probably know far more about RV's than they do.



I wouldn't install air bags. Maybe overload spring if you don't already have them. Best advice, make sure you have good insurance and keep the proper air pressure on all tires. Good luck to you.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Well we failed but good luck. You can add overloads, air bags but you can not increase axle weights to those as they are engineered design numbers and so many factors including frame rating, brake sizing, etc. go into those numbers. You can help by adding those things and in most cases the numbers are conservative which is a plus for you and really in most cases it is not getting the thing going it is handling in adverse conditions such as higher winds, and stopping the 5er and truck when the local fool pulls out in front of you or cuts you off. Advice, be very very careful in adverse conditions and again good luck and enjoy!!

 

[Barry]

Well, while we are just shooting into the wind, Grizz touched briefly on the subject of tire pressure.

Our SOP for years has been to inflate RV tires to maximum rated cold pressure before launching. In our long experience, this has reduced our tire problems to almost zip... ... ... ... ...

And to those who have participated in this thread, it once again is proof positive that "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". And I think Dabbelt1 has played this perfectly. He now is in position to buy a bigger truck with no objection from his bride. I think he is pretty smart!! Thought about a baby Freightliner?

mi dos centavos... ... ... ...

 

[EricBu12]

Dabbelt1,

I have a 36' 5th wheel and I used to have a 01 2500. . I had the 5th airborne sidewinder and I did the suspension upgrade and as well, I also got 19. 5" . . "F" rated tires. These really helped the handling on turns and such. . no squishie feeling. . the "E" tires are just barely up to it. Look at some of my other posts in this forum and see what I did.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Oo. Your right, Dabbelt1 what truck are you looking for and when do you think you will get it? Keep us posted curious minds want to know!!!!!

Well, while we are just shooting into the wind, Grizz touched briefly on the subject of tire pressure.



Our SOP for years has been to inflate RV tires to maximum rated cold pressure before launching. In our long experience, this has reduced our tire problems to almost zip... ... ... ... ...



And to those who have participated in this thread, it once again is proof positive that "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". And I think Dabbelt1 has played this perfectly. He now is in position to buy a bigger truck with no objection from his bride. I think he is pretty smart!! Thought about a baby Freightliner?



mi dos centavos... ... ... ...

 

[FPettijohn]

Griz and Harvey

I just purchased a repoped 2008 Rampage 3602 from a dealer in Missouri and pulled it back to Indiana in 40to 50 mph side winds. The workmanship for this price trailer is excellent and the use of space is better than any toyhauler we have seen. The tri axle pulled great, probably better than my KZ did without wind. I have looked at almost every toyhauler model made since 2005 and only Alpenlite made a better unit BUT they are out of business and cost several k more.

 

[Barry]

And there ain't nothing lite about an Alpenlite. Love the coach, hate the weight... ... .....

 

[Grizzly]

Griz and Harvey

I just purchased a repoped 2008 Rampage 3602 from a dealer in Missouri and pulled it back to Indiana in 40to 50 mph side winds. The workmanship for this price trailer is excellent and the use of space is better than any toyhauler we have seen. The tri axle pulled great, probably better than my KZ did without wind. I have looked at almost every toyhauler model made since 2005 and only Alpenlite made a better unit BUT they are out of business and cost several k more.

Rampage is made by Skyline, who manufactures under many names, such as, Layton, Nomad, Weekender, Aljo and many others.



Average rating are 2 to 3 stars. Most are not rated because they have a 0 rating for Highway Control. The RV Consumer Group guide doesn't explain the reason for the no ratings.



george

 

[FPettijohn]

TDR members

Dementia is a terrible thing, my 5vr is a Keystone Raptor but on the + side it is a great home for my Harley.

 

[HBarlow]

FPettijohn,

Take a seat and hold your breath for what you are going to read when Grizzly posts opinions on your Keystone Raptor from his RV Consumer Guide book. It probably won't be good news.

Your new trailer probably has 15" wheels and ChiComm "willpop" tires on cheap ChiComm running gear. Even other owners will tell you the Keystone toyboxes have poor insulation and cabinetry.

 

[Grizzly]

A Rampage is slightly better than a Rapter. Rapter averages from 1. 5 to 2. 5 stars. It's not a high end trailer as far as quality, but if you're happy with it that's all that counts. Good luck to you.



george

 

[FPettijohn]

Harvey

1 out of 3 ain't bad it has mapop missions but they are 235/85/16's on mag wheels and they are on al-co axles which are made just up the road.

Griz

Everything is relative I guess, when I mounted the etrack for the bike I had to take down the treated cardboard and then cut the black fabric that was under the frame and then move the approx 18" of fiberglass insulation to put the washers and nuts on. I also wanted to mount a speaker switch by the radio which is an interior wall and there is 6" fiberglass insulation there to. The outside walls measured by the window frame is 2" which is about 1/4 to 1/2 wider than most of the coaches we have looked at, I know it's not an HR but it didn't retail for over 100k. Unlike the oil companys, with an RV you pretty much get what you pay for.

Fred