1st Time 5th Wheeler - What to look for

[RBellah]

I am new to the Camper World... . this is why I bought a Dodge Diesel so I could enjoy what others are doing. My question is what to look for... example I see they are advertising lite weight fifth wheel models with 1/2 ton capacity and so on. . so these light weight models may save some fuel and so on, however are these lite weights having any issues? Say like a Dutchmen Denali, or Sundance?

I have 2006 2500 4X4 QC automatic, single axle, short bed.

If there is a website that could bring me up to speed please let me know... any help appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Skydiver]

Tons of valuable info.
iRV2 - The Friendly RV Forum Community
.
RV

 

[Jim W]

Hi, Just like Diesel forums there are a ton of RV forums out there too. Some good and some not so good. There will also be a lot of opinions offered from what is the best to what is the worst model of trailer to own. Like anything one can develop paralysis analysis or put it another way information over load. This condition exist when one receives to much information and then can not make up his mind.

Now with all this being said, I find that these two sites might be the best place to read and than make up your own mind as to what to buy.

1. RV. Net : RV. Net: RV Forums, an online community for RVers

2. RV Know How - Books, E-Books and Seminars about owning, buying and maintaining your RV

This site may help you in determining how big of a trailer you can pull.

Tow Vehicle Sizing

Jim W.

 

[RustyJC]

Tons of valuable info.

iRV2 - The Friendly RV Forum Community

.

RV

Another recommendation for iRV2.com.



Rusty

 

[RVTRKN]

Whatever make/model you choose, try to get the biggest possible, that will stay within axle ratings, with reserve weight to spare for family and cargo. they get small quick, and even though there seemed to be room for everyone, but when you actually use it, you will feel cramped. The RV links will have formulas to help you with this. Word of caution though, don't let the salesman sell you a 5ver too heavy because most of them will. Know your limitations and you pick what you feel is safe. Also install a Maxbrake brake controller, they are more expensive, but if you have little experiance with a brake controller, this is the one to keep your family safe.





Good luck, and lets see some pictures when you get it.

 

[RBellah]

Thanks guys for the feedback, the forums you suggested will keep me busy for a while... at least until I have another question or two. Have a great day... this TDR site is awesome.

Ron

 

[HBarlow]

There are at least two long running threads on selecting an RV here in the TDR website in the Towing, Hauling, and RV forum. Lots of information was tossed around in those threads as well.

 

[MLee]

Just ask a lot of questions, remember there is no DUMB question. My one pieces of advice that I offer, if it has slides, is it usable with the slides in???? Is The toilet usable

Can you stop and make a sandwich with out opening a slide to get into the fridge? could you sleep in it with out opening it up? Will you be happy much later with your choice? just a few to consider. Get the China Booms of the axles. (Tires)B4UBY

 

[MAleshire]

After towing a 5th wheel trailer on a number of long trips, I'd share some basics on what to look for in weight and safety. To the dry weight of the RV, add the weight of all the tanks when full (black water, grey water, and propane). This will give you a real world idea of the weight before you start loading in personal items that you think are necessities. With time you'll find that about half of the items you thought were necessities were not needed. I add 1000 lbs for personal items for the occupants and food. Slides provide a lot of extra room, which is nice, but really add a lot of weight.

Plan on going up a load range on tires, because RV manufactures seem to use tires that are marginal for the weight of a fully loaded RV. Blow outs cause some real safety issues and cause RV damage. Go to a truck scale to actually see what kind of weight you are carrying on the front and rear axles of the tow vehicle and on each axle of the RV. Use a tire inflation chart to determine how much air to carrying in tires. Do some thorough research on RV construction materials--aluminum vs. wood frame, different skin materials, and roof materials. Fuel economy, IMHO, is based as much or more on wind resistance than the weight you are pulling. Figure on getting 50% mpg less when pulling a heavy RV than what you experience when running the truck unloaded at highway speed. Being able to safely stop a heavy trailer is more important than being able to pull it. An exhaust brake is a necessity, and the best heavy trailer brake on the market is also a necessity (MaxBrake). A transmission temp gauge, and an EGT gauge are also necessities. Sorry about the long post, but I'm pretty opinionated on this issue. Try short trips first to get a feel for stopping, starting, parking, and driving in traffic. Be safe, and have a great time!

 

[MChrist]

RBellah, I have your identical truck. I've never towed a fifth wheel camper, but I believe you need a fifth wheel hitch that swivels back, or you may run into interference with your cab, being a short bed. Long beds don't have that problem.

MAleshire, you have a 2500. How heavy have you towed and how heavy do you feel comfortable at?

 

[MAleshire]

You're right about needing a specialty 5th wheel hitch with the short bed, or a king pin extension. My current 5th wheel, fully loaded weighs 11K. I've towed at 14K. I have air bags, and know that tongue weight would be about 1500 lbs. That would be the max for me.

 

[MChrist]

I assume that the 14,000# trailer was a fifth wheel as well? I would guess that your pin weight would be more than 1500# though.

 

[RustyJC]

A 14,000 lb 5th wheel would typically have a 2,800 lb (20% of total weight) to 3,500 lb (25% of total weight) pin weight.



Rusty

 

[MChrist]

Maybe the 1500 was a typo... and meant 2500?

 

[RustyJC]

Or, since he referred to tongue weight, maybe it was a "bumper pull" trailer.



Rusty

 

[ringneck]

a 30 or 32 footer would tow good with your truck. stay away from the so called light 5th wheels,my friend has one and the roads have shook apart. get a four season rv,in the end you will be happy. dont believe most rv sale people,do your reserch and dont be in a hurry. gary

 

[Axion]

I would agree with everyone that says research before you buy. To that end, go to



RV Consumer Group - We Rate RVs



and buy the membership. It will be the best $139 you spend. Once you have your list of possible units narrowed down, the info from RV Consumer Group can shed some light on specific models. There is also some great information on how to tow safely and how to negotiate with the sales people.

 

[RBellah]

I am glad I posted on this site... there is a lot of information in these posts that could save me a lot of time and money on mistakes. Tires (china made), 5th wheel hitch for ths short bed, weight, and so on. I have been looking on ebay and there are no deals here in Texas. It looks like I am going to have to drive some distance to get a bargain... . I suppose the economy in the upper States is not as good as here in the south. Again, I appreciate your honest feedback and the knowledge that has transpired from this post.

 

[JTruelove]

Ron I am in the market for a 5th wheel myself. Keep me posted. I will be a Dallas RV show in a couple of weeks... Just to look at floor plans and dream.

 

[MAleshire]

Sorry about creating the confusion. The 14k trailer was a 5th wheel, and had a 2500# pin weight.