Camper Suggestions?

[BStoecker]

Well, my wife and I are kicking around the idea of buying an RV to pull behind the 3500. My wife is in to Flyball, which is a dog relay race sort of thing. We need enough storage room for 8-10 dog crates, folding chairs, a Power Wheels Jeep, and whatever other camping essentials we would need for 2 adults, a 4 year old, and however many dogs my wife convinces me we need to have. If we go with a toyhauler, we could go with a 5'er or else we would have to stick with a bumper pull style so I could use the truck cap due to storage needs. I would prefer to stay with something fairly lightweight.



What are some suggestions for quality trailers to look at? Not sure how long we would need. If we go with a bumper pull, I assume that would seriously limit the length and weight of a trailer we could go with. One other limiting factor is that I don't want a 40' long monster. We go off-roading and not many good wheeling spots are ideal for getting big trailers in and out. Of course this means we would have to get another CTD. One for the RV and one for the Jeeps. :-laf

 

[Grizzly]

Get a small toy hauler. It will also sell faster when you don't need it.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Ditto on the toy hauler. Fifth wheel much easier to tow in my opinion. They've become very popular in recent years and most dealers have large selections. This is a good time to buy since they want to move inventory before the winter (unless you live in snowbird country).

 

[litespeed]

A 40' toy hauler will leave you with a lot of room inside. Smaller... ... . You will pay the price. On the road... ... . That is a bad idea.



Once you are familiar with manuveruring a 5th wheel you can park the camper like parking a car (I have seen jaws drop).



Over 32' is where things get kind of weird and "out of the mirrors". But you need the space and there is some pretty decent equipment out there now (and it is pretty light weight). Use it to your advantage... IMO...



Our camper is a 36' but it measures almost 39'. Parking the thing is pretty easy on pavement, concrete or limerock. Triple axles will dig a hole in the ground if you have to park in tight spaces. Still worth it... ... ... IMO...



I would recommed a limited slip rear end (or 4wd even better) even if you think of going off the pavement. It will save a bunch of headaches. 2 axles on the camper makes things much easier. Be sure to spend money on the axles, shackles and brakes when you buy the camper, or you will regret it later.



You will learn a bunch fast when you start to ask questions and start to read specs... ... ... ... .



AJ

 

[wcjp]

Your post mentioned offroading. Is this Quads, bikes or Jeeps? If Jeeps I'd recommend rethinking the 5th wheel. The 5th wheels I've seen aren't really capable of a vehicle. The ramp/door is barely adequate. Vehicle tiedown points are not welded to the frame. The excessive weight of the 5th wheel and Jeep are typically right at the maximum capability or beyond for the typical 1ton p/u.



If offroading is Quads or Bikes there's not really a problem due to their lightweight.



Locally, there's a guy who bought a Haulmark trailer with the Escape package. I think it's a 26' trailer that basically has the amenities of a slidein camper. His Haulmark has a GVW of 10,400lbs. Recently I heard of another company called Carlson. Don't know anything about them.