carriage carri-lite 5th wheel

[watt]

Hi thinking about buying this trailer 1997 carriage carri-lite 5th wheel model # 732RK double slide dry weight of 10380 and 14500 gross 32' price of 21,000 to much ? very clean also will my truck handle it ? 2001 3500 4x4 auto camper and tow pac. Thanks for info

 

[drees1]

I've always thought of the carriage cari lite as an excellent trailer. Price does not seem out of line for a good unit. Isn't that about half of new? I towed 14. 5 lb Goose Neck trailer last weekend with my one ton. Grossed around 20. 5. It pulled it real nice. I had about 2000 on the hitch and the camper overload springs were almost touching the bumpers on the frame where they will start to work. Ride was great and plenty of power for passing and hills with my #11 plate. Your truck was made to tow that camper Go for it!!

 

[NVR FNSH]

My parents are towing a '97 Carri-lite - 36ft double slide 5th wheel, can't remember the model # - with a '96 2500 4wd CTD/5spd. Hasn't had any problems at all. My dad is an extremely anal mechanical engineer and he's been very happy with the trailer.



Brian

 

[Barry]

The model number 732RKS is a '98 model floor plan. Many times the manf. will do a model change early and though the unit is titled '97 it really is a '98 floor plan. It also makes it a little difficult to place a value on the unit. Current NADA dealer book is $18420 wholesale and $25020 retail for a '98. The 700 series is also the first of the "wide body" units. If you can buy the unit in the upper teens and provided it is nice, I think you will be in the money..... Good Luck! PS: Carraige makes a very good coach.

 

[BLee]

I'll bet you find that 14,500# out back is a serious load for that auto transmission. Tow in direct drive (3rd gear) and expect to pay a penalty in fuel mileage. Stay out of mountains. Alternative: maybe upgrage the transmission and braking system. Or get a 6 speed.

 

[Jammar9082]

Watt: You have stated the weights and I wondered if this was the manufactures numbers. It has been my experience over the past 30 plus years of owning trailers that the only sure way of knowing the correct weights is to weigh it. We have an automatic pulling a 29 ft. carri-lite and it seems to do OK but I am very worried with the transmission. It is the weakest link in the system and I wish I did not have it but will have to live with it. Just be sure on the weights.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Can you feel the force...?

Originally posted by watt

will my truck handle it ? 2001 3500 4x4 auto camper and tow pac. Thanks for info

Hmmm, perhaps if you update your profile to reflect your current configuration, that would be a help for some proactive comments? I would be a little wary hauling that heavy camper based upon my own (albeit limited) experience with the stock audo transmission. A set of gauges in the cab wouldn't go amiss either... . )



If there's someone (relatively) nearby to you who's been touched by the "dark-side" , you could do yourself a real big favour and see why the stock factory set-up is somewhat lacking. There's a couple of after-market alternatives out there which are worthy of your closer examination - just trawl the forums for your truck and you'll get a pretty good idea of what's around.



You're asking for "real-world experience" to help you make an informed decision. My sig-file speaks for itself - reliability, durability and useable power on demand and all with minimal reliance on an approved Dodge dealership, something like 3,500 miles away and counting, but who's counting?



I was in your situation nearly three years ago and spent several months collating the necessary information before I decided what my next steps were. Take your time and take heed of the information from the TDR with an appropriate amount of caution and then make an informed decision for yourself.



I had the pleasure of a 14,000+ miles road trip across the USA and Canada before I got back to Europe. You may not have to cover the same number of miles to come to the same conclusion... ...



Good luck!!

 

[watt]

Thanks for all the info GOING FOR IT bought camper today picking it up wed pm and heading out on trip to camp frm dealer lot loading things into camper in parking lot and heading out will hit scale in ny on my way to camp will let you all know how shake dwn trip goes when we get home next week Thanks again Oo.