Curious about 5th wheels

[Argus2k]

I've wanted to upgrade from my current motorhome for some time, was considering a diesel pusher, then I got looking a 5th wheels. My truck is a 01 short bed 4x4 with the HO and of course six speed trans. After looking at weights of these trailers it appears I don't have enough truck. What are some of you guys running, I'd like a 29-32 foot trailer, but I'd also like to stay within the capacities of my truck. What kind of milage are you getting, altough it doesn't really matter, just curious. Also any recommendations on 5th wheels? What should I watch out for? Thanks, Dan

 

[cwsoules]

My 5er is an Automate it weighs loaded about 10,400#. It's GVWR is 10,640#. My truck's GVWR is 8,800# and GCWR 18,000#.

The truck weighs about 7,260 loaded without the 5er. That means my truck is over the GVWR by 200 to 300# and under the GCWR by 300 to 400#. It handles the load quite well and I have put 39,000 mile on the 5er behind my truck. I screwed up and did not get my EGT, Turbo pressure and transmission temp gages installed until a year after I started towing. I also did not get my DTT mods until that time either. I believe now that during that early period I abused my transmission, which lead to me having to have it rebuilt at about 73,000 miles.



I believe if I had gotten all of my mods before I started towing across the USA I probably would not have needed the rebuild.

 

[corprimo]

We've got a Cardinal 28 with 2 slides that actually measures 30 feet. It's been over the Alcan 2. 5 round trips, has 16 inch wheels and torsion axle suspension. I wouldn't pull anything bigger with a 2500 truck. Rig weighs around 18,000. Russ Anderson sells these trailers factory direct - AmericanaRV.com. You pick them up in Indiana.

Give a call if you want to take a look.



Dan Heynen - Anchorage 345-3102

 

[Argus2k]

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to start looking for a good 28 foot unit. That's as long a unit that I care to be towing anyway. Anyone else got any input? Things to aviod, things I "must have" etc. Do I need an engine brake?

 

[Casey Balvert]

A 2500 pretty well limits you to a single slide trailer if you want to stay within the load rating of the truck. Bedroom slides while very nice add considerable pin weight. FWIW

 

[SHobbs]

Engine brake, defintely get one. You will appreciate it on long downhill drives. With my current trailer tipping the scales at 13k, it will hold me at 55 to 60 mph on a 7% grade. Of course you will need to watch your egt guage, the turbo will get hot. Bedroom slides are great and will add about 500 lbs to the pin weight, according to most manufacturers specs. Check on the availability of an arctic insualtion pkg. for colder weather. Look for a heated enclosed underbelly with heated tanks, it will keep your water lines and waste tanks from freezing. My truck gets around 22-23 mpg's empty and around 11 mpg's pulling the trailer. One thing you might want to check up on is a rear kitchen. I have heard you don't want one. I was told that everything back there will be bouncing around in the cabinets and when you get to where you are going, open a cabinet door you better duck. The skies the limit with these things so don't pay for anything you don't need or will not use. I had a Fleetwood Terry 5er and hated it, I traded up to my current unit and have been very satisfied. Forrest River builds a quality unit. Good luck in your search.

 

[RustyJC]

Depending on your hitch placement and the width of the 5ver, your short bed truck may require a sliding 5th wheel hitch to keep the 5ver from hitting the back of the cab when turning, especially when backing.



Rusty