Fiver question

[QWaller]

I am thinking of getting a fith wheel camper. I need something comfortable for no more than 5-7 day trips that will accomodate 2 adults and 4 kids. I think my truck would be fine wilth 10-11K in weight. Generally speaking what length of camper am I lookng at. I know that they are all different due to configrations etc. but due to budget I won't be on any new lots so I am on my own for information. Just looking a a starting place for weight. Thanks

 

[LRutigliano]

6 people in any camper is alot... Unless you don't mind making dinettes into beds and then back again and turning couches into beds and then back again, I recommend something with a rear bunkhouse. You can keep all of the kids bed stuff (stuffed animals, many princess blankets) and toys and play stations and TV, etc in their room.



I know it sounds spoiled, but kids nowadays have it WAY better than I did... and I like it that way.



Our 2006 has a rear bunk house and its approx 36' long and weighs 11k fully loaded. It has a single slide in the living area.



Should be pretty darn reasonable used...



Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

It all depends what you can and can't live with.



I'd buy the biggest coach that you feel comfortable towing with.



We bought an 2007 that we quickly grew out of. Traded that puppy in for a 36' in 2009 and now we are like some home owners- UPSIDE DOWN.

 

[B.G. Smith]

With a 2500 and the weights you consider, you are going to need to stay around 30' and with the kiddos I would look for one with a slide in the living area and a bedroom slide. Mine is supposed to be 31' but is actually 32'-8" and in the 12,000 range. My truck is a dually and the trailer has hydraulic brakes and I feel this is all I can safely tow. bg

 

[HBarlow]

Your truck is going to be the limiting factor in a fifth wheel purchase decision because of rear axle and rear tire carrying capacity. If you want to be safe and keep the load within weight limits I would advise you to load the truck with fuel, kids, and camping gear. Pretend you are leaving for that vacation trip and get a scale weight of each axle and gross weight.

The actual ready to travel weights and the door tag in your truck will tell you how much carrying capacity is left. Pay particular attention to the rear axle weight and capacity.

Assume any trailer you look at is going to weigh in at maximum gross vehicle weight which is printed on the VIN/Weight sticker on the left front corner somewhere. That is realistic with your family size, could even be a little light.

Then calculate 20% to 25% of the trailer's gross vehicle weight. That is approximately what the trailer's kingpin will weigh, ready to travel on the trip you mentioned and that is the weight that will ride on the rear axle of your truck. If it exceeds the carrying capacity you've already calculated, pass on that trailer. It is too heavy.

It will be a mistake you will seriously regret to overlook the trailer's GVWR tag or assume it can be towed on vacation trips at its empty weight or what the seller tells you it weighs.

Also, don't believe the defensive myth that trucks are underrated by their manufacturers on the conservative side and can actually carry more weight. That is self-deception and will get you in deep trouble. Your rear tires probably have a capacity of about 3,042 lbs. per tire for a total rear axle capacity of 6,000 lbs.

 

[LRutigliano]

With my 36' 11k trailer, the rear axle of my truck weighs 4800 lbs. My tires are 265/70-17E rated at 3195 lbs each.



My 2001 2500 CTD had 265/75-16E tires rated at 3400 lbs each.



QWallers tires should be the same or similar to my 2001...



Hope this helps.

 

[QWaller]

Sounds like I need to keep it under 10k to be safe and manageable. The manual states my truck is good for a combined 18k. I think a little more, talking hundreds of pounds not thousands, would be fine. I plan on making the truck as good for towing as I can with mods, but I am aware of the limitations with SRW. I was hauling 2500 pounds yesterday on the interstate when I blew the left rear. Rim is toast as I had to abuse it a little to keep traffic safely moving. Watch those older Chinese tires (came on the truck when I bought it). I plan on getting some 3rd gen wheels and tires to help with the squirm. I also installed air bags to help a little with height and plan to modify the overloads a litttle as well. Just completed the wheel cylinder upgrade last week. I figure for a little money I can keep the truck and haul enough of a camper to satisfy the family. It nly has 105k miles. This forum helps a lot.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Sounds like you got all the right advice and one more thing. Enjoy RVing some of my best memories was camping with parents, brother and friends from tents on up. Again ENJOY!!!

Really one thing you should do is weight the truck and 5er when loaded with everyone and loaded to camp. I mean all the water, propane, truck fueled, etc. If you are over to much for the tires and/or axles. You mnay need to compromise and leave a few things home. Unfortunately sometimes we all have to do that to be safe for all concerned.