New to fifth wheel haulin.

[dhauser]

Well we sold the house and have a deposit on a 36' Montana. I have been looking at the Trailer Saver air bag suspended fifth wheel hitch. Anyone out there have one on your truck? And how do you like it, maint. issues, etc. etc. Also, my truck has an auto trans,valve body upgrade to increase pressures and Mag Hightech pan. Haven't had any problems yet, but I was wondering what kind of longivity I may expect? One last thing, engine is box stock and pulls 18' trailer with two Harleys and slide in camper in box with no trouble (15500 CGVW) Will pulling a fifth wheel coach (14000) loaded be much different? Thanks in advance for input,

On The Road Again, Dave

 

[Sarge]

Hi Dave, and yes, you are going to make a big change. I am assuming your 5ver alone is 14K. Your truck is rated to pull it, but you are adding a bunch of wieght. First, you may consider one of the power boxes, like a Van Aiken. It won't blow the roof off of your horsepower rating, but it will add a punch to the torque in your truck. Also think seriously about an exhaust brake. After you get that big ol RV moving, then your going to have to slow it down. There are several good ones out there, so it's preference really. Those two adjustments will make your towing experience much more plesant, and a lot less scary... ... . Sarge

 

[daytripper63]

I agree with Sarge And a 5er will have more wind resistance than other trailer

But I am sure your going to have a great time

 

[rdanley]

also look at the easy rider hitch system, think you will like it much better.

 

[TowPro]

I have looked at it, but not see the need, at last the need to pull that much money out of my wallet



I see your using a 4x4, one consern would be how much travel do these air bags allow the hitch to move. Your already going to be pushing the lower limit on bed to camper clearence just to keep the camper level, then having a hitch that can allow the trailer to move up and down on its own? Might be ugly if you hit the right bump.

 

[sfritts]

If your signature is right you'll probably be a ok. I think if you had a couple of extra bucks to throw at your truck I'd put on an really good set of shocks like bilsteins or ranchos they make towing even with a fifth wheel a lot nicer, also tell the camper dealer you want shocks on the trailer axles if it doesn't come with them. I put them on mine, and when the big rigs pass you or you get a crosswind you won't hardly notice it. A nice set of 50 hp injectors wouldn't hurt either if you have the power bug!!!!!

 

[dhauser]

Yah I will be hovering right around my 20000 CGVW limit. (truck weighs 5400) I know the air hitches are $$$$$$$ , around 1800 for the Trailer Saver and 2400+ for the Easy Rider, I have a DVD coming from ER and have talked to TS on the phone. Both say leveling is not a problem, TS says when aired up properly hitch head hardly moves. Hitch head is 15" above bed, anyone see any red flags? I am leaning toward TS because it is a 2 bag system and less maint. in the long haul. I still have 4 weeks to make up my mind. I will replace shocks, they are due, also will address KDP and I am ordering a steering box bearing stabilizer. I am buying a pre-owned coach so I will have to see about shocks on trailer my self. I will see how things go before investing in an exhaust brake, trailer has 4 wheel elect. brakes as my flat bed also has. Never had any problems even going down the grapevine on I-5. How much will I gain in HP (torque) by moving the plate on my fuel pump? When the transmission does go south for the winter, what is the hot set up for an after market trans these days? I want to have my homework done if and when the time comes to replace trans. Wow I guess this is enough grist to grind for several strings, so I will sign off, Dave

 

[Forrest]

I'd ck into one of the coool stainless wings. They help a little in mileage & keep the front of the 5'er clean of bugs. It's a super pain to clean them off.

 

[CWebster]

"(truck weighs 5400)"



Wow, I not very familiar with 96 model trucks, but my 2000QC 2500 weighs 7000#'s with just me in it. I would think that you would weigh more than me. If that's the case then you would have less capacity left for the 5'er. Might want to double check

 

[Dean Upson]

That 5400 weight sounds a might low to me as well. If that was the shipping weight of the truck it weighs quite a bit more with a full tank of fuel, passengers and hitch. My truck shipped at 7351 and weighed in at 8440 with tools, hitch, full tank and 80# Golden Retriever. Trailer weights always seem to be much higher than expected, too. E-brake is a great investment. I have the Mor-ride suspension on my trailer and it rides like a baby carriage.



Dean

 

[dhauser]

Good point guys, I guess I will go and spend 5 bucks and roll it across the scale. Ill be back, same bat time, same bat channel, Dave

 

[y-knot]

I would think that just going with a name brand quality hitch would be more then enough. I would then take the money saved and use it to purchase a good set of 5,000lbs air bags, Air Lift or Firestone doesn't matter both are great and about the same. Then take the overload spring pacts out of the rear, this will do two things. First it will get rid of the spring packs and make way for the new air bags, allowing them plenty of room to operate. Second it will provide a much improved ride, no longer will the overload springs slap there stops with every bump and result in a terrible ride, loaded or un-loaded. You will also need to buy a on-board air compressor (get a good one like the Quick-Air II or better) along with a tank and controls. The air bags will surprise you with a velvet like ride on the highway, you will also be able to adjust the ride height and the ride quality with a touch of a button.

I would also look into another transmission and torque converter, pulling that much weight all the time, it is just a matter of when. Good luck

 

[dhauser]

Thanks for the input y-knot, from the research and the one person I talked to who had a Trailer Saver, having air ride on the truck only takes care of half the shock dampining. Having the airbags at the hitch insolates the shock from the truck to the trailer OR the shock from the trailer to the truck . My truck doesn't have overload springs, just a four spring pack (stenciled 228 on top) the more weight I put in the better it rides and no hammering. Ah yes the tranney, I have done about all I can do short of a custom rebuild and new TC, and I have been told with a stock engine it will last quite a long time. I thought about stopping at Suncoast on the way out of FL but I still feel, if it an't broke don't fix it. Also thought about purchasing one and just pack it in the bed untill the stocker pukes. (nah thats just being paranoid) I still don't know which rebuilder has the best track record. Who built yours, do they have a web site? I would like to hear from anyone out there with a Montana 3655 FL so I can learn about any weak points. thanks, Dave

 

[dhauser]

Yup you guys were correct, 5400 lb must have been my 76 ford F-250. My truck weighed in at 7200 lb even. Let me see 7200, 83 lb winch, 230 lb hitch, 400 lb people, 12 lb cat, 14000 lb coach, that sure adds up to overweight. Dave

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by TowPro

I have looked at it, but not see the need, at last the need to pull that much money out of my wallet



I see your using a 4x4, one consern would be how much travel do these air bags allow the hitch to move. Your already going to be pushing the lower limit on bed to camper clearence just to keep the camper level, then having a hitch that can allow the trailer to move up and down on its own? Might be ugly if you hit the right bump.

Your concern is totally unfounded, TowPro.



See my sig.



He's looking at something quite similar to my setup.



The EasyRider is good insurance against bad roads, especially when pulling at max GCWR.



Needless to say, I love mine.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by dhauser

I would like to hear from anyone out there with a Montana 3655 FL so I can learn about any weak points. thanks, Dave

The single biggest issue I've run across is the need to extend the dining room slide when you want to use the "head" or get into the bedroom during a rest stop.



Hopefully, yours will have the "Arctic" package for better insulation and a second A/C.



Both come in very handy.



Email or PM me for more info.

 

[wbrown02]

You won't be sorry with the Trailersaver hitch..... best deal for the money. Mine made both the truck and trailer ride better. Good quality construction and great customer service... ... You will feel the extra weight on the new trailer and performance upgrades are in order... . exhaust brake, more power mods.

 

[jcarew]

With all the weight you will be pulling get the exhaust brake, you will not regret it. they are the cats meow, as they say don,t leave home without one. Have Fun with your new rig.

 

[RMcCulloch]

JCarew, you might have missed his comment that he's got an automatic instead of a manual.



But then, so do I! :-laf



He might want to be able to get his transmission worked on under warranty...

 

[dhauser]

Thanks for all the input, I have decided to order a Trailer Saver this week and get my truck ready to pick up my coach in May. I will be making a run to Ohio and back around the last of May and will decide what other "got to haves" will be added after that. To be continued, Dave