reply to new members Nick and Linda Muscato e-mail q's on towing

[Andy Perreault]

I got an e-mail recently from a new member, but when I sent them a reply, it got kicked back to me with a "failure delivery notice". Apparantly there is something wrong with their e-mail address. I figured I'd post their letter here so that other members with experience towing big 5th wheels could answer them, you guys have a lot more expertise than me. So, feel free to post your replies, hopefully they will see this posting. Here is their letter:

Hello. I just joined TDR and on 8/29/01 I am buying a 2001. 5 3500 Quad 4x4 dually Cummins 6sp 4. 10. I was able so far to get the Dodge dealer here in Yakima down to 34K (I live in Selah and am going full time in my 34' Western RV Dreamer Tulsa RL). It has all the towing options and has all the electric gizmos except for electric seats. No leather. Can you give me any idea if I'm getting a good deal or the shaft? It also has towing mirrors (heated), tinted windows, AMFM/CD, keyless entry, Patriot pearl blue paint, engine heater, air dam, sliding rear window, camper package, towing package. The 5er weighs 10K. The truck weighs 5K. It has a GVCWR of 21. 5K. We figure 3K for additional weight. That comes to 13K. Plus 5K for the truck which is supposedly equal to 18K. Do you see anything wrong with this picture as far a GVCWR? Thanks for your advice! Nick and Linda Muscato

 

[wyosteve]

The biggest thing I see wrong is your estimate on the weight of your new truck. It will probably be closer to 8000 lbs. My 2500 with me, fuel and toolbox typically runs around 7800.

 

[Gunny]

I would have to agree , your estimate of weight. 5,000 lbs is way to low, My 2001. 5 3500 6speed weighs 7,700 on the scales, and that was with only a half a tank of fuel and the truck empty. As far as your price of 34,000 that is a pretty good deal. My truck is about 4 months old now, I bought it in Rapid City SD and it is equiped very much like yours, my cost was $39,080. 00. Good luck with your new truck. Mine pulls a 34 ft 5er, that empty weighs 11,500 lbs and loaded runs about 15,500 lbs. Dodge pulls it with no problems. Gunny

 

[Grandpappy]

Watch weight

Nick and Linda, I have a Western RV 34' Alpenlite Appletree RL and tow with a truck much as you are looking at,(see my sig. ). My trailer empty wt. is listed at 9800# and GVWR of 13K. The 9800# is very low, they don't count all the extras, like A/C unit(s),extra batterys,solar panels and ect. Mine weighted 10500# "empty". It is very easy for me to get to 13K with fresh water tank 1/4 full. My Truck is 7850# as equiped. You should be O. K. on GCWR but really watch the trailer wt. , its easy to get over the trailer over the GVWR. BTW... congrats on the new RV. We really love ours.

 

[Happy Camper]

Hi, Here is the weighs I have from the State of Oregon scales with 60 gal of fuel and my co-pilot and 29' RL Spyglass Alpenlite 5th wheel. I have the HO with stick shift. 3500 weight with 2 people and 5th wheel = 18650 F=4750 R=5900 5vr=8000

Solo

Front = 4750

Rear = 3600

Total = 8350



I have the tow mirrors and they are not heated. I was informed that heated was not available. 34K is not too bad a price IMHO but you will have to depend on how you feel about the cost vs what you will enjoy from it. LOL.

 

[SteveH]

My 97 1ton weighs 4320 on the front axle and 3300 on the rear, with an empty fuel tank and no passengers, totaling 7620#. I think your truck estimate is definitely a little low. My 31' 5er sets us back another 12,500 so we gross a little over 20k. I pull it with . 455's and have no problems whatsoever running 300hp at the rear wheels.

Steve H