Community Forums

TerryZ · 05-27-2017, 04:42 PM

I ended up with the standard output Cummins 6.7 turbo diesel. I would have paid the extra $2700 for the high output engine with the Aisin transmission, but none of the dealers in my area had both the HO engine and the auto level suspension in a 3500 Laramie crew cab, short bed, with 5th wheel prep package.

I chose the auto level over the high output. Pulling the 5th wheel up to Silver City NM (6000') I have no regrets.

NW Explorers · 05-27-2017, 05:15 PM

Our first 5th wheel was a Keystone Alpine. It was decent. Our second was a Lifestyle. It was constant trouble. Our third and present is a Mobile Suites. While not perfect, it is built better and has been much more reliable than the first two. We bought them all new.

If you're buying new, the dealer is a very important part of the puzzle. It is (will be) an RV so there will be issues. How the dealer handles the issues can be key to your overall satisfaction.

Unless you're willing to spend the big bucks for a Space Craft or New Horizons, Mobile Suites or Elite Suites is the way to go. For towing, you can't beat a RAM dually with a Cummins diesel, Aisin transmission and 4.10 gears. Ours is rated to tow 30,190 lbs.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Happy trails,

Oldelevatorman · 05-30-2017, 07:50 PM

To each his own but I don't think the KZ is anywhere close to a DRV, but that's me!

AlexinBC · 05-30-2017, 09:59 PM

We switched from Motorhome to 5th wheel when I bought a new Chevy 3500 as a daily driver. We love our Glacier Peak built in Le Grande, Oregon by Outdoors RV. Did the factory tour etc and are happy with our quality 5th wheel...wouldn't go back. Alex

Wundertaker · 06-08-2017, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spock123

I have a 3500 SilveradoHD SRW and love it but on that big of a camper you will need a dually

X2 on the silverado 3500 HD duramax diesel. 400 mean ash horses and tons o torque

Joe11 · 06-08-2017, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart W

Thank you, with the pucks are you limited to the factory hitch? If so is it a good hitch? If you know

I have the 2016 Ram Longhorn, 4x4, crew cab, dually, long bed. 6.7 Cummins, AISIAN, 3.73 rear. It is rated to pull #25,000. After market hitches work with the puck system. I have the B&W Companion 3600 rated at #25,000.

Never had a Ram before. Love it.

vmyoung61 · 06-08-2017, 08:15 PM

We were always Chevy people, until 2001 when we bought our first Dodge RAM. Have never looked back. We never had a problem with the 2001 3/4 ton and 2005 1 ton dually diesels, the 2013 Hemi 1/2 ton, the 2014 3/4 ton and 1 ton dually diesels. We just traded our dually and Big Sky for a motorhome. I preferred driving the dually and fiver over the motorhome, but I love the set-up of the MH.

I don't believe there is a DRV that will have a pin weight low enough for a SRW truck. Especially after you get everything in it that you will need for full-timing. They are HEAVY. The Luxe is even heavier.

42willys · 06-08-2017, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmyoung61

We were always Chevy people, until 2001 when we bought our first Dodge RAM. Have never looked back. We never had a problem with the 2001 3/4 ton and 2005 1 ton dually diesels, the 2013 Hemi 1/2 ton, the 2014 3/4 ton and 1 ton dually diesels. We just traded our dually and Big Sky for a motorhome. I preferred driving the dually and fiver over the motorhome, but I love the set-up of the MH.

I don't believe there is a DRV that will have a pin weight low enough for a SRW truck. Especially after you get everything in it that you will need for full-timing. They are HEAVY. The Luxe is even heavier.

drv's aire line is built to be towed by srw if you choose to.

Stuart W · 06-10-2017, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42willys

drv's aire line is built to be towed by srw if you choose to.

You are correct, the Aire is light enough for SRW. The problem is that it's not nearly constructed close to the MS or the MSE. Or Luxe for that matter, walls are much thinner, roof is rubber and overall feel is more like they took a $50 to $60k unit from one of their other manufactures and re- branded it. We were not impressed.
Just my 2 cents

CDWatkins · 06-10-2017, 12:48 AM

We went with New Horizons,
They gave us exactly what we wanted, and we didn't have to settle for what other manufactures supply.
Their only issue they wouldn't tell my wife No!

Stuart W · 06-10-2017, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDWatkins

We went with New Horizons,

They gave us exactly what we wanted, and we didn't have to settle for what other manufactures supply.

Their only issue they wouldn't tell my wife No!

Wow just watched their videos , very impressive!

TBS-POPS · 06-11-2017, 01:14 AM

Check out a Vilano by VanLeigh. A Tiffin family product. A 5th wheel built with Tiffin coach quality. Only a couple year old product. I was so impressed we ordered a 2018 375FL today. We are going 5th wheel from a 40ft DP coach. Couldn't get the amenities we wanted in a new coach but found everything we wanted in a Vilano!!

NTXNEWBIES · 06-12-2017, 07:22 PM

Take a look at Heartland Bighorn and Landmark as well by Heartland. And now even the Vanleigh Vilano (although no rear end cap yet)

brunter · 06-12-2017, 07:56 PM

The rear of my Vilano has an extremely solid rear wall. So I don't see a problem not having a rear cap. Also Vanleigh factory support is outstanding. Loving our new front living.