Community Forums

rebelsbeach · 02-20-2006, 05:55 AM

Lots of good information here already,won't repeat it all. I had two fifth wheels before motor homes.
I drove two different duallys as daily driver's,it's all what you want to get used to as far as daily drivers.
Four wheel drive,while nice to have,adds extra weight to the whole package...
I felt more comfortable with the extra platform that the dual tires provided...

cwsoules · 02-20-2006, 12:05 PM

In December 1999 we bought a used 29' single slide 5th wheel and a new 2500 Dodge diesel 2x4.
The plan was to use the 5er for a short period and when we knew what we really wanted to buy a new 5er. We have put 100,000 miles on the truck and 49,000 miles on the trailer. We have towed in the mountains on the east and west coasts and our rig meets our needs. We see no reason to get a new 5er as we are very happy with this rig. Usually there are just the two of us in the rig, though last summer we took our 9 year old grandson on a 3,000+ mile trip from California to South Carolina and had no problems. We went 2x4 as I did not intend to get into locations where a 4x4 would be required. There have been two occasions when a 4x4 would have been nice, but with some effort and thought our 2x4 solved the problem. I recommend you buy the largest truck (GVWR and GCWR) you can afford and then a used 5er that is within the limits of your truck. If the 5er does not meet your needs you will know it within a year and that time buy new.

TXiceman · 02-20-2006, 04:31 PM

Whether you need a dually or a SRW is strickly a function of the pin weigh on the trailer and the trucks GVWR. I need it for my pin weight and I do like the stability of the DRW. It goes back to the saying that you don't take a knife to a gun fight.

As for 4-wheel drive vs. 2 -wheel drive, it depends on where you camp and use the truck. We have not had any trouble with our 2-wheel drive DRW, but we never get off of paved or packed surfaces. The 4-wheel drive adds cost, weight and maintenace, so if you do not need it, why get it. I have not had any more trouble with slick roads and my DRW than I have with my SRW Dodge 1500. Pick ups are light in the rear unless you have a load.

So basically you need to pick the truck that will haul the load and meet your needs.

Ken

powerboatr · 03-10-2006, 03:34 AM

we have a 2006 tow boss
F350 crew cab dually, it replaced an 02 dually
and our rig is 38 feet long plus or minus.
we are 13,480 max gross. it pulls great.
looking at upgrading axles and wheels soon to gain a bit more cargo capacity

jperry29 · 03-10-2006, 12:22 PM

I recently wrote a reply to a topic that has many of the same aspects as this one. There are a couple of things that are not applicable to your question but I think it addresses each of the things you are asking about.

5th Wheel Length

Deck · 03-20-2006, 11:59 AM

Lana,
My wife and I travel with a 27 footer fifth wheel. We have not had any need for a larger unit, although, for pure splurging, our next one might be a 29 footer.
I would recommend the smallest size you would be comfortable living in. In general, the extra space of larger units does not always offset the disadvantages. Yes, some (mnany) parks limit the size of units. And, almost all national/state parks do too. I think if you are looking into 32+ foot units, you will start running into restrictions. Other considerations of size also include the work involved setting up/ breaking down, and maneauvering through traffic. Larger units are more work. Not to mention weight, gas milage, etc. If you get a 1 ton dually with a diesel engine and heavy duty tranny, you will be able to pull most anything safely, and with best fuel ecomomy & power. My 2cents. I hope it was helpful
deck

Near SOTA · 03-20-2006, 07:48 PM

Deck:
Much of what you had written makes sense to me and has made me rethink of the space equation.

I would love to have a big coach,but then again a smaller one for a single person ike myseld might make more sense in a lot of ways.

One os that it would not be as much of a pain to move,to heat or to keep up maintenance wise.Pus I would probably get a better quality coach for a lower price.

Alpenlite is one of my favorite manfs. and it was at the top of my list. Teton would be nice,but pricey.Their is one more that I cannot think of which has great qaulity,but highly expensive.

Montana might be another,but not as well built as a Alpenite I don't think.Will need to see what is there when I am ready soon to buy.

Thanks!

Arctic Owl · 03-21-2006, 04:25 AM

I currently have a 38 ft 5ver. If I was having to purchase a new trailer it would be in the 30 ft & under range. I have had only one park reluctent to take me because of length. We bought the trailer to fulltime in & have found it much to large. The extra room is nice but we have found is not all that necessary. JMHO.

Reg