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Old 08-18-2018, 09:39 AM   #1
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Cheapest reasonable truck?

I originally bought my fifth to live in at my grandmas as she has dementia and we were worried about her being all alone. Well she’s gotten worse and I fear she may need full time care sooner than expected. The problem is I had my fifth towed here and have yet to buy a truck to be able to tow it myself. I’ve been trying to save up but it’s hard in this situation. If she does have to go the house will be sold to pay for her care and I’ll be out on my backside.

So my question is, what’s the cheapest reasonable option for towing a 1998 aerolite 5th? (Rear kitchen) I’m actually rather mechanically inclined so I could do minor repairs as needed. Thoughts?

Ps. I forgot to add. I have a $1000 cash, a project car I’ve been working on that I hope to get 1500-2000 from, and an explorer with maybe 1500 equity in. I know I’m ill prepared but moving here has been rough on me financially. Thanks for your time!
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Old 08-18-2018, 09:54 AM   #2
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Good job trying to take care of your grand mother. It is not easy.

Think about your next move, where you want to move your 5th wheel to. Think about paying someone to move it again.

Good luck
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:01 AM   #3
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Cheapest reasonable truck?

The problem is I have no where to move it to that will allow that. The local full time rv park would balk surely, and it’s basically there or the west coast. Long story but my family sucks.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:02 AM   #4
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I agree with tuffr2......unless you are planning to tow the 5ver around and actually use it for camping/moving from place to place, pay someone to move it for you again when you find a location that suites you.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:10 AM   #5
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I agree with tuffr2......unless you are planning to tow the 5ver around and actually use it for camping/moving from place to place, pay someone to move it for you again when you find a location that suites you.
You can get it moved for 1-2 $ per mile. If you want a truck you need to add up the GVW of the trailer and all the junk and passengers you plan to have. Then check the Towing GVW of the truck as listed on the door frame.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:19 AM   #6
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↑,,,↑,,,↑

What tuffr2 said.

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/1998/A...ers-5th-Wheels

That is a relatively light 5er. The M525RK has dry weight of 3385 pounds and the M8527RK has dry weight of 4,680 pounds. Either model when wet and loaded for a full-timer move would strain any affordable half-ton pickup, so you should consider only a three-quarter ton or one-ton SRW pickup. You could probably find a used-up worn-out junker for a few grand. But used-up worn-out junkers are still expensive and a headache to keep running.

If you can find an affordable RV parking space within a few miles of where you want to live, then your best bet for now would be to hire an RV mover to move the trailer for you. Don't buy a tow vehicle until you can afford a reliable tow vehicle - not a used-up worn-out junker.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:41 AM   #7
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Used to haul a Jayco Quest 26’ 5er with a 1st gen Toyota Tundra (2000-2006)with the 4.7 V8. You’ll need to keep your weight down with your belongings, but even at 200k miles these trucks are very reliable. But your still going to need more cash flow.

I agree with others don’t go out and purchase a truck that will end up being a money pit.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:51 AM   #8
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There is a camp ground in King George Va. called Big Timber. They are $300/mo plus electric. King George is eastern Va. I stayed at Big Timber a few years ago. It was an ok camp ground.

They are open year round.

Pay to have your 5th wheel moved there. Jobs in that area are scarce two years ago. Maybe things have improved now.

Trying to buy a junker truck I believe is not a good way to go. Also I believe the east coast is better than the west coast to carve out a living. Beside, you are already on the east coast.
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Old 08-18-2018, 11:08 AM   #9
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Used to haul a Jayco Quest 26’ 5er with a 1st gen Toyota Tundra (2000-2006)with the 4.7 V8. You’ll need to keep your weight down with your belongings, but even at 200k miles these trucks are very reliable. But your still going to need more cash flow.

I agree with others don’t go out and purchase a truck that will end up being a money pit.


I love Toyota’s. I bought my last one at 195k and sold it for $2000 less 150k miles later. Would a 4.7L be a reasonable short term solution?
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Old 08-18-2018, 11:15 AM   #10
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The big trouble with a 5th wheel is you need a truck that has a 5th wheel hitch. I have friends looking for a 5th wheel vs a condo. They will not be travelling. I told them to look at a travel trailer because any truck can a travel trailer. A 5th wheel is not as easy to get set up. For that light 5th wheel.

Bottom line:

Yes, a Toyota 4.7 v8 could work if you can get it set up to tow your 5th wheel.
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Old 08-18-2018, 09:58 PM   #11
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I love Toyota’s. I bought my last one at 195k and sold it for $2000 less 150k miles later. Would a 4.7L be a reasonable short term solution?


The only reason I mentioned the 1st gen Tundra is they can easily go 300k without many issues. I drove one for 17 years. IMO the 2uz 4.7 is a better built motor than the current 5.7 or 4.6 currently. Anything else with that kind of mileage forget it.

If you can find one 17 to 18 years old with less than 200k. But be sure to check out the underside for rust on the frames.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:05 PM   #12
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Check Craig's List and search for RV transport or check with a local RV dealer. Having someone move the RV is a lot cheaper than owning a truck considering purchase cost, maintenance, fuel, insurance, licenses cost , and depreciation cost. This is assuming you don't plan to move often and don't have a need otherwise for a truck.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:30 PM   #13
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The problem is a 15+ year old 200,000+ mile 3/4 ton pickup in fair to good condition is going to sell for $7,500+ in most places. ( at least thats about the going rate here in rural Louisiana)
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:35 PM   #14
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... So my question is, what’s the cheapest reasonable option for towing a 1998 aerolite 5th? ... Thoughts?

Ps. I forgot to add. I have a $1000 cash, a project car I’ve been working on that I hope to get 1500-2000 from, and an explorer with maybe 1500 equity in.

I would not recommend buying a cheap truck and becoming mobile. That could become a financial challenge.



I would suggest finding an RV Park that has affordable monthly rates. Pay someone to move the trailer there. Stay in one location until you can recover your financial situation. When you get straightened out with your money, then get a truck and move the trailer around. All the best.
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