Community Forums

gschooley · 08-30-2014, 02:22 PM

Hello Excel owners! I am new to this forum, and to forums period. I just posted my first thread on ‘Trailer towing and tow Vehicle Discussions’ and titled it ‘Confused about 5th wheel pulling requirements’. I received some good feedback. But, now I am aware there is a community of Excel owners on this forum, great. So, I hope you experienced Excel owners can give me some advice and share your experiences. I am an experienced Airstreamer person but 5th wheels are not my forte’. But, it needs to be, and pretty quick.

My goal is by next Spring early Summer, Michigan Spring, to be full timing it for the next 5-10 years. I hope I make 10yrs :-). Currently at the top of my list of 5th wheel is an Excel Limited 36GKE. It will be fully loaded and that would include washer/dryer. So MAX GVWR 18,750# could be a reality. So, it’s possible my hitch weight could be close to the max also, 3,750#.

I have a 2011 Ford F-250 with a standard bed and with a 6.7 liter diesel. Sales guys say not a problem, the forum members say NO WAY. And I believe the forum members so there is no more questions in my mind I have to scale down my 5th wheel aspirations or get a new truck. I am not going to compromise in what might be my home for the next 10 years, so I am now investigating what I should consider as a new tow vehicle.

That brings me to my question. Dear Excel owners, would you please share with me your experience and advice in truck specifications that work for in this class of 5th wheel and any advice in what NOT to do?

Thanks everyone!

iawoody2 · 08-30-2014, 02:39 PM

The Texas weight police should show up soon.

drfife · 08-30-2014, 03:27 PM

An Excel 36GKE will require a dual rear wheel drive truck. I tow a 34IKE with a 3500HD single rear wheel drive. I am within specs loaded for travel. I do not have a washer/dryer or generator. Either would cause the pin weight greater than the rear tire weight rating.

Get a dually if you want the 36GKE.

HighwayRanger · 08-30-2014, 06:51 PM

Dually, 1-ton, diesel, late model, 4.10 gear ratio, from any of the three brands.

Roy

gschooley · 08-30-2014, 07:00 PM

I am really getting the BIG picture here...going to have to sell my beloved F-250 and upgrade to a real truck :-)

Riverc · 08-30-2014, 07:42 PM

You will need a DRW for a trailer that heavy.I would look at 450 or better a 550 Classy Chasis trucks in Indiana is a place to take a look at.

Rob17 · 08-30-2014, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gschooley

Currently at the top of my list of 5th wheel is an Excel Limited 36GKE.

Definitely a dually, you'll be much happier.

Rob

JDT · 08-30-2014, 09:45 PM

Your 3/4 ton would be way overmatched with a 36 foot Limited. You will need a one ton dually at least. Your salesman is not well informed (I'm being kind) to say that your truck will work with that heavy a fifth wheel.

TexasTwoStep · 08-31-2014, 06:36 AM

A dually would match up well with the Excel. In some states that dually might raise your gvwr to the point that you will need a non-commercial class A drivers license.

dw8ite · 08-31-2014, 08:02 AM

Below is a link to a posting that was recently posted on this forum. The gentleman has a 36GKE and Volvo TV for sale. You might gain something from reading his ad or even talking to him. His 5th is very loaded like yours. Hope this helps.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f116/we-a...ig-217231.html

Don

Barncats · 08-31-2014, 09:40 AM

Our 36CFE Limited loaded up has a pin weight of 4950 lbs. That is with a washer and dryer installed.
When it comes to tow vehicles, bigger is better IMHO

Mike

poppopc · 08-31-2014, 10:29 AM

One ton Dooley would be my choice. Had a 38' HH. CE.
it needed the Dooley +++!

RickS · 08-31-2014, 12:03 PM

You will need at least a 1 ton DRW truck. I would also look at a Trailer Saver Air hitch for the truck. Even a 1 ton DRW will chuck a lot without an air hitch. I do tow my WC to and from my storage yard with my 2015 GMC DRW (Daily driver).....but couldn't even imagine doing a 14,000 km trip with the 1 ton DRW like I just finished with the Volvo.

Endeavor2BnC · 08-31-2014, 01:19 PM

We used to have a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pulling our 35 ft TKE. We changed to the Volvo & Smart car setup to give us better stopping capabilities and allow us to carry the Smart car. The end result was a savings of about $150/more on our fuel expenses. All in all, for us, it was a good decision.