Advice? Just bought first fifth wheel

[raineman]

Originally Posted by ccsvolsfan

I would suggest a Progressive Industries EMS HW50C. Does so much more than a surge protector. Also best service and warranty of any RV product made.

Have to second that. Small investment compared to the cost of repairs to your electric system from plugging into a bad campground power pole. I balked at the price but after research I realized it was a must.

[Tightwadted]

Ditto on previous posts, a couple of other small tips, get a pair of small 2 way radios, extremely handy for giving directions when backing in, setting up etc. If you ever have to back in after dark, a set of rope lights plugged in to the post and laid along the edge of the pad is very helpful also. Most of all get out there and enjoy!

[southernlady]

Originally Posted by Tightwadted

Ditto on previous posts, a couple of other small tips, get a pair of small 2 way radios, extremely handy for giving directions when backing in, setting up etc. If you ever have to back in after dark, a set of rope lights plugged in to the post and laid along the edge of the pad is very helpful also. Most of all get out there and enjoy!

We have those, never use them.

When we went thru an RV driving school, the instructor taught both of us hand signals to do the same thing. I've been told I do better than the guys parking airplanes, LOL.

I always make sure my husband can see me in the mirror...if I can't see him, he can't see me. When he can't see me he STOPS.

[kimbashaw]

I don't know what state you are in, but it looks like your setup has substantial combined GVWR. In New York and several other states, an endorsement is required to your driver's license to legally tow a combo like yours with a total gross weight over 26000 Lbs. Maybe you live in one of those states that don't require anything special.


Here is a link for a starting point. Not sure if it is totally accurate, but will lead you in the right direction.


http://www.bigdiscountrv.com/towing-laws.htm

[SrFox]

Above all, have fun. You will learn lots as you go. It is not that big a hurdle.

[kwayRN]

Originally Posted by kimbashaw

I don't know what state you are in, but it looks like your setup has substantial combined GVWR. In New York and several other states, an endorsement is required to your driver's license to legally tow a combo like yours with a total gross weight over 26000 Lbs. Maybe you live in one of those states that don't require anything special.


Here is a link for a starting point. Not sure if it is totally accurate, but will lead you in the right direction.


http://www.bigdiscountrv.com/towing-laws.htm

My husband's license says Class D <= 26,000. He says we will be somewhere around 25,000.


2015 Cedar Creek 38CK
2015 Silverado 3500HD Diesel Dually

[DJNCJ]

Originally Posted by kwayRN

My husband's license says Class D <= 26,000. He says we will be somewhere around 25,000.


2015 Cedar Creek 38CK
2015 Silverado 3500HD Diesel Dually

Licensing requirements are based on gross weight ratings not actual weights. For instance I have a 10000 lbs GVW truck and my 5th wheel has a GVW rating (fully loaded) of 16100 lbs. the combined gross weight rating is 26100. 100 lbs over the limit therefore requiring a commercial DL. My wife was happy to know she was off the hook for driving when hooked up. She too has a license for less then or equal to 26k. I have a CDL. Our rig would need to be fully loaded to reach the GVW for each vehicle and probably will not reach that level putting us too around 25k (actual weight). This does not mean a CDL isn't required, however.

Your dually plus camper is probably over 26k gross weight combined. Look closely into your states requirements...Driver likely needs a CDL.

[kimbashaw]

Originally Posted by DJNCJ

Licensing requirements are based on gross weight ratings not actual weights. For instance I have a 10000 lbs GVW truck and my 5th wheel has a GVW rating (fully loaded) of 16100 lbs. the combined gross weight rating is 26100. 100 lbs over the limit therefore requiring a commercial DL. My wife was happy to know she was off the hook for driving when hooked up. She too has a license for less then or equal to 26k. I have a CDL. Our rig would need to be fully loaded to reach the GVW for each vehicle and probably will not reach that level putting us too around 25k (actual weight). This does not mean a CDL isn't required, however.

Your dually plus camper is probably over 26k gross weight combined. Look closely into your states requirements...Driver likely needs a CDL.

Correct. For licensing purposes you need to look at the tags on the truck and trailer which indicate the GVWR for each. You add the two and that is your GCVWR. If it reaches 26000 Lbs, you may need an endorsement. It has nothing to do with actual weight. Has everything to do with maximum weight ratings. I have heard that troopers in many states are privy to the requirement. Nobody wants to unhook and find a tow for your fifth in the middle of a trip or worse yet, have an accident and be found to be driving out of class.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by southernlady

So do we, but seeing it at Camping World helps me. Easier to see it in person there than try and figure out what it looks like online, esp if there aren't many photos.

Plus, Amazon has SO much stuff that getting brand names helps you search. Getting those at Camping World is a big help.

I agree with this. I do most of my shopping on Amazon, but also buy many of the smaller or specialty items at Camping World where I can see them. The CW prices aren't that bad for sale items. And I see things at CW that I didn't know existed but add to the camping pleasure.
It can pay to shop around. There have been some items where Amazon is the most expensive, especially if a 3rd party is involved.

[justafordguy]

The license requirement varies by state. In my state RVs are exempt from CDL requirement for > 26k lbs. The OP needs to check with their state DMV to verify what is required.

[RVaholic]

I agree Amazon will be your best bet on getting most of your gear for the RV. I've been to Camping World in Tucson and take pictures of what we need and then order online. Amazon Prime is awesome and recommend you get it.

[jaakkandy]

Congratulations. We are looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel as well
. We currently pull a Flagstaff ultra v-lite. We do love it and there is plenty of room for myself and the wife. We have had it for 3 years now and feel that we are ready to upgrade. Been looking and found a few that we like. They are getting pricey though. Good travels and the best advice I can give you is don't forget the key to the camper as I did one time. Boy that was fun.

[Dave-R]

Southern lady gave you some great advice. Never backup without the wife watching. You both will benefit from this , as she will learn where the trailer cannot go also. Learn to never be interrupted when you are hitching up, to easy to miss something. Watch your tail gate position always, probably the most frequently damaged item. (about 600$) ask me how I know. Never hurry or you wont have fun. For the first 30 minutes I'm always nervous, then I enjoy. Try to keep watch a ways ahead, as you will need more room to stop. Dave-R

[kwayRN]

Thanks all. We are looking forward to new adventures.


2015 Cedar Creek 38CK
2015 Silverado 3500HD Diesel Dually