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Old 03-11-2014, 02:56 PM   #1
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Chose the cart before the horse now what?

We are still in the early stages of our FT RV family adventure but we have begun to narrow or search for a 5th wheel. We are leaning toward the Heartland Gateway GW 3650 BH. Some of the specs are GVWR - 15,500, Dry Weight - 12,999, Hitch Weight - 2,020, Carrying Capicity - 2,501, Length 41' and Axles (2) 7,000. We decided to choose or FW before buying our TV to make sure we had a large enough truck.

Here's my question, what should I be looking for when shopping for trucks? Diesel, 2500 or 3500, dually, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

John
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:05 PM   #2
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very smart of you get what you want in the trailer then get the tv that way you know that the tv can handle it safely looks like you are in the 3500 or f350 dually range or bigger maybe even an f450 td
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:08 PM   #3
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You'll need a 1 ton for sure (unless you want to live dangerously) and that much weight also means diesel. Some may say differently, but I'd get a dually. I'm really pleased the way ours pulls our Monty and I believe a lot of the stability is due to those extra tires. They are wider, but I haven't had much problem getting around with it - wouldn't want to go into Manhattan though, but that's just me.
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:50 PM   #4
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If this is the model you are looking at the correct Dry Weight is #12,999 not #9,999...big diff.

Still probably want/need a 1 ton.
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:53 PM   #5
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I would go for a 1 ton diesel, and probably a dually at that.
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:54 PM   #6
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As mentioned; kudo's to picking the 5er first so your sure what TV to select. You are definitely into a 1 ton pickup. I think you'll be happier with a dually as it will be a much more stable platform for towing your trailer.
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:54 PM   #7
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What DavisK said.
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Old 03-11-2014, 06:25 PM   #8
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One ton dually is a must.
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Old 03-11-2014, 07:22 PM   #9
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I own a 3650BH myself. I have to say towing my previous Quantum 355SAQS was a breeze with my F350 dually (08). That beast was 12,000 and with a hyjacker 16k hitch I pulled 5000km two years ago without a hiccup. Now last year I ran with the 3650BH and a SRW 2012 F350 and same hijacker...she does the job pretty nicely. Again no issues but not as solid as a Dually. My issue with the dually was how limiting it is around town after the excitment wears off. Parking...parking...tight regions, dually trucks take a dedication that I couldn't commit to for more than 1-1/2 years before I caved. I LOVE my current 350...she's stronger and fits most everywhere and pulls the gateway easily. As for the gateway...that thing leaves people speachless, litterally. Come on, four TV's, three leather couches(don't opt for the tundle bed..get the couch option), two bathrooms, two kitchens(counting outside), two bedrooms and gorgeous inside...you can't go wrong, as for problems...not a one from that trailer. Good luck!! I should add that I can only put forth info regarding Ford F350's, as for what Dodge and chevy can or can not do...I can't say, but you won't get away with less than a 350/3500 no matter what you choose.
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Old 03-11-2014, 07:27 PM   #10
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the only place my dually doesn't fit is the car wash. never had a concern driving around town. it is our (myself and DW) daily driver.
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Old 03-11-2014, 08:29 PM   #11
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Don't be a hater just because he prefers driving a SRW.

I live in urban Dallas. I drive a standard bed, SRW, 3500. There are many places here, including my work parking space, that a long bed, crew cab, dually will not fit.
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Old 03-11-2014, 09:21 PM   #12
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This is a hard question? You see every thing in campgrounds from undersized tv to semis pulling 20'ers. I drive a diesel 350 4dr 8'bed srw. My 5er is only 32' 3 slides never did weigh it loaded, probably around 13000. The truck does a nice job and rated to pull more which probably happen with the next 5er. I think the long wheel base of the truck has a lot to do with the stablity towing in the wind. We get around in town pretty good but I'm retired so I don't have to go or park where I don't want to. Watch the rear end gearing. Most use 3.73. plenty of power with a diesel and decent mpg. The tag in the door frame is more trust worthy than the salesman.
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Old 03-11-2014, 09:41 PM   #13
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Just get a F450, you'll be glad you did. That is one big trailer.
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Old 03-11-2014, 10:10 PM   #14
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Go whole hog and get a Peterbuilt.
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