Community Forums

Rhizoo · 11-11-2014, 04:29 PM

My name is Phil. I am nearing retirement and my wife and I bought an R Pod last year to see if we might like like camping. Didn't want to spend a lot until we answered that question. The answer is that we love it. We also did not want to spend a lot until we learned what amenities were important to us. We have now learned that and are ready to upgrade. I bought a 2015 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 4WD last week and we go to look at Wildcat 5th wheels tomorrow.
I cannot count the hours of research I have done trying to figure out what hitch to buy. And I am very little closer to an answer than when I started. Way too many choices and prices. I hope I can get some input, although I might need to start a thread elsewhere. I THINK I want an air bag type of pin box. And I THINK I want an air bag type of hitch. And I THINK I need a slider of some sort for my 6 1/2' bed. But I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

Do I need to buy, or at least know which trailer I plan to buy first? If so, then I can't buy the hitch first and be ready to pick the trailer up. Or do I buy a hitch and install it and then buy a different hitch pin if I want an air bag variety?
I would appreciate any and all input.
And, I am glad to find and be on board this forum.
Phil

**JohnRR** · 11-11-2014, 04:42 PM

Good luck with your choices.

shorma · 11-11-2014, 05:00 PM

Hi Phil,
I'm new here also. Thanks for the remarks in my newbie post. Our first camper was a fifth wheel. I had a Chevy 2500 duramax also. That was a great truck and had no issues pulling a 26' with slideout. I had a Reese sliding hitch and it worked great. Just make sure to have enough hitch to carry the weight of the camper. So, have an idea of the camper weight before deciding on hitch. I tend to buy larger than needed because the empty weight of the camper will quickly increase as you load.

DieselTech39 · 11-11-2014, 07:57 PM

Glad you're aboard Phil. Best of luck on answers to your questions. Sorry I can't help. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

LarrytheBear · 11-11-2014, 08:17 PM

Glad you're here. I hope you have great experiences with your filth wheel choice.
The only advice I have about towing is to be sure your load is well under your maximum capacity.

SkiSmuggs · 11-12-2014, 06:10 AM

I you get a fiver with the cutaway lower front corners and an extended pinbox (Max Turn), you won't need a slider hitch.

wa8yxm · 11-12-2014, 07:38 AM

Only one thing will I caution you about, and one other comment.

On the Duramax... Make sure you understand the tow ratings on this vehicle,, I do **NOT** have a clue a to how much it can safely tow, but make sure you do... THEN go 5-er shopping... I see far too many pick-up/5er combos that frankly scare the ... Stuff.. out of me (like a Ford 150 pulling a load that would stres your Duramax).

By the way. I like chevy better than ford.

now the comment: There are a few different ways to get into RVing.. Your method is very likely the best.. You have now learned the basics of most of the RV systems like water and sewer, Heat and cold. now all you need to learn is how to avoid Eva Gabore syndrom (TV Show Green Acres where she kept blowing the generator by overloading it) if your new 5ER is a 50 amp and you are on a 30 amp site.

And thats fairly easy to learn.

jacknife · 11-12-2014, 09:24 AM

Get an airride 5th wheel if you can. Then if you get another trl you still have it . You will not need an air pin box. I have a trl saver 2 they are expensive but worth every penny of it .l have had a solid hitch before and it is like day and nite. About $2300. You may or may not need a slider hook up and see how tight you can turn first. Uaually tight enough to getin and out of things.

DannyA · 11-13-2014, 10:44 AM

I can't help you with the air bag stuff because I have never had those.
Do you need to buy the hitch first? If it were me I would want to have some idea of the size and weight of the 5th wheel before I buy the hitch.
And as to 5th wheel to buy, I had rather have to much truck than to much trailer. I have a 250 diesel, the dealer told me I could pull anything on his yard, which might be true, but I can't pull them comfortably or safely.
Sounds like your planning well. Don't rush in, give it lots of thought. Best wishes on your rving.