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dave_in_delaware · 11-05-2007, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired

Dave, as I said in your other thread about the 5th wheel, I would highly recommend a 1 ton dually truck with the size/weight RV you plan on getting. Also, get a crew cab for the family in the back seat.

A 1 ton, I believe would be the minimum. You might even want to consider or at least ask the RV dealer/Truck Dealer if a vehicle on the scale of a F450 might be better.... You really want to be sure you have enough truck for what RV you will be towing and how much will be loaded in the RV.

I'm understanding that I need to add up ALL the weight for both the pickup AND the RV for total gross vehicle weight. Just the RV GVWR is 14320# (empty RV 11860 + carrying capacity of 2460). I've looked on the Dodge website for a 3500 but only have found GVWR of about 12000#. What's up w/ that?

The RV dealer told me they have nothing bigger than a 350/3500 size for ALL their TT/5er RV's on their lot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMC-8154TL/DM

When you decide ont he truck just have the trailer dealership install the hitch and braking system. But if you are not planning on pulling it your self most dealership's will pull it to the park you want in a close range and set it up for you.

If you plan in pulling a good bit, get the sliding hitch, it will help.

I thought the sliding hitch was just needed in the shorter beds? I'm hoping to get an 8' bed, so the sliding hitch would be overkill, right? Hmmm....

Luckily the RV delaer is also a service center and RV supply place. They have hitches in their store. I'm hoping they can install one in the truck for me.

Man, all of this is almost overwhelming!!

Bidah · 11-05-2007, 01:28 PM

On the hitches.. my dad and I have the same trucks, but different trailers. I have a slider, he does not. I almost never use mine. A lot depends on how much the tongue sticks out from the front of the trailer.

Also, depending on where you are going to be towing, get an exhaust brake. It will make a world of difference.

dave_in_delaware · 11-05-2007, 03:39 PM

an exhaust brake? That's a new term for me. What does that do?

retired · 11-05-2007, 03:58 PM

Re exhaust brake. Have you ever heard the loud rumble the big trucks make as they are coming down a steep hill or making a fast stop. That is the sound of the exhaust brake, which is slowing down the truck/trailer.

IIRC, the explanation I was given is: When you take your foot of the gas pedal on a gas engine, the engine helps slow you down. Well, in a diesel, you don't have that same effect.

Drive a diesel truck and when taking your foot off of the pedal to stop at a sign for instance, notice how the truck doesn't just start slowing downing like a gas engine. The exhaust brake (Jayco is one brand, I believe) assists in slowing down. Very helpful when going down a steep grade (like Vail Mtn. in Co. for instance). That way, you don't burn out your regular brakes.

dave_in_delaware · 11-05-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired

Re exhaust brake. Have you ever heard the loud rumble the big trucks make as they are coming down a steep hill or making a fast stop. That is the sound of the exhaust brake, which is slowing down the truck/trailer.

Drive a diesel truck and when taking your foot off of the pedal to stop at a sign for instance, notice how the truck doesn't just start slowing downing like a gas engine. The exhaust brake (Jayco is one brand, I believe) assists in slowing down. That way, you don't burn out your regular brakes.

Ah, OK. Gotcha. Thanks for the brake lesson.

LUVMYSIGP225 · 11-05-2007, 04:17 PM

10 years ago, my father decided after spending 25 years behind the wheel of a semi, and having a near heart attack from the lifestyle and stress that he was done. He is divorced, so he decided to sell everything, buy a fifth wheel camper and hook it up to his Ford SuperDuty, bought a Kawasaki KLR-650 dual purpose, and took off. Lives in a fish camp in Florida now. Everything bought and paid for cash. He loves life to the fullest. If he misses his family, he packs up the "house" and heads north for a few weeks. Pulls the camper into our huge backyard and stays rent free. When you have enough family around the country, it makes things fun and cheap. A simple part time job more than pays for all of his expenses. He had enough saved to begin with, and made enough by selling his house and everything, that he has no worries.

Camper · 11-05-2007, 04:18 PM

With a rig that size, you need as a minimum a one ton dually. Those Open Roads are heavy and you will probably have about 2600-3000 pounds over the trucks rear axle. Forget what the RV dealers tell you about a 2500 or even a 350/3500 SRW having no problem with something that size. They just want to sell the unit. Next, get rid of the Chinese tires that come on the unit and replace them with American made commercial tires. The Chinese tires most 5ers come with are accidents waiting to happen! Good luck on your venture.

dave_in_delaware · 11-05-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMYSIGP225

... he has no worries.

Sounds like a good story. I wish I had no FINANCIAL worries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper

With a rig that size, you need as a minimum a one ton dually. Those Open Roads are heavy and you will probably have about 2600-3000 pounds over the trucks rear axle. Forget what the RV dealers tell you about a 2500 or even a 350/3500 SRW having no problem with something that size. They just want to sell the unit. Next, get rid of the Chinese tires that come on the unit and replace them with American made commercial tires. The Chinese tires most 5ers come with are accidents waiting to happen! Good luck on your venture.

Yeah, I've read that the Kenda tires on it are crap. I'd have to see if the dealer would exchange them for some real ones.

I'm assuming, at this point, that my truck will be a 350/3500 Super Duty SRW diesel automatic w/ crew cab (4 doors) and full sized bed. The GVWR on the RV is 14320 pounds. Never mind the small amount of cargo I'll be tossing INTO the truck, too!

My truck thread, for truck discussions:

Calling all Super Duty Pickup owners! I need your help!

Thanks for the comments everyone! Keep them coming. I need to hear that I'm not crazy or biting off more than I can chew. LOL.

retired · 11-05-2007, 06:49 PM

Dave, I think you are making a mistake if you get the single rear wheel rather than the dually for a rig as big as you are getting. Now, I will admit I'm not saying this based on experience, only by speaking with different RV salesman and service guys who have said anything over 36' needs the dually.

Yes, it is more expensive, heavier and will affect your mileage, but I would think it would give you more stability, especially in the wind. Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you have driven an RV when an unexpected wind comes up. Even when a big rig passes by you, you will feel it a little.

Also, as far as being crazy, I don't think you are that at all; biting off more than you can chew, don't know about that. You are talking about a major life style change for you and your family. Two bedrooms and slidesouts sound like a lot of room, but realize it is not your house and you may not be able to handle it after a month or two and be SOL.

We had a 32' Class A MH and we went on a 1 month, 5 state, 3K mile trip when we bought it with a 15yr. old son and 8yr. old daughter. Aaauuuuggghhh! We were all glad to get home, even tho we enjoyed the trip.

Let me recommend this, unless you are deadset on your decision. Tho it will cost some money, it may be the best you ever spent. Rent a truck and 5th wheel and go stay some place for a week or two if you can. If you can't rent a 5th wheel, try a trailer as it will still give you an idea.

After a week or so, with the kids and smaller quarters, you may end up reevaluating your decision. Personally, to me, the money would be worth it in the long run.

My wife and I contemplated full timing it (that's what you're talking about) when we retired and then we thought no. We'd like to get a trailer so we can go on trips of a month or so around the country, but that about it. Living with young kids in a small place like that, noooo waayyy.

Hope this long (again

) post helps a bit.

billbrasky · 11-05-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_in_delaware

Sounds like a good story. I wish I had no FINANCIAL worries.

Yeah, I've read that the Kenda tires on it are crap. I'd have to see if the dealer would exchange them for some real ones.

I'm assuming, at this point, that my truck will be a 350/3500 Super Duty SRW diesel automatic w/ crew cab (4 doors) and full sized bed. The GVWR on the RV is 14320 pounds. Never mind the small amount of cargo I'll be tossing INTO the truck, too!

My truck thread, for truck discussions:

Calling all Super Duty Pickup owners! I need your help!

Thanks for the comments everyone! Keep them coming. I need to hear that I'm not crazy or biting off more than I can chew. LOL.

not sure how old you are, you said your not retiring. But if some of the blue haired and old ladies, and crypt keeper old men i see on the highway can manage jsut fine (well sorta), YOU should be able to manage just fine.

Maybe i missed the post or explanation of what you do for work. If thats to private just let me know,i am interested in what other folks do especially if it is a neat uncommon job but they still make enough money to get by and have allot of freedom. What did you do, what are you going to do for work ?

11-05-2007, 01:28 PM	#22
Bidah XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Isolated, Montana Posts: 690	On the hitches.. my dad and I have the same trucks, but different trailers. I have a slider, he does not. I almost never use mine. A lot depends on how much the tongue sticks out from the front of the trailer. Also, depending on where you are going to be towing, get an exhaust brake. It will make a world of difference. __________________ -Bidah “The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering.” The Doctor

11-05-2007, 03:39 PM	#23
dave_in_delaware XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 6,108	an exhaust brake? That's a new term for me. What does that do? __________________ Dave Daily carry = XD-9 service in a Blackhawk CQC SERPA holster, a Spyderco Native, and a Streamlight Scorpion. "Everything matters... unless it's antimatter." “A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and State, and for hunting and recreational use.” [Delaware Constitution, Article I, § 20 Right to keep and bear arms]

11-05-2007, 04:17 PM	#26
LUVMYSIGP225 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Crackron, Ohio Posts: 5,545	10 years ago, my father decided after spending 25 years behind the wheel of a semi, and having a near heart attack from the lifestyle and stress that he was done. He is divorced, so he decided to sell everything, buy a fifth wheel camper and hook it up to his Ford SuperDuty, bought a Kawasaki KLR-650 dual purpose, and took off. Lives in a fish camp in Florida now. Everything bought and paid for cash. He loves life to the fullest. If he misses his family, he packs up the "house" and heads north for a few weeks. Pulls the camper into our huge backyard and stays rent free. When you have enough family around the country, it makes things fun and cheap. A simple part time job more than pays for all of his expenses. He had enough saved to begin with, and made enough by selling his house and everything, that he has no worries. __________________ "The hippies got high, and the hippies are dead. I went hunting, and I am still Ted." - The Nuge, 2006.

11-05-2007, 06:49 PM	#29
retired XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: S. Calif. Posts: 5,401	Dave, I think you are making a mistake if you get the single rear wheel rather than the dually for a rig as big as you are getting. Now, I will admit I'm not saying this based on experience, only by speaking with different RV salesman and service guys who have said anything over 36' needs the dually. Yes, it is more expensive, heavier and will affect your mileage, but I would think it would give you more stability, especially in the wind. Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you have driven an RV when an unexpected wind comes up. Even when a big rig passes by you, you will feel it a little. Also, as far as being crazy, I don't think you are that at all; biting off more than you can chew, don't know about that. You are talking about a major life style change for you and your family. Two bedrooms and slidesouts sound like a lot of room, but realize it is not your house and you may not be able to handle it after a month or two and be SOL. We had a 32' Class A MH and we went on a 1 month, 5 state, 3K mile trip when we bought it with a 15yr. old son and 8yr. old daughter. Aaauuuuggghhh! We were all glad to get home, even tho we enjoyed the trip. Let me recommend this, unless you are deadset on your decision. Tho it will cost some money, it may be the best you ever spent. Rent a truck and 5th wheel and go stay some place for a week or two if you can. If you can't rent a 5th wheel, try a trailer as it will still give you an idea. After a week or so, with the kids and smaller quarters, you may end up reevaluating your decision. Personally, to me, the money would be worth it in the long run. My wife and I contemplated full timing it (that's what you're talking about) when we retired and then we thought no. We'd like to get a trailer so we can go on trips of a month or so around the country, but that about it. Living with young kids in a small place like that, noooo waayyy. Hope this long (again) post helps a bit.

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11-05-2007, 03:58 PM	#24
retired XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: S. Calif. Posts: 5,401	Re exhaust brake. Have you ever heard the loud rumble the big trucks make as they are coming down a steep hill or making a fast stop. That is the sound of the exhaust brake, which is slowing down the truck/trailer. IIRC, the explanation I was given is: When you take your foot of the gas pedal on a gas engine, the engine helps slow you down. Well, in a diesel, you don't have that same effect. Drive a diesel truck and when taking your foot off of the pedal to stop at a sign for instance, notice how the truck doesn't just start slowing downing like a gas engine. The exhaust brake (Jayco is one brand, I believe) assists in slowing down. Very helpful when going down a steep grade (like Vail Mtn. in Co. for instance). That way, you don't burn out your regular brakes.

11-05-2007, 04:18 PM	#27
Camper XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 372	With a rig that size, you need as a minimum a one ton dually. Those Open Roads are heavy and you will probably have about 2600-3000 pounds over the trucks rear axle. Forget what the RV dealers tell you about a 2500 or even a 350/3500 SRW having no problem with something that size. They just want to sell the unit. Next, get rid of the Chinese tires that come on the unit and replace them with American made commercial tires. The Chinese tires most 5ers come with are accidents waiting to happen! Good luck on your venture.