5th Wheel purchace help

Abby Normal wrote:
I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped to school me on FWs and tow vs. carry capacity. We weighed our truck this past weekend and found that with the two of us and the truck we only have 1600 lbs. of carrying weight left. We will research the lightweight FWs and take another look at TTs. Thanks again!

Remember, most 250/2500 trucks share almost all rear-end components with their 350/3500 big brothers, so you're likely to be pretty safe at a bit over that, PROVIDED your tires will handle the weight. I picked up 900 lbs' capacity by switching from the OEM 245/16 tires on my D'max to 265/16, which puts me a touch over the rear axle capacity, per the placard. Again, check parts #'s and you're pretty likely to find the only difference between the 250 and the 350 is the spring pack. Of course, I grew up on a farm and we towed stuff you wouldn't believe with OLD 1/2 ton trucks; just not far or fast, but dirt roads made life interesting anyway. :-)

Lyle

I agree with above comments. Check it out. Make sure that the roof was not scratched or torn. Look for possible leading.
Important . . . . check the passage ways for evidence of water leakagae. Make sure that the flooring is not water damged.
good luck.
I would recommend a Forest River RV. Make sure that you get a good dealer.
ken and sue

minnow wrote:
Also, there are many fifth wheel models out there that are 3/4 ton towable. There are a vocal chorus here that believe one needs a 1 ton or larger to tow a pop- up.

There's also a vocal chorus here that believe one can safely tow the Space Shuttle with a Toyota Tundra. Proper, independent research is a must.

minnow wrote:
If looking at either a TT or FW that have slide outs, look to see what kind of access you have to the bathroom and kitchen when the slides are in. Some models don't have any access at all which makes it impossible to use either area when on the road and you stop for a bathroom break or to have lunch at a rest stop.

I hadn't thought about that, so thank you!

If looking at either a TT or FW that have slide outs, look to see what kind of access you have to the bathroom and kitchen when the slides are in. Some models don't have any access at all which makes it impossible to use either area when on the road and you stop for a bathroom break or to have lunch at a rest stop.
Also, there are many fifth wheel models out there that are 3/4 ton towable. There are a vocal chorus here that believe one needs a 1 ton or larger to tow a pop- up.

I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped to school me on FWs and tow vs. carry capacity. We weighed our truck this past weekend and found that with the two of us and the truck we only have 1600 lbs. of carrying weight left. We will research the lightweight FWs and take another look at TTs. Thanks again!

Let's see... We bought a brand new leftover 2010 model in September of 2011. Since then, I have done the following:

• Changed the hinges on the refrigerator from right side to left side. It was previously impossible to open the fridge with the slides in.
• Re-taped all of the A/C ductwork. It had been done sloppily by the factory, and there were air leaks everywhere.
• Connected ductwork in the basement that had not been properly attached, resulting in no heat to the livingroom.
• Recaulked the entire shower, which was leaking onto the bathroom floor. I still have to fix the leaky drain.
• Relocated the water pump and added long loops to the input and output lines to quiet it down.
• Added an accumulator tank to cut down on pump run time.
• Replaced all interior lighting with LED bulbs.
• Added a 12v outlet in the bedroom to power my CPAP while boondocking.
• Added a second battery.
• Permanently installed a 45 degree brass adapter onto the main water inlet. The original straight-in coupling was nearly impossible to use.
• Fixed a set of spread-apart contacts on the fuse that powered lighting in the livingroom slide.
• Added magnetic door stops to bathroom and bedroom doors to keep them open without the need for a wedge.
• Covered the bare chipboard bed base with padding and upholstery vinyl to lend it a more finished appearance.
• Replaced the "Destroyer of Spines" mattress with a 12" memory foam mattress so that I don't walk like Gollum after two nights sleeping in the RV.

I still have to re-do the furnace's HVAC lines, as they're rather poorly done.

Thanks for this info. Sounds like you have taken good care of your unit.

laknox wrote:

Abby Normal wrote:


Gotta ask; are you a Mel Brooks fan? :B

Oh, Yes! Love his stuff!

Lyle

The =only= movie I own is Blazing Saddles; I =should= get Young Frankenstein, too. :-)

Lyle

Yes, you should get Young Frankenstein. I think it is one of the funniest movies ever.

Abby Normal wrote:

Stefonius wrote:
We have a North Ridge, which is the "value brand" sister model to Brookstone (same floor plan, lower-end finishes). I have made quite a few repairs and modifications to the unit over the years to correct deficiencies in construction and design.

The thing that sold us on the unit initially is that the slideouts had an interior height of 6'7". I'm 6'5", and DW doesn't like it when I hit my head on things. She says that I'm not rich or good-looking enough to get away with being stupid, so I need to avoid getting too many head injuries.

LOL...thanks, I needed that! BTW, how long have you had the North Ridge? Sounds like it is holding up well, but what repairs and modifications did you make?

Let's see... We bought a brand new leftover 2010 model in September of 2011. Since then, I have done the following:

• Changed the hinges on the refrigerator from right side to left side. It was previously impossible to open the fridge with the slides in.
• Re-taped all of the A/C ductwork. It had been done sloppily by the factory, and there were air leaks everywhere.
• Connected ductwork in the basement that had not been properly attached, resulting in no heat to the livingroom.
• Recaulked the entire shower, which was leaking onto the bathroom floor. I still have to fix the leaky drain.
• Relocated the water pump and added long loops to the input and output lines to quiet it down.
• Added an accumulator tank to cut down on pump run time.
• Replaced all interior lighting with LED bulbs.
• Added a 12v outlet in the bedroom to power my CPAP while boondocking.
• Added a second battery.
• Permanently installed a 45 degree brass adapter onto the main water inlet. The original straight-in coupling was nearly impossible to use.
• Fixed a set of spread-apart contacts on the fuse that powered lighting in the livingroom slide.
• Added magnetic door stops to bathroom and bedroom doors to keep them open without the need for a wedge.
• Covered the bare chipboard bed base with padding and upholstery vinyl to lend it a more finished appearance.
• Replaced the "Destroyer of Spines" mattress with a 12" memory foam mattress so that I don't walk like Gollum after two nights sleeping in the RV.

I still have to re-do the furnace's HVAC lines, as they're rather poorly done.

Abby Normal wrote:


Gotta ask; are you a Mel Brooks fan? :B

Oh, Yes! Love his stuff!

Lyle

The =only= movie I own is Blazing Saddles; I =should= get Young Frankenstein, too. :-)

Lyle