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danrclem's avatar
danrclem
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015

5th Wheel Purchase Advice

Howdy from a new member here. I'm new to this site but not to camping. I've been camping for close to 40 years using a tent then a truck camper and then a motorhome.

I'm retiring soon and want to buy a 5th wheel. I want a small one and don't want to get one over about 10 years old so I'm looking for suggestions. Anybody know of any makes and models that would be under 22' long? I found a 2004 Sun Valley Road Runner 190 (a little older than I wanted) for a good price but it has a soft floor. I don't know what it would involve fixing it so I think I'll pass. I do like the size and layout of it. It's 19'7" long and weighs in at a little less than 4,000 lbs.

My 2nd question. I have a 2003 Silverado 1500 (less than 70k miles) 4x4 single cab with an 8' bed with a 4.8 and 1 step above standard suspension. If I put an oil cooler on it would it be up to pulling a 4,000 lb. camper? I plan to upgrade later on but I'd have to use this truck for awhile.

Thanks for any insight.

Danny

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  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2015
    welcome to the forum.
    Your going to get the usual "a 1500 truck can't tow a 5th wheel trai;ler" from the usual crowd so be prepared .

    Sure....the truck will handle a small 5th wheel trailer under 4700-5200 GVWR depending on gear ratio. The 4x4 4.8 engine truck takes a big hit in tow performance at only 5200 lb/4.10 gear number is from trailer life towing guide
    Your std duty 1500 truck is good for around 900-1100 lb hitch (pin) weight. By the time you add 200 lbs for the hitch and other necessary junk in the truck/occupants/etc your going to be close to a 3800-3900 rear axle weight/tires max loads.

    The small 4.8 gas engine is more of a econo engine and will struggle in the hills-mountains/high head wind country. I wouldn't mess with a engine oil cooler but a aux tranny fluid cooler in that year model is a big plus.

    http://www.allencampermfg.com/default.html Check out these folks small 5th wheel trailers.
    Also their TT's. Notice you can tow a larger TT than a 5th wheel trailer.

    Small used 5th wheel trailers are rare as there isn't much of a demand for them. Good luck on your search.

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