gareengo wrote:
Hi RVers,
I am a relative newby truck camper guy and am looking at future options. I am looking to prematurely retire and get some form of 5th wheeler/travel trailer and go wandering. I have a dodge ram 3500 diesel dually that should tow anything. I just went to a dealership and looked at the offerings. I found a 32 foot with double king size slides that weighs about 10K that I really liked, but also looked at bigger offerings.
My newby questions:
1) If you are relocating about 10-12 times a year, how practical is it to have a 10K-15K weight 5th wheeler? or are they more for the sedentary folks who stay a long while and should I instead consider a travel trailer? Weight is not really the issue but size. Find the one that meets your needs. 5er's tow better and set up and take down is the same at 15' or 40'.
1.5) Is it the case that 40ft travel trailers are such a pain to tow that you wouldn't want to relocate frequently? Normally I pull a 53' trailer so the 5er is "short". Just depends on your comfort zone but height is usually more of a limit than length. I tend to stick to truck routes with mine. IE use US routes instead of state routes unless I've checked a truckers map or see truck traffic. If the truck fits I know I will.
2) The sales guy mentioned that some of the larger 5th wheelers (38+ feet) may have a hard time fitting in certain campsites, along with the truck in front. What are your thoughts about this--can't you park truck along the side? Older parks were designed for shorter trailers. Most commercial parks are good at 40'. Mines around 37' and never had an issue in a commercial campground but the local state park is a no go. Sites to small and they don't trim the trees overhead. A heavier trailer typically behaves better in the wind etc... Some times I have to park across the end of the site or angle in next to the camper.
3) How significant (roughly) would be the difference in fuel economy with a 5K weight difference between trailers? Weight will effect mpg to some degree but wind resistance is the biggest drag of mpg. Newer 5er have aerodynamic noses which help but I get about 10 mpg towing in mountains and 11 mpg in the flats. My trailer was about 10,500# empty and 12,000# loaded the last time I weighted it. I get about 16 mpg highway and 10-12 mpg around town.
Thanks for your sage advice
Russell
