Posted this to Forest River forum but wanted to get your feedback as well.So after 4 years in our BH TT we have decided that we want to upgrade. We have looked at about 100 units in the last week plus probably another 200 online. We have decided that we really like the Cardinal 3875FB. Some of the others that are in the running are FB like Big Country, Big Horn, Prime Time Sanibel and Cedar Creek in that order.Montana, Jayco North Point and Pinnacle we didn't care for.Are there any units I am missing?I like the look of full body paint. Keeping it indoors is it a waste of money? What do I need to know that I don't see walking in the unit? How important is buying local? We have a local dealer with probably 600 5vers but they have a horrible reputation for service after the sale. What if I have to drive 200 miles to buy from Mom and Pop because they have the unit?Little background should it come up: Tow vehicle is 2015 Chevy 2500HD Duramax short bed 4x4. Unit is stored inside my 43' metal building. Not full timers. 2-3 two week trips a year.Thank you!!!

For the fivers your looking at you will also need to start looking for more truck. With pin weights over 3000 pounds, your 2500 is simply not enough truck.The things tou would expect to see in a fifth wheel are exactly the same things you would look for with any RV. Fit, finish, signs of leaks in used units, assembly quality.

donn0128 wrote:For the fivers your looking at you will also need to start looking for more truck. With pin weights over 3000 pounds, your 2500 is simply not enough truck.The things tou would expect to see in a fifth wheel are exactly the same things you would look for with any RV. Fit, finish, signs of leaks in used units, assembly quality.Am I reading this wrong? I thought my max kin ping weight was 3500 lbs and all of these are at 2600-2800 except the Big Horn which is 3010.

I agree, that sounds a little too large for your truck. I have a 1 ton srw truck with airbags and my trailer is 2,000 lbs. less uvw. And, I'm overweight a bit I'm sure. Our pin weights are fairly close though. I upgraded to disc brakes also as that's a lot to stop.

Yes, you are reading this wrong. If you look at the tire loading sticker on your door panel it will tell you what the capacity is, before going over GVWR. There will also be a RAWR on the door, even more important than GVWR.You can decide what you want to tow with. I would not consider towing those heavy trailers with a 2500, but that is just me, there are others out there towing way over their limits.Jerry

Trucks GVWR should be around 10,000 pounds. Scaled weight ready to travel is? Add 250 pounds for hitch and subtract that from GVWR is your cargo capacity.My last 2500, a D/A 4X4 ext cab scaled ready to go at 7500 pounds. My fivers pin is right around 3000 pounds and it is not nearly as big as the ones your considering.

First time 5ver | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2016
Trucks GVWR should be around 10,000 pounds. Scaled weight ready to travel is? Add 250 pounds for hitch and subtract that from GVWR is your cargo capacity.
My last 2500, a D/A 4X4 ext cab scaled ready to go at 7500 pounds. My fivers pin is right around 3000 pounds and it is not nearly as big as the ones your considering.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 08, 2016
Yes, you are reading this wrong. If you look at the tire loading sticker on your door panel it will tell you what the capacity is, before going over GVWR. There will also be a RAWR on the door, even more important than GVWR.

You can decide what you want to tow with. I would not consider towing those heavy trailers with a 2500, but that is just me, there are others out there towing way over their limits.

Jerry
is_it_friday_ye
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
I agree, that sounds a little too large for your truck. I have a 1 ton srw truck with airbags and my trailer is 2,000 lbs. less uvw. And, I'm overweight a bit I'm sure. Our pin weights are fairly close though. I upgraded to disc brakes also as that's a lot to stop.
charles_maine
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
donn0128 wrote:
For the fivers your looking at you will also need to start looking for more truck. With pin weights over 3000 pounds, your 2500 is simply not enough truck.
The things tou would expect to see in a fifth wheel are exactly the same things you would look for with any RV. Fit, finish, signs of leaks in used units, assembly quality.

Am I reading this wrong? I thought my max kin ping weight was 3500 lbs and all of these are at 2600-2800 except the Big Horn which is 3010.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2016
For the fivers your looking at you will also need to start looking for more truck. With pin weights over 3000 pounds, your 2500 is simply not enough truck.
The things tou would expect to see in a fifth wheel are exactly the same things you would look for with any RV. Fit, finish, signs of leaks in used units, assembly quality.

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