Generic questions about 5-ers

Me Again wrote:

way2roll wrote:
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. DW talked at length and decided a FW is the direction we will go. Mainly due to cost and I need a new truck anyway. Just doesn't make sense right now to have a $120k MH that could potentially sit idle for weeks at a time and have to buy a truck simultaneously. I really like MH's and frankly having everything at your disposal while driving is a major plus, but it doesn't eclipse the financial aspect and usability on a daily basis. So in this case a FW is the more practical solution - if practical can ever be applied to RV's :)

So the search will start for a truck and FW. We have time, looking to finalize things by fall or winter. Our trip starts next June and I know I will need several months to work out bugs and set things in order.

I am sure I will have a TON of questions during our shopping, but one that comes to mind right now - I had thought we needed a diesel truck, but someone mentioned the newer gas trucks will work as well. If this is the case I can save a lot of money - not only on the truck but maintenance as well. Thoughts?

Don't buy a truck for the first 5th wheel! Buy one that will allow for a upgrade in trailers. Like I said in my other post, a 5th wheels loaded pin(hitch) weight is the determining factor on what you can "tow".

Besides power and mileage advantage of the diesel truck, they come down the mountain passes on their exhaust brake leaving one's service brakes nice a cool for emergencies.

A 350/3500 SRW should be our starting point for a new truck. Based on the pin weight of the 5th wheel DW falls in love with will determine if that is enough truck or if you need a dually. So shop the trailer first!

Me again is correct, you need to purchase a truck that will handle your needs, both for towing and for “around town”. It does get expensive to have to trade both the truck and the 5th wheel in at the same time. Look at your possibilities and purchase the “right” truck for your needs, both now and in the near future. Look close at a diesel, only real service is oil change and filters! As stated if you do any Mountian driving, you will love the exhaust brake! And as I mentioned earlier a auxiliary diesel fuel tank is relatively inexpensive item to add! Good luck!