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Sabluka's avatar
Sabluka
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015

Going 5th Wheel from RV Class C

I now go with a 30' Minnie Winnie towing a Jeep Cherokee. Works fine 'cept for the occasional normal problems.

I plan to switch to a 5th wheel so gotta buy the truck and the 5th wheel.

Plan to tow back to Ak and maybe even back down. I lived there for 30+ yrs. I'm in Ga now.

I guess I have a huge learning curve.

Just wanted to get advice on 5th wheel to buy for 2 people and two pups. Winter insulation would be good but not mandatory.

Is there a site that has all the 5th wheels listed and rated by owners like there is for the RVs?

I need to size trailer then buy Crew Cab to tow it. Frankly I haven't a clue as to a sturdy dependable 5th wheel. I do prefer GMC trucks tho.

Any and all advice and ideas are welcome.

Rick

15 Replies

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  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    Sabluka wrote:
    Thanks all.

    Aware of the winters there since I lived there for 32+ yrs.

    Will buy a 1-ton diesel.

    Prefer GMC but looks like the Fords and Rams are so much cheaper.

    I just don't have a clue for the 5th wheel. As long as it is dependable...tough etc.

    Any increase in interior size will be great as I've been in the 30' class c since Oct. 2013.

    Rick


    Guess it's regional...In and around my area, (Western NC), Ram has the best deals, with GM/Chevy being next and normally, comparing oranges to oranges, Ford is the most expensive..but again, that is in and around area where I would shop for a truck
  • Sabluka's avatar
    Sabluka
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    Thanks all.

    Aware of the winters there since I lived there for 32+ yrs.

    Will buy a 1-ton diesel.

    Prefer GMC but looks like the Fords and Rams are so much cheaper.

    I just don't have a clue for the 5th wheel. As long as it is dependable...tough etc.

    Any increase in interior size will be great as I've been in the 30' class c since Oct. 2013.

    Rick
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    I would look at what 5er you think you can live with, THEN purchase a truck that will be able to tow it...When looking at 5er's, use the GVW and not the "empty" or "dry" weights to try to figure what truck you'll need to tow it with...You can "ballpark" pin weight, (amount of weight you'll be putting on the hitch in the bed of your truck by taking 20% of the 5er's GVW of the 5er.
  • amandasgramma's avatar
    amandasgramma
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    We traveled around to RV shows and lots to figure out what exactly we wanted in a 5er....THEN we decided we needed a 1 ton to haul without going over mountains at 25 mph. :) I suggest you try that before you decide on a pickup.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2015
    There is no RV that will allow you to survive AK winters in. If your plan is to tow north storing it in the winter thats a different story.
    As for trucks? What model? 1500,2500,3500,or dually?
    Truck model will dictate fiver size you will comfortably tow. You have just not offered enough information to give an adequate answer.

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