horse or cart first?

riven1950 wrote:
Ok, more newbie 5th wheel questions:

We've pretty much decided on a 6.2 f250 4x4 gas 3.73 CC 6 3/4 ' bed if we go ahead with our switch to a fifth wheel.

Also looking at 5th wheels that have a gross weight of 10500-11000 max, 32-34' max. length.

Payload on the truck will run 3100-3200 area so should not be an issue we think with that size 5th wheel.

I am reading about bed height issues with f 250 and f350 trucks and lighter 5th wheels, things like flipping axles etc to level up. Don't really want to go there.

If we buy the truck first will the height issue be something we need to worry a lot about when deciding on a 5th wheel?

Can you determine if this is an issue from the 5th wheel specs without physically seeing the 5th wheel ( some we like on paper are not close by )?

Are there hitches out there where you can adjust for the height issue?

Would a 2wd be easier to deal with?

We have always had a 4x4 although rarely use it. We get snow trace about every 5 years and don't offroad, although with a new 5th wheel we would plan on a cross country trip which may involve some boondocking. Ford truck forums indicate a little better mileage with 2wd but we like the looks of the 4wd better and the insurance of 4wd if needed.

Not too concerned about not having enough truck after we find a fifth wheel. We don't want a big 5th to haul around and have found many in our size / weight range that we can deal with.

Hope this is not as confusing as we are confused.

thanks

Veebyes wrote:
If doing it again I would get the horse first. I would go all in & get a Clydesdale. Big enough to pull almost anything. Install the hitch then go trailer shopping with the truck. Nothing more intimidating to a dealer than being able to tow it away today or go to thenext dealer down the road.

Veebyes, while I agree with you, sure go get a 350/3500 Diesel DRW, but OP doesn't seem to want something like that.

Riven1950, getting a F250 6.2 gas the issue isn't payload it is the ability to move the load of the 5er you end up liking/buying. What if you find the floor plan and features in a 5er with a dry weight of 10,500# to 11,000# now you are looking at a GVWR 13,000# to 15,000#, trust me your desires may grow.

Now you don't have enough truck. Even if you do find a 5er with a good floor plan at 10,500# to 11,000# the Appalachian Mts. are right there do you really want to pull those grades with a 6.2 gas engine, even with 4.30 gears?

Just something to think about.