....But thinking about it if I can figure it all out.My wife is retiring this May and we are contemplating our first RV. Too much to process, so it will probably be fall before we take any action.I have a spreadsheet with all the vehicle specs (GVWR, GCWR, etc.) and all the specs for a lot of 5th wheel campers and it looks like the only thing that can pull anything (without exceeding wt specs), is a 3500HD, diesel, DRW....All the SRW's seem to either fail or come too close.Decisions, decisions. Our second choice activity for retirement is working crossword puzzles...no pressure.

I'd start with where you do want to go and camp? Then find an RV that fits. Doesn't always need to be the max size RV and TV. Consider renting RVs too.

My opinion would be to decide on the trailer/5th wheel first, then you can figure out the options necessary for a truck to pull it with. Buying the truck first is like putting the cart before the horse. You may fall in love with a floor plan that isn't a 40' behemoth. You may be smitten with a 35' 5th wheel that can easily be pulled with a 3/4 ton truck.

Keep lurking around here. You will pick up some good info. Welcome to the forum and let us know when you pull the pin and buy a rig.

fj12ryder wrote:My opinion would be to decide on the trailer/5th wheel first, then you can figure out the options necessary for a truck to pull it with. Buying the truck first is like putting the cart before the horse. You may fall in love with a floor plan that isn't a 40' behemoth. You may be smitten with a 35' 5th wheel that can easily be pulled with a 3/4 ton truck.What FJ said! Figure out the FW =first=, then see if you have the funds for the truck to pull it. :B Also, for a first-timer, I'd =seriously= consider buying a used RV similar to what you like. Do this, knowing that you're only going to keep it for the short-term, then make a list of "never-agains", "not needed", "be nice to haves" and "must haves". Even then, finding a used example of the exact model you want might be easier than you think.Lyle

If you’re on Facebook, check out the "RV Pricing and Values" page. Be sure and read the Pinned Post first.

I'm so new I don't even have an RV | Good Sam Community

Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
If you’re on Facebook, check out the "RV Pricing and Values" page. Be sure and read the Pinned Post first.
laknox
Nomad
Mar 06, 2018
fj12ryder wrote:
My opinion would be to decide on the trailer/5th wheel first, then you can figure out the options necessary for a truck to pull it with.

Buying the truck first is like putting the cart before the horse. You may fall in love with a floor plan that isn't a 40' behemoth. You may be smitten with a 35' 5th wheel that can easily be pulled with a 3/4 ton truck.

What FJ said! Figure out the FW =first=, then see if you have the funds for the truck to pull it. :B Also, for a first-timer, I'd =seriously= consider buying a used RV similar to what you like. Do this, knowing that you're only going to keep it for the short-term, then make a list of "never-agains", "not needed", "be nice to haves" and "must haves". Even then, finding a used example of the exact model you want might be easier than you think.

Lyle
Campinfan
Explorer III
Mar 06, 2018
Keep lurking around here. You will pick up some good info. Welcome to the forum and let us know when you pull the pin and buy a rig.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Mar 06, 2018
My opinion would be to decide on the trailer/5th wheel first, then you can figure out the options necessary for a truck to pull it with.

Buying the truck first is like putting the cart before the horse. You may fall in love with a floor plan that isn't a 40' behemoth. You may be smitten with a 35' 5th wheel that can easily be pulled with a 3/4 ton truck.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
I'd start with where you do want to go and camp? Then find an RV that fits. Doesn't always need to be the max size RV and TV. Consider renting RVs too.

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