We are new at this and have decided to buy used first, we are looking at a 2003 Newmar Kuntry Star 35DSSK, we will be pulling with a F250. Does anyone know if this fifth wheel is good and what we should be looking for, any information would be helpful Our truck is a diesel Super Duty

They're top of the line in my estimation. Too bad they quit making 5ers. Your 250 may be at its max pulling it however.

Most Newmars had 8 tires under them because they are heavy. A 3/4 TV is not a good choise. The Newmar 5er is or was top of the line, very well built.

You'd be definitely overweight with that truck. Probably be at the limit for a one ton as well. Certainly would want a dually.

I had a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star 34BLWB. Weight loaded at scales with full fresh water and packed for a week was as follows.Complete Trailer = 15,620#Axle Weight = 13,060# Pin weight = 2,560#Newmar stated DRY weights for comparison.GVWR = 16,000Complete Trailer = 12,735Axle Weight = 10,379Pin Weight = 2,356Strong well made units. I had some hub, bearing, and brake issues and the leaf springs were shot when I traded so that is area that would concern me. I had 7000# axles and suspension which was to close to the limit in my opinion for a trailer rated at 16,000 GVWR. On the very positive side -- I had dual pane windows and insulation was very good for that build time. Had no issues winter camping in northern MI in 10 degree weather. Frames were built in house and absolutely no flex. By far the strongest frame out there which is part of why I purchased.Randu

Information on Newmar Kountry Star Fifth wheel 2003

16 Replies

jeb5
Explorer
Feb 03, 2015
See my private message. I have a 2003 Kountry Star that we purchased new. It is a great 5th wheel, but it does have some pin weight. Look forward to talking to you soon.
buc1980
Explorer
Feb 03, 2015
I got the model 33 Kountry Star 2005 with the 14500 lb weigh .Very good FW but heavy .I pull it with FORD 350 .
hone_eagle
Explorer
Feb 02, 2015
You are going to need to weigh it and get the important pin /hitch weight.
Then ask yourself if you want to be close or even over the payload of the truck,and remember that is a static weight ,now imagine at 60 MPH and the trailer heaving up and down.
Even if you make it work it will be close and then you face the prospect of telling the DW "no put that back" its going to over load the truck- not a relaxing vacation - at least for me.
Pulling the load is easy ,carrying is the task.
Even so short trips on the flat lands will be your future ,long distance or mountains will not be fun.
IMHO
Me_Again
Explorer III
Feb 02, 2015
No!
robogobucks
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
Our F250 is a 2015 diesel super duty, do you think that will work?
TXiceman
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2015
The Newmar is a quality RV, but the pin weight will be too much for your F250. It will need a newer F350 dually.

Ken
chevyman2
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
Those are very nice 5ers indeed. As others have noted. Your 3/4 ton gasser will not do the job PERIOD. It will not! We have a Ford F 250 auto 351, 3:73 at the shop. It will bottom out when we have a Kountry Star to move, and power out. That truck will move them in/out of the service bays, thats about it.

We also have another shop truck. A Chevy 3500 Duramax, Allison, Dually, flatbed, 4:10. This truck still slams the overloads, but will pull and handle the Kountry Stars decent (not great) but decent, even on the highway at highway speeds.
The_Mad_Norsky
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
Fiver has a very good reputation for quality build.

But, as others have said, an F-250 is not enough truck.
Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
You can find Newmar brochures and specs here

Their fivers in the early 2000's were considered to be top of the line, full time rigs. Their customer service is still tops, even for older units.
Randu
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
robogobucks wrote:
Randu,
What did you pull with

2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1 big block gas w/Allison. 4:10 rear end.
Used Timbrens to dampen the bounce on the bridge transitions and to keep box more level.

A lot depends on the exact trailer as there is a wide variation to weights depending on floor plan. Also depends on if there is a washer/dryer ahead of the axles and how full you load the basement.
My 34 model actually was 35' long but some of the 35-36 models were closer to 38'long.

Randu