It seems the closer I get the further away I end up!Looking for a Brand not Model that will fit my needs.Realizing that we moving more into the entry level category now I'd like a brand that's reliable with decent customer service.Both lightweight and with low hitch weight so it can be pulled with my 2001 F-250 diesel pickup.My truck is a shortbed and I will not be able to use slider hitch at this time so something the has a favorable cap to be hauled by said shortbed.This may be the killer: we will be using this fulltime for at least 1-2 years so my wife would like a W/D combo (not separates) in the 5th wheel.Any suggestions will be appreciated as I've been combing the brands I know and having lots of trouble.JDJ

Comfortable as a full time rig and 250/2500 compatible is going to nearly impossible. Add in one small enough and add a washer room is next to impossible to find. Your biggest drawback is your truck. Honestly you might be better off with a TT or a MH and tow a small car.

Flagstaff - by Forest River- has the Revolution pin box which swivels 22" back from the king pin- so you can turn 90 degrees with a short bed ford using a standard hitch system.Works great with my 4 door short bed f350.It's also around 9,000- 10,000 lbs so it's lighter in weight.Our model has an island kitchen and is very roomy!Larry

We have a Sabre 34RLQS which has a washer/dryer hookup in the bedroom closet. I really cant comment on the hitch issue because I have a long bed. We have stayed in it for weeks at a time and were very comfortable, we will be staying in it for six months in Colorado starting in May. The dry weight is just under 10,000 lbs and my 1997 F250 handles in extremely well....

Do you have any experience w/ the washer/dryer combos? You may want to talk to some people who have had these before you make them a criteria of your search. These are not the washer and dryer that you may be used to in your home. They are more suited for a few items and/or tee shirts/socks. You wouldn't want to wash a load of towels or jeans. Just my $.02

When I full time, I just plan to do 5 loads at once at a camp ground or laundry mat. Room is at a PREMIUM in any RV, so why waste the space and weight on a washer and dryer.

Looking for a 5th wheel brand that meets these needs:

Dandy_Dan
Explorer
Jan 26, 2014
JDJ, Check out the Open Range line. They do make 5ers that are 1/2 ton towable and the factory is excellent to work with.

Regarding the W/D combo. You might consider a stack unit from what little I have seen. Others are going to be getter versed on this but I know some folks that have one and it seems that the capacity is small then it takes quite a while to dry.

Good Luck on your search and Happy Camping.
pauljgrenier
Explorer
Jan 26, 2014
We just purchased an open range, Mesa Ridge 345.
Has washer /dryer option
Paul
wski
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
kopy kat wrote:
Flagstaff - by Forest River- has the Revolution pin box which swivels 22" back from the king pin- so you can turn 90 degrees with a short bed ford using a standard hitch system.

Works great with my 4 door short bed f350.

It's also around 9,000- 10,000 lbs so it's lighter in weight.

Our model has an island kitchen and is very roomy!

Larry

Hey Kopy Kat been looking at this brand and model for a little bit now. Can you tell me the good and bad of this 5th wheel? Thanks for taking the time to answer this question...
jdjimenez
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
wmbkdb wrote:
Wife and I recently purchased a Shasta Phoenix 5er... We were shocked at what it gave us that our prior Cougar did not...
Down the road when I retire I believe that this might be the one that can support our goals and still remain towable with our present 2500 series TV.

We think this will support our fulltimer requirements nicely. It is a Shasta Phoenix 32RE

Happy Trails.

Thank you, added Shasta to the list.
jdjimenez
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Even with our RV being large and having W/D space we use it for storage. Like someone else said we do several loads at a time at the parks facilities.

Worked well for us after 2 years full timing.

We know someone that does a load every day. If that is your style then a W/D in your rig is a good idea.

I like the idea of being able to do a small load daily. Three towels every other day, sheets once a week, and maybe a couple shirts with a pair of pants on other days will keep us going. Also the tought of what other people throw in the public machines makes me think twice.
jdjimenez
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
hawkhill wrote:
We just took a look at a new fifth wheel that our neighbor bought that is 1/2 ton towable with a 90% turn radius ( 5.5 ft bed truck). It is part of a new Open Range line called Light. It was surprising nice. Actually had some of the features we really like in our 36 foot Carriage Cameo, such as kitchen island for counter space and storage, dual recliners facing entertainment center and nice bath layout . They range from 25 ft to 32 ft in length. The only downside for you it does not appear to offer a washer/dryer option. As some of the others have stated we have had a washer/dryer combo in a previous fifth wheel and you could not give me one for free. Really felt it was a total waste of money and a pain; however, it appears that you have your heart set on this and it may really limit your options.

Thank you, this Open Range Light just might be a winner as it does offer W/D prep in the bathroom on at least 2 models.
dennisgt60
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
I like to go to a local laundromat.....and read the outdated magazines, watch someone jam three loads of clothes into one washer and dump a half-bottle of detergent in.....all while talking on a cell phone the whole time....great entertainment!
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2014
jdjimenez wrote:
Okie1 wrote:
We have a Sabre 34RLQS which has a washer/dryer hookup in the bedroom closet. I really cant comment on the hitch issue because I have a long bed. We have stayed in it for weeks at a time and were very comfortable, we will be staying in it for six months in Colorado starting in May. The dry weight is just under 10,000 lbs and my 1997 F250 handles in extremely well....

Thank you, I didn't know about the Sabre. It may be real close to pushing my limits but it's an option.

Jdjimenez, States that his F250 handles the Saber just fie, just like my Ram 2500 handles my Copper Canyon (11,000# GVW) just fine, I know I am over my GVWR, and very sure that so is Jdjimenez.

That said I am well with in axle and tire ratings, I don't recommend, but in reality with an early 2000's 250 Diesel you have very little payload, per the manufacture, you do have plenty of axle and tire rating.

PS: Forget the W/D waste of weight, Laundromat once a week.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2014
Even with our RV being large and having W/D space we use it for storage. Like someone else said we do several loads at a time at the parks facilities.

Worked well for us after 2 years full timing.

We know someone that does a load every day. If that is your style then a W/D in your rig is a good idea.
wmbkdb
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
Wife and I recently purchased a Shasta Phoenix 5er... We were shocked at what it gave us that our prior Cougar did not...
Down the road when I retire I believe that this might be the one that can support our goals and still remain towable with our present 2500 series TV.

We think this will support our fulltimer requirements nicely. It is a Shasta Phoenix 32RE

Happy Trails.