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Newbie21's avatar
Newbie21
Explorer
Mar 16, 2016

Looking for first fifth wheel needing advice

I'm looking to purchase a fifth wheel in the next few weeks. I have never owned one before but wanting to be able to take my family with me to my fishing tournaments. It will be just a weekend get away trailer so not looking for top of the line high end trailer. I do like the fiberglass siding rather than the alum siding. Looking for 26-30' and the best deal out there. Would like to buy new since never owned one not familiar with things to look for. I am in north Texas/southeastern ok area. Have a new ram 3500 srw and will be doing the gooseneck conversion because I pull gooseneck trailers for my work all the time can't put a fifth wheel back there. I also need input on if I could pull my 20' bass boat behind one? Thanks!

22 Replies

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  • Retired07's avatar
    Retired07
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2016
    Take a look, even if online, at the Forest River Surveyor, lots of different models mid range priced and weight
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    Great towing advice so far so I'll talk on another of your questions - buying new. It's a great way to go. Sellers of new-ish trailers have their heads in the clouds since most overpaid to being with. I just payd roughly 66% of MSRP on a new Keystone Hideout product. Granted, it was in January and my local dealer was motivated to move something. But it was a 2016 model (another important part of buying new since these things depreciate so fast). Good luck on your search!
  • Newbie21's avatar
    Newbie21
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    I would primarily be in Oklahoma only. I have a class A cdl I didn't no there was anything else I could ever need license wise
  • sayoung's avatar
    sayoung
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    Newbie21 wrote:
    I'm looking to purchase a fifth wheel in the next few weeks. I have never owned one before but wanting to be able to take my family with me to my fishing tournaments. It will be just a weekend get away trailer so not looking for top of the line high end trailer. I do like the fiberglass siding rather than the alum siding. Looking for 26-30' and the best deal out there. Would like to buy new since never owned one not familiar with things to look for. I am in north Texas/southeastern ok area. Have a new ram 3500 srw and will be doing the gooseneck conversion because I pull gooseneck trailers for my work all the time can't put a fifth wheel back there. I also need input on if I could pull my 20' bass boat behind one? Thanks!

    Texas limits you to 65 ft total length, no clue about Ok. Also if you are a Tx resident and " combined" GVWR of truck/rv goes over 26000 lbs you need to upgrade license to an A non-commercial.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2016
    You can pull your boat behind if if you stay in states that allow two trailers. Most of the do (about 34) I think. It's basically the east and west coasts that don't allow 2 trailers. You will also need to stay under the maximum combined length for the state your in. This varies but is usually in the 60 to 70 foot range.
    You will need a FW that can be set up with a rear hitch, not all of them can. You will also need a connection at the rear for the boat trailer lights.
  • Newbie21's avatar
    Newbie21
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    Ok I looked up the companion hitch. That's very neat, is it as simple as pull my ball out and stick the fifth wheel in the hole?
  • Newbie21's avatar
    Newbie21
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    I had the dealer install the hide a way gooseneck. Is the b&w companion hitch compatible with my current gooseneck? I guess I don't understand if I keep my regular ball set up or not? I did not know it voided warranty that sucks

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