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Trumpeterb's avatar
Trumpeterb
Explorer
Jun 23, 2017

New Fifth Wheel Advice

We are considering the purchase of a new fifth wheel. We currently have a travel trailer and are trying to sell it. Budget is a major factor, as these rigs are costly for sure. We also want something big enough for our five person family (3 little kids), an outside kitchen, bunkhouse, etc. Towing capacity for my truck is just over 12500, so our choices are limited. I came across the Herotage Glenn 356QB online, and it seems to meet the space and amenity requirements we have, it is towable, and it fits the budget. I have heard both good and bad things about these rigs, and the stories about construction issues, quality control, etc. thatni have read now have me skeptical. Does anyone have any experience with these rigs? Thoughts? Advice? Other rigs that anyone suggests we consider?

Thanks for the help.

6 Replies

  • Artum Snowbird wrote:
    That is a huge fifth wheel, and if your towing capacity is 12,500, you will be not likely to get your weight under that. From what I have learned, often it is the tongue weight that exceeds the limit before the towed weight.

    What truck, engine, rear end, box size are you using?


    2012 Ram 2500 crew cab 6.7 Cummins Diesel
    Axel ratio places trailering limit at 12650 I believe
  • I agree with laknox, your looking at SRW or DRW territory, can you pull it more than likely yes with your present truck, problem being can you stop it if an when needed in a panic stop or going down a 6% grade if needed.

    Also can your springs handle the weight without bottoming out, I'm not saying you can't pull but can you do it safely for both your family and others around you while traveling down the road ...

    You might look at the KZ line of 5th wheels, they have allot of different models along with floor planes and at prices that are well below MSRP https://www.kz-rv.com/ an are well built :)

    Safe Travels
  • Trumpeterb wrote:
    We are considering the purchase of a new fifth wheel. We currently have a travel trailer and are trying to sell it. Budget is a major factor, as these rigs are costly for sure. We also want something big enough for our five person family (3 little kids), an outside kitchen, bunkhouse, etc. Towing capacity for my truck is just over 12500, so our choices are limited. I came across the Herotage Glenn 356QB online, and it seems to meet the space and amenity requirements we have, it is towable, and it fits the budget. I have heard both good and bad things about these rigs, and the stories about construction issues, quality control, etc. thatni have read now have me skeptical. Does anyone have any experience with these rigs? Thoughts? Advice? Other rigs that anyone suggests we consider?

    Thanks for the help.


    With FWs, "towing capacity" has very little to do with tow vehicle choice. PAYLOAD is the limiting factor on trucks, so you need to educate yourself on what your truck can =carry= and what the pin weight of any FW you might choose will be. FWIW, the stated payload on your truck will normally be with 1 150 lb driver and full fuel ONLY. No hitch, no passengers, no hitch, no =stuff=. Also, actual payload is almost certainly different than "brochure" numbers, so you need to check the door sticker to see what the numbers are. Also, the rule of thumb on FWs is to take 20% of the GVW of the FW to get a =rough= idea of what the pin weight is likely to be. I could very well be =more=, but you won't know unless you scale the rig. Again, IMO, this FW is =firmly= in 1 ton territory, at least a SRW if not a dually.

    Lyle
  • You might consider a used rig. We have purchased new and used and the used deal was by far the best for us. High quality coach for a very reasonable price.
  • That is a huge fifth wheel, and if your towing capacity is 12,500, you will be not likely to get your weight under that. From what I have learned, often it is the tongue weight that exceeds the limit before the towed weight.

    What truck, engine, rear end, box size are you using?
  • Difficult to find.. but from what I see they look like a mid- to low-end rig.