New to RVs.....A Few Newbie Questions
Hello! I'm retired Navy (23 years) and getting ready to retire from my second career (Civil Service). My name is Mark. I'm going to purchase a fifth wheel and towing truck in the next six month...
Forum Discussion
Think of it all as a system. The parts have to fit together for the best experience. The towing is going to be more stable with duals. However, do you play in the mud? Drive the beaches on the outer banks? Drive in snow to ski or sled? Maybe then a single rear wheel.
Any homeowner association rules? Do you drive the BWI parkway? Like to use the hammer lanes? Then maybe the dreaded 3/4 ton, or the horrible 1/2 ton. Answer "yes" to any of these and you really limit your camper choices.
Answer "no" then pick the camper first and then second pick a truck rated under SAE J2807 (I think all of the big 3 comply) for the pin weight and tow capacity to fit. Chevy, Ford, Ram they are all good. Diesel or gas, under the ratings both have pluses and minuses. Hard to beat the puck systems, unless you use the rails to tie stuff down. Short bed if you need it for tight spaces, long bed for traveling.
Sad to say, you may have to order well in advance. Wait times stink right now on our toys.
Unless you already drive fifth wheels, a big empty lot, some cones and practice will help reduce stress in backing into the campground. Also work out a system of signals with your co-driver, and be prepared for the occasional discussion.
Make sure you know how to jack up the camper (I use a wedge) and change a tire. Try it once at home and see what you forgot. Get an extra set of bearing, race (cone), seal and store them in a can of grease. Even if you cannot, or do not want to change them, it is nice to have on a Sunday afternoon in Nowhere USA. Parts can be a bear for campers.
Now hit the road, see you round the campfire.
Any homeowner association rules? Do you drive the BWI parkway? Like to use the hammer lanes? Then maybe the dreaded 3/4 ton, or the horrible 1/2 ton. Answer "yes" to any of these and you really limit your camper choices.
Answer "no" then pick the camper first and then second pick a truck rated under SAE J2807 (I think all of the big 3 comply) for the pin weight and tow capacity to fit. Chevy, Ford, Ram they are all good. Diesel or gas, under the ratings both have pluses and minuses. Hard to beat the puck systems, unless you use the rails to tie stuff down. Short bed if you need it for tight spaces, long bed for traveling.
Sad to say, you may have to order well in advance. Wait times stink right now on our toys.
Unless you already drive fifth wheels, a big empty lot, some cones and practice will help reduce stress in backing into the campground. Also work out a system of signals with your co-driver, and be prepared for the occasional discussion.
Make sure you know how to jack up the camper (I use a wedge) and change a tire. Try it once at home and see what you forgot. Get an extra set of bearing, race (cone), seal and store them in a can of grease. Even if you cannot, or do not want to change them, it is nice to have on a Sunday afternoon in Nowhere USA. Parts can be a bear for campers.
Now hit the road, see you round the campfire.
