Newbies seeking guidance! Where to start????

We went from center kitchen diesel pushers and class A gassers to our 5th wheel. We love our rear kitchen Only after you are on the road in something, will you know if it won't work for YOU. Good luck with your decision

aint never been much on 5th s,we have a Monaco, Montclair, 29ft. works for us, happy-camping

For what its worth here's my .02 cents...
Before I bought my first fiver I spent over 1 yr researching everything from online forums/RV sites to books, RV shows, dealers and face to face discussions with experienced Rv'ers from the truck to the trailer and everything in between. A few of the larger dealerships near me allowed you to test drive to give you a better idea of what you're getting yourself into. I've seen a few people walk away after a few test drives had decided a fiver wasn't for them and they preferred a TT or motorhome or the RV lifestyle just wasn't their cup of tea.

Somewhere during my quest for knowledge I created a spreadsheet of 'must have's' and 'nice to have's' which included maintenance (cost of ownership) cost options for various features based on make/model, quality, along with a target budget. This was continuously updated as I learned more and more during my research.

The short story is no matter how much research you do eventually you just gotta pull the trigger ;).

Secondly, and this is just my opinion I would not consider a truck like yours to tow that much weight and additional a short bed is even worse. Sure you can do it but in my experience safety and peace of mind out ranks those who choose the cheaper or less accommodating setup. Yes, I realize alot of people do it but my research has concluded this is not the way to go; at least not for me. I don't like the idea or the feeling of 10K+ pounds sliding around back there. It boils down to safety, excessive stress on the engine, tranny, axle, and brakes. You'd be surprised what your GCWR is after you load it up plus the additional weight in the truck. Now think about heading down a steep twisting, windy 8% grade. I prefer my truck man handle the trailer and not the other way around. Trust me you will have white knuckles and rolling beads of sweat the first few times you experience a long steep downgrade :E. Sure you'll hear some folks say my F250 or 2500 handles the weight no problem which I'm not doubting them but would YOU feel the same way especially as a first timer? In my neck of the woods besides needing alot of power (yes Diesel power) you need braking power which many first timers don't take into consideration. I also prefer not to get passed by a loaded semi going up a 6% grade either.

Weight wise I agree with donn0128 although I'd go an extra 1K lbs for 1ton SRW.

Depending on pin weight you may need air bags or unless you have extra heavy duty springs.

In my case with my previous fiver (10K GVWR) I had more than enough truck but then we later upgraded to a much larger heavier fiver and was damn glad I had previously decided to buy a 1 ton SRW. The only modification I had to do was change out the hitch. I've seen too many first time buyers who run out and buy a monster fiver only to later realize they don't have enough truck.

So, if I were you I would stick with 10-11K lb GVWR in the 29-32 ft range and you won't need any truck upgrades or worries about safety issues; assuming you don't overload the axles. Best to start out small and light as the learning curve is steep and full of unexpected surprises. No need to keep up with the next door neighbor who has a 40' beast :B. If you're anything like me then in a few years you'll want to upgrade and you'll already be much more knowledgeable :C.

Also, one of the most (and there are many) important aspects of buying a fiver that is easily overlooked by first timers is the floor plan and never go with a rear kitchen. Cargo capacity can be important depending on your camping style or length of trip but I've never come even close to exceeding the weight limit. I don't dry camp so no gen, water, or extra fuel tanks. Many of the modern fivers today provide massive basement storage compartments making it even easier to overload the axles and causing tire blowouts. I prefer not to pack the whole garage and kitchen sink.

Welcome to the RV adventure, good luck and keep doing your research. Chance favors the prepared mind!

Very exciting position to be in. Good luck in all your shopping.

Personally Mamma Bear and I have been RVers forever. When we changed to a fifth wheel our knowledge went from veteran to newbie in a matter of days. Fifth wheel height, level, balance, ride height the list is long. We thought it would be best to find a older coach, well lower than we are capable of hauling and go through the learning curve. Our first was a older Springdale we got for 6k, it was a rear kitchen that we just feel in love with. After few trips we started to learn just what we needed to suit our needs, and one which was a King Bed. You never think of all the details until your actually doing it. Another item was cargo capacity. There are lots of great rigs out there but if you put a set of sheets on the bed your overweight.

After a very long time of narrowing the field down we have a Keystone Everest 293p that suits us well. We upgraded to a dually so in the future we can upgrade the coach.

Advice, go slow, read read and then read more. Go to RV shows and look, talk and share in the excitement. Its an awesome feeling that will have you consuming your every waking thought.

Be knowledgeable on what you really can tow. Read the trailer life tow guides to understand what all the terms mean and how they apply.

Again good luck and enjoy the ride...

In 2005 the DW and I bought our first RV. We settled on a 30' 5th wheel because of the room, then purchased our TV, a Chevy 2500 6L V8 with extended cab and long bed. We purchased the two at the end of June, made our first trip for the Independants Day holiday. That September we were hit by Huricane Rita and lost everything we owned. We now call our 5th wheel The Life Boat. For one year after we full timed in our 5er.

So lessons learned: you never have too much truck, i should have purchased a 3500 for stability and more pull power under less than perfect conditions. 2) There is never too much room in the camper, buy as large as you can afford. 3) Get past the glitz and look under the hood, good construction will most def save you headaches. 4) Buy a brand thats been around a while. Our manufacture went out of business. They sold units to the federal government for FEMA use, then were sued out of business because of noxious gasses from th materials used, all within gov. spects mind you. 5) Once you buy, dont look back! Upon retireing (or before) we plan on selling everything and hit the road! Flat out the RVing community is the most friendly and helpful people you will ever meet.
The only time we ever had issues when camping were from "guest" who were not RVer's.

aruba5er wrote:
I got your truck. It should have exhust brake right? when you get your trailer, use it. I do not have a slider hitch and NEVER came close to needing one. Some of the newer unit have the cap cut back so it further reduces the need. have one if you feel the need but I did not. My trailer has a gvwr of 11700. I'm not close but there are so many concerned that everything is overweight if you don"t have a 1 ton dually. Really suprising how almost every new unit that come into the camping store a 1/2 mile from me comes in behind a 3/4 single axle super or crew cab truck. Take your time, lots of it, and look at the features that are available. We hate our bedroom. You can not walk around the bed. The TV was placed so that you ended up with a stiff neck. The swivel rocker and hide- a -bed were junk and soon hit the dump. Check out that stuff and if you order, maybe get a delete and buy something good like we ended up doing So much out there so look around. Another thing, without having a 5th wheel hitch installed maybe you can rent a TT and pull that a few times and see if you like camping. Now at this time in life I'd buy a Class B Sprinter because we don"t take the grandkids anymore. Don't need the room and still want to travel.

All good information! Thanks. My wife and I are obviously going to have to do some research and put in some footwork. Try a few 5th wheels on for size so to speak.
My truck does have the exhaust brake, yes. I actually used it in Death Valley and coming down from Mount Rushmore just to see how well it worked!! Haha. It also has a brake bias switch (I think) fitted under the steering wheel. At least I think thats what it is. I never paid attention until we started talking about buying a 5th wheel!! Thats bad I know!! Hahaha.

I got your truck. It should have exhust brake right? when you get your trailer, use it. I do not have a slider hitch and NEVER came close to needing one. Some of the newer unit have the cap cut back so it further reduces the need. have one if you feel the need but I did not. My trailer has a gvwr of 11700. I'm not close but there are so many concerned that everything is overweight if you don"t have a 1 ton dually. Really suprising how almost every new unit that come into the camping store a 1/2 mile from me comes in behind a 3/4 single axle super or crew cab truck. Take your time, lots of it, and look at the features that are available. We hate our bedroom. You can not walk around the bed. The TV was placed so that you ended up with a stiff neck. The swivel rocker and hide- a -bed were junk and soon hit the dump. Check out that stuff and if you order, maybe get a delete and buy something good like we ended up doing So much out there so look around. Another thing, without having a 5th wheel hitch installed maybe you can rent a TT and pull that a few times and see if you like camping. Now at this time in life I'd buy a Class B Sprinter because we don"t take the grandkids anymore. Don't need the room and still want to travel.

Paul Clancy wrote:
Hi from near the end point of your last journey. We love rving and I think after many years of state and provincial parks we are now avid glampers as well. We look for Rv parks with paved roads and amenities. Basically we go to an area and setup the 5th wheel as our base and then tour in our truck to see all the highlights of an area. We did that last year to southern and Northern California and this year the Oregon coast. In past years the bc and Alberta Rockies , banff etc. future plans for Arizona
, Florida , Yellowstone etc. if that sort of touring is your goal then don't go too heavy. For us 34ft 3 slide 11000 lb loaded (9k dry ) is just right for any mountain pass or freeway and our truck is the same as you. We have a slider hitch we have never slid.

Hi, Paul
Thanks for the info. We spent 6 days in Victoria (visiting friends) and fell in love with the place! I'd love to see more of B.C!!
Safe travels!

twins89 wrote:
RVing is a wonderful way to see the country, meet nice people and have all the comforts of home right behind you. We love having a fifth wheel. Yes with a motor home you can go and make a sandwich or use the toilet but a fifth wheel you can use your truck all year and it is much less expensive to repair, buy tires, etc. You indicate you are leaning toward a fifth wheel and there are many to choose from. Here are my definite NEEDS in looking. Must be able to get to the toilet and the fridge with the slides closed (mine currenly cannot get to the fridge and I don't like it) Must have counter space or an island (I added a little island to mine) Must have ample storage space. Must have at least 40 gal black water tank; 65+ fresh, Decide if you like booth or table/chairs. Must have power awning (I am too short for anything else). Must have recliners. My next RV I would like - king bed, power jacks in the back, side bathroom all enclosed, washer dryer, larger fridge- not all necessary but nice. Ours came with a 3500 generator which is great when boondocking, Lots of choices out there; If I was looking to buy new in that price range - look at Jayco or KZ. Used look at an older high end unit (Mobile Suites) or an Artic Fox.

Thanks for the tips! A generator was definitely on my must have list. If the rig doesn't come with a generator how much work is it to install one? I know the Cummins LPG generators run between $2500-$3500 to but new.
Is your generator a gas hog or is it pretty frugal on the LPG? Obviously the greater the load on the generator the more gas it will use but just in general how thirsty is it?
Thanks again!!

Hi from near the end point of your last journey. We love rving and I think after many years of state and provincial parks we are now avid glampers as well. We look for Rv parks with paved roads and amenities. Basically we go to an area and setup the 5th wheel as our base and then tour in our truck to see all the highlights of an area. We did that last year to southern and Northern California and this year the Oregon coast. In past years the bc and Alberta Rockies , banff etc. future plans for Arizona
, Florida , Yellowstone etc. if that sort of touring is your goal then don't go too heavy. For us 34ft 3 slide 11000 lb loaded (9k dry ) is just right for any mountain pass or freeway and our truck is the same as you. We have a slider hitch we have never slid. Also beware of rear recliner floorplans that require you to move or stack the recliners to put the slides in. We dodged that bullet.