Forum Discussion

newsomer's avatar
newsomer
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014

Old member, new question

Planning to reenter the RV scene now that we're approaching my retirement. We currently have a decent 32' Cardinal travel trailer but haven't used it much in the last four years. I am thinking of selling it off to get a few bucks toward a new or newer fiver but I have a few questions.

We're looking for a trailer that'll be good for short to long trips so something in the lower mid length/weight. For now just long weekend trips but in a couple of years we'll want to be out maybe two months at a time for cross country trips. I think a 28' to 30' fiver would do us comfortably if our truck (below) could handle it.

We currently have a 2005 Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax diesel. It's humming along faultlessly at 250K on the odometer. It also has a shorter (6.5' I believe) bed. Do I need to look into either newer or bigger truck to meet our expectations?

19 Replies

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  • WE-C-USA's avatar
    WE-C-USA
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    You'll be just fine pulling that size 5th wheel. Find the floor plan you like & enjoy your retirement.
  • mountainsam's avatar
    mountainsam
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    For long trips avoid a unit with only a couch and dinette to sit on. They both get pretty uncomfortable on rain days. We are in the process of finding a couple nice recliners or swivel chairs to replace the couch. Chevy should do a great job. I pull mine with a 05 Dodge with 200,000 miles
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    newsomer wrote:
    How did you know we had a dog?

    Thanks for the response.


    Not hard to figure out. Your signature above. Clicked on "Our Cardinal" and it take you to Photobucket. Just start surfing through the photos. I saw your dog. Looks like you might have 2 of them, or had 2 different ones. Look like beagles.

    That's why I never put anything "personal" on Photobucket, only photos I don't mind sharing with the the whole world!

    That's OK. Go ahead and click here and you can see my doggie, and go ahead and surf around too. Everything on my Photobucket has been posted on RV.net at one time or another.

    FYI, that's a nice Cardinal... why not keep it.
  • newsomer's avatar
    newsomer
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    Can I interpret no mention of the bed size to it not being an insurmountable issue?
  • mpfireman's avatar
    mpfireman
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    We have a 27' fiver single slide. We have gone on extended trips over the years, 6 to 8 weeks, but if we had to plan on longer stays, we would opt for a 30 or 32 foot unit, two or three slides. The 27 footer gets pretty small after 2 or 3 weeks on the road, but that smaller size trailer allows us to get into camp grounds that are older, and less crowded. Most people who have chevy trucks, also have dogs. A little known fact.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 03, 2014
    YEP.......12,000# gross in the floorplan wife likes will be just fine.
  • Coach-man's avatar
    Coach-man
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2014
    We recently purchased a Grand Design Solitude 320X, we tow it with our 2006 Dodge 2500 with the Cummins engine with no problems. I am sure your 2005 Chevy could handle it well. If you have a Grand Design dealer close to you check it out, I think you will not be disapointed, good luck!
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2014
    A 28 to 30 foot fiver with two slides should come in around 12,000 pounds gross (loaded). Plenty of room for two people and a dog and the truck will be fine for another 200K.

    Enjoy!

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