My wife and I are brand new to this. Have never done anything like this. We rented and loved in, and now want to have our own. Recently purchased a RAM 2500 Diesel. Have been doing a lot of reading here. The rigs we are considering are the following:Grand Design - 29RS, 303RL or 317RSTCoachmen Chaparal 336TSIKRockwood 8289WSCougar 313RLIOutdoors RV - Glacier Peak.Any suggestions I have not listed?I am interested in opinions on quality, as well as tow ability by my RAM 2500. I have weighed the truck with my wife and I in it already per suggestions I have read here to do so. To not exceed the 10,000 GVWR I have 1,760 payload remaining. That was before I had the hitch installed of witch I purchased the B&W companion. So probably lose another 250# with that. I am disappointed with the remaining payload, but want to do what I can to stay within the ratings.

You won't be able to stay under the GVWR of that truck, with either the Grand Design or Cougars that you mentioned. I didn't look at all the others specifications, but assume they are in the ball park.You weighed the truck, but did you get front and rear weights? I would suggest you will be okay if you stay under each axle weight rating. There is no reason you should not be able to haul a 10k GVWR fiver with your Ram, which is the gross weight of the Grand Design 29RS. I think about 10k is where you want to be on a 3/4 ton truck.In the Cougar line, suggest you take a look at the "Half Ton" or "Xlite" series. Those match up well to a 3/4 ton truck. Not really 1/2 ton suitable, in my opinion. I'm pulling one of those with my 3/4 ton. Good value priced trailer, and the 3/4t truck handles it with ease.

Front is 5060Rear is 3180I will take a look at the cougar x-lite. Thanks.

I had a Chevy 3/4 ton 2500 diesel and the Cougar XLite 28SGS max out the "Manufacture Specs" almost to the pound loaded and ready to go camping and that is a CAT scale weight. I like the 5th wheel and pulled really nice.

MandM2711 wrote:Front is 5060Rear is 3180I will take a look at the cougar x-lite. Thanks.As you can see, you've got plenty of spare capacity on that rear axle. Which is probably rated for 6k or 6.1k. I would use that as my guide. Your tires and wheels will be rated for at least that much.Your fiver won't put much on the front axle. Not a factor up front.

bpounds wrote:MandM2711 wrote:Front is 5060Rear is 3180I will take a look at the cougar x-lite. Thanks.As you can see, you've got plenty of spare capacity on that rear axle. Which is probably rated for 6k or 6.1k. I would use that as my guide. Your tires and wheels will be rated for at least that much.Your fiver won't put much on the front axle. Not a factor up front.x2

Opinions on New 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

TXiceman
Explorer II
Jul 10, 2015
You might take a look at these 5ers
https://www.livinlite.com/fifth-wheels.php

AS you see, a 3/4 ton truck limits you on pin weight and you have to consider the trucks loaded weight before you even add the 5er.

Ken
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
i have come to realize that the pin weight is where the 3/4 ton falls short if I go by the gvwr. It seems some go by the rear axle if I do that I have about 3300# pin weight capacity. But going by GVWR only about 1500#. Looked at the alum a lite. At this point prob between the grand design 29rs keystone extra lite or the Rockwood all should work weight wise.

Any thoughts on the manufacturer grand design vs keystone vs forest river

Thanks
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jul 10, 2015
You need to get a very small and light 5er with a 3/4 ton diesel (AKA 250/2500) if you want to stay under the GVWR. I tow a 5er that weighs about the same as the Cougar you are looking at (9,820 dry/12,360 GVWR). Our 2001 Ram 2500 does fine over GVWR, even yours by a bit. I don't have any issues pulling this rig at 19,500# GCVW, and still 500# of rear axle rating to spare.
2PM_s
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
Check out Grand Design owner's forum, you will see Grand Design has, maybe one of the best customer service policy going. My Grand Design Reflection has been almost flawless so far, but know things can happen. Your 2500 will be over GVWR as others have said, still way under RAWR.
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
I have been doing that and lean towards the grand design. The 29rs has the lightes hitch weight at 1476. But I have also read on that site about tow issues with the new trucks being too high causing the smaller reflections to tow nose up. That being said I really have no idea how bad of an issue that is
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
Btw which reflection do you have?
2PM_s
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
My 2010 Ram 4x4 is right at 58 inches to the top of the bed rail. I have the Reflection 27RL and I pull maybe 2 inches nose high. I have 6-7 inches of bed rail clearance. With that being said, my friend's 2015 2500 4x4 with 20 inch wheels is right 61 inches at the bed rail. Don't know what you have, but you go from there. By the way, what ever I am nose high, it's not a problem and really looks nice with no problems going down the road. Most would not notice except the RVers on here.
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
Just measured I am at 58 as well. Good thing I did not go ahead with the 20in wheels that is what I had picked out and changed at the last minute. Thanks for your information it helps to put me at ease about going with the Grand design.
RollandB
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
We've been shopping some new rrigs, the Cougar half Tom 279RKSWE and both Grand Design Super Lite models have caught out attention. Monday looked at the GD 27RL and will look at their 29rs maybe this weekend. As for quality, I'd give the nod to Grand Design. I also like some of the little things Grand Design has done like no floor registers, good size windows. Good luck with Tyler decision.
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 10, 2015
We are going this weekend as well. Been looking at the cougar this evening on line. Still like the Grand design better. So that is where we will be going to look. Good luck to you as well.

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