Forum Discussion

MandM2711's avatar
MandM2711
Explorer
Jul 09, 2015

Opinions on New 5th wheel

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 317RST

Coachmen Chaparal 336TSIK

Rockwood 8289WS

Cougar 313RLI

Outdoors 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.
  • CWSWine's avatar
    CWSWine
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    These are my weights with my 3/4 ton with 28SGS loaded to go camping. I weight both the truck and 5er on a CAT scale to get these numbers. This is is you if want to say within the "Manufacture GVWR Specs" This give you an example of 5er ready to go camping.


    click My
    scale Weights
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    bpounds wrote:
    MandM2711 wrote:
    Front is 5060
    Rear is 3180

    I 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
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Jul 09, 2015
    MandM2711 wrote:
    Front is 5060
    Rear is 3180

    I 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.
  • CWSWine's avatar
    CWSWine
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    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's avatar
    MandM2711
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    Front is 5060
    Rear is 3180

    I will take a look at the cougar x-lite.

    Thanks.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Jul 09, 2015
    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.

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