Forum Discussion

AKinLA's avatar
AKinLA
Explorer
Jan 07, 2016

Purchasing Question

Looking to purchase a 5th wheel, this will be my first RV. I've got a F-250 and looking mostly at used trailers. Pointers on what to really look for in a used unit vs. new would be appreciated. There is one in particular I'm interested in. It has sat under cover and on concrete (2 yrs) since it was originally purchased, what concerns would the forum have with this type of unit?

24 Replies

  • AKinLA wrote:
    Looking to purchase a 5th wheel, this will be my first RV. I've got a F-250 and looking mostly at used trailers. Pointers on what to really look for in a used unit vs. new would be appreciated. There is one in particular I'm interested in. It has sat under cover and on concrete (2 yrs) since it was originally purchased, what concerns would the forum have with this type of unit?


    Welcome to the forum,

    You need to give a little more info, on your truck, and the actual model FW. It helps to know the GVWR of the FW, to get an idea of the loaded pin weight.

    An F250 is a good tow vehicle! The newer ones will carry more pin weight than an older one. Most 250s should handle a middle sized FW.

    PM me if you want, I tow a mid sized FW, GVWR 12,110, with a 13 F250.

    Jerry
  • Not enough truck!
    Fords are heavy to begin with, and depending on year you could have a honest load carrying capacity as low as 1500 pounds. Dry pin weight is really a misleading number. You will NEVER tow a dry trailer. You may not ever see it, but lacking real world numbers take a worst case. Trailers GVWR is what you want to look at. 20% of that is your pin weight.
  • Appreciate the reply,

    The Hitch Weight is 1,600 lbs and dry is 10,000 lbs.
  • Under a shelter is awesome if its really true. Look for soft places; especially in the floor to indicate a possible leak from rain. Inspect the roof to look for tears or cracks.

    Inspect the tires for cracks and bubbles.

    Run everything: lights, water, water heater, AC unit, heat, fridge, etc.

    How much does it weigh? I'd try to keep a hitch weight under 2500 lbs. for an F250.