Shopping for first RV...need guidance

Phydeauxman wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
Based on your response, most of my comments stay the same.
- 6yr old probably stays in the truck while hooking for a couple more years.
- After impressing upon him the safety aspects, the 14yr old gets to do the grunt work (it you already paid for him why pay for fancy leveling systems).
- With the diesel, pulling power shouldn't be a problem.
- If you are comfortable towing a car trailer, the 5th wheel should be easier on the road.
- Backing is the same but different. Slower to start turning but you can turn sharper than a bumper pull.
- Still recommend a used unit as a starter until you decide what you really want.

Upgrading the truck to "be" a 1 ton. Sort of, yeah, not really.
- For all practical purposes, you won't be able "legally" change the ratings.
- Last I heard, the engine, transmission, frame are identical.
- It's primarily the suspension and possibly the rear axle wieght rating. You can do after market upgrades but no it won't change the sticker on the inside of the door.
- Others come down firmly on one side of the debate or the other, I'll leave it to you to decide.

I would still suggest haning out near the 30ft range given your truck.

Thanks for the detailed reply. Honestly (and I am sure some won't like this) I am less concerned about the sticker as I am about being safe. I was thinking...with all of the things I have read...that we might be able to go up to a 32' safely with the 250 as it sits. I would have to do more detailed calculations but seems close. Now to find one (5th wheel) that meets the desires we have. Out of curiosity...how do you calculate how much TT you can safely tow with a given tow vehicle? Seems like it is easier to find a TT that sleeps more people that would be safe to tow but obviously there trade-offs with going that directions.

V-360 is giving you great tips. Biggest difference between a TT and a FW is =room=. Much more room and storage in a FW than in a TT. Another option you can look at are toyhaulers. Almost all have let-down beds, usually multiple and one is usually queen size, in the garage area. If you get a full garage-style, then your other adults have more privacy...or the kids have a bunch of play space. :-) Because of the load they might carry, you =really= have to watch pin weights, though. Too bad nobody makes one with sliding axles...

Lyle