Shopping for first RV...need guidance
My wife and I are going shopping for our first RV. We are going to large camper retailers this weekend just so we can get an idea of what is available. Here is what we know: - We are pretty sure ...
Forum Discussion
Phydeauxman wrote:Bamaman1 wrote:
I've had a travel trailer since 1995, and have always considered moving up to a fifth wheel eventually. I had no idea so many desirable fivers weigh 14K lbs. and 3K lbs. pin weight, requiring dual rear wheels to tow safely.
I too have a F250 crewcab diesel. I am going to install a B&W Patriot 16K hitch on rails and an airbag rear suspension. My truck has an 80 hp econo flash on the computer, and I'm going to drop back to a 60 hp tow mode with a special tranny program. A TruKool tranny cooler is coming--but it's not needed on newer model SuperDuties.
That's about as good as a 3/4 ton truck gets. As much trailer I want to tackle is about 11,000 lbs. dry with a 2000 lb. pin weight--knowing it'll max my truck out after our stuff is in the trailer.
We have ordered a Grand Design 323BHS with the SuperSofa. Although the company is only 18 months old, they've already built 2,000 Reflection model fifth wheels--incredible. The Reflections max weight is where a 3/4 ton truck can pull them--11K and 2K on weight/pin lbs. for ours, the biggest model. They just came out with a rear living model that a 1/2 ton truck can handle. The BHS is a 37' 4 slider bunk house with a J couch/bed and 3 other beds in the rear room. It suits our needs perfectly.
See: http://www.granddesignrv.com/
We just bought this trailer yesterday...2015 model. My truck is a 2014 F250 diesel SB/CC 4x4 and the dealer we bought it from said we would have no issues with our truck. We did get them to include an automatic slider and second AC in the deal.
Congratulations on picking out the 5'er. Just remember that the dealer is worried about the sale vs. your concerns about safety. I am more than confident that your F250 will have the power to pull it, I would look hard at the amount of weight you will be putting in the truck and how that will take away from the load carrying capacity -- you, DW, and two kids, plus hitch and 'stuff' for camping can easily eat up 750# of weight.
That being said, the frame, drivetrain, and wheels are almost all the same between F250 and F350SRW - the difference may be the additional springs, tire ratings, and weight capacity of rear axle.
I say this only as a caution that though the dealer says you will have no issue w/ your truck -- the salesman may not know as much as he/she thinks they know. Just double check w/ what the inside sticker says on your truck for cargo carrying capacity and understand that you may have to find ways to increase your safety margin on the F250.
Happy camping and enjoy the new 5'er
