total newb looking for advice

ACZL wrote:
Is your '03 a 2wd or 4wd? 7.3 or 6.0? Max trailer weight will be between 10,000 and 13,500 which will put you in the 30'-35' range. depending truck configuration, it should weigh around 8,000lbs empty which in turn will kill you on pin weight as AP pointed out. Truck only has a GVW of 8,800.

I second this. I had an 03 F250 6L diesel, 4x4, crew cab. gVR was 8800#, and with fuel and people it's empty weight was nearly 8000#, without a hitch. So it was basically unusable to pull a fifth wheel. I traded it for a used Chevy 3500HD dually.

Basically, if yours is the same as my truck was, you won't be able to get much of any fifth wheel.

What ever you decide on....

Beware of "2 foot-ittus".

For every main feature that you decide you want, it seems to add 2 feet to the length (and price).

Just say'in.....

As stated pin weigh. Your truck has two tires on the rear axle, most likely rated at just over 3,000 lbs each. You need to consider the weight of the 5th wheel hitch, do you have an aux fuel tank, any items likely to be hauled in the bed of the truck. All of this will need to be considered.

Pay attention to the Gross Weight of the rig, who tows a empty trailer. A 10,000 lb gross unit could yield 2,500 lbs of pin weight added to the other items.

I think 5ers are easier to hitch and do tow better than TTs. Backing is different but once you adjust they are more maneuverable. They are also great bug magnets. I just wiped the slate clean on mine so aspiring bug artist will have a clean canvas for our next trip.

Used???? The electrical systems can have cumulative damage over time if a surge gard has not been used from the beginning....chance are the tires have too old of mfg date and have been driven over 62 mph or have sat with wrong pressure causing unseen damage there......along with axles and bearings....
No telling how black, gray, and fresh water tanks have been cared for...or what has been put in them.....not to mention proper roof care....if you are a always fix something and replace something person, a used rv is a perfect buy.....course with new on it is continuous maint...too....to maintain it....make sure you put a good electrical outlet in your drive where you will store it so you can keep it plugged in....good luck with your new adventure...
sounds like you have a good tow vehicle, just stay below the GCWR....find out what that number is.....and by doing that you should be okay on axle weights..
but you still have to weigh hooked up and check at a cat scale....drive slow as your house is with you, whats the hurry.....

Is your '03 a 2wd or 4wd? 7.3 or 6.0? Max trailer weight will be between 10,000 and 13,500 which will put you in the 30'-35' range. depending truck configuration, it should weigh around 8,000lbs empty which in turn will kill you on pin weight as AP pointed out. Truck only has a GVW of 8,800.

awesome thank you guys so much. please keep them coming.

While there may be a "number" of complaints about Reese hitches, you must remember that there are thousands and thousands of them on the road. Far more than the more expensive specialty hitches. A much larger population will generate more complaints. My ten year old Reese grabs the king pin and off we go. Nothing to comment on one way or the other.

With a 250/2500, pin weight is your main concern.

1. are all the 5th wheel hitches the same basically? No some are better than others B&W, and Pullrite make very good hitches. Reese, all I can say is that there are a number of complaints about them from owners.

2. what should i look for in a used trailer and what should i avoid? There are a lot of lists online: search google for
RV Inspection List
When were were looking I was told to look in the basement and look up, if the ceiling of the basement is pressboard, not plywood, then the fver is cheaply built. Also someone advised me to look at the electrical box, if you can see behind it and the wires are neatly bundled then that is a good sign.

3. weight what should i stick to weight wise? my car trailer weighs 3500 pounds and I haul classic cars (heavy) pretty often.

The weight you need to mostly worry about is the pin weight of the fifth wheel when fully loaded vs the payload of the truck. The payload also includes passengers, luggage and misc stuff, the weight of the hitch ect. That is the limit most folks hit first. Figure the pin weight is roughly 20-25% of maximum weight.

Does your truck have the tow package (transmission coolers ect)?

You need to look at the pin weight loaded of any fiver you are interested in to make sure it does not overload your truck.

Hire a certified RV tech to inspect a used RV before you buy. It is worth every penny of the cost.