New to Trailer Life Need Some Assitance :)

lp618em wrote:
Ok so today we went looking at RV's and saw this specific 5th wheel, which is a Jayco Eagle 29.5bhds 5th wheel and they are saying a F150 or 1500 can carry it, is this even possible? From what I am reading how would they be allowed to advertise this?

They can advertise it because, there is a heavy duty version of the F150 that has over 3000 lbs payload and tow capacity around 11,000 lbs. A small family (2) would have about 2500 lbs payload available for the pin weight.

In an earlier post, I mentioned "not all XXXX trucks are created equal". F150 is a prime example. Ther are F150's with 3100 lbs of payload, some with as little as 750, and various ratings in between. The one on the high end could handle some 5th wheels, the one on the low end could have weight issues hauling groceries and a tent.

There are RV sales people, who are not aware of those differences. They seem to think, if one F150 can do the job, they all can.

This is what you need. It is a custom job but if you can afford it, it will work for you. You are talking at least an F450 or higher. It can tow the 5er you mentioned as well.

No, with that 5'er, you're in bigger truck territory. After adding a hitch, passengers, etc., it will be above the payload ratings of all but a few 1/2 ton trucks.

Ok so today we went looking at RV's and saw this specific 5th wheel, which is a Jayco Eagle 29.5bhds 5th wheel and they are saying a F150 or 1500 can carry it, is this even possible? From what I am reading how would they be allowed to advertise this?

So most trips wil lbe made to the surrounding lakes and areas. However we also make at least one trip to Orlanda from San Antonio, and have plans to go as far north as Canada, and even California. I do not see us being in the RV 24/7 other than when the children get tired. So Im thinking usually everyone in the Rv around 8 pm. This is some serious business rv'ing.

Let her get all the way up to a 45' Diesel Pusher and then start the process over, with a budget. Like Speed says,what are your intentions about RV'ing? Is everyone going to be inside 24/7 or will you be camping?

So we have a VERY large extended family, and almost anytime we leave the state(TX) or go camping the average number of people is 9. I know 9 people is cramped but when it is 9 people we will rarely stay inside the trailer other than to eat. I see in the new truck range there is little difference between a 3/4th and 1 ton but for used there is a little more forgiveness on the 3/4th. But now she is also looking at 5th wheels also which some are heavier and some lighter than what we were originally looking at. So any more thought are truly appreciated. Trying to soke everything in.

When my wife and I were looking at trailers, we kept looking at bigger and bigger units. Every small step up in size offered more features. Pretty soon we were looking at a new truck and 34 ft trailers... she didn't want a smaller trauler after seeing the nice big ones.

I finally had to take a step back, and reevaluate our needs. A big camper is nice And some people will tell you that bigger is better. But take a step back and look at what you need. Do you need all kinds of huge floor space? For us, we realized we spend 90% of our time outside. The only thing we do in a camper is sleep and use the bathroom. After talking, we realized we didn't want a house on wheels, a rolling hotel room suite. We found a TT that met all our needs in a smaller package.

To be honest, I doubt any trailer at any size would be comfortable with 9 people in it, even a 40ft park model. I've been in some massive 5th wheels with 8 people in them, and it feels extremely cramped.

Talk to your family about what you want out of camping. If you want to go to a destination and spend most your time inside the trailer, then get a 1 ton truck and a huge trailer. If you're going to be outside, then get a smaller trailer with 9 beds, and invest in some easy up canopies for shade outside. Maybe go the route we did and get an outside kitchen so you even do all your cooking outside. Even my smaller trailer has 6 separate beds, and in a pinch could sleep 9 people if several of them were kids.

tl/dr: talk about why you want to go camping, you may not need such a large trailer.

lp618em wrote:
LOL, well hopefully we would not take that much with us, the most would be clothes and such, no kayaks or bikes.
That woman is lucky I love her. Two trucks for one, just kinda hurts.

You could trade her for another truck, I have a couple of buds that did that (but I think the one that gave up the girl had to also give up the truck in the transaction :B).

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you have a few kids along for the excursion, some of them can bunk in a tent. Usually, they like that (away from Mom and Dad) and are off from under foot in the RV.

Take your time truck shopping, as was mentioned. The price difference between 3/4 and 1 ton is getting closer but you also have to factor in licensing and insurance. In my State, 1 ton falls under commercial plates and that gets you cheaper renewal for the first few years but more expensive after that. Also, with commercial plates, you fall under DOT regulations with inspection and the safety equipment having to be carried and DOT driver's licensing. Just some things to check in your State.

Most 250 / 2500 series trucks, could handle that trailer, but, the small price difference between them and 350 / 3500 series, might be worth while to get some extra cushion, or, additional capacity, just in case there is a fifth wheel in your future. If I had a "do over", I would do the jump to 350 / 3500.

Just like other tow vehicles, you'll find the 3/4 and 1 ton's are not all created equal. Their tow ratings and payloads will vary, depending on options and factory packages. Even with the heavy duty trucks, you don't want to just walk in and say I'll take the red one. You still need to look at ratings and capacities to be sure the one you pick, will do what you want it to do.

Examples:

Some heavy duty trucks will come from the factory with a "snow plow" prep package. That is extra weight that you don't need for towing, and, it reduces the the payload and tow ratings. Probably not enough to rule out your selected trailer, but, it would remove some cushion.

Some come with increased payload packages, that's a good thing for towing.

Some come with what's called "camper packages", that's a good thing, also.

Some come with goose neck / fifth wheel prep. Another good thing, if your're considering a fifth wheel.