Forum Discussion

Quadcab's avatar
Quadcab
Explorer II
Jul 10, 2021

Size Matters???

Just found out our new special ordered 2022 F-350 4x4 SB Supercab Lariat SRW Truck with the 7.3 Gas Engine will be in before the end of August. In the meantime DW and I are trying to decide on our "last" 5th wheel to spend our retirement years in. We have been researching & looking at 5vers anywhere from 34' to almost 40', GVWR of 13,000 - 16,000 lbs. I am leaning toward the larger units that give us more living space, and my wife is more concerned about safely towing a larger rig & is reluctant to seriously consider them. We anticipate travelling frequently, not full-time, mostly camping & exploring new areas of interest. Most trips would be less than 800 miles one way. Should we be more conservative and only consider lighter 5th wheels 36' or under, or do you think we will be happier with the space a bigger 5ver will give us? I know this may come down to personal preferences, but we would appreciate any feedback from others who have had to make a similar decision.
Tow Vehicles
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jul 11, 2021
    People can give advice on carrying capacity and practicality of size, but only you can decide which is more important: size inside, or size outside, i.e., living in it, or parking it. Very personal decision. We went for living inside in comfort. And so far we've never had much of an issue finding someplace to park. We did downsize a little with our latest toyhauler: from 39 feet to 38 feet. :)
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 11, 2021
    You need to look carefully at the payload rating of your new truck, and the pin weights of the 5ers you are considering. And know the loaded pin weights will be higher than the published empty pin weights. Could be a lot higher if you load it to full cargo carrying capacity. Start getting near the 40’ range and the pin weight may be too much for your SRW. Even some in the 35’ range are pretty heavy. I would definitely looking at the lighter weight models, especially if you want to go long.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2021
    What ever you do never forget::: if momma isn't happy no one is happy.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2021
    You may want to compromise, look at the smallest units you believe you would be comfortable with for long periods.
    There are plenty of rigs in the weight and size range you listed that are capable of meeting both requirements. Tank sizes, W/D setups and bathroom areas are really the biggest differences.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2021
    We are at the point after 3 decades of RVing with various sizes and classes of RVs, add to that it is now mostly just my DW and I, we went big as we are planning to do extended stays. Appears your new truck is stout enough to handle whatever size rig as even the largest 5ers are being built lighter than ever before.

    It is by far our roomiest RV ever @ 40', and yes it might be difficult to get into some of the older RV sites, but we have done so much of that type of camping with our kids it is time to relax and enjoy the spaciousness. We kept our previous RV anyway for those type of trips, although it has been sitting idle for awhile.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 10, 2021
    I like smaller to fit in more places with less hassle. 34' would be my maximum not minimum.
    Depends on where you like to stay also.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2021
    My opinion is that if you don’t plan to full time in it you can go a bit shorter and concentrate on a floor plan and options that meet your (hers) needs. If you are considering going FT in the near future then perhaps look at something bigger.

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