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Seattle_Lion's avatar
Seattle_Lion
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014

Thank you!

Since last June when we bought our first RV, a Kodiak TT, this forum has been our major source of information and help about enjoying our new "hobby". Within the next week or so we tow the Kodiak back to the dealer and leave with a brand new Heartland Bighorn FW. It's a giant change. Instead of worrying about a 900 lb hitch weight, we now have 2,300 lbs on our hitch!

What I learned in this group carries over nicely. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know I haven't left the forum. I am just spending most of my time in the Fifth Wheel section. I'm learning that a fifth wheel is not just a bigger TT. However, Ron, thanks for the long, patient explanation of forces on the TV. They all apply for the fiver too. In our first season we avoided countless problems because we read here and you answered my sometimes dumb questions.

Thank you!

10 Replies

  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Congrats on new 5vr.

    Don't be surprised that the 'wet' pin weight is closer to 3000#
    That 5vr has a dry weight of 12K and a GVWR of 15.5K

    Did you upgrade the axles....6000# standard to 7000# ones?

    When you get it and have it loaded up with your stuff........trip across the scales will be worth the actual true weight of truck & trailer.

    Could be real close on ratings depending on which tires/wheels you have on truck.


    One of the reasons I really like Heartland is that the 5er comes with 7,000 lb axles. (Dexter with flex link, shocks, and self-adjusting brakes). The max pin weight (based on the actual 17% figure) is 2,600 lbs, well within my truck's limits. Heartland upgraded a bunch of stuff without changing the published specs. All Bighorn FW as of January are using 7,000 lb axles. The Ford's tires can support 7,000 lbs on the rear axle. Actual weight on them before adding the trailer is 3,100 lbs. No issue with ratings at all.

    Thanks for your concern.
  • Another thank you to the forum members. I started with a PUP in '07 and knew absolutley nada...learned a lot about PUPs and subsequently about TTs. While I still far from being an expert, I am a lot more comfortable pursuing this "hobby".
  • Also a Thank You for all the advice from experienced RVer's. I have been doing 3 or 4 week long trips a year for about 4 years. I just got a bigger trailer and had some swaying problems. I dug into this forum more thoroughly than I had before, and was pleased with the number of topics and good advice.
  • Congrats on new 5vr.

    Don't be surprised that the 'wet' pin weight is closer to 3000#
    That 5vr has a dry weight of 12K and a GVWR of 15.5K

    Did you upgrade the axles....6000# standard to 7000# ones?

    When you get it and have it loaded up with your stuff........trip across the scales will be worth the actual true weight of truck & trailer.

    Could be real close on ratings depending on which tires/wheels you have on truck.
  • I have to agree, these forums had given me many suggestions, ideas, and warnings! FYI, I just check the "newest" link at the top of the page and start reading. I'm not affiliated with any specific forum thread, I read them all!

    Congrats on your new camper!
  • I've been doing this a long time and still come here and learn something new frequently. Congrats and have fun
  • Your never too old to learn something new!!!
    Read this forum every day and you will never get old---
  • Same here. I have learned, and still am learning, so much. Saved untold dollars and it is fun allowing me to help others. A great forum ran by great folks.