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A newbie to 5th wheels

hdfatboynj
Explorer
Explorer
Hi everyone. I just picked up my 5th wheel yesterday. I moved up from a 16ft hybrid. I am open to any and all words of advice that you might want to share.
2015 Coachman Chaparral 29MKS
Ford E450 Super Duty Duely
USMC 81-85
7 REPLIES 7

hdfatboynj
Explorer
Explorer
@ mdamerell

I did for the price. A used 350 SD would still run me around 25K or better. I will have the E450 SD modified and ready to tow for just over 5K. If I get 3-5 years out of it without any major problems,I'll be way ahead of the game. But only time will tell
2015 Coachman Chaparral 29MKS
Ford E450 Super Duty Duely
USMC 81-85

mdamerell
Explorer
Explorer
We have a friend that converted an old ambulance into a vehicle to tow his 5er. Sounds similar.

Slide out cover

Some people swear by them others chose to just sweep them off before closing. There are pro's and con's.
2012 Sundance 3100RB w/Reese Goose Box
2004 Ford F350 6.0 L PSD, CC, DRW, long bed, B&W drop ball hitch, Firestone Ride-rite air bags.

hdfatboynj
Explorer
Explorer
@ Gregg, What are slide stoppers? Tried looking it up and can't find anything. @ Stickdog, Yes a dually. @ Edbehnke, No sir it is a E 450, It's a cut away. It has a van front but the 450 super duty frame, suspension & has 4 rear tires. My neighbor works for a company that makes rescue vehicles. This one was a used ambulance. It has 110K miles on it and a GVWR of 19,000 lbs.

Thank you for all the tips.
2015 Coachman Chaparral 29MKS
Ford E450 Super Duty Duely
USMC 81-85

mdamerell
Explorer
Explorer
First off congratulations.

Only word of advice is to do a 2nd walk around when you think you are ready to go checking lights and visually check the jaw is shut on the hitch. A "tug test" is also a good practice. Just hold the brake controller slide to set the trailer brakes and give the trailer a little tug with the truck to make sure everything is properly connected.

Empty parking lot makes a great place to practice backing.

Be safe and have fun.
2012 Sundance 3100RB w/Reese Goose Box
2004 Ford F350 6.0 L PSD, CC, DRW, long bed, B&W drop ball hitch, Firestone Ride-rite air bags.

edbehnke
Explorer
Explorer
I think you have a F250, not a E250. anyway, get rid of the dually if you have a dually, you don't need it.

2 batteries and learn how long before you have to dump...that's about it, enjoy.
eddie and sandie
3402 Montana 2013
Ford F350 2015

stickdog
Explorer
Explorer
"Ford E450 Super Duty Duely "

Isn't that a "Ford F450 Super Duty Dually" or just "F450 SD DRW"

Congrats on the new 5er.
9-11 WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
FULLTIME SINCE 2010
17 DRV MS 36rssb3
17 F350 King Ranch CC DRW 4x4 6.7 4:10 B&W hitch
John
โ€œA good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.โ€ Lao Tzu

Greg_The_Hammer
Explorer
Explorer
Install slide toppers on every slide.
"It's Hammertime"
2014 F250 King Ranch
2011 Jayco Eagle 31.5 Super Lite fifth wheel
2005 Custom Enclosed motorcycle trailer
2008 Harley Electra Glide Classic