Back to RVing, Need advice on TV

[kareni]

Getting back into RVing after many years and looking for some assistance. Owned a TT and class c, new to 5th wheels.

Our plan is to buy a new 5th wheel and tow vehicle to travel and spend 3-4 months per year. Hubby is retiring 🙂

Most 5th wheels I like are 35-39 ft long and weigh 10,000 to 12,000 dry weight. Based on that, what size tow vehicle do we need. Been looking at Ram 3500 6.7 diesel DRW 4x4 or F350. Appears that adding 4.10 rear ratio increased towing by quite a bit. Hubby says that 4.10 may not be needed and will decrease MPG when not towing.

Thanks so much for the help and advice.

[kareni]

Thanks everyone for the quick reply's. We are going to buy the fifth wheel first to be sure what tow vehicle to purchase. goducks10, thanks for the easy to understand explanation of the 3.73 vs 4.10.

[goducks10]

Any of the big 3 trucks will be fine. But the new Rams are really nice.
That 12,000 dry weight will be closer to 14,500+ if you're looking to semi full time. Not really much difference in full timing and semi full timing. Being gone 3-4 months will require the same gear. It's really a moot point as to dry weight vs GVW since you're getting a 3500 DRW. Just make sure the DRW has enough payload capacity, which it easily should. Ram 3500 DRW are in the 5000lb range. Plenty for a 14,500+ 5'er.
As far as Ram towing goes

3.73 vs 4.10
Aisin tranny-3.73=23,450 4.10=28500
Non Aisin 3.73=18600 4.10=21,600

As far as mpg goes you may lose 1 mpg more on the interstate but around town it will be the same.

A non Aisin 4.10 with a tow rating of 21,600 would do the job with room to spare.

[Jim_Sharon]

No one can tell you what rear end ratio you need on the tow vehicle, without knowing what weight you will be towing with it.

However, most newer 3500 Diesel duallies with a 3.73 rear can tow most 5th wheel trailers.

When you are looking at trailers, don't use the dry weight number to guess the weight of the trailer. Use the gross vehicle weight instead, and just assume you will load it up to that weight, because you just might.

[MPI_Mallard]

I have a 07' Dodge Ram 3500 diesel dually with the 6.7L Cummins with the 4.10 that I tow my 38' Cedar creek Daydreamer, I would recommend that truck hands down, aside from new front brake pads, oil/fuel filter change and tires(normal maint.) I've had no problems and that truck hauls that fiver up and down the hills with ease (really love the exhaust brake) but mostly it just looks so damn cool!!

[lakeside013104]

We tow a 38.7' 5er with F-350 and 3.73 gears. Plenty of power and avg. 13 MPG towing and this morning driving to work the dash read out said 24.5 MPG (some of the trip was down hill). I am very pleased with my 5er / TV combination. Safe travels to you.

Lakeside

[carpetguy2]

I have a 39 ft 5ver but a chevy 3500 drw diesel with 3:73 gears
Average 13mpg towing
Never had a issue and 373 is good on the highway

[newman_fulltime]

Never look at dry weight that number means nothing.you are on the right track i would get the 4:10 that size trailer who cares about milage but you will enjoy the pull alot better with that gear