Buying our first fifth wheel

[Sammie1]

My husband and I are looking to buy our first fifth wheel. Need all the help and advice we can get before we buy. What do we need to know? We heard length was an issue for getting into most parks so have decided to stay under 40 feet. Any tips will be appreciated!

[Old-Biscuit]

Private CGs.......not much of problem with length

But if you are planning on state/national forest CGs......35' can be a problem
And the biggest problem is negotiating thru CG due to narrow/windy roads around trees.

You can go either way....
Buy a big truck and then shop for 5vr that is within 'Ratings' of truck (payload, axle and tire load capability)
Buy 5vr and then get the truck rated to tow it.

[RickSo]

Sammie1,

I would say pick the unit that you want and plan around it. If your total length is to much a lot of time you can un-hook and park the TV some place around the facility your at. Our rig is just under 44ft and have very seldom not been able to find a spot. There are a lot of Class A motorhomes that are 40-44 ft that many place can fit and your 40ft length shouldn't restrict you that much. Just make sure your tow vehicle is safe and rated to pull the weight of your rig.

[Sammie1]

We just went to a show and saw many, however we were mainly looking at front living rooms until someone told us we had to watch our length if we wanted to stay at most parks. So now we are basically starting over. We have to buy a truck as well.

[YnotTurbo]

First you need to determine how much weight you are comfortable towing. You will also have to be careful when you make your turns and lane changes. We have a 43 foot fiver and we have only had one or two campgrounds that could not support our fiver. We always call and ask for a pull thru, but I can back in if needed. Second, like the others have already mentioned,,, you need to get a truck with the right amount of pulling power. You will find out that a fiver does tow nicely. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to get.

[twins89]

40 feet represents some of the largest fifth wheels on the market. You will need a very large truck = 1 ton dual wheels. Get the towing vehicle and then the fifth wheel. Shop, shop, read, research and get a floor plan you can live with.

[Wingnusa]

ScottG wrote:
If possible, go to a RV show so you can looks at lots of them at once. Then make a list of the things you really need (walk around bed, large shower, etc) in order to narrow it down.
Have fun shopping!

Scott

X2!

[ScottG]

If possible, go to a RV show so you can looks at lots of them at once. Then make a list of the things you really need (walk around bed, large shower, etc) in order to narrow it down.
Have fun shopping!

Scott

[Michelle_S]

Very likely if you go with 40', you're in 350/3500 Dually class TV. Private parks for the most part aren't a problem, but some local/state/Fed parks can be a problem at that length.

[Scott_85]

Good luck, We just closed the deal on our first 5er. The first question would be, whats your tow vehicle?