Considering GD 350m and 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Crew

[BeachLife4Us]

Hi there! So we have decided after a lot of thought and searching this site with such good information that a 38' or less trailer is better for us for many reasons.

1) We can get into a lot more trailer parks/camp grounds
2) We can get into the Nascar races in the cheaper lots LOL
3) Easier for my man to drive and tow it LOL
4) Cost of one under 40' about $20k cheaper
5) Loan is easier on them
6) Insurance is better

With that being said, we are considering the GD 350m. We are going to be seeing one in the next week or so. We looked at the larger GD trailers and like the modern feel to them as well as all the features it offers.

We are taking the advice from people on this forum and getting it set up so that it is up and running for us. We are going to do the "full inspection" of it and going as far as looking at the door hinges, faucets, door handles, underneath the trailer, the roof, everything just to get a good feel of the trailer. We are going to sit in it, lounge in it, see how the rooms vary with noise from room to room. Our plan is to make the toy hauler area my office space since I work from home.

So we have some questions:

Does anyone own this exact model and if so your pros vs. cons?

Does anyone have the all in one washer/dryer in their trailer? If so, you like it?

5th wheel hitch - we heard pros vs. cons on the slider hitch. Thoughts?

Now on to the truck - we are considering the 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x2 6'4" Box. Anyone have pros vs. cons on this type of truck?

We are looking at towing weight capacity on this truck of 17,900 I believe which is enough for the GD 350m with empty and full weight capacity.....

Thanks!

[SoCalDesertRid1]

8' pickup bed has more room to haul fire wood, coolers, chairs, tools, gas jugs, etc. 🙂

[beemerphile1]

Nice trailer it is one we are considering. We prefer the 348 and are also considering the 327 or 328.

You will want a 3500 SRW minimum and a DRW would be better.

A full size bed is more useful and eliminates the need of a slider.

[BeachLife4Us]

is it friday yet? wrote:
I agree, look for a larger truck or smaller 5th wheel. We have the Grand Design 328m and I have a SRW 1 ton. I wouldn't go any larger than I have and I could probably use a DRW. There's lots of good information on the Grand Design Owners Forum.

Thank you just found that site!

[SoCalDesertRid1]

You need the dually.

[is_it_friday_ye]

I agree, look for a larger truck or smaller 5th wheel. We have the Grand Design 328m and I have a SRW 1 ton. I wouldn't go any larger than I have and I could probably use a DRW. There's lots of good information on the Grand Design Owners Forum.

[BeachLife4Us]

UPDATE!!! I see what you are saying guys! I appreciate the help here!!! We need to look at another truck for sure!

[Second_Chance]

camp-n-family wrote:
The 350M is too much trailer for a 2500 truck. You may be under the tow rating but you'll far exceed the payload rating. The dry hitch weight is 2825lbs which will be over 3k when optioned and loaded. Then add a couple hundred pounds for the hitch, plus passengers etc.... Most Ram 2500s with the Diesel only have around 2200lbs of payload to start. You'll likely be over the 6k axle rating as well.

It's good to pick the fiver first, then match the truck but if you're thinking fiver, skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton. More capable for similar money.

X2. Dry weights on trailers and so-called towing capacities on trucks are meaningless. It's the loaded pin weight of the trailer and the remaining payload capacity (door sticker minus scaled weight) on the truck that matter - especially the GVWRR (rear axle) ratings and weight.

Rob

[camp-n-family]

The 350M is too much trailer for a 2500 truck. You may be under the tow rating but you'll far exceed the payload rating. The dry hitch weight is 2825lbs which will be over 3k when optioned and loaded. Then add a couple hundred pounds for the hitch, plus passengers etc.... Most Ram 2500s with the Diesel only have around 2200lbs of payload to start. You'll likely be over the 6k axle rating as well.

It's good to pick the fiver first, then match the truck but if you're thinking fiver, skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton. More capable for similar money.