Forum Discussion

charles_maine's avatar
charles_maine
Explorer
Jan 01, 2016

Fifth Wheel with Bonus Room

Looking for some advice on purchasing a new fifth wheel. Little background first. We are just couple years from being empty nesters. We have had our current travel trailer for 5 years. Looking to upgrade to something bigger with more luxury than what we have now. Tow vehicle is '15 Chevy 2500HD Duramax.

We really like the idea of having a bonus room for hauling the Harley or should we change our minds down the road just a random bonus room. We really like what we see online with the Keystone Alpine 3900/3901RE. The issue with those is I can only find about a half dozen in the country. Not sure if they are new or just not popular. Then there is the Alfa with the motorcycle garage. That could be an option but we dont really care for the interior. Not to mention the room is only wide enough for a Harley and nothing else. Are there any models out there that I am missing?
  • edbehnke's avatar
    edbehnke
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    look at a one ton or larger if you are going to have lots of weight.....
  • cmeade's avatar
    cmeade
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    Seems like Keystone Alpines will not allow refrigerator access with slides in. Our 2014 3500 RE is in the same situation but we do have full bathroom access with slides in so that aspect is great while travelling.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    Awesome layout. Problem I see is the CCC and pin weight on the 5er. 2995lb dry pin could very easily be 3800-4000lbs. That's way more than the RAWR of the 2500. Of course one can go do the 2500/3500 parts comparison, that's up to you.
    The other is the 2515lbs CCC. If you load a 700-900lb Harley in it then you only have 1600-1800lbs. On a 5er that big you'll probably load another 1200 15000lbs of gear in it you'll be close to maxing out the 5er CCC.
    Not weight policing just pointing out some concerns.
  • CarlT100's avatar
    CarlT100
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    Lantley wrote:
    MFL wrote:
    That is a heavy FW, a lot for any 2500 to carry. You want to be sure to crunch your weight capacity numbers, before making a purchase decision.

    Numbers to watch, tow vehicle GVWR, RAWR, and max tire load. Large FWs have heavy pin weight, plus heavy hitch, right on top of rear axle.

    Enjoy your search, hope you find just the right one!

    Jerry


    Good advice above. I like the versatility of the floorplan however your truck is a bit of a limiting factor.
    If you want to step up to the larger 5'ers you need to step up your truck as well.


    +2 Don't overload your truck.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jan 01, 2016
    MFL wrote:
    That is a heavy FW, a lot for any 2500 to carry. You want to be sure to crunch your weight capacity numbers, before making a purchase decision.

    Numbers to watch, tow vehicle GVWR, RAWR, and max tire load. Large FWs have heavy pin weight, plus heavy hitch, right on top of rear axle.

    Enjoy your search, hope you find just the right one!

    Jerry


    Good advice above. I like the versatility of the floorplan however your truck is a bit of a limiting factor.
    If you want to step up to the larger 5'ers you need to step up your truck as well.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    Looking at the floor plan for the Alpine, you won't be able to access the refrigerator if the slides are in. (Something to think about).
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 01, 2016
    That is a heavy FW, a lot for any 2500 to carry. You want to be sure to crunch your weight capacity numbers, before making a purchase decision.

    Numbers to watch, tow vehicle GVWR, RAWR, and max tire load. Large FWs have heavy pin weight, plus heavy hitch, right on top of rear axle.

    Enjoy your search, hope you find just the right one!

    Jerry

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