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Help with choosing our 5th wheel (and truck)

AnneM
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks to the wonderful members here, we're making progress and now know where we'll buy our 5th wheel and truck :C but I could really use some help with choosing the right ones.

Who we are (and our plan)

I'm Anne, aged 49. DH is 51. Our son is 17. All three of us will be RV'ing for the first time, going full-time right away in July.

We don't live in the US (coming over to work and manage our company), so we'll be starting from scratch in terms of buying a rig and a towing vehicle. We decided on a 5th wheel because we like the idea of towing stability, combined with the ability to have a truck that we can use to drive around when camping.

We've traveled extensively in the US in the past, so in no rush to get to any particular "sightseeing" spot. We plan on relatively long stays in nice places with good weather and lovely natural settings, where we can work and hike locally. We're thinking of staying for 2-4 weeks in each place and then move on, as the weather changes.

We have a decent budget, I think. Can go up to $120K for a really good rig, and up to $100K for a truck+hitch. I'm hoping that will be enough in today's market. We're ok with buying used or new.

We're flying to Florida next month and plan on going to Tampa to buy. I already checked and dealerships can register our truck and RV for us, not a problem. But we do prefer a dealership for that (rather than buying privately).

Our considerations -
1. Safety.
Since we're new to towing, we want to make sure we get the safest possible setup. From what I've read, that means a heavy-duty truck with towing packages. I'll need some advice as to the actual size and what hitch to choose etc.
2. Having enough space for full-time living, and especially working.
We can do with a small living/cooking area but would want a separate sleeping area for our son. A front living-room that we can convert into his room looks like a good option. Or possibly a toy hauler where we can convert the garage into his room.

Now, I have so many questions and dilemmas. I'm hoping the good people here may be able to offer tips and advice.

1. How much does the size of the 5th wheel really matter? Should we try and squeeze into something smaller than 39' or splurge on a larger 45'? or something in between? DH is concerned with finding sites for large rigs. I'm concerned with the ease of driving/towing. Not sure if the extra feet matter in that respect or not?

2. What about buying "off the catalog" so to speak? I'm thinking we could choose our RV in advance, get someone to do an inspection for us, and have it waiting for us in the dealership when we get there. If we buy from a large place like LazyDays or General RV Center, maybe they can even start working on adjusting the floorplan for our needs. For example, we'll probably want to remove a couch or two and replace them with desks.

3. What would be a good truck for towing? Will an F350 dually be enough? Should we go for an F450 dually? Anything else to keep in mind re the truck?

I've been going over the LazyDays and General RV Center sites for a few days now. So many options and I'm hoping to post a few of them here for feedback.
35 REPLIES 35

TXiceman
Explorer II
Explorer II
AnneM wrote:
I've tried booking campsites for August and it just felt so very crowded. Not a whole lot of availability for the kind of campgrounds we liked.


Welcome to the new world of RVing. Things have really changed in the past few years and not necessarily for the better. Campsites are in short supply and more expensive than they were just a year or two ago.

You have to plan many months out now. Hopefully the market place will settle down a bit over the next year.

Ken
Amateur Radio Operator.
2023 Cougar 22MLS, toted with a 2022, F150, 3.5L EcoBoost, Crewcab, Max Tow, FORMER Full Time RVer. Travel with a standard schnauzer and a Timneh African Gray parrot

stsmark
Explorer
Explorer
Thatโ€™s a great plan, plus it gives you opportunity to really sort out how you want the truck and RV. You could even order both the way you want.

AnneM
Explorer
Explorer
We decided to wait with the RV. I've tried booking campsites for August and it just felt so very crowded. Not a whole lot of availability for the kind of campgrounds we liked. On top of that, the HD trucks are very difficult to buy. They get snatched up real fast and they are way overpriced. Pretty sure they will depreciate like crazy next year.
So, we decided to start with just getting to the US where we'll probably spend a few months in AirBnB's and watch the market. Still planning on our setup, but waiting for the big price drop and for campgrounds to get past the summer vacation.

Ron3rd
Explorer III
Explorer III
I really really really like your budget. A world of options await you.
2016 6.7 CTD 2500 BIG HORN MEGA CAB
2013 Forest River 3001W Windjammer
Equilizer Hitch
Honda EU2000

"I have this plan to live forever; so far my plan is working"

miltvill
Explorer II
Explorer II
At this time it is difficult to get a Ford F450/F350, GMC/Chevy 3500HD or Ram 3500 due to computer part shortages. Some dealers are asking over MSRP due to the empty dealer dots. You may have a difficult time finding the trim line you want. The vehicles you are looking at on the internet now may not be available when you are ready to purchase your vehicle. I would research all the trim lines very well. So when you see a vehicle on a dealer lot you automatically know what options the vehicle has or does not have.
2020 GMC Denali\Duramax 3500HD Dually Crew Cab
Sold-Trail Cruiser TC23QB

rjr6150
Explorer
Explorer
You might try the below dealer. They are located in Longmont, Colo. just north of Denver. Showing 4 F350 DW. Website show a ultimate for slightly over $90k.

https://www.mikemaroonefordlongmont.com/new-inventory/index.htm
Randy & Kathy
2016 F350 CC SWB 6.7 Platinum with a few mods
08 F350 CC SWB Lariat 6.4 PSD
Pull Rite Superglide 18K
2013 Heartland Landmark Key Largo

AnneM
Explorer
Explorer
4x4ord wrote:


The add is messed up. It shows a picture of the truck displaying the Powerstroke diesel badging on the side of the truck. I believe the 6.2 engine would give a tow capacity of something like 12000 lbs but I highly doubt that that truck is a 6.2 litre.


You're right, I hadn't even noticed the badge there.

Anyway, the truck has already been sold. They're selling like hot buns, it seems.

4x4ord
Explorer III
Explorer III
AnneM wrote:
4x4ord wrote:
click

That truck has what matters most .... it is a diesel dually and would do the job. It has a 3.73 axle ratio and I think 3.55 would be a little nicer, although not a huge deal. 12,100 is not the towing capacity of that truck .... it will be more like 35000 lbs. If you've got budget for more you'd probably really appreciate all the creature comforts of a Platinum or Limited trim level.


I think it's not diesel though? Maybe that's why the towing capacity is lower?



Originally, I had planned on a Platinum, but it's so hard to find a decent truck at a reasonable price. A year ago, our budget would have covered a new Limited. Now, I'm not sure it'll get us a used Lariat. And I know the truck (and RV too probably) will lose a lot of value within a year or two, so not sure about investing in creature comfort when they're that expensive.


The add is messed up. It shows a picture of the truck displaying the Powerstroke diesel badging on the side of the truck. I believe the 6.2 engine would give a tow capacity of something like 12000 lbs but I highly doubt that that truck is a 6.2 litre.
2023 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
B&W Companion
2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5

AnneM
Explorer
Explorer
4x4ord wrote:
click

That truck has what matters most .... it is a diesel dually and would do the job. It has a 3.73 axle ratio and I think 3.55 would be a little nicer, although not a huge deal. 12,100 is not the towing capacity of that truck .... it will be more like 35000 lbs. If you've got budget for more you'd probably really appreciate all the creature comforts of a Platinum or Limited trim level.


I think it's not diesel though? Maybe that's why the towing capacity is lower?

Originally, I had planned on a Platinum, but it's so hard to find a decent truck at a reasonable price. A year ago, our budget would have covered a new Limited. Now, I'm not sure it'll get us a used Lariat. And I know the truck (and RV too probably) will lose a lot of value within a year or two, so not sure about investing in creature comfort when they're that expensive.

4x4ord
Explorer III
Explorer III
click

That truck has what matters most .... it is a diesel dually and would do the job. The add has wrong information it says it has a 3.73 axle ratio which is not an option with the Powerstroke. 12,100 is not the towing capacity of that truck .... it will be something over 30000 lbs. If you've got budget for more you'd probably really appreciate all the creature comforts of a Platinum or Limited trim level.
2023 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
B&W Companion
2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5

AnneM
Explorer
Explorer
What do you guys think about this vehicle -
https://www.eleadcrm.com/evo2/fresh/eLead-V45/elead_track/vehicle/vehicledetail.aspx?companyid=19840&vehicleid=49652822

It's an F-350 LT dually, crew cab long bed. However, not diesel. And it says -
Towing Capacity: 12,100 lbs. I was hoping for much higher. Safety is our main concern, so I want a strong truck with a huge cushion where it comes to towing.

Thoughts?

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
"the mighty F450 with its wide track front axle allows for a much more turning radius that pays dividends when maneuvering in tight spaces."

I can honestly say I have never thought "gee I wish my truck could turn a tighter radius"
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

TxGearhead
Explorer II
Explorer II
Check around the area for a Ford dealer that specializes in commercial trucks. They should have more inventory in what you're looking for.
An example:
https://www.chastangford.com/
or: https://www.knappchevrolet.com/
2018 Ram 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4 Cummins Aisin Laramie Pearl White
2018 Landmark Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4
2014 NauticStar 21 ShallowBay 150HP Yamaha
2016 GoDevil 18X44 35HP Surface Drive

wanderingaimles
Explorer
Explorer
OK, on the bunk length, few will have more than 6'4" for the bunks, some, like the loft on the Cardinal will not have a wall right at both ends, so literally, your feet can hang off the bed. On the twin bed sized ones, you would have to measure actual units, brochures aren't likely to tell you, and trying to measure the floorplans is sketchy because they are not precise on showing wall thicknesses.
As to tank sizes, Grey water (sinks and shower) is normally the limiting one, A navy shower navy shower can use as little as 3 gallons, more if you shampoo long hair. Dishes and the like you can help by washing in a tub outside. You can save even more tank space by washing you outside. solar showers
keep your tank clear for other uses, and if needed specialty tents are available.
Black tank size is the toilet contents, and a rough average is a a little less than a quart per flush, so, 4-6 per gallon, yes some will be less, but you want plenty of water in there for effective draining so plan around 4-6 uses per gallon.