I'm so new I don't even have an RV

[Manwithnorv]

....But thinking about it if I can figure it all out.

My wife is retiring this May and we are contemplating our first RV. Too much to process, so it will probably be fall before we take any action.

I have a spreadsheet with all the vehicle specs (GVWR, GCWR, etc.) and all the specs for a lot of 5th wheel campers and it looks like the only thing that can pull anything (without exceeding wt specs), is a 3500HD, diesel, DRW....All the SRW's seem to either fail or come too close.

Decisions, decisions. Our second choice activity for retirement is working crossword puzzles...no pressure.

[ScottG]

The above is a good point. We moved up to a 34' trailer and can no longer fit in some of the sites we like at our state CG's. This will even make it hard to find a site at all sometimes.

[fj12ryder]

One of the first things you need to work out is where and how you want to travel and camp, as Lwiddis has stated. If you buy a 1-ton dualy then you'll look at big/long campers because "Hey, I can pull anything". But you may discover that you are somewhat limited by that big ol' 5th wheel, and may find that a smaller rig would have suited you better. Getting a 40', or bigger, 5th wheel into an older campground can be a challenge, and sometimes just flat out impossible. Smaller trailers can be put into smaller, sometimes more out-of-the-way campgrounds that you discover you like better than the full-hookup campgrounds.

F'rinstance going to Yellowstone with a 40'+ fifth wheel really limits where you can park. Pull in with a 35-footer and your choices really expand. Figure out what you want and how you want it before you buy anything.

[Manwithnorv]

Thank you Veebyes, that was helpful. But i'm still overwhelmed by the multitude of manufactures. They all have floor plans that look nice, so I'm first trying to seek advice about the quality ratings of the people who put these things on the market. I know there is a wealth of experience out there that can tell me the companies that cut corners with cheap materials and workmanship. Any guidance?

[Manwithnorv]

Ok, let's just say that I'm going to buy a new 3500HD diesel, DWR, 4x4, long bed.

My focus is on how to narrow down the trailer. Are books worth the price? Are RV shows or factory visits worth the effort? Do I drive around the country and look at every dealer I can find within 300 miles?

[Veebyes]

Can't go wrong getting a 3500 DRW right out of the gate. Also cannot go wrong getting a used unit, preferably only a year or so old with all the new rig bugs worked out of it.

The big thing is to do the research first. I lurked here for over 2 years, went to the Hershey, PA show twice, went into dealerships whenever I could, set out a brutal list of what was wanted, what were must haves & what would be nice to have, made a spreadsheet & started the checks & the crosses.

Real quick we were down to less than a half dozen possible models. Then we went looking. None of our possibles were plentiful online so it took a bit of time for the right one to pop up.

Almost 11 years later we still have it. No regrets, no itch for something else. First one is the right one. That is what taking your time to research gets you. Saves tens of thousands in churning over one RV after another never happy.

[sljohnson1938]

I was going to say what DutchmenSport said 'get a dually 1 ton diesel' and you can get any 5er you want.

[SDcampowneroper]

i would not be scared off by poor reviews of some models. Reviews are predominately made by the dissatisfied. Praises could be from those with an $ interest in the brand.
Go find a mobile rv repairman. These guys have experience with all brands ages and models.

[donn0128]

Neither will offer a warrenty. Buying use is all about age/condition. A well maintained older RV with lots of newer appliances and stuff to me would be far more desireable than a three year old RV that has not been looked after. Add to the fact that the RV industry seems to have gone to pot in the last 5 years or so, Im not totally positive I would buy new now. Truxks? Now thats another story. Good low miles trucks SRW or duallies command prices approaching new prices. So getting a good deal on a new truck might be a good idea. Dealers like Dennis Dillon near Boise,ID sell lota of trucks and do deal. So dont take the first truck deal you come across.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Ok a couple of things no one has mentioned,,,,
Have you got any experience towing?
Do you have any type of truck now?
My reason is that you may want to rent a trailer and take a trip or two if you currently have a truck capable of towing. If you dont have towing experience, you may find that you dont like it, or that a Motorhome may be a better fit for you.
Since your original post did not indicate nerves over finances, I'm guessing that a couple of rental trips to break the ice are not out of reach.

On the trucks, modern 3/4 ton gassers are capable of 12-15K lbs towing, and as much as 3000 payload which covers a lot of 5er's. With diesels offering even more, You should have plenty to choose from in many lines and configurations. But towing a fifth wheel is different than just driving, I'd suggest some wheel time to make sure your comfortable, and maybe even renting a motorhome to give yourself something to compare to.
Happy motorin

[ScottG]

*Cough*
"Cummins" 😉

[Manwithnorv]

DutchmenSport wrote:
If you get a dually, 3500 HD or F350, crew cab, long bed, you'll be able to tow just about anything. If you get a lesser truck, then you have to count the beans. If you want real towing power that's unbelievable, make that dually a diesel! Now you REALLY can tow anything in your dreams!

I'm definitely buy a diesel, either Duramax or Cummings. Sorry, I'm not a Ford man. Also, I expect I'll be looking at the 3500HD diesel, 4x4, DRW, long bed...so that it can pull anything that I'm willing to pull...<40'

[Manwithnorv]

Well, thanks for the fb (feed back NOT Facebook). I don't do FB. Seems a pretty clear message to buy used 5th wheel first. No, I don't have the truck yet either. I have done a fair amount of "research" and I've seen a lot of reviews from folks who have had nothing but problems with everything falling apart, breaking, etc. I know the reviews are probably biased toward people with bad experience and not a good statistical survey of the broader population...but! My concern with "near new" models is that you wind up with the lemons other folks want to be rid of. I know I'll have to do a thorough walk through but I'm not sure I even know what I should be paying attention to. But, buying used has to be the right thing or you all would not have say so. So...buy used from a dealer or private seller? I've seen a couple of $69 books reviewing manufacturer quality, etc. Are any of these worth the price? Warning, I have more questions!!!

[DutchmenSport]

If you get a dually, 3500 HD or F350, crew cab, long bed, you'll be able to tow just about anything. If you get a lesser truck, then you have to count the beans. If you want real towing power that's unbelievable, make that dually a diesel! Now you REALLY can tow anything in your dreams!

[ScottG]

I don't think he's overthinking things at all. I'm impressed the OP isn't trying to do this with an F150 like so many and is thinking about every number and detail.
OP, your on the right track. Start with the RV you want and don't undersize the truck. You will not be sorry if you end up with a truck that has some extra capacity.
I do agree that you should not buy your first RV brand new. What ever you get, you will learn from it what things you really want and need. Then you'll buy something else in a year or two and take a beating on the trade in.

[donn0128]

Welcome,
Are you a teacher or bean counter by some chance? Spread sheet? Your overthinking things. Do you have a truck yet? Yes, then go weigh it, and subtract that from your trucks GVWR.
If no. Find a trailer you really think you cant live without. Look at the tag near the left from and get the GVWR from it. 20% of that is the max pin weight. Now, match a truck that can safely handle that.
Look at it another was,
1500 series, not suitable for fivers.
2500 series, suitsble for fivers up to around 11,000 GVWR.
3500SRW series suitavle for fivers up to around 13,500 GVWR
3500 duallies suitable for most of the rest.
This is based on new truck specs.
BYT. This is a first ever RV PLEASE DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR. DO NOT buy a new RV. Buy used and let someone else eat the huge depreciation.