Lite 5th wheels

[allendlung]

Hi, we have been looking at used 5th wheels. I have a dodge 2500 with a max load of 11,000. Looking at the used, I've come to believe that I will probably have to buy a different truck. Yesterday I went to a lot that has Flagstaff Super Lite series 5th wheels. These are real lite, and I can get one that will fit my current truck. I'm really liking this idea.

So my question is what are good lite 5th wheels. I'd like to keep it about 30 - 31'. I want dual slides in the back, with one in the front? Any help finding these is appriciated!

Any ideas who sells these in the Sacramento CA. area?

[allendlung]

robrose1 wrote:
I have 2013 Winnebago lite five that is just shy of 8k. First tow loaded averaged 13.5 with my GMC Duramax.

wow, 5500 lbs of cargo?

[JIMNLIN]

allendlung wrote:
I don't understand. 11,000 pounds is the max including people, trailer and contents? Am I missing something?

Your truck may have a 11000 lb tow rating which is just a recommendation from Dodge. Your biggest safety issues will be staying under your trucks 6000-6084 RAWR/tire capacities.
A 2500 Dodge/Cummins rear axle may weigh in the 2800-3000 lb range when empty which leaves around 3000 lbs for a payload. All depending on actual scaled front and rear axle weights. I would stay under 2500-2700 lb "wet " pin weights.

Now if the 2500 Dodge is the Hemi then its gonna' struggle in the bigger hills at 11000 lbs. If your truck has the Cummins then 11000 lbs will be a light workout for it.

I wouldn't limit yourself to just "lite" models. Some brand lite models have a very light weight frame under them and there has been reports of issues with lite frames.

[newk]

allendlung wrote:


My tow capacity is 11,000. I seldom have to worry about my max vehicle.

Not arguing with you, but most people with 3/4 ton trucks have to worry more about the max vehicle weight than the towing capacity when hauling 5th wheels. I'm thinking most TTs place 10-12% of their weight on the truck while 5ers place around 20% of the weight on the pin. And then you also have the heavier hitch in the bed.

Maybe you've checked it and know there's no problem, but if you haven't, do so. With an 11K GVWR 5er you'll likely have around 2200 pounds on the pin and a 200 pound hitch, so roughly 2,400 pounds right there before you add people. It can get pretty close, especially on older pickups.

I've got a 2000 F250 and figure my max 5er is around 10K GVWR, and even that puts the truck well over its 8800 pound max. (I've got bigger tires that add a little cushion to the axle rating.) Newer trucks do have higher weight ratings and capacities, however.

[robrose1]

I have 2013 Winnebago lite five that is just shy of 8k. First tow loaded averaged 13.5 with my GMC Duramax.

[GPG52_]

2010 KZ 1500 275.
Awning was torn out during a windstorm in Kissimmee, Florida. Rear arm is situated by the door and anchored in the stud framing the door. Front arm anchored only in the outer skin about 4 inch away from the nearest stud. Called a local RV mobile repair to assist in re-installing the torn arm. $75.00 repair, $25.00 mobile service fee. KZ paid for the $75.00 repairs but did not cover the mobile service fee.

Needless to say this is only a fair weather electric awning.

GPG

[allendlung]

big bird 2 wrote:
You could go with a Cardinal, which is a step or two above the pack. You did not say how much you want to spend, but you will like the quality and appointments of a Cardinal.

When you say Cardinal, is that Cardinal by Forest river? Also, I don't see a lite version of the Cardinal?

[allendlung]

GPG52! wrote:
You can also look at the KZ 1500 series, however, regardless of which lite weight make or model you chose remember that you are making certain concessions when buying a lite weight. i) wall construction is normally thinner i.e.: 1 1/2" vs. 2" means less insulation and strength. ii) construction studs are based on frame and not the spaced at regular intervals i.e. 16' iii) cabinets are less as the wall integrity is compromised to save weight. iv) awnings are not always anchored in a stud, but, rather only in the skin of your trailer. All are good and functional but you do need to understand the compromises. PS: with a 2500 series I would not be overly concerned with having to get a light weight trailer.
Good luck!
GPG

I have a hard time thinking they would screw an awning to a skin. I'll tear that puppy of first day. Heck the wind would take it off driving. What model are you familiar with that has the awning screwed to the sking, I want to make sure and not buy that model?

[allendlung]

rock077 wrote:

allendlung wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:
Don't be so concerned about how much you can TOW, be concerned about how much you can CARRY, especially with a 2500.

Jim

I don't understand. 11,000 pounds is the max including people, trailer and contents? Am I missing something?

I would believe the tow capacity to be 11k. Max vehicle weight is probably 9k, depending on the model year. These are two separate ratings that need to be taken into account.

Look at you door sticker for the empty weight and the max weight (GVWR).
The difference between the two is your max payload.

My tow capacity is 11,000. I seldom have to worry about my max vehicle.

[rock077]

allendlung wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:
Don't be so concerned about how much you can TOW, be concerned about how much you can CARRY, especially with a 2500.

Jim

I don't understand. 11,000 pounds is the max including people, trailer and contents? Am I missing something?

I would believe the tow capacity to be 11k. Max vehicle weight is probably 9k, depending on the model year. These are two separate ratings that need to be taken into account.

Look at you door sticker for the empty weight and the max weight (GVWR).
The difference between the two is your max payload.

[GPG52_]

You can also look at the KZ 1500 series, however, regardless of which lite weight make or model you chose remember that you are making certain concessions when buying a lite weight. i) wall construction is normally thinner i.e.: 1 1/2" vs. 2" means less insulation and strength. ii) construction studs are based on frame and not the spaced at regular intervals i.e. 16' iii) cabinets are less as the wall integrity is compromised to save weight. iv) awnings are not always anchored in a stud, but, rather only in the skin of your trailer. All are good and functional but you do need to understand the compromises. PS: with a 2500 series I would not be overly concerned with having to get a light weight trailer.
Good luck!
GPG

[allendlung]

Jim-Linda wrote:
Don't be so concerned about how much you can TOW, be concerned about how much you can CARRY, especially with a 2500.

Jim

I don't understand. 11,000 pounds is the max including people, trailer and contents? Am I missing something?

[whiteguitar1]

We have a 2014 Flagstaff 8528RSWS and pull it with a F250 with a V-10 and could not be happier. After pulling a 33' Challenger you would hardly know the Flagstaff is back there. We love the floor plan and the roll around island is great. After looking at quite a few other units, we felt the fit and finish on the Flagstaff was quite good.

[big_bird_2]

You could go with a Cardinal, which is a step or two above the pack. You did not say how much you want to spend, but you will like the quality and appointments of a Cardinal.

[Jim-Linda]

Don't be so concerned about how much you can TOW, be concerned about how much you can CARRY, especially with a 2500.

Jim

[gmcsmoke]

we have a durango 295cs by KZ