Might keep coming back to 5er?

[Hedgehog]

My wife and I sold out 2004 Montana 2955rl approx. 5 years ago and purchased a used 40' diesel pusher. We have now owned the motorhome for 4 years and we have only put 6,000 miles on it. With that said, we don't use a motorhome as it is intended for and we won't be able to for at least another 9 years due to our work schedules. So, I am now thinking about trading back to another Montana fifthwheel while I still have some value in the motorhome and want a little advice. I currently own a 2011 Toyota tundra which I know doesn't have the capacity to carry a fifthwheel so I was thinking about having the new trailer delivered onto a seasonal site until I decide which tow vehicle I want. I am looking at either the Montana 3625RE or the 3850FL and would like some advice between the two floor plans. I also would like to know if a single rear wheel gas powered truck would handle either one of these trailers such as a f250/350 or GMC 2500?

[anaro]

I looked at both of those 5ers when I was shopping this year. Honestly they are both dually diesel territory. The FL without a doubt needs the dually as it has a very heavy pin weight. The RE also is heavy on the pin. I would not want to tow that much weight with a gassed and with a diesel you will likely be over payload on a single rear wheel..... to give you an idea, my SRW diesel had almost 4000 lbs payload to start but that quickly dropped to 3320 lbs once family, fuel, gear and pets were considered. My 5er was just under 11000 lbs dry weight and weighs 12380 lbs loaded with a pin weight of 2620 lbs. Honestly, my truck handles the trailer beautifully but I wouldn't want to go any bigger/heavier or have any less power. The exhaust brake is wonderful for stopping it and controlling it going down hills.

Just as nice as the Montana's but a little cheaper and lighter are the sabre 5ers. I have the 34REQS (rear entertainment, quad slide) and love it. You could stick to your SRW plan with this 5er and not sacrifice anything. And being cheaper, you could afford the diesel tow vehicle. Just another thought/route for you.

[dave17352]

The truck in my signature has almost 4000 pounds of payload. I think a SRW 3500 on the new pickups can haul a lot of 5th wheel.

[Hedgehog]

As far as diesel, I only plan on camping around the New England area so my longest distance from home would be approx. 300 miles. With all the emissions and the heavy price tag, I double I would ever own another diesel.

[Hedgehog]

I don't mind going to F350 or 3500 but I just don't want a dually again. I want to use the new truck as a daily driver and I don't enjoy driving a dually every day. When I had my previous fifthwheel, I had a 2005 f350 dually diesel but I had another vehicle to drive daily. If I'm going to have a dedicated tow vehicle, I may as well just keep the motorhome that I currently have. I'm just tired of maintaining a engine that sits more than it should. Back when I had my dedicated dually for towing, I had to replace 3 calipers in only 22,000 miles.

[agesilaus]

Those are big 5th wheels and you would be a lot better off with 350/3500 dually. If you plan to tour the country then think twice about getting a gasser. The western mountains will make you sorry you didn't go to a diesel.

[Allworth]

Those trailers are in 3500 territory; and better with duals.

Thee are people pulling 40' fivers with a 250/2500, but that doesn't make it a good idea (or, sometimes, legal).