planning for fifth-wheel- full timer

[firemanmn]

Sold my class A diesel pusher a couple years ago and looking to get back to the RV life. Im am looking for input from your experience in fivers and tow vehicles on towing and toe capacity. looking towards a ford for the tow vehicle. What length fifth wheel with 3 slides and gross weight can I expect to tow enjoyably with a:
1) f150 extended cab, short box, 2x2
2) f150 extended cab, short box,4x4
3) f250 extended cab, short box, 2x2
4) f250 extended cab, short box,4x4

I am use to my old diesel class A getting 8 to 9 mpg towing a 4x4 so i am just curious what you get pulling a fifth wheel with your type of fuel.

I like the towing power of a diesel and have not ruled out a dodge with a cummins.

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Me Again wrote:
Like others have stated 3 slides and full timing. 350/3500 SRW or DRW.

Well you could get by with a 250/2500, if it strong enough!

We tow a 32' two slide 5er with our 2001 Ram CTD, get about 11 to 12 mpg and I am NOT light footed. :B

I love pictures like the above they make the RV look so BIG!

[rhagfo]

Me Again wrote:
Like others have stated 3 slides and full timing. 350/3500 SRW or DRW.

Well you could get by with a 250/2500, if it strong enough!

We tow a 32' two slide 5er with our 2001 Ram CTD, get about 11 to 12 mpg and I am NOT light footed. :B

[kennethwooster]

We pulled with f250s, and finally went to a F350 in hopes of getting a larger trailer. Pulling a 32' Cameo and finding it is such a smooth pull. Watch on the F250. You must get the right options our will not hold a load. I know as I had a 2011 like that. Took air bags to pull it. Always best to go with F350 SRW then buying the 250

[1ofmany]

We have just begun to full-time in our 38' fifth wheel with four slides...we tow with an F-350 srw diesel and get between 11-11.5 mpg. However, I am very light on the accelerator.

[Me_Again]

Like others have stated 3 slides and full timing. 350/3500 SRW or DRW.

[MarkTwain]

firemanmn wrote:
What length fifth wheel with 3 slides and gross weight can I expect to tow enjoyably with a:
1) f150 extended cab, short box, 2x2
2) f150 extended cab, short box,4x4
3) f250 extended cab, short box, 2x2
4) f250 extended cab, short box,4x4

I am use to my old diesel class A getting 8 to 9 mpg towing a 4x4 so i am just curious what you get pulling a fifth wheel with your type of fuel.

I like the towing power of a diesel and have not ruled out a dodge with a cummins.

I tow a 34.5 ft. Big Horn 5th wheel with a Dodge Diesel cummins 3500 truck with a 6 speed trans. I get 12 mpg.

[MFL]

With 3 slides, the 150s are pretty much out. A gas 250 will work with a FW GVWR of 12,000. If going more than 12K GVWR FW, I would be looking at a diesel 350. A 3500 Ram with Cummins is a great option also.

You are best off to find the FW you actually want, then buy the TV to match it. If you have an exact FW in mind, post it, with specs, and it is easier to give advice.

Jerry

[WyoTraveler]

I FT'd several years ago in a 5ver. 32 ft towed with 7.2L F250.Got about 8 mpg.I owned a MH prior to that and told people I didn't want a steering wheel in my living room. I discovered the 5ver, although handling a little better, became more tiresome driving than a MH. At the end of the day a little more effort leveling and unhooking. I'm back in a MH. I'll take that steering wheel in my living room. There are many pluses in a 5ver though. More living space for footage, Much more storage. Take PU in for service was easier, Like many posts I have seen over the past. If I was staying in each place for longer periods I'd be back in a 5ver in a minute. More like living in a home.