She didn't like the DRW.

[wgm2011]

After years of research and planning, 2014 is (was?) the year we get a nice 5th wheel and do some traveling.

The good news is the wife and I both really like the Heartland Big Horn and Big Country 5th wheels. We're looking at their smallest unit but even those at around 35' length loaded will come in at 14,000#.

I'm in this to travel for relaxation. I've no interest in any white knuckle driving. We will mostly travel the nice and flat Mid-Western USA but don't want to rule out a trip or three into the Rockies at some point. Just trying to be realistic, we need to buy a 1 ton DRW pickup at a minimum.

The bad news, we test drove a nice Chevy 3500HD crewcab 4X4 this past weekend. We barely made it around the block and my wife, the driver, pulled the truck over and said "NO, I'm not driving this thing."

She has no problem with a surburban, but those two extra wheels just don't sit well with her.

I still want the Heartland but now she wants me to find an RV that is 2500HD acceptable. I've not worked up the numbers recently, but last spring we were trying to find a fiver that would work with a 3/4 ton pickup. I don't know what others consider an acceptable pin and loaded trailer weight, but I don't think there is much out there that's really rated for a 3/4 ton truck.

So I've got three options. 1)Find a 5th wheel small enough to work well with the smaller truck (might be able to talk her into a 1 ton SRW, but that don't increase the ratings by much) or 2)keep trying to convince her the 1 ton DRW will grow on her in time (married 35 years and really don't see this happening) or 3) just blow it off and make some hotel reservations.

Any recommendations? Anyone out there that really hated those dual rear wheels but after a while just got used to them? Or am I being too critical on how much a 3/4 ton can carry? Those of you with 3/4 ton trucks, what do you consider acceptable?

I guess I'm just sort of burned out. Had it all figured out and that goes out the door with one little test drive. (Oh, and to all those truck salesmen that have a funny line to use in this situation, trust me. They will not think its nearly as funny as you do.)

Thanks.

Bill

[jmtandem]

Maybe he might be realizing that not everyone towing a fifth wheel needs training wheels to tow safely.

Everything the OP said in your quotes was a comromise position from what the OP originally really wanted. When the OP says that a one ton dually is the minimum needed that should open the discussion to also safely move comments by members into MDT and Volvo and Kenworth terrority, not to SRW compromise. And then try to find an acceptable smaller RV that he does not want? Really! Why not get what he actually wants and work thru the dually issues? How happy will he be never having what he really wanted? Sounds to me like the forum thread can't solve the OP's real problem-- he wants more RV and truck than she does. No amount of discussion here will fix that impass. And no pics of motorcycles towing trailes will fix that either.

[shooterdad]

Yes the op did ask about real world experience from others about srw trucks in his original post . And a large percentage of the folks on here will likely never go up and down grades like we have here in the west .Anyone headed east from San Diego are going up hill for 60 miles before going down Mountain Springs Grade ,the same for folks leaving Phoenix heading north to Flagstaff ,so giving him a perspective about folks going to and from the dunes is about as good as it gets as far as truck capabilities . And yes Heartland does make smaller 5th wheels , just not in the Big Horn family of trailers.

As far as the 90 percent comment , it makes a lot more sense than buying a rig based on the fact that you may or may not go to the Rockies some day . Trust me I have been through Wolf Creek pass several times , and it is no joke , but anything that can run up and down some of these other hills will work equally as well there . Have a great evening

[transamz9]

jmtandem wrote:

I'm in this to travel for relaxation. I've no interest in any white knuckle driving. We will mostly travel the nice and flat Mid-Western USA but don't want to rule out a trip or three into the Rockies at some point. Just trying to be realistic, we need to buy a one ton DRW pickup at a minimum.

How did this become a SRW vs Dually thread? The OP clearly states that the minimum truck needed is a dually. Why the SRW comments when the OP is trying to get some advice on how to get the wife on board with the dually? The OP says he is planning to purchase the smallest RV from that manufacturer, so why share that he needs a smaller RV? There is no smaller RV from Heartland.

Who cares about somebody's 90 percent rule? Why share about what others use for hauling toy haulers to the dunes. The OP is past that, he stated that the dually is the minimum truck needed. Why not try to help the OP with some good suggestions on how to get the wife comfortable in the dually instead of debating the SRW vs DRW thing all over again. I have yet to see where the OP asked anything about SRW trucks.

Everything else the OP states in his opening paragraph is a compromise that he really does not want to make. So, why are we helping him compromise instead of helping him get what he really wants and most likely after 300 miles of driving the wife will be comfortable with the training wheels. I have 130,000 on a crew dually and it has gone everywhere I ever wanted to go with it including some tight dirt roads. There are two places it does have limitations-- drive thrus and parking garages. Other than that it can go anywhere a SRW truck will go with the possible exception of very narrow jeep trails. But, the advantages when towing more than offset parking garages and drive thrus for me.

Have the wife drive a dually in a big city and after a couple hours she will be a pro at it. She will wonder what the initial fuss was all about. And then when she is driving it while towing the heavy and big Heartland that you really want the whole windshield will be radiant with her smiles. She will thank all of us on this thread that encouraged her to at least give the dually a real try. And we will say 'you are welcome'.

It's funny that you say this when the OP has said things like......

Thank you everyone.

Lots of good information and suggestions (except for the poster that recommend I ditch the wife. I can't cook and I'd starve within a few weeks so that is not an option).

We thought about a 1 ton SRW truck but the dealership had none on the lot and the salesman felt it would not be much better than a 2500HD.

I have a call into the fleet manager (bought several vehicles from him in the past) requesting some information including when or where could I try a 1 ton SRW.

The fiver we are looking at is a Big Horn 3010RE. Dry weight is 11,915# and GVWR is 14,000#. Hitch wt is 2340# and length is 34' 10". When we travel, we travel light. We currently use a Chevy 1500 with short bed and a fiberglass tonneau cover. Using Rubbermaid plastic containers to keep it organized, we are able to stay on the road for six weeks without problems. So I feel we will be able to stay a good bit below the 14,000# number.

Some have indicated this should not be a problem with the 1 ton SRW.

Special thanks to JIMNLIN for the link. Through it I was able to get info I wanted and the salesman was never able to supply. Now I can do the math.

The wife and I had a nice conversation. Given a choice between a smaller RV and a dually, she chooses the smaller RV.

Since they are getting ready to bring in the 2015 model line and I want to take advantage of the 2014 model liquidation prices, I need to get moving.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Bill

...........and like.........

You know, this one really hit home. I just thought about the things I do once we get to our destinations. There are a lot of things we both look forward to that is not DRW friendly. Our plans are to get to where we are going and take advantage of the weekly and sometimes monthly rates at the campgrounds.

I guess the scales have tipped slightly to the SRW side. And if there are some changes needed to make the TV ultra safe, then so be it.

Bill

:h


Maybe he might be realizing that not everyone towing a fifth wheel needs training wheels to tow safely.

[jmtandem]

I'm in this to travel for relaxation. I've no interest in any white knuckle driving. We will mostly travel the nice and flat Mid-Western USA but don't want to rule out a trip or three into the Rockies at some point. Just trying to be realistic, we need to buy a one ton DRW pickup at a minimum.

How did this become a SRW vs Dually thread? The OP clearly states that the minimum truck needed is a dually. Why the SRW comments when the OP is trying to get some advice on how to get the wife on board with the dually? The OP says he is planning to purchase the smallest RV from that manufacturer, so why share that he needs a smaller RV? There is no smaller RV from Heartland.

Who cares about somebody's 90 percent rule? Why share about what others use for hauling toy haulers to the dunes. The OP is past that, he stated that the dually is the minimum truck needed. Why not try to help the OP with some good suggestions on how to get the wife comfortable in the dually instead of debating the SRW vs DRW thing all over again. I have yet to see where the OP asked anything about SRW trucks.

Everything else the OP states in his opening paragraph is a compromise that he really does not want to make. So, why are we helping him compromise instead of helping him get what he really wants and most likely after 300 miles of driving the wife will be comfortable with the training wheels. I have 130,000 on a crew dually and it has gone everywhere I ever wanted to go with it including some tight dirt roads. There are two places it does have limitations-- drive thrus and parking garages. Other than that it can go anywhere a SRW truck will go with the possible exception of very narrow jeep trails. But, the advantages when towing more than offset parking garages and drive thrus for me.

Have the wife drive a dually in a big city and after a couple hours she will be a pro at it. She will wonder what the initial fuss was all about. And then when she is driving it while towing the heavy and big Heartland that you really want the whole windshield will be radiant with her smiles. She will thank all of us on this thread that encouraged her to at least give the dually a real try. And we will say 'you are welcome'.

[jaycocamprs]

If you find that you really need (or want) the DRW truck, look at a chassis cab truck. They have a narrower rear frame and a narrower rear wheel track. Of course then have to get on of those neat looking hauler bodies to put on the back. Still going to be wide, just not as much.
I like the DRW truck but it can be a pain. There are places that you just don't go, but we have learned to make it work. And when you have to swerve to miss some fool who just had to have your lane, well she was a convert. BTW she was the one driving that day. But many of the new SRW trucks have the same GVWR as our 05 DRW truck.

[Us_out_West]

The main thing is, IMHO, is to FIRST buy the rig that you REALLY like and want.

After that it's simple, especially in the OP's case since he does not have a truck yet. Get the TV that will pull your rig choice without having to do mods or even come close to your TV 's limits. You'll thank yourself later...or maybe sooner!!

Lots of trucks can pull big weights but are you in a comfort zone being on the edge or marginal? Not me and those that really understand. (Sorry if that ruffles some feathers but it needed to be said).

To the OP: you may very well be OK with a SRW 1 ton for the rig you are considering and that is your choice after doing your due diligence, and it sure looks like you are doing that.

If you get to a point where you are 2nd guessing yourself step back take a deep breath and make the right decision not only for now but for the future.

[bigblue1234]

Dually love. My DW bought dually mega cab on her own. She LOVES it more than me. P.S. we are in are mid 60's. Been together 44 years. The good news DW said shes going to keep dually and me A very long time.

[shooterdad]

Bill there is no problem towing with a short bed , although you will almost certainly need a slider hitch .

Just my opinion , I have had both short and long bed trucks , and for towing the 5th wheel I would not have another short bed . The long bed has room to have a tool box , room for generators ,coolers , fire wood ect. The hitch no matter what kind you get eats up the room in a short bed pretty quick . Both would work but like I said the long bed gives you more flexibility . Scott

[sheltieRV]

My wife loves our dually. I wonder if it is just intimidating at first. It seems large when you first get it, but it is easy to get used to.

[fuzzdr]

Bill; not a bad decision to go with a smaller trailer. We bought a 2014 Cruiser CF31LK (dry weight under 10K) and a 2013 F250 crewcab 4X4 gas 6.1L tv. To date we love this setup for 2 people and 2 dogs. The entertainment area is great with a leather reclining sofa and double leather recliner seats. It is very manageable to drive and park at campsites. Being retired, I am not looking for a big challenge that a macho big truck might provide........just a truck that I can take to the mall and park almost as easily as my Jeep Wrangler.
Enjoy your new rig.

[goducks10]

joebedford wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
With that logic I really doubt you would like this setup

I don't even have a spare for the MC.

At first I thought that was you in the passenger seat. Funny how attitudes change. When I was young and stupid I though nothing of setting the cruise on my Ultra Classic and slipping back onto the passenger saddle for miles and miles to stretch my legs. No I didn't steer with my feet.

Anyway, now that I'm much closer to death, I wouldn't think about towing my big toy hauler without a dually because it's too dangerous.

Funny how attitudes change.

So true. My wife still thinks our trip on the MC from Oregon to Colorado was her best vacation. We've been on 8 cruises and camped all over Oregon and Northern Ca. Would I do the MC trip to Co again. No. Sold the MC and got back into the camping thing cause we were tired of doing hotels all the time. Plus I feel safer in the truck and 5'er with all the goofball texters out there. We rode MC's for 12 years straight. She had her own bike for 4-5 years. 1000's of miles. Figured we quit while we were ahead.

[wgm2011]

shooterdad wrote:
Bill , a 1ton srw longbed would be a great choice for the 3010 you are considering and well within the limits of the truck. Great choice in trailers , this combination should serve you well.

The next issue and no doubt debate will be which hitch to buy . In my opinion there is only one way to go , and that is air ride . There are two companies to consider that both make nice products Air safe and Trailer Saver .

Thanks Scott. We will take a look at Air Safe and Trailer Saver.

I noticed you specified long bed. Am I looking at significant problems with the standard (shorter)bed?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Smoke90 wrote:

Between a TT and a 5th wheeler she prefer the bigger and more comfort. Even she understand we will need a bigger truck.
We went and she drove a F350 dually.
She likes it, even she thinks it is really a big truck.

I admit, there's nothing like a big ol' dually to command respect 😉 And if I was going to go somewhere and stay put, a dually would be OK, I guess. But Ed and I like to poke around, explore, try little out-of-the-way restaurants or go to quaint shops. Our crew-cab, long bed SRW pickup is almost 22' long; and we've already discovered that there are places where it won't fit - and we're not afraid to walk a distance. Can't even imagine what it would be like with the extra width...

[Smoke90]

wgm2011 wrote:
Thank you everyone.

Lots of good information and suggestions (except for the poster that recommend I ditch the wife. I can't cook and I'd starve within a few weeks so that is not an option).

The wife and I had a nice conversation. Given a choice between a smaller RV and a dually, she chooses the smaller RV.

Since they are getting ready to bring in the 2015 model line and I want to take advantage of the 2014 model liquidation prices, I need to get moving.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Bill

Amazing that we are shopping for the same thing.
We are shopping for a 5th wheeler or TT and a truck.
My wife is actually driving an avalanche.
Between a TT and a 5th wheeler she prefer the bigger and more comfort. Even she understand we will need a bigger truck.
We went and she drove a F350 dually.
She likes it, even she thinks it is really a big truck.

[joebedford]

goducks10 wrote:
With that logic I really doubt you would like this setup

I don't even have a spare for the MC.

At first I thought that was you in the passenger seat. Funny how attitudes change. When I was young and stupid I though nothing of setting the cruise on my Ultra Classic and slipping back onto the passenger saddle for miles and miles to stretch my legs. No I didn't steer with my feet.

Anyway, now that I'm much closer to death, I wouldn't think about towing my big toy hauler without a dually because it's too dangerous.

Funny how attitudes change.