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

[JTrac]

wgm2011 wrote:
In jmtandem's defense, I did start this post because the Chevy DRW truck was causing friction here at the house. But as shooterdad has indicated, the thread has evolved and given me options other than the ones I thought I had.

Here in the Texas Gulf Coast area it seems like there are hundreds of 1 ton DRW trucks being used as daily drivers. But the closer I get to the crazy traffic of downtown Houston, the numbers of duellys decrease dramatically.

I had not really considered the 1 ton SRW vehicles because none were available at the local Chevy or GMC house. The Chevy salesman repeated the same old line that the 1 ton SRW is just a slightly upgraded 3/4 ton truck and not worth my consideration and once again I blindly believed him.

Also on this thread a link to specs for the Chevy trucks was posted that had all the info I tried to get at the dealership. With that I've been doing the math. Calculated with a full tank of diesel, a few extra passengers (not expected) and a few extra pounds for the unexpected the numbers indicate the SRW will work.

My next step is to find a truck on the lot so my better half can give it a try. Since Chevrolet is already phasing over to the 2015 model, selection may not be all that great but I bet I can find something out there.

Again, thanks to all for the help. It is all really appreciated.

Bill

I actually had a different experience with a salesman when we ordered our 2012. I didn't know exactly what fifth wheel I was getting at the time but we had narrowed it down to a few models. He was very concerned that I get a truck that would do the job. I did the math but he helped me find the info I needed. Just remember that options will affect the capacity as will a 4wd vs a 2wd so even though they look alike they may have different capacities.

[jmtandem]

Jm , she lived off Red Rock rd in Reno right near Stead Field Airport.

I learned to fly at Stead.

[jmtandem]

In jmtandem's defense, I did start this post because the Chevy DRW truck was causing friction here at the house. But as shooterdad has indicated, the thread has evolved and given me options other than the ones I thought I had.

Thanks for the nice words. However, nobody has to come to my defense. I have broad shoulders and thick skin and love a spirited discussion or would not be here. But, what is important is that you are getting many opinions on how to solve your issue. And the Houston mostly dually experience, obviously different from the dunes in southern California observations, has opened your eyes to perhaps the hardest places to drive a dually, in heavy traffic on busy city streets. I have driven in the Seattle and San Francisco Bay Area traffic and driving a dually is no different than a SRW in traffic as it is no longer than a SRW truck. Parking in tight places for most of us dually guys is done backing in to a parking place so the elephant ear fenders are not an issue for other drivers as they are negotiating their approach while texting or talking on the phone into the parking space next to yours. It is all doable. What the dually does for towing is impressive and any minor parking inconviences are only that for many that would not tow the trailer you are looking at without a dually. Your best bet would be to compare both trucks while towing but that is sometimes hard to do.

[shooterdad]

Jm , she lived off Red Rock rd in Reno right near Stead Field Airport.

[jmtandem]

My wife used to live off Red Rock at 395 , so I am very familiar with the area .last time we were there we went to Cabelas there in Verde .And we have shot quite a bit at Sage Hill gun club at Demonte Ranch.

Red Rock is a nice area. And close to the Sierra Valley in California with Beckwouth, Loyalton and Sierraville. All in a very nice peaceful big non- populated part of California.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Paul Clancy wrote:
3500 srw. She has a point. Duallys aren't for everyone.

The OP will save on sidewall damage from hitting curbs, LOL!

Lots of folks tow with SRW pickups.

I tow a 34' Jayco with a 1T Ram SRW.

A friend (in Oregon) has been towing a 36' Alpenlite (they're NOT light) with a 3/4 T RAM, since he bought it (pickup) new in 04. Alaska several times, Arizona regularly, etc. He did add airbags.

As in the other lengthy thread that's running....your driving ability has a lot to do with your decision/s.

For me - I'll pass on a dually until the trlr gets *really* heavy,
then the "dually" will be a singled Class 8 HDT.
If you're gonna do it - do it right..;)

BTW - suggest you visit Escapees MDT and HDT forums - for lots of good trailer & TV info.
Find and show your wife the "RDBE" thread (in the HDT forum).;)

.


~

[shooterdad]

My wife used to live off Red Rock at 395 , so I am very familiar with the area .last time we were there we went to Cabelas there in Verde .And we have shot quite a bit at Sage Hill gun club at Demonte Ranch.

[jmtandem]

some on here cant

Yup, sometimes I simply won't comment because some can't see other persons positons. It is sad when somebody is so into themselves that they get upset when somebody they don't know that lives thousands of miles away says something they don't like.

[shooterdad]

Good deal Jm , I didnt common here to ruffle feathers , and there is always a different way to look at things, glad we can laugh about and agree to disagree, some on here cant .Scott

[jmtandem]

Jm , that 80 route is no easy pull from Sac to Reno , if thats where you are then you are well informed...lol

But I still wouldnt hesitate to use my little srw to go up or down it..haha just pokin some fun , dont take it personal. Scott

Nothing personal! I live in the Reno area and everywhere we go west or south involves a climb. It is almost 30 miles of mostly climbing from Reno to Donner summit between Verdi and the summit going west; and close to 60 miles of climbing from Sacramento (actually near Auburn) to the summit. I have hauled my RV's both directions many times since 1987 when I got into RVing with both a dually and a SRW truck. And the other passes over the Sierras, with the exception of the Feather River SR 70, are all steeper than Donner. There is also an eye opening climb just north of Bishop California on US 395 heading north. Caltrans even has 'pull offs' for those that cannot make the climb in one big long try.

Maybe in the flatlands of Kansas or the rolling hills of Iowa the issues would be different. But not here.

[wgm2011]

In jmtandem's defense, I did start this post because the Chevy DRW truck was causing friction here at the house. But as shooterdad has indicated, the thread has evolved and given me options other than the ones I thought I had.

Here in the Texas Gulf Coast area it seems like there are hundreds of 1 ton DRW trucks being used as daily drivers. But the closer I get to the crazy traffic of downtown Houston, the numbers of duellys decrease dramatically.

I had not really considered the 1 ton SRW vehicles because none were available at the local Chevy or GMC house. The Chevy salesman repeated the same old line that the 1 ton SRW is just a slightly upgraded 3/4 ton truck and not worth my consideration and once again I blindly believed him.

Also on this thread a link to specs for the Chevy trucks was posted that had all the info I tried to get at the dealership. With that I've been doing the math. Calculated with a full tank of diesel, a few extra passengers (not expected) and a few extra pounds for the unexpected the numbers indicate the SRW will work.

My next step is to find a truck on the lot so my better half can give it a try. Since Chevrolet is already phasing over to the 2015 model, selection may not be all that great but I bet I can find something out there.

Again, thanks to all for the help. It is all really appreciated.

Bill

[jmtandem]

Jm,I agree with your last post ,although I dont believe a dually is necessary for the trailer he is looking at , I would agree that he or she could get used to driving whatever they decide to go with as long as they accept some of the limitations on where they can and cannot go with it . I agree that his issues probably wont be solved here . Have a good one . Scott

Scott,

It is all good. I really enjoy reading the differing comments from posters as it opens our worlds to things we may not have ever thought of. And 90 percent of the time I probably agree. See the 90 percent rule applies.

[shooterdad]

Jm , that 80 route is no easy pull from Sac to Reno , if thats where you are then you are well informed...lol

But I still wouldnt hesitate to use my little srw to go up or down it..haha just pokin some fun , dont take it personal. Scott

[shooterdad]

Jm,I agree with your last post ,although I dont believe a dually is necessary for the trailer he is looking at , I would agree that he or she could get used to driving whatever they decide to go with as long as they accept some of the limitations on where they can and cannot go with it . I agree that his issues probably wont be solved here . Have a good one . Scott

[jmtandem]

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

I used to live in Denver and understand the Rockies. I now live next to the Sierras and understand the Sierra passes as well. Maybe if everybody that commented that SRW trucks 'can do the job' actually owned a dually and towed the same routes and same size fifth wheels or trailers the OP would have some real world comparison experiences. But, I suspect many that think the SRW gets the job done as well as a dually never towed with a dually. I realize many are trying to help the OP and I am sure he appreciates that; but I hate see somebody not get what they want over a little insignificant issue like getting used to driving a dually. It just does not compute. And the problem I have with the 90 percent rule, is that ten percent of the time the truck is not really up to the job and that usually will be in the wind or mountains, both no places to be messing around with too little truck for the job. All because somebody does not want to park a dually at a restaurant? Are you kidding me!!!