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hipburwig's avatar
hipburwig
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013

chevy tow rig choices/dutchmen fifth wheel issues?

hello all, I looking for a little input. I have a chance to get a 1996 fifth wheel Dutchmen signature series xl 37 rk-sl for 5000. shes pretty big, triple axle, gross dry weight is 9900, hitch dry is 1380, axle dry is 8520, gvwr is 1320. it has a new floor and looks in excellent shape. Anything I should look out for with this model as far as known issues or problems? I cant find anything on the computer about this model. The tow rig I have been looking for is a 90's chevy dually r/v series. gvwr is I believe 10000. 1991 was the first and last yer for the 4L80E in this truck. I have been looking for one for the past few years with out any luck. im probably guna give in and just get one with a 400. I guess my question is has any one had any problems tow this much weight with the 400 or 4L80E. I was thinking about just buying the fifth wheel and continuing my search for a 1991 with OD. OD sure would be nice when not pulling for some better gas mileage.
Tow Vehicles
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Oct 01, 2013
    The trailer is 18 years old. If it's survived this long, how many factory defects could it possibly have? It *HAS* to be a good quality rig, by virtue of having survived this long.

    Just look out for the usual stuff. Obvious signs of delamination, leaking, structural damage. Make sure the appliances work and the plumbing is intact and leak-free.

    Good luck finding an old-style 1991 GM dually. There weren't a lot of them made to begin with, and they're 23 years old now. There aren't many left, let alone many that are in good enough shape to do long-distance trips without a LOT of work.

    Actually, I do know where an 1990 or 1991 GMC crew cab dually R/V series is fairly close by. It was on the local craigslist. Used to be a dump truck.

    The caveat is, it has no engine or transmission or bed, and needs a LOT of work to become roadworthy. Probably not what you're looking for.

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