OP... This is what $5500.00 Cash got me a few years ago.
Its a XL Gasser... Basic truck, manual roll up windows, Vinyl bench seat's, rubber floor mat, V10, Automatic, AC, PS, PB...
Basic truck... it did one thing really well.. haul a load. IIRC this thing had around 4,000 lbs of payload... but only about 11,000 lbs tow rating due to the pitiful 3.73 gearing.
A few things need to happen to make this budget work
1) Open up to other fivers... There are TONS AND TONS of family friendly Fivers out there... some with HUGE double slide bunk rooms and two bath rooms, and separate living space for Mom and Dad and the kids at around 37 overall feet. These can come in well under 14k loaded to the brim... I am thinking Montana Mountaineers specifically... these can be found on the used market for well under $30,000.00
2) Once you get the weight of the trailer down then your truck options really open up... like big time. If you drop your price on your trailer then you can spend more money on a better truck. For instance 20k can get you a much newer V10 or 6.2 Ford gasser that can handle that load. Or an older Diesel... Just remember that the diesels in your price range are 20 years old... plain fact of the matter. There is a really nice Crew Cab Dually F350 with the 6.ohno in King Ranch trim for 22k.... just as an example.
3) Consider a big nice Travel Trailer... Your budget can get you a top of the line BRAND NEW Open Range Travel Trailer and you will be able to pull it with a much more affordable vehicle (Like my Dually Above), or, with the right SUV.. Like an older Excursion V10 or Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 V8... All of which are well in your budget.
Here is the TT I was thinking about specifically...
Open Range Roamer RT310BHSThis thing is as tall as many fivers yet it weighs under 10k lbs unloaded. Is a four season RV and doesn't need a MDT or HDT to be moved around. A SRW 2500 or 3500 can EASILY handle this kind of trailer. and SOME SUV's can handle this.
The reason I mention SUV's is because you mention seating five comfortably.... That Third Row makes a HUGE difference on a trip and it gives everyone room to spread out. The truck above seated 6 people.. we stuffed 6 people in the cab for about 300 miles... fun times it was NOT.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
