Paul39
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What to look for - construction / materials / options
Im looking to buy a new 5th wheel in the next month or two and trying to narrow down the choices. There are a million brands (many owned by a few companies). I know generally what I want. Mid size (27-34’) lighter weight (9-10k dry) decent sized shower, washer/dryer (can be combo unit as long as it’s prepped and vented), 1 bed - but with a fold down or pull out in case the grand kids come along. Good TV viewing area inside. Not looking for top of the line $$$, but not cheap low quality either. Getting close to retirement and although we won’t be full timing by any means - we are planning to taking multiple 2-4 week trips around the country (Me, my wife, and two dogs). Are there certain features or construction methods I should be looking for? Or staying away from? Brands that are known to be better or worse. I see a lot of terminology (laminated aluminum structure, etc) but I don’t see any good definitions, comparisons or and pros/cons that I should be looking for. Thanks for any input1.5KViews0likes7CommentsRe: Concerns about buying from a distant dealer?
laknox wrote: When I was looking back in '15, KZ was my #1 choice. I called them at the time and asked about warranty repairs as there was only 1 KZ dealer in AZ. They told me that, should the need arise, they would be happy to approve an independent shop or mobile repair service to complete warranty work. That sold me on KZ...at that time. It was later that we all heard that Thor was buying KZ (and Jayco) and we were very worried that they would no longer stick to this policy. Fortunately, we only had a couple warranty issues and our selling dealer was about 80 miles away, not a deal breaker for me. Since then, our selling dealer has closed and another dealer in East Mesa picked up KZ, and they are wonderful to work with. None of this "you didn't buy it here" b.s.; they work rigs in in the order in which they're brought in. Still a bit of a hike, but, again, not bad. This being said, when were looking, if I found something at a very attractive price that a local dealer refused to match, I'd've taken a road trip to buy and dealt with warranty issues either on my own or with an independent shop. Interesting - as it is the KZ Durango 1/2 ton line that is on my short list. Right size and options I’m looking for, but one dealer is 2 hrs north of me and one is 2 hours south. Would you buy another Durango? How is your perception of their quality? Lyle1.2KViews0likes0CommentsConcerns about buying from a distant dealer?
I'm still trying to decide on a Fifth Wheel. Being picky - I like certain layouts and options. I have several big retailers near me, but one brand I am considering is not sold locally. It would be 120 miles to the dealer. Would you have concerns about buying from that distance? I don't mind driving to pick it out / up - but what happens if it needs warranty work? Can you get warranty work done at other locations, or would I have to take it back to where I bought it? Thanks2.4KViews0likes16CommentsRe: Truck / 5th Wheel Combo - Do the numbers add up?
"ya you're going to need a bit more payload. As for being a daily driver, there is going to be no difference between an f250 gasser and a f350 gasser what's so ever aside from the badge. I can tell you right now add at least 500lbs to that pin weight. my cougar was advertised at 2350lbs, and it came in slightly over 3000lbs. Don't forget that pin weight is done with no options on the rv and everything empty or missing (like batteries and propane bottles which are right at the front. so, once you start adding propane and tanks, batteries, any options, water, "stuff" in the bedroom and more "stuff" in the storage below, that weight goes up drastically. I thought I would be safe with my 99 F250 diesel but I was over on the rear axle, so I had to get a newer f350" Trucks are getting bigger and more capable. An F250 from 2010 had a 2,850 lb payload, in 2016 had a 3,100 lb payload, 2022 a 3,470 lb payload, and now in 2024 has a 3,923 lb payload (I tried to match gas 4x4 6.75' crew cabs with high trim packages). So basically the standard 2024 F250 has about the same payload and towing capacity as the standard F350 of 10 years ago. But all good points and I will take a look at the F350s as well. Thank you3KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Truck / 5th Wheel Combo - Do the numbers add up?
Thanks for the responses. A few interesting points. For 2023 the King Ranch (and other versions) went from a standard 10,000 GVWR to 10,500-10,600 so payload has been increased (at least on paper - as the curb weights are very similar)over the previous years The 6480 curb weight is for the 4x4 crew 7.3l gas 6.75 bed - but as stated by others is not for the optioned out King Ranch - but a base vehicle. I still might be ok with a 12,200 lb trailer (that is the trailers GVWR, not dry weight) but obviously the margin is getting low. I'm set on the 6.75ft bed - as it will be 95% empty driving and 5% towing. For same reason I would like to stay to the F250 and not go to the F350. The 5th wheel (12,200 lbs) will be the largest I'm looking at and do not see myself upgrading. Too much money into these toys for a do-over. I'm looking at several 5vers a little smaller (30' x 11,000 lbs). I'm more inclined to downsize the trailer than upside the truck. But - the wife does like the larger one :) I'm going to stop by the dealership today and look at trucks. Will be checking the door stickers out and would like to see the new on board scales in the trucks - which will probably cause more confusion because I'm sure it will give another set of inconsistent numbers. Thanks again to those that responded.3KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Truck / 5th Wheel Combo - Do the numbers add up?
RockyMt wrote: you will not know the real weight of the trailer until you weight it. Dry weight is before they add extras. Understood - I am assuming trailer is loaded to the GVWR of the trailer. If the numbers on the trailer (empty/GVWR) are not accurate, unfortunately I won’t know until it’s purchased3.1KViews0likes0CommentsTruck / 5th Wheel Combo - Do the numbers add up?
Looking for input on my potential truck/5th wheel combo. A little background first. I have had trailers, but this would be my first 5th wheel. As I am opening this up to the weight police, I am looking for honest opinions and I don’t want to make a costly mistake. With that said, my opinion (as an automotive engineer) is that I’m a rule follower (regarding GVWR, etc) but I have no problem being close to the limit as I know there is a significant safety factor already built into those numbers. With that said – here is what I am looking at: Tow vehicle 2023/4 Ford F250 4x4 7.3l gas short bed well optioned (maybe King Ranch) From what I have found on the internet Rear GAWR 6,340 Front GAWR 5,600 Tow Capacity 16,500 Payload 3,923 GVWR 10,500 Curb Weight 6,480 – 6550 (I see different amounts depending on what site I go to) So – my math says 10,500 GVWR – 7100 Truck (added 550lbs for people/etc) – 200lbs for hitch (may need a slider) leaves 3,200 for pin weight. Assuming a 22% pin weight puts me at 14,500lb max 5th wheel. I’m looking at a Cougar 290RLS Dry Wt 10,124 lbs Hitch 1,805 GVWR 12,200 Length 33’8” I know many will say just get the F350, but the truck will be used 95% as a daily driver and 5% towing. Seems like I have a reasonable margin. ~4,000 lbs on tow capacity, ~500 lbs cargo capacity/GVWR assuming trailer is loaded to GVWR. Does anyone see flaws in my logic before a spend a small fortune on these toys? Is the Curb weight of 6,550 for a short wb 4x4 7.3l crew seem right? I looked up all the specs for this particular truck and it seems consistent in that range, but comments on other posts look like the truck weight could be more. Also – any comments on the Cougar 290RLS?4KViews0likes15CommentsRe: Shortest 5th wheel with washer/dryer
Hi - I know this is an older thread. Any updates on what you decided or other ones you looked at. I am also looking at a smaller (28-33ft) 5th wheel with a washer/dryer. So far leaning towards a Jayco Eagle HT 24RE and a Keystone Cougar 260MLE. The Jayco looks a little tight in the bed/bath area especially with the washer/dryer install. The Jayco has a ton of room and storage, but only 2 permanent sitting positions (has a fold out table) and no extra sleeping space incase the grandkids come along (blowup bed on floor is only solution I can think of) In my case I'd like to tow with a 2023 F250 7.3l - and would like to keep the hitch weight below 2,800lbs and GVWR of camper below 13,0006.1KViews0likes0Comments
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Interested in fifth wheels? You've come to the right spot.Feb 16, 202519,006 Posts
