ndanecker
Explorer
Joined 8 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: GD Momentum 395ms with Ram Megacab
Lantley wrote: I am always amused how many RV'ers want to be right at the edge. Buy a SRW truck and the heaviest RV they can find. Or they buy a large full size camper and get the shortest bed pick up available and prefer not using a slider hitch. There needs to be a balance between truck and trailer. For the most part a large heavy trailer requires a large heavy full size truck, so many times we deviate from these basics and choose to live on the edge with a combo that has obvious shortcomings. Ram order was delayed yet again so searched for alternate solutions. Test drove a F450 Limited after looking at some of the features is has over the Ram and decided that route. Excellent truck so far. Looking forward to see how it pulls the GD 349m when it gets here.640Views0likes0CommentsRe: GD Momentum 395ms with Ram Megacab
Lantley wrote: I wasn't referencing anyone in general. These threads appear all the time. It's not that complicated to get the right truck for the application. We often make this a subjective topic but the towing parameters speak for them selves. If your trailer weighs Y. Your truck needs to be able to carry Y. Except too often someone wants to use a truck that can only carry up to X, not quite Y. They will list a host of reasons why X can be made equivalent to Y or why you really don't need to use a Y capable truck cause X is just as good. This towing at the edge ideology can be found across all kinds of trucks 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, 1 tons and duallys. Short beds vs. long beds are also part of edge towing. Choosing a towing combo is a straight forward process if you use a calculator or in the case of a back window a tape measure, however often times we use everything except a calculator or a tape measure. We make subjective choices based on questionable logic that often leads to getting it right the 2nd time or learning the hard way. When I went from a TT to a fiver. I knew I wanted a big fiver so I bought a dually right off the bat. It wasn't that I was in love with a dually, but the math told me if I want to avoid the upgrade game than a dually would allow me to shop for any trailer I wanted without being on the EDGE of my limits. Why are you even bringing weight or size of truck into the conversation? Megecab short bed has near identical capacity of a crew cab long bed (which I've owned an 04, 13 and 14) which exceeds the requirements of the 395m. Again - weight was not the topic of discussion so leave it out please. As for others who commented - thank you. I know a slider is an option but I prefer a GN setup. I like the articulation and simple setup, and ability to remove the ball easier then removing a heavy fifth wheel hitch. I also feel they offer a smoother ride with less chucking especially with features like an airbag or torsion spring to dampen the loads in the pin box. My fear is with cab to trailer clearance on sharp turns specific to the Ram MC and GD 395m. As someone posted above I agree you really don't want to get near 90* as this would put serious strain on triple axles if not in loose gravel or dirt. My last setup for a 44' Cyclone which was difficult in tight campgrounds, but I had an 8ft bed. With my kids pretty much full grown and +1 (80lb Lab) I need the extra cab space. Backup plan is to convert to an 8ft bed but I have huge concerns with cutting a brand new truck. LOL545Views0likes0CommentsRe: GD Momentum 395ms with Ram Megacab
Lantley wrote: I am always amused how many RV'ers want to be right at the edge. Buy a SRW truck and the heaviest RV they can find. Or they buy a large full size camper and get the shortest bed pick up available and prefer not using a slider hitch. There needs to be a balance between truck and trailer. For the most part a large heavy trailer requires a large heavy full size truck, so many times we deviate from these basics and choose to live on the edge with a combo that has obvious shortcomings. I am always amused by people judging other people without knowing why they make certain choices all because they feel their way is the only way, and best way. Makes it difficult for forum members to get honest help or advice when they have to weed through all the BS commentary opinions from Statler and Waldorf. So what color truck do you have? Hope its not different than mine. :R546Views0likes0CommentsGD Momentum 395ms with Ram Megacab
I believe we have the RV narrowed down and its the Grand Design Momentum 395ms. Also have a new tow rig on order (1/8/2021) and its a 21 Ram 3500 Megacab DRW. I know its a short bed and will need some care in turns unless you go with a slider or other device to limit (or really increase) cab to trailer distance. So - one option I would lean towards is the Reese Goosebox. I have the GN prep included because I want the holes clean and like the puck system. Was thinking about swapping out the GN hitch for a B&W one that has the square hole so I can use the 4" offset ball. Million dollar question is do you feel this will get me close to 90* or at least to a point where I don't need to pucker-up every time I make a wide turn or try backing into a spot. Really don't want to do a slider. Suggestions and comments welcomed. Thanks guys.8.7KViews0likes31CommentsRear Deck System Worth It?
Looking at a GD 353g or 395m toy hauler and questioning if the rear deck system is worth the cost along with the sliding 3 season doors. Don't plan much boondocking so concerned about overall length in campsites and having enough space to keep the ramp door/patio open when parked. Considering it shouldn't be kept open during rain I'd probably keep the ramp door closed most of the time also so questioning if the 3 season doors are worth it also. Curious how others use this space and what their thoughts are. In theory I'm sure its a great place to hang but do people really use it, or is it more of a novelty that wears off after time? Space isn't that large either and we're family of 4 (not couples).12KViews0likes35CommentsRe: RV Ski Trips
The ones we are looking at have a heated underbelly. If you blow the lines out do you also need to pump the pink juice, or can you wait till you get home or the following day? Guess it depends on temp and how long to cool back down. I'm surprised mfg don't design lines that completely drain. Not hard to do. Keep dump valves for areas that cannot be designed to drain or have low points.502Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Fifth Wheel Group
Interested in fifth wheels? You've come to the right spot.Feb 16, 202519,006 Posts RV Newbies
We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
