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I know this is a tad generic, and that's because we are in the beginning planning stage, and being out of state makes this more difficult.
We plan on buying a 35 ft. fifth wheel, factor in toy loader for husband's bike, and pretty fully loaded with stuff (we may hang out in it the first year, with most of belongings in storage).
What truck and model is your favorite, and why? I will give this to my husband so I am not subjected to all techie talk....
TIA!!!
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First off, you need to find out what the weight of the trailer is and what the pin weight will be. That will be the determiner of what truck you will buy. You will definitely need a 350/3500 or larger for that trailer. The pin weight will be more than any 250/2500 will take. If you want something more normal than what StealthRabbit suggests, any Ford/Dodge/Chevy 350/3500 with a diesel will most likely fit the bill. You will probably have to go with dual rear wheels (even if you don't have to, you may want to anyway). Basically, the rule of thumb is have your husband drive them all and then buy what ever one you like :-)
Yes, I realize I need to know all the specs before I choose the model of truck, I was just wondering if anyone had a preference in general terms.
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Also, two things, be sure to figure you're weight with a full camper, not the dry weight. And never trust anything a trailer salesman has to say. They will tell you anything to make the sale, including "sure you're half-ton truck will tow this, no problem!"
Yes, we will work on the specs when we choose the 5th wheel, DH is figuring a 3/4 ton truck.
He was more interested in getting feed back on reliability, comfort and stuff of the various makes.
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I don't think a 3/4 ton (250/2500) will be big enough, it might be, but you'll probably be on the edge. The problem is not the towing capacity. It's the cargo carrying capacity. The 3/4 ton will be between 2500 and 3500 lbs, depending on make and whether it's a 4x4, double cab, full luxury or a basic standard cab 2x4. The 1-ton (350/3500) will have up to 4500lbs CCC. You're pin weight is 20% of the total weight of the trailer. So, if your trailer weighs 15,000 lbs loaded up, your pin weight is approximately 3000 lbs. That counts agains your total ccc which also includes you any other passengers, any gear you put in the back, the ice chest, that great new tool chest, the bed cap, etc. If the trailer is 18,000 then the pin weight goes to 3,600 lbs. See what I mean?
As for brands, They're all pretty much the same, just get in them and check out which you like the best. I have a Dodge 1500, I like the 5.7 hemi, but then again, you'd be better off with a diesel. My friend who full-times has a Ford 150 with the eco-boost engine, again not the diesel. New Ford diesels are great as are the Cummins in the Dodge. Another friend says that Chevy's new diesel is very quiet and they have a great transmission. As I said, there are benefits to all three of the big three. I will say that it seems that Ford may have an edge on tow and carrying capacity.
Since I have a 1/2 ton and all my friends have 1/2 ton trucks I really can't comment on reliability. Ford is the best selling truck in the US, you might want take that into consideration when you make your choice.
Yes, we will work on the specs when we choose the 5th wheel, DH is figuring a 3/4 ton truck.
He was more interested in getting feed back on reliability, comfort and stuff of the various makes.
NOT BIG ENOUGH.
1.) Some 35' 5ers can probably be safely towed with a 3/4-ton, but most need the capabilities of a 1-ton.
2.) Some wives decide that a 35' toy hauler isn't big enough. Do you really want to be forced to stay with a too-small camper because you didn't want to spend the extra $200 to get a 1-ton? It's just not smart.
3. See #2. Cost difference between a srw 1-ton and a 3/4-ton is minimal.
4. But I'd strongly recommend a 1-ton dually (350/3500) for anything in the 35' and up range of 5th wheels. They're safer and more stable, and they give you room to upgrade/upsize the camper in a couple years if you so desire (as most do). I really like the F450. It's the same size as an F350 dually but has a few truck-like features that are nice, such as a shorter turn radius. It does cost more and doesn't add much, so the 350/3500 is a good choice.
If you want comfortable cruising, a used class 8 Volvo would be the ticket. (Don't plan on a good one for much under $30K, however.) Personally, I'd want 4x4, and I like the smaller pickup style for most things. Just for cruising across the U.S. from one campground to the next, the class 8 would be, by far, the safest and most comfortable.
For a camper of that size, you'll want a diesel. I guess my favorite is the Ford, but if I could get the same thing in a Chevy/GMC for $1,000 less, I'd probably do it. Rams have the best diesel engine with the Cummins. Unfortunately you gotta get that lousy Ram truck to get the Cummins, and there ain't no engine worth that.
Thank you so much!!! That is the type of info we needed!!!
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