PDA

View Full Version : F-250 and 5th Wheel's????


Hansel
02-21-2015, 11:03 AM
Okay so I've read and done searches on pin weight's because in the future we (wifey and I ) plan on trading in a TT which has bunk beds for something more for just us. I want a 5th wheel but it seems like I don't think I can get much of a camper, now this is just guessing and I know I need too make a trip too the CAT scale's, but my old 2000 F-250 weighed in at 6560lbs (2WD) so now I have a 2001 F-250 7.3L 4X4 so I would guess it's over 7,000lbs easy. Now the door sticker has a 8800lb GVWR so if I understand correctly and the truck is 7000lbs I can add 1800lbs, take out me and dear wifey so know maybe 1450lbs.

So we have found a possible new camper, it's a Jayco (Sorry Don't hate us) but that is the one the camper dealer had that has the features we want, so here are the manufactures weight's

http://www.jayco.com/products/fifth-wheels/2015-eagle-ht/275rlts/

Jayco Eagle HT 37.5RLTS
Unloaded 7625lbs
Dry hitch 1260lbs
GVWR 9950lbs
Cargo cap. 2325

So when looking at these number's and I know that I can't really go by them, but even thou I think my truck can handle it, is my truck just not enough for a 5th wheel or should I just stick with a TT?????

Thanks guys, but I need some guidance:D

therink
02-21-2015, 11:17 AM
Based on the fiver gvwr of 9950 and 20% pin weight average, the loaded pin weight will potentially weigh between 1800 and 2000. Don't forget that the hitch in your bed will weigh about 150 plus any other items you load into the truck.
I'm sure the truck will pull it fine but you will be over on the truck gvwr. It is your choice but if you plan on covering a lot of miles and in for the long haul you should consider a letter model 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

sourdough
02-21-2015, 11:52 AM
As therink points out your truck will be well over its payload. The pin weight alone will be much more than the truck is allowed.

The Cougar Xlite series has some comparable weights but they will still exceed your payload considerably. The new 3/4 tons have a much higher payload capacity (mine has 3400 -4000lbs depending on which chart you look at) and allow more leeway. I guess bottom line is I would stick with a TT with your existing truck...IMO. Keystone has some nice TTs that are made for the two of you. We bought a 2014 Cougar High Country (discontinued :( ) basically for two folks and we love it. After spending yesterday afternoon looking at 5th wheels I came to the conclusion, for us, the only reason to get one would be the improved towing experience and the much larger tank capacities.

Hansel
02-21-2015, 02:24 PM
So basically anyone with a F-250 or equivalent really can't tow a 5th wheel:( this really STINKS!!!!

chuckster57
02-21-2015, 02:41 PM
So basically anyone with a F-250 or equivalent really can't tow a 5th wheel:( this really STINKS!!!!

No. You just can't tow a big fifth wheel. There are smaller lighter fifth wheel models, but they may not have all the features your looking for. Some manufacturers make "1/2 ton towables", I don't know if Jayco or Keystone do, since I'm done looking.

Hansel
02-21-2015, 02:43 PM
No. You just can't tow a big fifth wheel. There are smaller lighter fifth wheel models, but they may not have all the features your looking for. Some manufacturers make "1/2 ton towables", I don't know if Jayco or Keystone do, since I'm done looking.

Well I'm still looking but so far that one is the smallest one I've found.

chuckster57
02-21-2015, 02:50 PM
There has to one out there..... somewhere. Maybe an on-line search in RV trader, lots of different brands too look at, although I can say we have loved our old '97 Jayco for 13 1/2 yrs.

Hansel
02-21-2015, 04:23 PM
There has to one out there..... somewhere. Maybe an on-line search in RV trader, lots of different brands too look at, although I can say we have loved our old '97 Jayco for 13 1/2 yrs.

Ya I know there has too be something I've quickly looked at the 1/2 ton 5th wheels, but there weight's seem like they might be too much for a 1/2 ton:banghead::banghead:

sourdough
02-21-2015, 05:41 PM
There was a post on this forum the other day and I believe the poster was referencing a 5th wheel with a pin weight of around 900lbs. That seems awfully light, and we're dealing with my old geezer memory, but I'm sure that's what was posted. The poster may have been confused between a TT and 5th wheel but it may be something to try to search for.

Also, in your situation, the truck you have just has a low GVW. Newer ones are much higher and allow for more pin/stuff weight. Your truck is your limiting factor; it's not a "3/4 tons can't pull 5th wheels" generic assumption.

Hansel
02-21-2015, 05:49 PM
There was a post on this forum the other day and I believe the poster was referencing a 5th wheel with a pin weight of around 900lbs. That seems awfully light, and we're dealing with my old geezer memory, but I'm sure that's what was posted. The poster may have been confused between a TT and 5th wheel but it may be something to try to search for.

Also, in your situation, the truck you have just has a low GVW. Newer ones are much higher and allow for more pin/stuff weight. Your truck is your limiting factor; it's not a "3/4 tons can't pull 5th wheels" generic assumption.

I know my truck will pull it, I'm amazed at how little pin weight it can take.Then I look at all those trucks pulling way more than they should.

sourdough
02-21-2015, 06:24 PM
You're correct. In most cases anymore the engine can pull the load - just look at the max towing for all these trucks. The caveat is the payload. Over the past several years the Big 3 have been in a battle for the towing crown. Frames keep getting bigger/beefier, springs keep getting bigger along with every other chassis component. They have made a concerted effort to raise payloads because they knew it was a limitation. A new Ram 1500 can have up to 1600lbs of payload compared to your 250's 1800lbs - almost the same. My 2500 has a payload north of 3100lbs and they go up to almost 4000lbs. Big difference from the older trucks.

Pulling the trailer and pulling it safely are two different things. The newer trucks have bigger anti sway bars, electronic anti sway, bigger brakes etc. I know others pull overloaded; I see it all the time as do you. I never pulled overloaded but I pulled at the max for my 2012 Ram 1500. I knew the truck was not prepared for any kind of emergency situation. I couldn't put my wife, myself, pup or other innocent folks in harms way due to my negligence. That's just me.

Another thought: Why do you want a 5th wheel? They have some benefits but there are very nice TTs out there that provide nearly everything a 5ver does. Less weight, same amenities and something your truck won't have a problem with.

Hansel
02-22-2015, 07:25 PM
You're correct. In most cases anymore the engine can pull the load - just look at the max towing for all these trucks. The caveat is the payload. Over the past several years the Big 3 have been in a battle for the towing crown. Frames keep getting bigger/beefier, springs keep getting bigger along with every other chassis component. They have made a concerted effort to raise payloads because they knew it was a limitation. A new Ram 1500 can have up to 1600lbs of payload compared to your 250's 1800lbs - almost the same. My 2500 has a payload north of 3100lbs and they go up to almost 4000lbs. Big difference from the older trucks.

Pulling the trailer and pulling it safely are two different things. The newer trucks have bigger anti sway bars, electronic anti sway, bigger brakes etc. I know others pull overloaded; I see it all the time as do you. I never pulled overloaded but I pulled at the max for my 2012 Ram 1500. I knew the truck was not prepared for any kind of emergency situation. I couldn't put my wife, myself, pup or other innocent folks in harms way due to my negligence. That's just me.

Another thought: Why do you want a 5th wheel? They have some benefits but there are very nice TTs out there that provide nearly everything a 5ver does. Less weight, same amenities and something your truck won't have a problem with.


I'm just looking into the future of what me and dear wifey want, I'd like a 5th wheel too make towing easier puting some of the length over the truck. I've found a few TT that have the floor plan we like but they are over 30+ft:(

We are not buying right away so we are just testing the water so too speak, we have a RV show coming up here in Atlanta in a few weeks we are going too try and go.

chuckster57
02-22-2015, 07:29 PM
I can tell you one thing. Once you start towing a fiver, you'll never want a bumper pull again!!

JRTJH
02-22-2015, 07:43 PM
I can tell you one thing. Once you start towing a fiver, you'll never want a bumper pull again!!

AMEN TO THAT !!! (Finally, I've got a post shorter than Chuckster57) http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/new-year/confetti-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/)

bsmith0404
02-23-2015, 05:25 AM
Lately I've had to tow several 32'-33' TTs that weigh just under 7k lbs, I would much rather hook up to my 40' 15k lb 5er, it just pulls so much nicer and feels more secure/stable.

The Jayco 27.5 RLTS you are looking at is a very nice unit. My parents have the 30.5 RLTS, really has a lot of room in it, love the open floor plan. I know you just recently bought your 01 F-250, IMO, when you are ready to pull the trigger, don't sacrifice on camper due to the limitations of the older trucks. Look at stepping up to a newer model truck, 2011 or newer with the exhaust brake. You will have the towing/payload capacity you need, the trailer you want, and a really nice setup you'll love.

Hansel
02-23-2015, 12:04 PM
Lately I've had to tow several 32'-33' TTs that weigh just under 7k lbs, I would much rather hook up to my 40' 15k lb 5er, it just pulls so much nicer and feels more secure/stable.

The Jayco 27.5 RLTS you are looking at is a very nice unit. My parents have the 30.5 RLTS, really has a lot of room in it, love the open floor plan. I know you just recently bought your 01 F-250, IMO, when you are ready to pull the trigger, don't sacrifice on camper due to the limitations of the older trucks. Look at stepping up to a newer model truck, 2011 or newer with the exhaust brake. You will have the towing/payload capacity you need, the trailer you want, and a really nice setup you'll love.

I had a 2000 F-250 2WD that was totaled and it weighed in at 6500lbs meaning that truck could carry more, granted I need too weigh my 01 which is a 4X4 so I'm guessing it's probably over the 7000lb mark making it carry less:banghead: I'd love a new truck, and I'm not as in love with my 01 as I was my 2000 F-250. I've been kinda looking at a used GMC with a diesel I'm not touching Ford new diesel just yet, but my brother let me use his Chevy 2500HD because my truck was wrecked a week before camping, and I loved it!!! It was hard keeping it under 75mph towing my Laredo 284BH it was a beast too say the least.

I thank you guys for the imput, and keep it coming if anyone can shed some light on a light weight 5th wheel manufacture.

glenalt
02-23-2015, 04:28 PM
I'm just looking into the future of what me and dear wifey want, I'd like a 5th wheel too make towing easier puting some of the length over the truck. I've found a few TT that have the floor plan we like but they are over 30+ft:(

We are not buying right away so we are just testing the water so too speak, we have a RV show coming up here in Atlanta in a few weeks we are going too try and go.

I bought a 2005 Ram 2500 SLT LWB 5.9 Cummins. Love the truck and get 23mpg empty at 65 mph and towing my loaded 11,000 lb 5ver between 60-65 mph it gets 14 mpg on flat terrain. Great truck. Fords and Chevy's are good too.

Ken / Claudia
02-23-2015, 04:51 PM
Hansel, check out my truck. I scaled it many times. It comes in at 7800 lbs full of fuel and 2 adults (320 lbs about). I have a few lbs of extra rear springs, running boards and use tires rated at 3740 lb each Toyo 285x75x16 . So, you should be closer to 7800 lbs than 7000 lbs.

Hansel
02-23-2015, 07:17 PM
Hansel, check out my truck. I scaled it many times. It comes in at 7800 lbs full of fuel and 2 adults (320 lbs about). I have a few lbs of extra rear springs, running boards and use tires rated at 3740 lb each Toyo 285x75x16 . So, you should be closer to 7800 lbs than 7000 lbs.

Thanks for the specs, other than the extra springs our trucks are close too dead on then, in fact we have the same tires;) so this just verifies I need more truck for the type of camper we want in the future. Because even the so called 1/2 ton towable 5th wheels have more pin weight than I can handle at this point which really STINKS thinking I have a Super Duty diesel and it can't tow a 5th wheel:banghead::banghead:

JRTJH
02-23-2015, 08:21 PM
Hansel,

I had a 99 SuperDuty F250 supercab/short box 7.3L FX4 Lariat. It weighed in at 7450 with a GVW of 8800. Doing the math, my payload on that truck was 1350 pounds. That's less than the "standard" 7200 pound GVW F150's have today, which is closer to 1600 pounds. I can say that my 99 SuperDuty towed much better than my 2010 F150, but the payload just wasn't there.

By comparison, my 2013 F250 supercab long box 6.2l (gas) XLT weighs 7280 with a GVW of 10000. That's a payload of 2720 lbs. There is a member with a 2012 F250 crewcab long box XL 6.7l (diesel) and his door sticker lists his payload at 2629 with a 10000 GVW. His engine is about 500 pounds heavier than my 6.2l so the rest must be made up in the "stuff" that comes as an option on the XLT and not on the XL.

There is a big big difference in payload in trucks 10-20 years ago vs today's models.

bsmith0404
02-24-2015, 05:42 AM
I had a 2000 F-250 2WD that was totaled and it weighed in at 6500lbs meaning that truck could carry more, granted I need too weigh my 01 which is a 4X4 so I'm guessing it's probably over the 7000lb mark making it carry less:banghead: I'd love a new truck, and I'm not as in love with my 01 as I was my 2000 F-250. I've been kinda looking at a used GMC with a diesel I'm not touching Ford new diesel just yet, but my brother let me use his Chevy 2500HD because my truck was wrecked a week before camping, and I loved it!!! It was hard keeping it under 75mph towing my Laredo 284BH it was a beast too say the least.

I thank you guys for the imput, and keep it coming if anyone can shed some light on a light weight 5th wheel manufacture.

I remember when your 2000 got totaled.
Even if you look at the GMs look 2011 or newer. 2011 is the year they changed the frame and springs, it added a lot to the payload/GVWR. I've owned two 2011 Dmax's now (2500 and 3500), personally I would look at 2012. The 2011 was the first year with DEF and they had a few problems with NoX sensors that seem to have been ironed out in the 2012 and later. They are a beast though. Unfortunately for new buyers they hold their value well so it'll be a couple years before the prices drop much. My 3500 LTZ with 70k miles still has an NADA retail over $47k, it doesn't help that the new ones are starting to jump over $70k.

Rex1vt
02-24-2015, 06:30 AM
So basically anyone with a F-250 or equivalent really can't tow a 5th wheel:( this really STINKS!!!!

I have a 2004 F250 diesel and the brochure for 2004 has a page with towing and payload criteria for hauling fifth wheels .I would suggest you go to a Ford website or dealer to get the straight story for your truck.

Hansel
02-24-2015, 06:48 AM
I have a 2004 F250 diesel and the brochure for 2004 has a page with towing and payload criteria for hauling fifth wheels .I would suggest you go to a Ford website or dealer to get the straight story for your truck.

I looked up the book on the F-250 in the 7.3L supplement book and found this:

F-250 with 3.73 gear
GCWR 20,000lbs
Max trailer 10,000lbs.

Then this statement, that confuses me:confused:

1 Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GCWR.

So know I'm even more confused:banghead:

Hansel
02-24-2015, 06:49 AM
I remember when your 2000 got totaled.
Even if you look at the GMs look 2011 or newer. 2011 is the year they changed the frame and springs, it added a lot to the payload/GVWR. I've owned two 2011 Dmax's now (2500 and 3500), personally I would look at 2012. The 2011 was the first year with DEF and they had a few problems with NoX sensors that seem to have been ironed out in the 2012 and later. They are a beast though. Unfortunately for new buyers they hold their value well so it'll be a couple years before the prices drop much. My 3500 LTZ with 70k miles still has an NADA retail over $47k, it doesn't help that the new ones are starting to jump over $70k.

What I'm looking at is a 2012 3500HD dually 4X4 with 141,000 miles for 32K

bsmith0404
02-24-2015, 07:04 AM
I looked up the book on the F-250 in the 7.3L supplement book and found this:

F-250 with 3.73 gear
GCWR 20,000lbs
Max trailer 10,000lbs.

Then this statement, that confuses me:confused:

1 Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GCWR.

So know I'm even more confused:banghead:

That is a typical "Max" trailer weight calculation. Take the GCWR, subtract your GVWR and it tells you how much is left as a maximum for trailer weight. That does not factor in payload, GAWR, options, etc. It just simply says if all conditions are right, your trailer "could" weigh this much. The manufacturers cannot account for everything from cargo, to pin weight, just to many factors. They just say you could tow this much, but it's up to you to make sure all of the other parameters are within tolerance.

Rex1vt
02-24-2015, 07:10 AM
I have a 2004 F250 diesel and the brochure for 2004 has a page with towing and payload criteria for hauling fifth wheels .I would suggest you go to a Ford website or dealer to get the straight story for your truck.

The 2004(3.73) brochure shows max trailer weight for F350 @12,700 (crew,4x4,srw).The F250 footnote reduces the max trailer weight to 10,400.I was told by the Ford service manager that the difference was because of 350 vs 250 breaks, but trailer breaks bring the max back up,also bringing the GCWR to the 20,000 shown on the chart.

bsmith0404
02-24-2015, 07:32 AM
The 2004(3.73) brochure shows max trailer weight for F350 @12,700 (crew,4x4,srw).The F250 footnote reduces the max trailer weight to 10,400.I was told by the Ford service manager that the difference was because of 350 vs 250 breaks, but trailer breaks bring the max back up,also bringing the GCWR to the 20,000 shown on the chart.

I find that statement very interesting since most states require trailer brakes on anything over 3k lbs (some less). Makes me wonder why Ford would "lower" the towing capacity down to 10,400, but say if you have trailer brakes you can tow more. Every state would require trailer brakes on anything that heavy. Sounds like an "opinion" of service manager to me.

sourdough
02-24-2015, 02:50 PM
For OP

Below is a link that gives numbers for your 2001 F250. You have to really read the categories at the top, the type of truck etc. You will have to look at about 3 different tables to come up with payload (cargo in Ford's terms), towing, 5th wheel etc. Your issue will be payload. There is a table for 5th wheel towing and the trailer weights are higher than the 10000 you found. GCVW at 20000 does not change. Some of the F250 diesels have a payload as low as 1200lbs or so.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2001/campercd.pdf

Hansel
02-25-2015, 09:31 AM
For OP

Below is a link that gives numbers for your 2001 F250. You have to really read the categories at the top, the type of truck etc. You will have to look at about 3 different tables to come up with payload (cargo in Ford's terms), towing, 5th wheel etc. Your issue will be payload. There is a table for 5th wheel towing and the trailer weights are higher than the 10000 you found. GCVW at 20000 does not change. Some of the F250 diesels have a payload as low as 1200lbs or so.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2001/campercd.pdf

Thanks for the link:)

If I read it correctly my truck a 156" wheel base 4X4 diesel can only carry 1159lbs.:banghead: so if I think back it can't even take the pin weight of a 1/2 ton towable 5th wheel. THIS STINKS!!!!!!!:banghead:

sourdough
02-25-2015, 09:59 AM
Unfortunately that's what it says. I found a keystone x lite at about 26' with a pin weight of about 1125 if I recall but by the time you load the trailer and install a hitch even that would exceed your payload. Maybe an upgraded TT? If not, maybe an upgraded truck to go with your upgraded trailer (5ver)? I know it's not a neat option.

Hansel
02-25-2015, 10:03 AM
Unfortunately that's what it says. I found a keystone x lite at about 26' with a pin weight of about 1125 if I recall but by the time you load the trailer and install a hitch even that would exceed your payload. Maybe an upgraded TT? If not, maybe an upgraded truck to go with your upgraded trailer (5ver)? I know it's not a neat option.

What really chafes my butt is that I have a Super Duty diesel, that can't tow a 5th wheel, it should be called a Super WIMPY!!!!!


Sorry for venting I'm just getting more and more pee'd off about my trucks capabilities.

Anyone heard of this line of 5th wheel's??

http://www.livinlite.com/camplite32rls-overview.php

Javi
02-25-2015, 10:20 AM
There was a day not that far distant past that a 3/4 ton pickup was just that a 3/4 ton (1500 lbs) truck.. meaning that the base stripped down model had a payload of 1500 pounds and as you added accessories you deducted from that load limit.. Then one fine day... 1/2 ton pickups had payloads of 2500 pounds..

The world is an amazing place... now where is my class 8 tractor, I need to pick up the grandkids.. :D

sourdough
02-25-2015, 11:31 AM
You'r right Javi. As the truck manufacturers have gotten into the towing wars in the recent past we forget that the truck designations literally came from what they were meant to haul back when and a 3/4 ton truck was just that - 1500lbs. Now they can go up to about 4000lbs and are still called 3/4 ton. LOTS of change.

Hansel
02-27-2015, 11:25 AM
Well here are some sad number's for me getting a 5th wheel with my current truck (F-250)

Steer Axle =4560lbs.
Drive Axle= 3180lbs.
Gross Weight=7740lbs.

So if ya take me out I'm 285lbs (but I'm done from 305lbs)

That makes the truck with a almost full tank of fuel 7,740lbs:eek:

So when I add back in me (285lb) and let's just say (300lbs.) for wifey and 5th wheel hitch, my truck is going too weigh in at 8,040lbs so that leaves 760lbs payload or pin weight roughly.

Looks like we will be shopping for a new travel trailer:rolleyes:

gtsum2
02-27-2015, 11:56 AM
Any decent sized trailer will be pushing your payload capacity. Might need to be looking at a new truck! Am what is the gvwr of ur truck? Less than 9k u r saying? How old is it?

Hansel
02-27-2015, 12:19 PM
Any decent sized trailer will be pushing your payload capacity. Might need to be looking at a new truck! Am what is the gvwr of ur truck? Less than 9k u r saying? How old is it?

It's a 2001 F-250 CCSRW 4X4 with a 7.3L powerstroke, total towing combined weight is 20,000lbs

Festus2
02-27-2015, 12:54 PM
Hansel -
Have you checked into or considered an older 5th wheel? It seems that many of the older models were smaller and lighter than today's 5ths which appear to be larger and heavier. I'm talking about units that are 6-8 years old - Keystone as well as other manufacturers. There are probably some used 5th wheels that are on the market that have been well maintained and "look new" but even after looking you may find that you are still limited by your TV's payload - or lack of it.

Hansel
03-02-2015, 09:10 AM
Hansel -
Have you checked into or considered an older 5th wheel? It seems that many of the older models were smaller and lighter than today's 5ths which appear to be larger and heavier. I'm talking about units that are 6-8 years old - Keystone as well as other manufacturers. There are probably some used 5th wheels that are on the market that have been well maintained and "look new" but even after looking you may find that you are still limited by your TV's payload - or lack of it.

I'm really not in the market for a used unit, too find out someone gave me there problems, I've been bitten too much by that lately. I know Airbags will not change the 8800lbs GVWR but is that an option??? Atleast it won't look overloaded:rolleyes: we are going too a big RV show this weekend in Atlanta so I'm hoping too find a ton of information about what we can get.

C130
03-02-2015, 05:09 PM
I'm really not in the market for a used unit, too find out someone gave me there problems, I've been bitten too much by that lately. I know Airbags will not change the 8800lbs GVWR but is that an option??? Atleast it won't look overloaded:rolleyes: we are going too a big RV show this weekend in Atlanta so I'm hoping too find a ton of information about what we can get.

I understand not wanting to buy used but there are very nice used units out there to be found and many of the issues new ones typically encounter have been fixed. I looked for several months and bought a 2 year old toy hauler that was just like new. The person that had bought it had already worked out the few issues and I didn't have to deal with them. My first prerequisite was that it had to have been stored inside, no exceptions. It had only been used about 3 times, never had anything hauled in the garage, never cooked in. I saved around $18,000-$20,000. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a new one but my next one still may be a slightly used one if I find the right one and they are out there. I'd like to have the automatic leveling system, that's really the one thing I'd like to have that my 2011 Fuzion doesn't have. I also don't even think Fuzion makes a 35 foot toy hauler any more. I believe the new ones start out around 37 feet so a slightly used one may save some weight.

I still keep it in a fully enclosed storage unit and it looks better than most that are one or two years old. I'm just not convinced new is the way to go in RV's though for me to buy used I have to get a heck of a deal. It also takes time and patience which some don't have. I basically bought mine for what they had just been offered by an RV dealer.

Hansel
03-02-2015, 05:44 PM
I understand not wanting to buy used but there are very nice used units out there to be found and many of the issues new ones typically encounter have been fixed. I looked for several months and bought a 2 year old toy hauler that was just like new. The person that had bought it had already worked out the few issues and I didn't have to deal with them. My first prerequisite was that it had to have been stored inside, no exceptions. It had only been used about 3 times, never had anything hauled in the garage, never cooked in. I saved around $18,000-$20,000. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a new one but my next one still may be a slightly used one if I find the right one and they are out there. I'd like to have the automatic leveling system, that's really the one thing I'd like to have that my 2011 Fuzion doesn't have. I also don't even think Fuzion makes a 35 foot toy hauler any more. I believe the new ones start out around 37 feet so a slightly used one may save some weight.

I still keep it in a fully enclosed storage unit and it looks better than most that are one or two years old. I'm just not convinced new is the way to go in RV's though for me to buy used I have to get a heck of a deal. It also takes time and patience which some don't have. I basically bought mine for what they had just been offered by an RV dealer.

You make some very good points. Maybe I will start looking around for some used camper's:)

jkohler70
03-03-2015, 06:11 AM
If you are concerned, just avoid purchase from a private party. Many reputable RV dealers have a large inventory of used rigs. These get inspected and cleaned by the dealer before being offered for sale. You may even be able to get a warranty out of them.
If I was buying used, there are two things I would examine closely - the roof and floor. Check every square inch of the floor for softness and see if it appears to have been replaced. Check the roof for tears, and look closely at the end seams for broken caulk.
RV's depreciate quickly in the first couple of years. You can save a lot of money going that route.

C130
03-03-2015, 08:04 AM
You make some very good points. Maybe I will start looking around for some used camper's:)

I looked at a bunch of used ones and never even considered buying any of them until I found the one that I eventually purchased. I had a couple of things going for me though; it was in the middle of nowhere so limited buyers and they had been trying to sell it for a while. I was willing to drive out to get it which wasn't that far from Dallas but still limited the potential buyers. They owed $10,000 more than I was willing to pay which is pretty common but I had no issues with the transaction. My bank wouldn't do anything until it was paid down to what I was paying them so my bank took care of everything and made it very painless. The people I bought from could not have been nicer and very upfront and honest.

I still would not buy one unless it's been stored inside. Protects the roof along with everything else and shows the owner takes care of it most likely. Most had not been stored inside and it instantly shows as soon as you look at it. Of course it's hard to go wrong with new and a warranty but at the right price you can get a great deal. I also looked at used ones at dealerships but I could buy new for not much more.

Hansel
03-03-2015, 09:34 AM
If you are concerned, just avoid purchase from a private party. Many reputable RV dealers have a large inventory of used rigs. These get inspected and cleaned by the dealer before being offered for sale. You may even be able to get a warranty out of them.
If I was buying used, there are two things I would examine closely - the roof and floor. Check every square inch of the floor for softness and see if it appears to have been replaced. Check the roof for tears, and look closely at the end seams for broken caulk.
RV's depreciate quickly in the first couple of years. You can save a lot of money going that route.

I hear ya on the roof, that's what I'm dealing with now. I'm paying the price for not doing what I wanted too do 9 years ago which is making a gravel parking spot and having a metal RV carport too store it under, in fact I've started the project just 9 years too late.

Thanks for the tips, you guys have been awesome which comments and idea's.(tx)(tx)

rhagfo
03-03-2015, 10:36 PM
Okay so I've read and done searches on pin weight's because in the future we (wifey and I ) plan on trading in a TT which has bunk beds for something more for just us. I want a 5th wheel but it seems like I don't think I can get much of a camper, now this is just guessing and I know I need too make a trip too the CAT scale's, but my old 2000 F-250 weighed in at 6560lbs (2WD) so now I have a 2001 F-250 7.3L 4X4 so I would guess it's over 7,000lbs easy. Now the door sticker has a 8800lb GVWR so if I understand correctly and the truck is 7000lbs I can add 1800lbs, take out me and dear wifey so know maybe 1450lbs.

So we have found a possible new camper, it's a Jayco (Sorry Don't hate us) but that is the one the camper dealer had that has the features we want, so here are the manufactures weight's

http://www.jayco.com/products/fifth-wheels/2015-eagle-ht/275rlts/

Jayco Eagle HT 37.5RLTS
Unloaded 7625lbs
Dry hitch 1260lbs
GVWR 9950lbs
Cargo cap. 2325

So when looking at these number's and I know that I can't really go by them, but even thou I think my truck can handle it, is my truck just not enough for a 5th wheel or should I just stick with a TT?????

Thanks guys, but I need some guidance:D

Will say this is not a recommendation just the situation I find myself and am comfortable.

TV is a 2001 Ram 2500 Cummins 4X4 with Camper Package, meaning it came with 3500 springs, larger tires, and rear sway bar. NONE of which is reflected on the VIN sticker. I have the build sheet with the Camper package and the larger 265/75-16 (3,415#) tires compared to the stock 245/75-16 (3,042#) tires.
When we went to buy the current 5er we knew we would be close or over GVWR, I required that we hook up the 5er before before signing the papers as we had a 250 mile tow home and wanted to be sure it sat some what level, and the TV didn't squat too much.
It fit great and the TV was still better than level. Signed the papers and paid for it and hit the road.

Well on the first trip stopped at the scales on the way home!:D

To say the least a good bit over GVWR, but well under all axle, and way way under tire ratings.
The 5er ratings are:
Dry weight 9,820#
GVWR 12,360#
Tows at just over 11,000#
Pin loaded 2,000#

Tows, handles, and stops like a dream.

Yes, likely in legal limbo, but don't see too much of an issue. If it didn't tow and handle the way it does, I would get a 3500 (not bigger just a different number on the side, and VIN).

No bags or Timbren's, just stock running gear.


http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_162698_0_bc2533b933d81dff7b7e4cc88b383621.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_162698_1_ad18fe3dd903faf909c4e27801387243.jpg

To the OP, that Jayco, might come in just under your GVWR, some these weights for hitches these guys throw out, are a bit out of line. I am not weak, but I know my Reese twin jaw weighs nowhere near 200#, more like 100#.
Pin on that Jayco runs about 17% dry, and not too large of a basement so likely not going to change much.

bsmith0404
03-04-2015, 07:28 PM
Have you looked at the new Jayco's? I just pulled a 30' 5er, GVWR was just under 10k, when I pulled across the scales it only added 1900 lbs to my truck weight. It also had a standard receiver hitch which I thought was pretty cool. I didn't look at the load capacity of it, but it was nice to see the manufacturer add it, takes all of the debate of warranty concerns away.