2007 Keystone Everest 344 J; 5th wheel

[Camper88]

Hello everybody,
my wife and I want to introduce ourselves as camping newcomers having just finished our 1st camping trip (7 weeks, 8,200 Miles) in a rented Motorhome.
As we enjoyed it very much, we intend buy a used 2007 Keystone
Everest 344 J, which is currently being offered.
Being two inexperienced 5th-wheelers not having a pull truck yet, we need some advice of what is the best and most economical pull truck (Diesel, pre-owned; not older than 4 years) for this trailer.
Thanks for your help and best regards
Vivian & Peter

[Festus2]

Welcome to the forum, Vivian and Peter. Regarding your question about which tow vehicle you should get, we have just gathered numerous suggestions and recommendations to address this very question..."Which tow vehicle should I get?"
I would strongly suggest that you go to the "Odds 'n Ends" section of the forum and read all of the posts that members have submitted to help new members like yourselves who have asked this same question. See the sticky "Moderators Need Your Input" in the Odds 'n Ends section.

There are many factors to consider when trying to answer your question and we are encouraging members to do a lot of pre-reading and research themselves. I am sure that, after reading these posts, you will have a better idea of what I am referring to.
You are asking a "loaded" question when you ask which is the best brand of truck and I know you will get 3 answers: Ford, Dodge, GMC/Chev. We have already debated this topic at great lengths and the answers are always the same: Ford, Dodge, GMC/Chev. You will find that each member has their favorite and will recommend one brand over another. I think all would agree that you are very safe buying one of those 3 and that most would also recommend a diesel over gas. But in the end, it will be your choice and you will need to do some homework matching your RV with your future tow vehicle.

In addition, there are several weights and other data regarding your 5th wheel which are needed before any answer can be given. Since we don't know what those figures are, we can't really be of much help. I would strongly suggest that you read all of these posts first, then come back to us if you still require help.
There is also a ton of information to be found on the Internet --- some of these sites are mentioned in these posts.

[KanTC]

Welcome to the forum Peter & Vivian,

You can find the Everest specs & info in the 2007 brochure, posted here:

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2133


Given the fact that the 344J is a larger/heavier 5th wheel, a 350/3500 diesel truck would be the minimum. We've never towed a 37 ft long trailer, but those members who do, can give you a better opinion as to whether or not a dually might the best match (for stability) with this trailer.

As for truck 'brand'... while towing, your fuel mileage will probably be fairly similar regardless, so I'll simply suggest that you test drive each 'brand' & choose what best suits your preferences, in addition to matching truck towing capabilities to the trailer.

There's good info in the posts suggested by Festus2.

Good luck with your decision & happy camping!

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)