New Fifth Wheel Owner Seeking Hitch and Truck Opinions

[turner46]

Hey everyone, like I said above Im a new fifth wheel owner and also a first timer. I work in construction and was tired of hotels or sharing small places with other construction workers so I went out to get a trailer and went with the nicest I seen a 2012 3700 re keystone alpine fifth wheel. The dealership towed it out to where Im working for me at the end of March and Im loving it so far. However Im really considering on going on a trip in the winter and taking my fifth wheel with me and would appreciate any and all advice on fifth wheel hitches (first time pulling) and truck selection (short box vs long box etc...)

Thanks

[KanTC]

Welcome to the forum turner46, and congratulations on your new home on wheels.

Regardless of which truck 'brand' you choose, you'll need a 1 ton (350/3500) to tow a
5th wheel of that size & weight. A dually (DRW) might even be necessary for the amount of
towing capacity that you'll need, and also for stability while while towing.

In addition to required towing capacity, pay close attention to the available payload/cargo
capacity of the truck you're considering... you'll need a sizable amount due to the heavy
hitch weight, plus the added weight of the 5th wheel hitch, and any supplies/gear & passengers
in the truck.

We've never owned a rig of this size or a long-bed truck, but here are the specs for your Alpine,
so that others with first-hand experience can respond.

2012 Alpine 3700RE
http://www.keystone-alpine.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=3700RE&year=2012

(Dry) Shipping Weight 12,450
Carrying Capacity 3,050
(Dry) Hitch 2,390
Length 39' 5"

Trailer GVWR 15,500 lbs
Loaded hitch weight at 20% of GVWR = 3,100 lbs


Happy shopping...
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[CampJKL]

Agree on a one ton... Just make it a Dodge! (ha) Seriously choose what brand YOU like just make it a one ton.

Hitch? Spend the bling and get a Pull-Right super glide... Especially if you end up with a 6' bed truck. You won't ever regret it.

[jbsmith]

My vote would be for the Ram 3500 Megacab DRW Laramie with 6.7L CTD and an 18k Pullrite. That'll set you back around $65k MSRP and another $2.8K for the hitch. That's the direction we're moving in a couple of years when we upgrade. I've already got the hitch and couldn't be more happy.

[JoeofNSB]

Well, the Chevy and Dodge guys/girls have checked in so I guess the Ford guy should too. I have a Ford F550, 6 wheel drive, 7.3 diesel pulling a 3612DS Raptor. Yes, it is bigger than it needs to be but I would rather have it an not need it than need it and not have it. Like the others have said get at least a 1 ton unit and a really good hitch. Best of luck to you and happy shopping!!!

[turner46]

So the Super Glide is the best? Im not sure if Im getting short box or long box as of now leaning chev/gmc dually so it would be a long box, does the super glide still work well with a long box?

[dave-g]

you would not need the super glide if you go to a long bed.

Also you do need a 1 ton- I agree with every one.

That is a very heavy trailer. You did not say new or used truck- my new ford came with a integrated brake controller. If you are buying used and it does not have a factory brake controller get a proportional out put break controller.

The old style controllers, when you put you foot on the break just ramp to a set point. The new style controllers measure the change in speed of the truck and match the trailer breaks to it. They work 4 million times better then the old style.

[mhs4771]

1 Ton Dually and if you go GM it'll be a long bed so no need for the slider. Spring for at least a 20K hitch. We're pulling a 16.5K gross rig with a 2011 Chevy Dually Extended cab, and it does a great job, average approx 10.5 mpg.

[geo]

Turner46 -

I have an Alpine, and I have a 1-ton dually. Please let me assure you, even on the plains of Saskatchewan, you will want the 1-ton dually. That will be a long bed, so no need for a slider hitch. I know the "truck wars" could break out at this point, but find a 1-ton truck that you like. My own personal choice after my own research was the 2011 Ford F350 for many reasons. (And after two years, I am even more pleased with my choice.) The F350 can be ordered "fifth wheel ready" with the factory installed hitch mountings in place and a Reese Elite 25K fifth wheel hitch. I would assume this package might also be found on the sales lot. But again, you will be driving your truck, so you should make your own decision.

Though a separate topic, you mention winter camping. Now the 1-ton dually will make it easier to escape the northern winter conditions. However, unless you are planning to come way south in the States, you might want to investigate how well your Alpine is conditioned to Canadian winters. Though the advertised Alpine insulation ratings seem impressive, the ways that cold air can find around this insulation might surprise you.

Ron

[LittleJoe]

Get at the very LEAST a 3500 with the longest WB possible(read long box).This trailer is definately out of the light weight category. You will never be sorry if you get a DRW with this trailer.

[CampJKL]

My vote would be for the Ram 3500 Megacab DRW Laramie with 6.7L CTD and an 18k Pullrite. That'll set you back around $65k MSRP and another $2.8K for the hitch. That's the direction we're moving in a couple of years when we upgrade. I've already got the hitch and couldn't be more happy.

I got the 2007 version of that set up...and no regrets!

[Herap]

First, welcome to the forum :wlcm:. As for a truck, pick the brand you prefer, but I would nix the short bed for two reasons. First, Ford and GM (don't know abour Dodge) have small gas (diesel) tanks, only 25 gallons while the log beds all have about 35 or so. Next, you never know what you'll want to put into your bed with or without your trailer hitched. An 8 foot bed will eliminate any issue here. Lastly, someone mentioned PullRite. I use it and I have piece of mind with it, I would also go with the 18K for reasons mentioned by others. Whatever you decide on, good luck and happy camping.

Ray

[turner46]

I test drove a 2012 3500 laramie longhorn dually, mega cab short box today and liked the ride and the interior. The salesman and owner were good and to deal with and the owner was able to take 13,900 off the sticker price of 78,550 cdn. I also talked to him about wanting a long box but he didnt have any in but he said he could order one and it too would be around 13,900 off the sticker price. Also 2012 is the last year Dodge doesnt have a def fluid so Im wondering how important that should be in my decision.

I went to a Chevy/GM Dealer also and talked about ordering a Denali Dually and the price would be similar. He said sticker is around 78 and he could sell for around 65. He didnt have any in to test drive though.

I may go to a Ford dealer later today and check in too but it seems like price for all 3 will be similar its just gonna be what I prefer and decide to go with.

1 question Id like to ask to the new Ford and GM Diesel owners is what you think about the new DEF fluids as Dodge doesnt have this until 2013 so that may weigh into my decision.

[jbsmith]

The non-DEF Cummins is a mixed blessing. No DEF to fuss with, but that comes at a penalty of reduced fuel efficiency and reports of clogged particulate filter. There are ways to delete the EGR and DPF but your warranty will be affected and if you have strict emissions check stations you will probably fail their inspection.

I originally was steering away from DEF, i.e. Chevy and Ford, but with unreasonably high diesel fuel costs, I'm gonna wait for the 2013 or late 2013/2014 Ram Limited with DEF 6.7L before upgrading my 5.9L. There are also some really nice changes/features coming with the 2013 HD truck.

[fivergeezer]

I did quite a bit of research before I decided on the B&W Companion Hitch. It removes easily and allows you to use the bed unobstructed by any rails or pieces of angle iron. By all accounts it is the best of the best. I've had mine through 2 fifth-wheels and it's been flawless. Trade trucks and all you need to by is the updated adapter kit and you're good to go.

My 2012 Montana 3402RL measures 39'-1" and it pulls just fine with my 2007 Chevy 1-ton dually diesel. I just replaced the original tires, not because of tread wear but because of age. The new Michelins are quieter and smoother than the OEM's.

[turner46]

I think Im close to deciding. Dodge will let me build my own truck and a 3500 drw laramie longhorn crew cab long box sagebrush pearl two tone color with the max tow package, chrome side steps and power sunroof 73,425 msrp i could get it for 59,870.

My other option is a 3500 DRW Denali MSRP 81575 can go for 67968. GM Ive been leaning towards but its too late to order one in for 2012, and this unit has rear dvd which I feel is like 2000 wasted by me as it will get very little use if any.

So what im looking for I guess is any last advice, experiences, any sites(references) to check out. Ive seen the Reviews and Videos on chev or gm .ca about the battle in the rockies and another test done by pickuptrucks.com but would appreciate any other advice out there.

[mguay]

Definately a DRW...I'm a fan of the B&W hitch...tried the reese and hated the banging. If you've got the coin, how about a Trailer Saver?

[Hansel]

I will agree with everyone else on the 1 ton DRW truck, I love my 7.3L powerstroke but if your looking for a brand new truck get the GMC with the diesel, Fords diesel's are not IMHO as proven as the GMC Duramax is, give Ford a few more years to refine the 6.7L but right now if I had to replace my truck and couldn't find another 7.3L I'd get a GMC.

[seahunter]

In my extensive research, the only set-up which will safely tow a larger fifth wheel like this is a one ton DRW. I have a 2012 diesel DRW F350 and the payload is only 3700 pounds as per the camper certification - not the 6,000 pounds as per the brochure. With a 15.5k trailer, that makes a tongue weight of approximately 3,100 pounds. This only leaves 600 pound buffer for hitch, fuel, etc. If this is the case, then a SRW or 3/4 ton would not even come close to safely towing a 15k + trailer in my opinion.