Hello from Bend, OR

Povo · 06-25-2013, 01:44 PM

I am new to this forum so I am going to jump right in with a question and see if anyone has an opinion (I'm guessing there are a few opinions out there).

We have a 2009 27' Cougar fifth wheel (1/2 tom series) with a single slide out that we tow with a Dodge 2500 shortbed and a Superglide hitch. We love the whole set up. However the one thing we are missing that we didn't think would be significant is a bedroom slide out.

We are now considering a Cougar 327RES. Looks like a great floor plan with three slide outs. It's a bit longer than our current rig (about 6') and will be heavier as it isn't the 1/2 ton series. The new 2014 will be available the end of July but there is also a 2011 coming into our dealer that sounds like it is in perfect shape. We've looked at enough Cougars to feel good about the floor plan, but I haven't done the math regarding the weight. Our Dodge has air bags and I believe it should be more than up to the task. But I'm wondering if there is anyting I should be considering about either the fifth wheel or my truck.

Thoughts?

Dhuhn · 06-25-2013, 01:54 PM

I think you will be just fine with your truck and new 5er.

**JRTJH** · 06-25-2013, 03:52 PM

Povo,

to the forum. There's a wealth of information about Cougars, Keystone and Rving in general. Pull up a chair and read a while. If you have any comments or questions, join in, we're happy to have you with us.

You didn't say what engine/transmission/rear end ratio you have in your Dodge 2500. If it's a small gas engine with an "economy" ratio, you may have some issues with heavier trailers, however if its a diesel, or a big gas engine, and a 3.73 or taller rear end, you should be just fine.

Povo · 06-25-2013, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the invite! It is a 5.7 liter hemi / heavy duty. How would I know what the rear end is?

**JRTJH** · 06-25-2013, 05:21 PM

It's listed on the window sticker, and there's a "build sheet" stuck on the driver's door with a code for which rear end (or if it's 4WD, which rear ends) is installed. That "build sheet" also has the GAWR's for the front and rear axles, the transmission code, and a host of other information (all in codes) that you'll need to look up either in the owner's manual or on line at Dodge.

Povo · 06-25-2013, 05:58 PM

Hmm, can I safely assume that a 4 wheel drive, heavy duty, 5.7 liter Hemi is up to the challenge? I looked at the build sheet and I have to admit it's Greek to me.

Festus2 · 06-25-2013, 06:29 PM

Povo -
If you are close to a Dodge/Ram dealership in Bend, you can take your truck in there and they will be able to help you out with the truck specs and build sheet.
You also mentioned that it has airbags which will help make the ride a bit smoother and to make the TV and the RV sit more level but the airbags will not do anything to increase your payload or towing capacity.

Kalico Daxx · 07-04-2013, 03:39 PM

I just traded up from a 1/2 ton series cougar to a 327RES. We love it. I tow with my 2007 3500 dodge ram with air bags.(without the silly re-bruner) I have no problems towing the new fiver. I have only had it a few weeks and we took it out the first time from the Willamette Valley to Prineville oregon. (3-4 hrs from west side of the state to the central high desert). The truck did just fine. I pulled in tow/haul mode with the exhaust brake. Sometimes the shifts were very abrupt, but even going around corners slow, the truck was able to come back up to speed-uphill too-with very little issue. There isn't much difference between the 2500 and 3500 RAM. (I also don't recall which running gear I have in the rear end). I know this is long, sorry, but although I have a lot more trailer and had the same concerns when we traded up, I no longer have those concerns. I am getting about 9-10 mpg going east, and got 10-12mpg coming back.

labs4life · 07-04-2013, 04:11 PM

The biggest difference in the two is payload. That is the limiting factor to most of the "3/4" ton trucks. It is the case as well with my f250. Plenty of motor, transmission, and rear end, just short on the payload number.

**JRTJH** · 07-04-2013, 05:26 PM

Labs, The diesel weighs about 700-1,000 lbs more than the gas engine. In Fords, it's at the 700 mark. So, an F250 with a 10,000 GVW and 6.2L gas engine may have a payload of 2747 lbs when equipped with a diesel engine may only have a payload of 2000 lbs (or close to that).

My truck, in the Ford spec sheets indicates a payload of 3350, the door sticker indicates 2747. That's a big difference, and adding a diesel takes an even bigger chunk out of the payload. It's conceivable to overload an F250 diesel towing a fifth wheel pin weighing 1700-1800 lbs if you've got a couple of teenagers, a DW and any cargo at all in the bed.

labs4life · 07-04-2013, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Labs, The diesel weighs about 700-1,000 lbs more than the gas engine. In Fords, it's at the 700 mark. So, an F250 with a 10,000 GVW and 6.2L gas engine may have a payload of 2747 lbs when equipped with a diesel engine may only have a payload of 2000 lbs (or close to that).

My truck, in the Ford spec sheets indicates a payload of 3350, the door sticker indicates 2747. That's a big difference, and adding a diesel takes an even bigger chunk out of the payload. It's conceivable to overload an F250 diesel towing a fifth wheel pin weighing 1700-1800 lbs if you've got a couple of teenagers, a DW and any cargo at all in the bed.

I started a thread a few weeks ago about real world payload of a f 250 6.7 diesel. Mine weighs 7960 if I remember right with only my behind and a 3/4 tank of fuel. I have the 10k gvwr package so I know what you mean. Payload is a bit shy of the stated amount.

I guess I was trying to give insight without the technical data.

**JRTJH** · 07-04-2013, 06:19 PM

hehe, I kinda "thunk" that's what you were getting at. It's suprising how many people think a 3/4 ton can pretty much tow any fifth wheel on the market. Honestly, some of the "half ton series" come pretty close to maxing out a "standard GVW" F250 diesel.

Then to think, "back in the old days" when a 3/4 ton had a GVW of 7200 or 7500 lbs and a 360 CU IN 4 bbl gas engine with a 3 speed automatic transmission (or 4 speed manual), trucks are bigger now, but still "aren't big enough" for all applications LOL

suza · 07-08-2013, 08:25 AM

We recently purchased a 2014 279RKS. We wanted a smaller fifth-wheel with plenty of room and loved the floor plan. The 2014 model includes a slide out wardrobe in the bedroom which makes a big difference over previous years. Selling points for us were the rear kitchen with abundant counter space and a picture window; an open floor plan; access to bathroom and most of the kitchen with the main slide in; and lighter weight.

We tow with a F350 Super Duty Power Stroke diesel 4WD equipped with tow pkg. Weight wasn't a real issue, but it sure helps the MPG. We get 12-15mpg average when towing. Have seen as high as 18 towing on the freeway with few hills.

We're happy with the 1/2 Ton Series; it fits our needs well. Of course, this opinion might change in future years

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