Recent content by Bamaman

Grand Design has a Reflection model 303 fifth wheel that's very popular with 3/4 ton truck owners.  It has about 1700 lbs. pin weight and 9600 lbs. dry weight.  I would think it may be the max your truck could handle.  And it's a very substantial mid size fifth wheel trailer. I have a new Grand...

Go with a B&W Companion fifth wheel hitch, as it'll mount directly on a 2 5/16" ball in the bottom of your truck bed.  Quality, fit and finish is top notch on this American built component.

I've read online of a number of grease seal failures on axles that were supplied on Lippert built fifth wheel trailer chassis'. It would appear they're using bearings that are not of the best quality--simply put.  And unfortunately, it is a safety issue when the wheel grease gets into the the...

This is a very discussed subject on a number of RV blogs.  We read day after day of those that have had problems such as yours.  Just because a tire is LT and 10 ply or E load rating, it may not be the best suited for a RV.  My Toyo Open Country 3/4 ton truck tires have given good truck...

I have a 37' Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel with 4 sliders.  I'm thoroughly pleased with the fit and finish in the 10 months of ownership.  The company is one of the most customer oriented companies I've ever experienced.  If you have problems and mention them on their owner website, it's...

The most popular front a/c units are the Dometic Penguin II's--low profile 13.5 btu units.  If possible, you can install them ducted into the same ductwork as your rear a/c unit. If you go non-ducted, such a unit can keep hanging meat cold enough for long term storage. They're not particularly...

The only Chevy Suburban I've ever seen as a toad was on an aluminum car trailer, and it was behind a Prevost. I wasn't aware that the running gear lubrication requirements would allow any Chevy truck to be towed. You shouldn't consider towing a Suburban behind a Class C.  Worse come to worse...

I research tires on TireRack.com.  Then I compare delivered prices with DiscountTireDirect.com and TreadDepot.com.  Costco is about the only competitive local tire operation, but they're 75 miles away. It cost me $50 to have 4 tires mounted and balanced.  I will always beat any local tire store...

It doesn't matter whether the trailer is new or old, first thing every owner should do is check the hubs carefully for leaking seals, etc.  It happens all the time on brand new RV's with electric brakes. On any used trailer, the hubs should be physically inspected, cleaned and repacked. Every...

After about 60K, I switched over to Bilsteins on my F250 diesel.  They did okay, but I cannot say they were the best thing since sliced bread.  And they were very expensive, however. At 115K miles, my tire dealer on an alignment said my shocks and a bad tie rod end resulted in my losing about...

I see the Weight Police are out today. The answer to your question is that no, your F250 is not going to handle the PIN weight that such a trailer puts out.  3/4 ton rear axle components and the Sterling axle housing are not strong enough to handle that large of a fifth wheel trailer. Contact...

I too would be interested in the reason for disconnecting the battery.  Anytime the battery's disconnected, the engine's ECM must relearn it's programming.  Do you think the ignition system's left on when the steering wheel lock is unlocked by the ignition switch? My biggest question is...

It's doubtful that your Class A is heavy enough engine, suspension and brakes to tow such a heavy truck on a trailer.  You'd need a much larger diesel pusher with serious horsepower to consider hauling such a unit.

There are two people you cannot trust about advice on tow vehicles and recreational vehicles--car salesmen and RV salesmen. You might be okay in Florida towing short distances with your truck max'd out on weight carrying.  But going cross country and into mountains is another ball game. And...

A 1/2 ton truck is not just a 1/2 ton truck.  Customers demand that they ride great, handle great, brake well, handle well--and they want them to tow extremely heavy loads.  It's just not possible to be everything for everyone, and most 1/2 ton trucks have the springs of an old Ford Crown...