First 5th wheel

[Let's go rving]

Hey Guys, done a lot of rving with a bumper pull but looking to upgrade to a fifth wheel. Wondering if the really large one's, over 40 feet and above 12000 lbs, are worth the trouble of towing and accessibility issues in some parks/resorts. Plan on traveling to multiple places, not just parking for long stays.

 

[rvlifer]

Mine is 44ft and 21k gvw. Worked for us but we wanted the extra size for fulltiming. Boondocked extensively. The size had plusses and minuses. Overall it was worth it cause it felt more like being in a house than an rv

One downside was it got to be too much for us too fast.

Bigger/heavier means more money to move. I budgeted $500 for each full day we moved it

 

[rvlifer]

Dont forget about the tow vehicle. The bigger the rv the bigger the tow vehicle you should have. I made it work with a modified f350 but should have had at least an f450. If i was buying a new tow vehicle for this rv today it might cost $150k

 

[TonyL]

You don't need to go to 40ft to be over 12000lb
Ours is 34ft and 12375lb fully loaded.
First thing is what payload your truck has.

 

[SargeW]

That's true. When I purchased my 2023 Ram I looked at diesels and gassers. I knew I wanted to stick with a 2500 for various reasons, but the 3/4 ton with a diesel has 1000 pounds less payload than a gasser just because the weight of that big motor. When purchasing my new 33' 5ver I kept an eye on pin weight and GVWR. My Starcraft came in under both of my weight requirements while still having 3 slides and the amenities that we were looking for.

The truck handles it well and I average about 8-8 1/2 mpg towing. I did put an auto slider hitch in the truck which came in at almost 300 pounds by itself, but it has proved to be invaluable several times.

There are several things to think about besides just getting the rig into a RV spot.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The bigger they are, the more selective you have to be about where you go, both roads and campgrounds. In very broad terms I'd say there are a couple steps in fifth wheel trailer size, one around 24 ft, another around 30 ft, then again at 35 ft. At each step up you will need to a more capable tow vehicle, better highways & access roads, and larger campsites. We can quibble about where the step-ups occur, but this should give you the general idea.

Your 12,000 threshold fits in the 30-35 foot size range, but 5W at or above 35 feet typically run 16,000 lbs or more in GVWR. Don't pay any attention to trailer dry or UVW weights - it's only value is in calculating the trailer cargo capacity (GVWR - UVW = CC (Cargo Capacity).

Is it worth it? Depends on your priorities. More space yields a lot more personal comfort, especially a more convenient kitchen and bath(s) and room for pets or kids, but restricts your choice of routes and campgrounds somewhat. Shorter & lighter opens up possibilities for more isolated campsites. But you don't have to go to 44 ft to get comfortable - even a 35 ft trailer is roomy and often luxurious.

 

[Derby6]

Hey Guys, done a lot of rving with a bumper pull but looking to upgrade to a fifth wheel. Wondering if the really large one's, over 40 feet and above 12000 lbs, are worth the trouble of towing and accessibility issues in some parks/resorts. Plan on traveling to multiple places, not just parking for long stays.

Question before I weigh in. What are you pulling trailer with. Do you have a dually or willing yo get one??

 

[Derby6]

Why the sad face Gr8bawana?

 

[steveblonde]

46 foot Voltage 4185 towing with an F350 because it has a 500lb HIGHER cargo capacity than a F450 (both have 15000 lb gvwr ratings but the F450 weights 500lbs more than the F350 due to wider from axle heavier wheels etc when it leaves the factory) PIn in my Voltage is almost 400lbs if loader with water etc. add hitch and fire wood tool etc it adds up and a f350 has lower gears better mileage than a F450

 

[Let's go rving]

Mine is 44ft and 21k gvw. Worked for us but we wanted the extra size for fulltiming. Boondocked extensively. The size had plusses and minuses. Overall it was worth it cause it felt more like being in a house than an rv

One downside was it got to be too much for us too fast.

Bigger/heavier means more money to move. I budgeted $500 for each full day we moved it

thx, great info

 

[Let's go rving]

Thx, great info

Question before I weigh in. What are you pulling trailer with. Do you have a dually or willing yo get one??

Plan on a 1 ton but don't really want a dually

 

[Let's go rving]

You don't need to go to 40ft to be over 12000lb
Ours is 34ft and 12375lb fully loaded.
First thing is what payload your truck has.

 

[Let's go rving]

Done a lot of towing so will definitely get at least a 1 ton, just interested in your thoughts of ease of access and traveling

 

[Let's go rving]

Question before I weigh in. What are you pulling trailer with. Do you have a dually or willing yo get one??

At least a 1 ton

 

[workinonit]

Thx, great info

Plan on a 1 ton but don't really want a dually

Yep. I ain't driving no ugly truck.

 

[TonyL]

We have an F350 and 34ft fifth wheel. Owned since 2019, and never had a moment of worry.
My advice, get the diesel, the exhaust braking is phenomenal!
Are you looking new or second hand?

 

[Derby6]

Thx, great info

Plan on a 1 ton but don't really want a dually

Ok. Thanks for reply.
I really wanted separate sleeping, kitchen, and living/family area. This was in ‘22. Lots of looking —very much due diligence.
I found that size which is what you are looking at exceeded SRW long bed diesel weight capacity. Not trailer pulling weight but pin weight—esp since I have 50 gallon pack or auxilary tank.
So we went with my sig rig. 2-4 months living in and NO REGRETS. ZERO/ NADA.
Access can be an issue, per your initial question, but probably doable but you need to be more careful. But weight and handling is concern IMO.
I, like you, didn’t want a dually. Considered it but preferred smaller trailer with SRW.

 

[DutchmenSport]

The type of camper you end up getting is strictly a personal choice. We went from tent camping, to a pop-up, to an 24 foot TT, 31 foot TT, 34 foot TT, and finally a 41.5 foot 5er. Each one got longer, heavier, taller and bigger. And each one served it's intended purpose at the time we had them.

We started tow vehicles with a Chevy Lumina Mini Van, then a 1500 Chevy Suburban, then a gas 3500 dually long bed crew cab. Then a 3500 dually long bed crew cab diesel, and the last was a 3500 long bed crew cab diesel.

At the time we purchased the first one-ton dually, I thought we were getting too much truck. But in the end, the decision to switch over to the biggest, baddest, most ferocious towing power truck we could even remotely afford proved to the be the right decision. Getting the "beast" first, gives you LOTS of options, now and in the future. Plus, I can tow more than just the travel trailer or the fifth wheel camper .... which I have.

Regarding tow vehicles??? You have to figure out what will work best for you. It's VERY VERY important to have a good, heavy, solid, dependable truck that is capable of towing the Space Shuttle backwards when the shuttle ignites for space! BUT! It's also important to determine what you will use the truck for when NOT towing. For us, a second smaller truck was our answer. I wanted the towing capacity and that is the PRIMARY reason for the "beast!"

You have to make those choices! No one else can do it for you.

 

[msw3113]

It may have been on this forum that I found the advice: "Buy your truck keeping in mind the next camper you'll have."
That perspective worked well for us.

 

[Steve5782]

The most direct answer to your question is that you should go with a short 5th wheel 30 to 35 feet long. That would help you fit more campgrounds for short stays. I have had a 38 foot Coachmen 5th wheel since 2013 but am now ready to get a mid sized class C for short term camping.