Living in a Fifth Wheel - Questions

[mason_family2005]

Hello fellow RVers,
I own a TT but want to move up to a 5th Wheel. I am looking at spending a whole year actually living in it. Any recommendations on a quality 5th Wheel that you can actually live COMFORTABLY in (large water heater, Clothing Closet, Washer & Dryer, etc). There will be 2 1/2 people (2 year old)... I am looking in the 35,000 range and used is fine!

The TT I have now is large but not really setup to live in. Only a 6gal Water Heater, No Closets, No Tub for my lady...

My tow vehicle is a Dodge 2500 4x4 w/Cummins and Heavy Duty Package. (GVCW = 20,000)

Thanks,
John

 

[Carl L]

My tow vehicle is a Dodge 2500 4x4 w/Cummins and Heavy Duty Package. (GVCW = 20,000)

If that were a 2006 regular-cab, long-bed Dodge 2500 with 4WD and the 5.9L TD, you would have a tow rating of , 13,250 auto tranny.    We like to take those numbers with a grain of salt, 10% in the East, 15-20% in the mountain and Pacific west.  That makes the maximum size of a trailer either 11,295 lbs or 10,600 lbs depending on towing in the east or in the west.

Now there are plenty of 5ers heavier than those numbers, especially those designed for full time use -- your prospective use.  So be careful.  Look at lot of trailers and floor plans and be sure you are looking at trailers for full-time use.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There are quality travel trailers with large water heaters and such and they might provide you with a bit more living space than a fiver. However, I would pick the fiver over the travel trailer if you expect to tow it frequently, especially longer distances.

There are many 5W that could suit your needs. Most larger ones are available with 10 gallon heaters, washer/dryer, etc. Finding a used one with a washer will restrict your choices somewhat, though.  You will probably need to look in the 30+ foot range to find the space you want and that may crowd your weight limits. 

Your Dodge is an excellent hauler and will move just about anything you can hitch behind it, but exceeding its tow capacity may be unsafe. I would not fear loading it to its max but remember you first have to subtract the weight of passengers and gear in the truck from the max towing numbers. You are probably looking at a max trailer weight of around 12,000 lbs.

Here are some brands I would watch out for, though these are by no means the only ones suitable:  New Horizons, Nuwa Snowbird, Travel Supreme, Alfa, Holiday Rambler Alumalite, Carriage & Carri-lite, Alpenlite, and Jayco Designer & Legacy.