OK, we?re diving in >> looking for a toyhauler fifth wheel (Seattle area)

[SeanAndKaty]

My wife and I have strongly considered a motor home in recent years but bailed on the idea, at least until retirement, a few years away. Then we got back into morocyclying in the last two years, loving it, and since we already have a big 1999 Ford dual F-350, thought a fifth wheel toyhauler would be great, since the longer trips on the bike aren?t all that comfortable for her on her bike and this would enable some longer trips like that. So we went out yesterday and were really liked the last 2018 model this one dealer had, with an attractive price, and spent a few hours looking, but then found out that our ?big truck? is lacking a little in the towing capacity. We?re now looking at re-doing the rear-axle gear ratios to possibly remedy that situation. (And no, I know nothing about gear ratios.) We?ll see how that goes! If that doesn?t pan out, we have to consider plans B, C and D, I guess, or maybe do nothing at all for a few years. Anyway we?ll be gathering all the info we can here, in the meantime, on All Things Fifth Wheel. Looks like an immense wealth of info here, of course!

 

[jackiemac]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  Sounds like you are being sensible and checking out the towing capacity etc.  I am sure you will get your ideal rig soon.  Good luck.

 

[RVMommaTo6]

Welcome to the forum! These friendly people have some great knowledge to share

 

[SpencerPJ]

I suggest you stop at the local Ford Dealer, give them your vin#, and have them give you all the specifications that truck came with.  Then you will know what you can pull, and we will be happy to give recommendations.

4wd?
Engine?
Suspension?
Payload?
configuration?  crew cab etc?

But changing the gears in the rear end, is probably not going to be the potential problems you have, it will be in the payload capacity.  That comment sounds like it came from a RV salesperson. lol, they are not well respected around here, 

Welcome, you have come to the right place.  Maybe others will have better information on your truck.

 

[Old_Crow]

Gotta be a darn big trailer if a F350 dually doesn't have the capacity for it.

 

[Ernie n Tara]

I'd get a second opinion on that. A 450 will probably be slightly less capable so he's telling you that you need a 550 or larger. A 350 dually will likely handle up to a 20, 000 lb. GVWR fiver and probably even larger.

Ernie

 

[ip076]

That?s a 20 year old truck, it?s possible it doesn?t have the payload capacity for a big toy hauler. I think things were different back then, and you didn?t have the payload numbers we have today.

Gearing might help with towing. Might not. More than likely won?t help with braking.

The poster who suggested getting the data from ford for your truck is probably the best suggestion. Then you know what you?re dealing with. Maybe a smaller rig until a newer truck is in the picture is a good plan. There are some nice toy hauler travel trailers too.