New to 5th Wheels

[EricW]

Hi, My family traveled frequently for 8 years in a Class A motorhome and retired it when the kids started to become competitive athletes that took us away from always traveling together. Kids are now pretty grown and in grad school and beyond leaving just two of us and a Great Dane and mini-Dachshund traveling together. We decided on not going with another Class A because of the better amenities in a 5th wheel and for better traveling accommodations for the 196 lb Dane.

We’ve been shopping for a fifth wheel for several months and every time we get close, we find something else we like. We’ve been through this many times and know that eventually we’re just gonna have to bite the bullet. Initially, we were looking at 35 foot range, and then sold it a little more room was available at 38 feet so decided something under 40, and yes, you’ve guessed it, now we’re looking at a 41 or 42 footer.

I have one question… other than campgrounds that don’t allow big rigs is there a huge difference in towing a 38 footer or 41 footer? I bought a Ford F350 diesel, but not a dually. I have searched no in the forums, but failed miserably for an answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated, even if it’s just pointing me to the correct section of the forum.

Eric

[DMW]

G'day Eric:

I was in your shoes not too long ago. I ended up buying a 43' toy hauler even though I don't have the toy any longer.

The reason is over 5,000 lbs of cargo capacity, 150 gallons of fresh water capacity, two 30-gallon gas tanks (one dedicated to the generator, and one for toys which gives me a total of 60 gallons for the generator), and room for a residential washer and gas dryer (GE) that I had installed. I had propane plumbed to the garage. I had the dryer converted to burn propane. I also have space for storage cabinets in the 13' garage.

If you haven't considered something like I have, I would suggest you give it some thought. But of course, since you bought the truck already, you may not even want to consider it. I pull it with a Silverado 3500 dually diesel.

Best of luck.

Dave

[EricW]

Thanks for the information. That sounds like quite a rig you have. I almost went for dually but I’m trying to use my truck as a daily driver for now and those are a bit wide for my day-to-day jaunts. And of course I still have two kids at home who aren’t cheap. One going to a local University just starting a masters program, finishing up a private pilot certification working toward a commercial aviation job and he’s also a full time surfer. My daughter now teaches at the same University and is doing research to up her odds at a good med school. So, my monthly dues are pretty high for a retiree 😎😁😎😁 and I don’t see that settling down any time soon.

We’ve looked at toyhaulers with the thought of using the garage and ramp/back porch as a reprieve for our 196lb Great Dane but definitely can’t go too large with only a 20K towing capacity. We also won’t have our kids around much unless they fly to see us for a few days… unless we’re traveling where the waves are good and my son and a couple buddies will surely drop by.

I need to do the math for each 5er my wife picks out but she does like nice things… as do I. Hope not to need to upgrade truck this soon.

[DMW]

You sure do have a full plate! Taking care of all of what you mentioned is a lot for anyone these days. Leave your cell phone in the bathroom when you do take off. lol.

Dave