I have noticed that several of you are using F350 Diesels which is what we have. Ours is a duelly but not a 4X4. However, there must be a big difference in something - possibly the model year as ours is a 2004.
The problem here is that our gross GVR combined weight to tow a 5'er is 20,000 pounds according the Ford manual. Since the truck with all 3 passengers (includes the 50# dog) is 8,000 pounds and that only leaves us with 12,000 GVR for the 5'er. Sure having trouble finding something suitable for fulltiming (gave up on the fulltiming rigs and are looking at snowbirding rigs) that it will tow.
Anybody got any suggestions out there?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Judy & Bob
Terry and Jo said
02:05 PM Jan 13, 2010
While I wasn't happy with it as a full-time rig, you might look into some of the Open Range fifth wheels. While the "Residential" series would be too heavy for the 20,000 lbs GCVW, some of the others might work for you.
I'd also take your truck to a dealership and let them verify the weights for your truck. While the owner's manual might list one weight, the actual weights could be different. They will need to know the engine type and size, the axle ratings and also the differential gear ratio.
Bill and Linda said
03:21 PM Jan 13, 2010
I am sure others will think differently, but other than buying a new truck, which could have more capability, if you’re looking to stay light, but want a rugged full timing rig, you could look at an Airstream.
They are light, rugged and expensive.
Some may say they are too small for full timing.Well, my Mom and Dad full-timed (no stick house at all) in one by choice for over 25 years. Towed them all over the US and Canada.Mom still has a 34’ she goes to in the winter in Florida.
They do make one with a small slide.The 34 footers are now by special order only I understand.31’ is the largest standard size.
You could look for a refurbished / overhauled unit.These trailers are actually worth that.I’ve seen them personally last 25 years, be refurbished for less than half the price of a new one, and be better than factory new.YMMV.
Used ones aren’t bad at all, they will just need some work.
As I say, they are light, rugged and come in between 10,000 and about 11,000 lbs “depending” for the “big ones.”
Good luck
Bill
Luvglass said
04:48 PM Jan 13, 2010
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Here is the link to the Trailer Life Towing Guide for 2004.
http://www.trailerlife.com/images/elements/883783_Towing_Guide.pdf
You should be able to look up the fifth wheel tow rating for your exact configuration and see if it's different than the information you have.
Good luck,
DagoRanch said
04:58 PM Jan 13, 2010
I'm kinda in the same boat, looking at used 2000-2003 F-350 4x4 DRW's. I've kind of narrowed my choice of rig's to mid profile 5th Wheels, specifically to a Keystone Laredo 310RE.
Laredo just changed their R-values to an R-28 for the roof and R-30 for the floor. It's a mid-year change that just happened as of Jan 01st on all new models. Their GVWR is right at 13,000. Right on the edge, but close enough for me. I suspect I'll be a little light loaded, even full-timing. I lived for many years with all my worldly possessions fitting in a seabag and a small standup locker :) The Navy was good for something!
DagoRanch said
05:05 PM Jan 13, 2010
Luvglass wrote:
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Actually he isn't wrong Fred. If I recall it was 2005 when Ford introduced the Tow Haul feature with a new transmission. That's when the GCWR's went up by 6,000lbs.
You can see for yourself by going to http://fleet.ford.com navigate to showroom and select Towing Guides from the drop-down menu. They have model years 2002-2010 which you can preview and/or download.
53 Merc said
07:34 PM Jan 13, 2010
DagoRanch wrote:
Luvglass wrote:
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Actually he isn't wrong Fred. If I recall it was 2005 when Ford introduced the Tow Haul feature with a new transmission. That's when the GCWR's went up by 6,000lbs.
You can see for yourself by going to http://fleet.ford.com navigate to showroom and select Towing Guides from the drop-down menu. They have model years 2002-2010 which you can preview and/or download.
The 04 has the Torque-Shift ftansmission with Tow/Haul. Great transmission.
norsado2 said
08:19 AM Jan 14, 2010
hey bob I have a 2004 f350 4x4 single added some air bags just for overkill tows a 3812ts raptor its stops well too the problem with the ford 6.0 is in th egr system and the heads the motor tends to over heat the head bolts ford used at the factory strech and you blow head gaskits and crack heads this is a 7500.00 dollar problem you should check with some other ford people i love my ford truck but it sure cost to make that motor bullet proof drop me a msg norsado2@aol.com I will put you the guys here that ford sends these trucks to all the best john
thebearII said
09:07 AM Jan 14, 2010
I'm with Fred...it sounds like your truck should be able to handle more than a 12000 lb fifth wheel.
Racerguy said
09:17 AM Jan 14, 2010
Nope, go to Ford website. As Tony stated, 2004 max's out at 20,000 GCWR. By 2006 that had been increased to 26,000.
Dreamers said
12:26 PM Jan 14, 2010
Bill and Linda wrote:
I am sure others will think differently, but other than buying a new truck, which could have more capability, if you’re looking to stay light, but want a rugged full timing rig, you could look at an Airstream.
They are light, rugged and expensive.
Some may say they are too small for full timing.Well, my Mom and Dad full-timed (no stick house at all) in one by choice for over 25 years. Towed them all over the US and Canada.Mom still has a 34’ she goes to in the winter in Florida.
They do make one with a small slide.The 34 footers are now by special order only I understand.31’ is the largest standard size.
You could look for a refurbished / overhauled unit.These trailers are actually worth that.I’ve seen them personally last 25 years, be refurbished for less than half the price of a new one, and be better than factory new.YMMV.
Used ones aren’t bad at all, they will just need some work.
As I say, they are light, rugged and come in between 10,000 and about 11,000 lbs “depending” for the “big ones.”
Good luck
Bill
Thanks Bill, but we have our heart set on a 5'er. Right now we're considering the lite weight Jayco Eagle or a Heartland Sundance. We're going to have to give up space we so dearly wanted to reduce weight. Would like to find a used one so if we decide (after getting on the road full time) to trade the whole thing, we want take such a financial beating.
Judy
Dreamers said
12:28 PM Jan 14, 2010
Luvglass wrote:
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Here is the link to the Trailer Life Towing Guide for 2004. http://www.trailerlife.com/images/elements/883783_Towing_Guide.pdf
You should be able to look up the fifth wheel tow rating for your exact configuration and see if it's different than the information you have.
Good luck,
Well it seems the 2004 is where we made our mistake. The weight limits get better the newer you get. The truck was so nice and only had 79,000 miles on it. As a diesel thats low mileage. I guess we didn't do enough studying and homework before we bought the truck. Now we just have to bite the bullet.
Dreamers said
12:31 PM Jan 14, 2010
DagoRanch wrote:
I'm kinda in the same boat, looking at used 2000-2003 F-350 4x4 DRW's. I've kind of narrowed my choice of rig's to mid profile 5th Wheels, specifically to a Keystone Laredo 310RE.
Laredo just changed their R-values to an R-28 for the roof and R-30 for the floor. It's a mid-year change that just happened as of Jan 01st on all new models. Their GVWR is right at 13,000. Right on the edge, but close enough for me. I suspect I'll be a little light loaded, even full-timing. I lived for many years with all my worldly possessions fitting in a seabag and a small standup locker :) The Navy was good for something!
Tony, we too have looked at the Laredos but they were only rated "vacationing". Maybe with the insulation changes they have moved up into "snowbirding". I'll have to recheck them. Trying to find something lite enough that's classified snowbirding. Believe me, you cannot listen to the salesmen or dealers in this area.
flyone said
12:32 PM Jan 14, 2010
Look at Mid-profile units, as suggested by DagoRanch. Crossroads has several nice layouts in their Cruiser series, also Hartland has a Mid profile I think its called Sundance, Forest River has some that may work, Wildcat maybe. Gulf Stream has a Mako, these are not called "Full Time" but there are a lot of people using them for that. Start looking at all of the manufactures and their second or third tier of fifthwheels they offer. Good Luck, let us know if you find anything.
Flyone (Bob)
Dreamers said
12:33 PM Jan 14, 2010
DagoRanch wrote:
Luvglass wrote:
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Actually he isn't wrong Fred. If I recall it was 2005 when Ford introduced the Tow Haul feature with a new transmission. That's when the GCWR's went up by 6,000lbs.
You can see for yourself by going to http://fleet.ford.com navigate to showroom and select Towing Guides from the drop-down menu. They have model years 2002-2010 which you can preview and/or download.
We actually have a "tow haul" feature on our truck. The tow package on it was factory installed. If we're going to tow, we just switch it over. Don't have the brake switch though. That's going to have to be installed, even though we do have the electric brakes factory wired in.
4x4given said
02:00 PM Jan 14, 2010
We bought a 2007 F350 SuperCab DWR 4x4 6.0L Auto, with Tow Command and 3.73 gearing. It's rated at 23,500# when towing either a gooseneck or a 5er. It came with a 30,000# B&W flip over gooseneck hitch and 15,000# rated Class V frame hitch. (obviously it can't tow 30,000#)
Our trailer weighs about 10,000# - 11,000#, and we are using a 14,000# EAZ weight dsitributing hitch/sway bar setup.
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:26:18 PM
DagoRanch said
02:21 PM Jan 14, 2010
Yeah, you know I think the newer ones are actually called "Tow Boss". It's the only change I've seen between those model years. Change the name and up the rating by 6,000 lbs! LOL.
Actually, I think I've found out the main culprit in the weight change... 4.30 gears (and the Dana 80 axle they reside in).
That's what caused them to up the ratings on '05 and above with the Tow Boss package.
4x4given said
02:27 PM Jan 14, 2010
I'm pretty sure all the DRW's, from about 2000 on up, are Dana 80 rear axles. I know mine (a 2007, with 3.73 gears) is.
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:28:25 PM
DagoRanch said
02:28 PM Jan 14, 2010
4x4given wrote:We bought a 2007 F350 SuperCab DWR 4x4 6.0L Auto
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:26:18 PM
I remember when you got that truck not long ago.... you stole it!!! I can only wish I can find that kind of deal around here. :)
Dreamers said
02:33 PM Jan 14, 2010
53 Merc wrote:
DagoRanch wrote:
Luvglass wrote:
Something sounds wrong. Our 2006 crew cab with 4WD and a 4:30 rear end has a GCWR of 26,000#. Your engine is the same and I can't imagine that the suspension is any different. What rear end do you have?
Actually he isn't wrong Fred. If I recall it was 2005 when Ford introduced the Tow Haul feature with a new transmission. That's when the GCWR's went up by 6,000lbs.
You can see for yourself by going to http://fleet.ford.com navigate to showroom and select Towing Guides from the drop-down menu. They have model years 2002-2010 which you can preview and/or download.
The 04 has the Torque-Shift ftansmission with Tow/Haul. Great transmission.
That's right. It does.
Judy
Dreamers said
02:35 PM Jan 14, 2010
4x4given wrote:
We bought a 2007 F350 SuperCab DWR 4x4 6.0L Auto, with Tow Command and 3.73 gearing. It's rated at 23,500# when towing either a gooseneck or a 5er. It came with a 30,000# B&W flip over gooseneck hitch and 15,000# rated Class V frame hitch. (obviously it can't tow 30,000#)
Our trailer weighs about 10,000# - 11,000#, and we are using a 14,000# EAZ weight dsitributing hitch/sway bar setup.
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:26:18 PM
Are you fulltiming in your Keystone Sprinter? How do you like it?
Judy
TXRVr said
07:03 AM Jan 19, 2010
Couple things to add to this post:
1- Don't forget the weight of the hitch that goes in the bed. That's heavy!
2- The Keystone Montana series is a lighter 5W, but doesn't sacrifice liveablity. A 38 ft Montana and a F350 was my previous rig.
Now, I have a question. I've always wondered why one would opt for the 4 x 4 option on a RV tow vehicle? It is going to sacrifice mpg and four wheeling in an RV isn't normal. Are there some positives for RVing?
Racerguy said
08:24 AM Jan 19, 2010
TXRVr Go to the tow vehicle section here on the forum. You will find 2 different threads discussing this very subject. One is titled 2wd vs 4wd and the other is 2wd or 4wd. Hope that helps.
DagoRanch said
11:20 AM Jan 19, 2010
TXRVr wrote: Now, I have a question. I've always wondered why one would opt for the 4 x 4 option on a RV tow vehicle? It is going to sacrifice mpg and four wheeling in an RV isn't normal. Are there some positives for RVing?
I'll give you my answer why I need a 4X4.
I own 40 acres of rural property in Northeastern Arizona. When I say rural, it is THE definition of the middle of nowhere. I'm 13 miles away from the nearest paved road (AZ 191) and 25 more to the nearest town, St. Johns (pop 3,000).
The unpaved roads are well maintained and wide... as long as the weather is good. Once the rains come, it's a crap-shoot and having a 4 Wheel drive becomes a necessity to get around.
Now I won't be staying on my property all the time, but I do plan to spend extended periods of time there when I can. The roads, combined with some of the steep grades I have to climb to get there (I'm up on a Mesa) pretty much require a 4x4.
So there's that particular specific reason, that combined with my love for out of the way places and boon-docking pretty much dictate a 4x4 tow vehicle for me.
TXRVr said
08:44 AM Jan 21, 2010
Go to the tow vehicle section here on the forum. You will find 2 different threads discussing this very subject. One is titled 2wd vs 4wd and the other is 2wd or 4wd. Hope that helps. __________________________________________________________________
Raceguy> Thanks. Found them.
So there's that particular specific reason, that combined with my love for out of the way places and boon-docking pretty much dictate a 4x4 tow vehicle for me. __________________________________________________________________
Dago> Altho, we have acreage we don't "ranch", but understand the need for those who do and I hadn't considered the boondocking issue. There has been a time or two when exploring an unpaved backroad where 4x4 would have been nice. And perhaps that time I got stuck in the sand along a beach. But then even a 4x4 can't cure stupid.
4x4given said
01:54 PM Jan 21, 2010
Dreamers wrote:
4x4given wrote:
We bought a 2007 F350 SuperCab DWR 4x4 6.0L Auto, with Tow Command and 3.73 gearing. It's rated at 23,500# when towing either a gooseneck or a 5er. It came with a 30,000# B&W flip over gooseneck hitch and 15,000# rated Class V frame hitch. (obviously it can't tow 30,000#)
Our trailer weighs about 10,000# - 11,000#, and we are using a 14,000# EAZ weight dsitributing hitch/sway bar setup.
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:26:18 PM
Are you fulltiming in your Keystone Sprinter? How do you like it?
Judy
Hi Judy,
No we are not fulltimers.... yet. The Sprinter is just a starter unit for us, though we are pretty sure we could easily FT in it. It's plenty roomy and seems to be well made. At this point, we figure when we do go FT, it will be in a Class A, so we can have a toad and our Harleys.
4x4given said
02:07 PM Jan 21, 2010
TXRVr wrote:Now, I have a question. I've always wondered why one would opt for the 4 x 4 option on a RV tow vehicle? It is going to sacrifice mpg and four wheeling in an RV isn't normal. Are there some positives for RVing?
Fo us, I simply prefer the capability of a 4x4 when the situation warrants it. And as most things in life, I can't always control when or where "stuff" happens.
Our first outing with our TT saw us in snow and ice. Not towing, but we did need to do some running around and visiting. Having a 4x4 on snow and ice is much better than a 2wd. There were a couple of inclines and low grade hills that we needed to traverse and we weren't able to in 2wd, but once I engaged 4wd, it was no problem.
As for the decrease in mpg... a 1 mpg loss (if that much) in a F350 DRW diesel that gets about 17mpg, isn't a sacrifice. For one thing, the front differential, axles, driveshaft and about half the transfer case aren't even moving when it's in 2wd. That means it's really only carrying the extra weight. and most of these steel "ranch hand" bumpers / guards / push bars / toolboxes / headache racks weigh more than haveing the 4x4 option does. At least in my case, because I don't have all the other "stuff".
Reliability isn't an issue, because again, they only move when used. And a Dana 60 is a darn stout axle that will last a L-O-N-G time.
(note - our 4x4 is a manual locking hub setup - Dana 60 / Dana 80)
mailman01 said
02:47 PM Jan 21, 2010
Dreamers wrote:
I have noticed that several of you are using F350 Diesels which is what we have. Ours is a duelly but not a 4X4. However, there must be a big difference in something - possibly the model year as ours is a 2004.
The problem here is that our gross GVR combined weight to tow a 5'er is 20,000 pounds according the Ford manual. Since the truck with all 3 passengers (includes the 50# dog) is 8,000 pounds and that only leaves us with 12,000 GVR for the 5'er. Sure having trouble finding something suitable for fulltiming (gave up on the fulltiming rigs and are looking at snowbirding rigs) that it will tow.
Anybody got any suggestions out there?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Judy & Bob
Bob, sounds like your mind is about made up on trailer selection, but, have you even considered an Arctic Fox 5er? They come in a variety of sizes from about 24' to around 30' or so and they are a 4-Season camper, and the weight is reasonable. I have a 27' TT and it is great. Just a thought... Marty
-- Edited by mailman01 on Thursday 21st of January 2010 03:40:09 PM
Happy Traveler said
10:04 PM Feb 26, 2010
I second that ! 4 years in a bag USN sets us up to go Full time in our 2008 T@B with screen room. (Large Teardrop) Tow Vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Tundra Extended cab, 2 wh. Looking to go soon. We are going on the K.I.S.S. System Keep it Simple Silly, stay tuned. Happy Traveler Ken
Onawave said
10:13 AM Feb 27, 2010
I have to chime in here about a 5th wheel. I have researched 5er's for 10 years. Both online and in person. I'm not the average just look at one, I show up with a screw gun, gloves and knee pads. I remove basement panels, spare tires and so on. If it's removable I have removed it and looked in there. These things can be as spendy as a house, and well.. they are.
I can tell you Carriage products are one of the best 5th wheels made. The Carri Lites are heavy, but the Cameos are just as well built but not as much weight. The major difference is wall and roof construction, and insulation. Check out the side walls on any RV before you buy one. Carriage 5th wheels are one of the only ones (still in business) that are not vacuum bonded walls. What does that mean? Means your siding won't look like a wet phone book should a tiny, tiny hole or leak happen. One drop of water inside a vacuum bond wall will be equal to a gallon of damage in no time at all.
Also, for a more trouble free 5er, it's best to go with electric slide motors and not the hydraulics. Hydraulics weigh more, and have a lot more problems. Or when there is a problem, it's a lot messier then eclectic. (Carriage products are electric)
We are on Carriage number 4. We kept buying newer and larger. To date I have tried to beat their quality in almost every other 5th wheel. The only two that came close was Teton, and NuWa. But, those weigh a lot more, and we never seen a floor plan we liked as much.
The problem here is that our gross GVR combined weight to tow a 5'er is 20,000 pounds according the Ford manual. Since the truck with all 3 passengers (includes the 50# dog) is 8,000 pounds and that only leaves us with 12,000 GVR for the 5'er. Sure having trouble finding something suitable for fulltiming (gave up on the fulltiming rigs and are looking at snowbirding rigs) that it will tow.
Anybody got any suggestions out there?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Judy & Bob
I'd also take your truck to a dealership and let them verify the weights for your truck. While the owner's manual might list one weight, the actual weights could be different. They will need to know the engine type and size, the axle ratings and also the differential gear ratio.
I am sure others will think differently, but other than buying a new truck, which could have more capability, if you’re looking to stay light, but want a rugged full timing rig, you could look at an Airstream.
They are light, rugged and expensive.
Some may say they are too small for full timing. Well, my Mom and Dad full-timed (no stick house at all) in one by choice for over 25 years. Towed them all over the US and Canada. Mom still has a 34’ she goes to in the winter in Florida.
They do make one with a small slide. The 34 footers are now by special order only I understand. 31’ is the largest standard size.
You could look for a refurbished / overhauled unit. These trailers are actually worth that. I’ve seen them personally last 25 years, be refurbished for less than half the price of a new one, and be better than factory new. YMMV.
Used ones aren’t bad at all, they will just need some work.
As I say, they are light, rugged and come in between 10,000 and about 11,000 lbs “depending” for the “big ones.”
Good luck
Bill
You can see for yourself by going to http://fleet.ford.com navigate to showroom and select Towing Guides from the drop-down menu. They have model years 2002-2010 which you can preview and/or download.
Judy
Look at Mid-profile units, as suggested by DagoRanch. Crossroads has several nice layouts in their Cruiser series, also Hartland has a Mid profile I think its called Sundance, Forest River has some that may work, Wildcat maybe. Gulf Stream has a Mako, these are not called "Full Time" but there are a lot of people using them for that. Start looking at all of the manufactures and their second or third tier of fifthwheels they offer. Good Luck, let us know if you find anything.
Flyone (Bob)
Our trailer weighs about 10,000# - 11,000#, and we are using a 14,000# EAZ weight dsitributing hitch/sway bar setup.
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:26:18 PM
-- Edited by 4x4given on Thursday 14th of January 2010 02:28:25 PM
Judy
Judy
Couple things to add to this post:
1- Don't forget the weight of the hitch that goes in the bed. That's heavy!
2- The Keystone Montana series is a lighter 5W, but doesn't sacrifice liveablity. A 38 ft Montana and a F350 was my previous rig.
Now, I have a question. I've always wondered why one would opt for the 4 x 4 option on a RV tow vehicle? It is going to sacrifice mpg and four wheeling in an RV isn't normal. Are there some positives for RVing?
I own 40 acres of rural property in Northeastern Arizona. When I say rural, it is THE definition of the middle of nowhere. I'm 13 miles away from the nearest paved road (AZ 191) and 25 more to the nearest town, St. Johns (pop 3,000).
The unpaved roads are well maintained and wide... as long as the weather is good. Once the rains come, it's a crap-shoot and having a 4 Wheel drive becomes a necessity to get around.
Now I won't be staying on my property all the time, but I do plan to spend extended periods of time there when I can. The roads, combined with some of the steep grades I have to climb to get there (I'm up on a Mesa) pretty much require a 4x4.
So there's that particular specific reason, that combined with my love for out of the way places and boon-docking pretty much dictate a 4x4 tow vehicle for me.
Go to the tow vehicle section here on the forum. You will find 2 different threads discussing this very subject. One is titled 2wd vs 4wd and the other is 2wd or 4wd. Hope that helps.
__________________________________________________________________
Raceguy> Thanks. Found them.
So there's that particular specific reason, that combined with my love for out of the way places and boon-docking pretty much dictate a 4x4 tow vehicle for me.
__________________________________________________________________
Dago> Altho, we have acreage we don't "ranch", but understand the need for those who do and I hadn't considered the boondocking issue. There has been a time or two when exploring an unpaved backroad where 4x4 would have been nice. And perhaps that time I got stuck in the sand along a beach. But then even a 4x4 can't cure stupid.
No we are not fulltimers.... yet. The Sprinter is just a starter unit for us, though we are pretty sure we could easily FT in it. It's plenty roomy and seems to be well made. At this point, we figure when we do go FT, it will be in a Class A, so we can have a toad and our Harleys.
Fo us, I simply prefer the capability of a 4x4 when the situation warrants it. And as most things in life, I can't always control when or where "stuff" happens.
Our first outing with our TT saw us in snow and ice. Not towing, but we did need to do some running around and visiting. Having a 4x4 on snow and ice is much better than a 2wd. There were a couple of inclines and low grade hills that we needed to traverse and we weren't able to in 2wd, but once I engaged 4wd, it was no problem.
As for the decrease in mpg... a 1 mpg loss (if that much) in a F350 DRW diesel that gets about 17mpg, isn't a sacrifice. For one thing, the front differential, axles, driveshaft and about half the transfer case aren't even moving when it's in 2wd. That means it's really only carrying the extra weight. and most of these steel "ranch hand" bumpers / guards / push bars / toolboxes / headache racks weigh more than haveing the 4x4 option does. At least in my case, because I don't have all the other "stuff".
Reliability isn't an issue, because again, they only move when used. And a Dana 60 is a darn stout axle that will last a L-O-N-G time.
(note - our 4x4 is a manual locking hub setup - Dana 60 / Dana 80)
-- Edited by mailman01 on Thursday 21st of January 2010 03:40:09 PM
I can tell you Carriage products are one of the best 5th wheels made. The Carri Lites are heavy, but the Cameos are just as well built but not as much weight.
The major difference is wall and roof construction, and insulation. Check out the side walls on any RV before you buy one. Carriage 5th wheels are one of the only ones (still in business) that are not vacuum bonded walls. What does that mean? Means your siding won't look like a wet phone book should a tiny, tiny hole or leak happen. One drop of water inside a vacuum bond wall will be equal to a gallon of damage in no time at all.
Also, for a more trouble free 5er, it's best to go with electric slide motors and not the hydraulics. Hydraulics weigh more, and have a lot more problems. Or when there is a problem, it's a lot messier then eclectic. (Carriage products are electric)
We are on Carriage number 4. We kept buying newer and larger. To date I have tried to beat their quality in almost every other 5th wheel. The only two that came close was Teton, and NuWa. But, those weigh a lot more, and we never seen a floor plan we liked as much.