We've taken another step toward our goal! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've taken another step toward our goal!

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just take your time and try out everything when you think you have found the right layout. Basically "play house" in it and see if it is truly the right fit for you both, especially the bathroom (specifically toilet and shower). Just like buying a house, you will know the floor plan(s) you prefer when you find them. Best of luck!

laurly · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh yeah, we know what you mean. We sat on our laptops every night for two years looking at floor plans, eliminating some of the fifth-wheel lines for this reason or that. We settled on the Keystone Montana line, and when the new one came out last year, we found it at the RV show. I walked in, and knew it was IT! We've been in it for 8 months now, and it feels like home :)

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

There is much more to choosing an RV than just going by "what feels good." While Jo and I saw a lot of RV's that had a good look, floorplan layout, etc, they didn't necessarily have the quality build in them that I wanted. For instance, I rejected one brand because the frame on their fifth wheels were smaller than most. It was a 10" I-beam frame, but the last I looked, they had changed to a 12" I-beam.

Size of holding tanks, and a lot of electrical and mechanical issues have to also be considered. It is not surprising that some have spoken of doing research and looking for about 2 years before making their purchase. We spent that much time ourselves.

Now, having said that, we are in a position where our RV will be our home for many years to come, not just something for a few years or for a few camping trips. Your needs could be very different and you may not need as much time to choose. However, don't feel "locked in" to a 30-day approval and specificied interest rate.

Terry

Gary · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another thing you REALLY need to keep track of now is the weight of the RV, pin weight, etc.

By getting the truck first, you've kinda locked yourself out of certain models I believe. I don't think an Elite Suites or one of that type could safely be pulled by a 350.

I'm not certain of all this though. Capabilities in the trucks have changed over the years that I've been looking.

It's just something now that you have to keep track of. Not just pulling a big 5er but STOPPING it!

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know that much about what different trucks can or cannot pull...I do know when you are in an RV Park you see all kinds of trailers being pulled by all kinds of trucks. We pulled the Carri-lite Extreme 5 with a Dodge 350 Mega Cab...Cummings 360 and never had to look back. We pulled in the mountains with cruise control and never missed a lick. I think you will find the Ford will handle most any trailer within weight limits. I would not go with anything less than a one ton.

Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks everyone...
Our truck is an F350 4WD dually super duty 6.7 Power Stroke turbo diesel crew cab and Thumper did a lot of homework making sure it will pull whatever we get. It has the engine breaking system as well.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gary wrote:
It's just something now that you have to keep track of. Not just pulling a big 5er but STOPPING it!

This item seems to be a new common thread in most discussions. My rig is equipped with excellent brakes, and is fully capable of stopping the trailer. If you don't think yours will stop on it's own, just pull the emergency break-away-switch and see. One of the better modifications I have seen being made is disc brakes conversion. The ones that have done it just exult on the improvements. I have not had a problem with my electric/magnet brakes, but I fully understand the limitations. They get hot, they quit working. If you are in a descent, never feather the brakes, instead get on them hard and drop speed about 10 mph, then use engine braking to retard speed. I call it stab and coast method.

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

The new F350 dually towing capacity is huge- over 20,000 lbs. Not quite the 24,000 lbs that our F450 can tow, but close :)
You will love the truck, whatever you decide to pull with it!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just remember to NOT go by towing weight when choosing a truck. It is possible to be within the towing weight but be over on Gross Combined Vehicular Weight (GCVW.)

Terry

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Once you have your truck, load it as it will be for traveling (including the hitch). That includes people, pets, full fuel, etc. Then get it weighed. Subtract that weight from your gross vehicle weight and you will have your pin weight limit. Subtract the weight you got at the scale from your gross combined weight and you will have your actual towing capacity. As you are looking at trailers, look at the trailer's gross weight. Keep that number under your actual towing capacity and you should be good. Remember that pin weight will be ~20% of coach weight. You don't really want to run your truck right at your weight limits, so be careful. Remember, too, that the truck's gross weight rating and gross combined weight rating should be on a data place on the truck. Don't just take a dealer's word for what the truck will haul. Look at the truck's own information.

Enjoy the hunt!