Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> We might have ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Post Info TOPIC: We might have ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Lynn and Ed


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 207
Date:
We might have ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Permalink  

I wanted to say thank you to Howard, Jack, Neil, Bill, Tom, Terry and numerous other RV-Dreamers for all their great suggestions about tow vehicles. Based upon the reply to my prior inquiries, and reading the responses to other’s inquires, I have obtained a further understanding and appreciation for tow vehicle considerations over the last two years.

We placed the order for our New Horizons Majestic last month and now have a good idea of our future fifth wheel's weight, as we are finalizing the design. New Horizons worked with us to move some heavy items further back in our Majestic (e.g., generator is behind the Majestic’s axles and batteries are directly in front of those axles) to help with pin weight—however, even with those changes we realized our preselected tow vehicle was not the right choice for us.

We preselected the Ram 3500, but always planned to the double check the RGAWR, GVWR, GVCW, etc. before placing the order for the truck. We are glad that was our plan … because we preselected the wrong truck cry. What I determined is the Ram 3500’s RGAWR of 9,750 might be a challenge to stay under and I am confident that our pin weight will be higher than Ram 3500’s maximum fifth wheel pin weight of 5,000 lbs.

So what does that mean for us … we are in the process of validating that a Ram 5500 with a hauler body from Utility Bodywerks (UB) will meet our needs – all the weight numbers are looking good smile.

For those of you that have a hauler body, if there are any extras that you would recommend … please let me know. At a minimum, we plan to speak with UB about installing their Elite hauler body (i.e., lots of storage compartments) and Kelderman air suspension. A friend (New Horizon owner who has a UB hauler body) suggested that we also have UB install:

* Hensley Trailersaver hitch (TSLB2H with 3rd airbag, for pin weight to 7,500lbs); they will connect the hitch air input to the air pump of the Kelderman, to save installing a separate air pump for the hitch.

* Video equipment for the RV cameras, a center console mounted video monitor, power and all of the wiring back to the receptacles where the RV cameras connect to the tow vehicle.

* Rear Bumper backup sensors.

[Edited to increase font size]



-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Thursday 1st of May 2014 06:01:53 PM

__________________

2014 New Horizons Majestic 40'
2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body

Enjoying this chapter in our lives!!!
Bill and Linda


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 2074
Date:
RE: We almost ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Permalink  

Lyn:

Funny you should mention the 5500HD RAM.  We’ve just been validating those numbers as well.  Been looking at an F-550 but, as you may know, the RAM 5500 offers 325 HP and 750 ft lbs of torque and the Ford F-550 offering is well below those engine numbers.  So that’s what sent us over to the RAM.  It’s all about the numbers.

 he 3500HD, as well as the F-450 in standard configuration without a hauler bed, have very high bed rails.  My on-site measurements indicate that while either “could work” on your Majestic I think you will be much more comfortable with the hauler bed.  I’ve seen truck bed rails go into the trailer belly.  (Not mine.)  Wasn’t a pretty sight to say the least.

Don’t know what may be available in the 2015’s.  We’ll know in about 120 days or so.  That’s when the new “numbers” that Ford and Dodge will be made available.  But I doubt we’ll see any changes in the “5500/F-550” line as pertains to the engine ratings.

We also put the generator behind the rear axle FWIW.  That saves about 300lbs or more of pin weight “depending.”  Due to our solar arrangement I kept the batteries up front for a variety of electrical design reasons.  Do you have solar?

To your point – YES, you will want the air ride.  Not just air-bags. Real Air Ride.  Otherwise the solo ride will be terrible in the 5500/550 series trucks and it will enable you to better fine tune the level the total rig.  Make sure the air is adjustable from the cab or you can bet a big surprise when you un-hitch.  Think "rear of truck jumps up" when you off load 5,000lbs.

I had Line-X installed in all my storage compartments.  Just made for a better look and didn’t “scratch.”  Make sure they find some way for you to carry a spare tire.  Don’t let them talk you into a “road side” service call to change and provide a tire.  You need a spare tire with you, IMO.  Dual wheel “cuts” from rocks are what takes out tires on these trucks.  As Jack says, “Ask me how I know this.”

IMO you really want at least a 50 gallon aux tank.  RAM offers 74 gallons when you order an optional 20 gallon tank. But I would forgo the 20 gallon tank and put in an ATA 50-60 gallon tank giving you well over 100 gallons usable.  If you spec this truck with a 4.88 rear end, which you should with the NH, your mileage won’t be real good and you really don’t want to have to fill up every day if you travel much.  Your call, but all my trucks have carried at least 90 gallons and I have never regretted it. Much easier to manage fueling, IMO.  This has nothing to do with “bladder size” as such.

Make sure you can turn off-those backup sensors or they will drive you nuts when your connecting to the Majestic.  Ask me how I know this. (I can turn mine off.)

BTW, we just returned from the NH factory yesterday after enjoying the -11 degrees temperature in Junction City. Our steel goes on-line now so I think we’re just a little ahead of you as to delivery.

Best of luck with the new rig and I hope this perspectives help with your decisions.

Bill



__________________

Bill & Linda
Lynn and Ed


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 207
Date:
Permalink  

Bill, thanks!

You may want to speak with NH about your battery location. We will have 800 watts of solar. We are the first (although you could be) to have the battery placement changed. The specific goal was to help reduce our pin weight. I am sure others will choose the location in the future (similar to the new generator location), as long as they select a battery type that does not require routine maintenance (i.e., we selected AGM 6volt batteries). I was told the batteries needed to be within 10’ of the inverter … I don’t know all the revised specifications, but the batteries will be placed in a special box/container under the Majestic between the axles and the gray/black tanks … I don’t believe the inverter location was changed. PM me, if you would like further information … if you are working with Cole, just tell him it is the battery location/design he created for Lynn.

Regarding the Ram 5500, I also like the higher GVCW compared to the F-550 (37,500 versus 35,000). We are selecting the 4.88 axle ratio … fuel mileage will be interesting.

Look forward to our paths crossing in-person!



__________________

2014 New Horizons Majestic 40'
2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body

Enjoying this chapter in our lives!!!
Bill and Linda


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 2074
Date:
Permalink  

Lyn:

Yes, we looked into that location but our design would have required some additional issues be addressed as pertained to water proofing the solar controller and inverter due to cable runs.  In the end, we decided with all the other “prototyping” we were doing to leave the batteries up front. Our trailer is "different" so to speak.

We also choose the 6 volt AGM batteries and, like you, that allowed us not to have to vent them to the outside world so to speak.  Our battery compartment is now protected from the elements.  That is one nice thing about NH – “What do you want?” is a frequent question from them and so far the answer has been yes to our requests.

I’m sure you two have gone through the menu at “Coach’s” by now?

Bill



__________________

Bill & Linda
Lynn and Ed


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 207
Date:
Permalink  

Bill and Linda wrote:

I’m sure you two have gone through the menu at “Coach’s” by now?

 I tried my first frickle (fried pickle spear) at Coach's biggrin, but have not worked our way through the menu yet ... but I am sure we will.



__________________

2014 New Horizons Majestic 40'
2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body

Enjoying this chapter in our lives!!!
Jack Mayer


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1107
Date:
Permalink  

I know Coach's menu well. The Ruben is great!!

Lyn, I'll see Cole  next week and will review your electrical system with him. We have already discussed parts of it, but not the complete picture.



-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Saturday 11th of January 2014 05:42:33 PM

__________________

Jack & Danielle Mayer
PLEASE USE EMAIL TO COMMUNICATE

http://www.jackdanmayer.com,
2009 Volvo 780 HDT, 2015 New Horizons 45'Custom 5th, smart car
New Horizons Ambassadors - Let us help you build your dream RV.....
Lynn and Ed


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 207
Date:
Permalink  

Jack Mayer wrote:

Lyn, I'll see Cole  next week and will review your electrical system with him. We have already discussed parts of it, but not the complete picture.

 Great!

Any and all suggestions are welcome. As you will see, we borrowed many of your and Danielle's ideas and came up with a few unique modifications of our own.

Thank you!



__________________

2014 New Horizons Majestic 40'
2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body

Enjoying this chapter in our lives!!!
The Junkman


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 972
Date:
RE: We might have ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Permalink  

So where did the weight specs come in at for the new RV?

What was the pin weight?
RAM 3500 pin weight capacity are more than 5000..

Just curious if the RAM 3500 would have been fine?

__________________

 

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

 
Lynn and Ed


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 207
Date:
Permalink  

Steve,

We made the correct decision not to purchase the Ram 3500, the rear axle would not have supported our weight. We have not yet had a wheel-by-wheel weighing, but based upon CAT scale weights, it looks like our pin weight is over 6K.

Per RAM literature, the max fifth wheel pin weight is 5K for a 3500 (the gooseneck pin weight is higher). More importantly the RGAWR is 9,750 for the Ram 3500 and 13,500 for the 5500 – we need the added capability of the stronger rear axle.

Keep in mind that all New Horizons are custom and they all have different weights, based upon length and design/options. Some can be towed by a Ram 3500, just not ours.

We are happy with the Ram 5500. Originally, I was disappointed that we would not be able to purchase the 3500, for various reasons – but ultimately, we like the truck and the advantages of the hauler body.

Lynn



__________________

2014 New Horizons Majestic 40'
2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body

Enjoying this chapter in our lives!!!
Glenn West


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 488
Date:
Permalink  

Made an intelligent decision. I already had my truck. We have a 5600# pin. Our overload spring is arched backwards under load. Bed sides are in the way also. We are in marker for an HDT.

__________________

2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
The Junkman


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 972
Date:
Permalink  

Damn.. Yep.. over 6k pin weight is a deal breaker.. I assume that is empty too? wow..

The max pin weight changes by RAM's make and model.. from memory.. mine is right about 6k max..It could be 5k on others.. as your subtracting the rear weight from the 9750..Unless you install a second fuel tank thing.. I guess.. whatever..

So yep.. over 6k pin. different ball game.. I figured it may have been that based on other NH build weights I seen..Total weight of the camper 25k ish?

Was curious.. Thanks..Enjoy and have fun!



-- Edited by The Junkman on Saturday 19th of July 2014 12:28:15 PM



-- Edited by The Junkman on Saturday 19th of July 2014 12:28:51 PM

__________________

 

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

 
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> We might have ordered the wrong tow vehicle … many thanks!
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us