Hello from two newbies. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Vinson-Olson · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hello from two newbies.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome! I suggest renting at least a couple of different RVs to see what fits. If you go for a TT or 5er remember the rule...buy or select the TT/5er first then match a TV to it.

-- Edited by LarryW21 on Tuesday 21st of August 2018 08:53:40 AM

arcaguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just for some clarification from another newbie a TV is short hand for Tow Vehicle, generally some sort of larger pick up truck. Just my dos centavos about any type of vehicle towing a load, ignore the horsepower ratings and look at torque - that's what pulls your load. There are lots of really knowledgeable folks on here about tow vehicles, they don't all agree but they can all add to your decision as to what to buy. Personally I wouldn't look at anything that wasn't a diesel, gas engines just don't have enough torque to pull a big load.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pulling is rarely an issue IMO. TV payload and wheelbase are usually the TT/5er limiting factors.

jrzygrl64 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome!

PrairieRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Jerry & Betty!

I'm still pretty much a noob here. I researched and dreamed and decided then changed my mind several times about which type of RV to get. 5er, class A, class C, etc. I finally decided on a drivable and ran across a good deal on my older used Winnie Chieftain. I'm not full-timing yet, but still dreaming. I'm leaving today for only my second trip with it and I'm already thinking about what I'd want different on my next RV!!

Anyway, that's all to say, that dreaming and shopping is much of the fun.

Vinson-Olson · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the reply's folks.

I bought a 2013 Ford F150, EcoBoost 3.5, 4X2, Crew Cab to pull an UltraLite TT thinking that was what we wanted to pull. But we discovered that a bigger TT was needed, so the truck would not work. I could go with a newer (2015 or newer) F150, EcoBoost 3.5, with Max Tow Package and this should give us a towing capacity of about 12K#.

My choices today are a F250HD, Diesel with 6.5' bed and probably have to go with an XLT. This should increase my towing capacity to about 14K# and will tow anything we pick. We just can't decide which TT is suitable yet.

If we go with a MH, it will be a C with a Ford V10. This offers a 7500# Tow capacity.

We are researching insurance now to factor this in also.

As you can see, I really am a newbie but am a fast study and can turn a wrench. We have much to learn and I listen to all advice.

We are looking forward to sitting on top of half-dome, next to Crater Lake, slow driving Yellowstone/Tetons, driving across New Found Road in Tenn/North Carolina or even Alaska.

I have made this site my daily read so fire away if you have suggestions or questions from us.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jerry,

As stated before, choose the RV you want first, and if it does end up being a towable, don't even consider ANY truck until you know the weights. There are the factors of GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating), GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight), and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating.) When dealing with dealers, either RV or vehicle, don't just take their "word" for what will work. Do the research and do the calculating based on the weights of the trailer, truck, and any cargo and passengers you will be carrying. If a salesperson says something to the effect that "your truck will work fine with this," then still question their statements.

Not only does the tow vehicle need to pull the rig well, especially up any steep grades, but it also needs to be able to "handle" the rig with the use of brakes (on both the tow vehicle and trailer) when going down a similar grade. Whatever you do, DO NOT go by a vehicular manufacturer's "tow rating." That is only a guide with which one can start to calculate weights and truck size. For instance, we have a 2008 Ford F450 (much larger than what you are considering) and if I tried to tow a trailer that had the weight of its "tow rating," I would be seriously overweight on both GCVW and GAWR.

Good luck in your research, and remember to have some fun.

Terry

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Aboard

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm thinking, before you get any recommendations you should spell out exactly what you envision for travel plans, in terms of how you expect to use whatever you decide on. How long do you plan to be on the road? Full time, part time, spontaneous trips. How frequently do you plan to change locations on such trips. Where do you want to go? What type of parks do you prefer? etc etc. Not all RVs fit all styles of RVing for all people. Your own comfort zone of driving, towing etc can play a factor on the best choice for you. Even the "pros" and I say that with affection, will tell you only what works for them. Ultimately it's your money, your time and your adventure.... forearmed is forewarned and knowledge is power.

For us we are leaning strongly toward a larger 5er and one ton dually. I can't say it would work for you... solely based on your comments so far. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Good luck.

ChaseBobby · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hello, Jerry and Betty! Welcome aboard! From a fellow newbie.

jayc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howdy from another Texan. My wife and I have been full timers for about 10 years, and this is a very helpful site. Good luck!