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So hubby and I are FINALLY getting ready to purchase our RV and truck and we need some help! We are leaning toward the DRV MS Atlanta and would love your opinions on a truck. We definitely want a hauler body. Thoughts and suggestions to get us going in the right direction? Thanks in advance!
Well I'm sure you will get the normal, Ford verses Chevy verses Dodge opinions. I looked at it this way they all build good trucks some features are better with some than the others. So when I made my decision I went and drove all three. Looked at the tow capacity of all Three and ended up with a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually with air bag suspension. It actually turns out to ride better than the 2006 Dodge 2500 I had. So far no regrets.
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Gary and Larissa. Ella and Maggie the mutts 2019 Mobile Suites. 36RSSB3
Start by selecting or buying the trailer/5er. Then you’ll know the numbers to match a TV to it.
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Winnebago TT 2101DS & 2020 Silverado LTZ Z71. 300 watts WindyNation solar w/MPPT, 2 Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, USF&WS, NPS, TVA, state/county camps. 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - old MOS 1542 & 1560.
With a DRV you'll likely need a dually. The brand is the one you like the most as they are all now very equal. I'm a Ford guy, but totally like the Chevy and Ram too.
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Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
While many may disagree, my take is that you are good candidate for a Ram 5500. I only say that as the size of the DRV is going to be border line for a 3500 in my opinion. There are other alternatives with a Ford or GM that you could also research. Plus the upside of moving to a 5500 (or similar) is the turning radius is greatly improved.
Check your RAWR on the truck. That's where most trucks are limited. Based on the specs, that 5er has a GVWR of 24k. So your pin weight is going to be between 4800-6000 lbs depending on how you calculate it (20% to 25% of GVWR). Then add in a full tank if gas, plus anything else you plan to carry in the bed. It adds up fast. Its better to err on the side of caution and have more truck than flirt with disaster and be right at the limits of your truck.
You’re going to need a 5500HD for a rig that weight to not overload the RAWR...I just happen to have one for sale along with our 2012 New Horizons Majestic which while used is built better than the DRVs are...we only seriously looked back in 2012 at those two lines and construction techniques and standard amenities were far better in the NH.
Even with the DRV...you will be much, much happier with the 5500...it’s far superior to the F450 we traded up from in both comfort and pulling/stopping power. Grades just aren’t an issue with the bigger truck.
-- Edited by Neil and Connie on Friday 31st of July 2020 09:38:19 AM
Well I guess we'll be looking at 5500's. I'd rather err on the side of caution and be safe rather than sorry. I appreciate everyone's input.
If you have suggestions of where to look or know of any used ones available let me know! Definitely want the hauler body....
What Neil said. Please don't go small truck with that large a rig. It isn't what the truck can tow, its what it can control and the 3500 RAM, a fine truck, does not have the rear axle rating for that kind of pin weight.
This discussion has been had on this forum probably 100 times. No exaggeration. Get a 5500HD either from Tom @ Classy new, or buy Neil's for a lot less money and it will likewise do the job.
I've typed the specs and the reasons so many times I could almost cut and past, but do yourself a big favor, get a 5500HD and tow with confidence and moreover safety. You won't be disappointed.
We understand and appreciate the advice. A 5500 then! We would like to be on the road mid April if we can pull it all together!
Do keep in mind these 5500HD's are extremely popular simply because they do the job. So I would caution about waiting to get one. I've seen it take 6 or more months. Used, like Neil's are fine. 75,000 miles are nothing on these true commercial grade trucks, engines and transmissions. New is also fine. Just don't think you can wait till January to begin and order one and expect it here in Mid-April. Odds are: won't happen.
