• DCRC 2024

Which rv/5th wheel solution for full time?

sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
after talking to keystone on the phone, it sounds like they do ride rather tongue-heavy when unloaded. The model I was interested in was 2500 lbs tongue weight unloaded. That seems like a lot to me, but I've never towed anything over 2000 lbs.
 
mbryson

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
Location
Bountiful, land of rocks
zmotorsports

zmotorsports

Hardcore Gearhead
Vendor
Location
West Haven, UT
sixstringsteve said:
If I could have any toy hauler on the planet, I think I'd choose this one:

http://www.heartlandrvs.com/#!dview=modeldetail&c=toyhaulers&sc=CYC&m=627&cidx=4&ajax=?

Only catch is, it weighs 15,725 DRY. GVWR is 20,000 lbs.

What tow rig could I find that would reliably pull that for under $30k? It'd have to be a dually at that point, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...

A friend of mine has that exact toyhauler for sale. If you are interested I could put you in contact with him. If memory serves he only owned it for a year and he towed it with a Dodge 3500 crew cab shortbed. I had installed air bags under the rear but other than that is was stock. Personally I think it was a bit too big for that truck and would want a larger tow rig but he towed it for a year plus with no issues.

Mike.
 
jeeper

jeeper

I live my life 1 dumpster at a time
Location
So Jo, Ut
I loved each of the 5th wheel trailers we have had.... But I LOVE having the bed space back now that we have a bumber pull.
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
If I get a 5th wheel, I shouldn't need the bed space, since all my possessions will be in the trailer behind me. At least that's my theory.
 
jentzschman

jentzschman

Well-Known Member
Location
Sandy, Utah
I know you have expressed the desire for a garage type 5th wheel but have you reconsidered storing your bikes in the 5th wheel? Would this help simplify the search for a 5th wheel and truck?
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I haven't seen a good option for storing bikes yet. I don't want to store the bikes inside the main living quarters, that'll get old fast. We're going to start shopping pretty soon and document what we learn and what we think.
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
We've started the RV shopping process. Follow along and feel free to comment with your advice.

The full playlist is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhufv2WUcY&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=1

[video=youtube;uHhufv2WUcY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhufv2WUcY&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=1[/video]

[video=youtube;8st6NAZJ3nM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8st6NAZJ3nM&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=2[/video]

[video=youtube;ldnidMb9GaA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldnidMb9GaA&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=3[/video]
 
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L

leorn

reset
Location
Roy
sixstringsteve said:
We've started the RV shopping process. Follow along and feel free to comment with your advice.

The full playlist is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhufv2WUcY&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=1

[video=youtube;uHhufv2WUcY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhufv2WUcY&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=1[/video]

[video=youtube;8st6NAZJ3nM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8st6NAZJ3nM&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=2[/video]

[video=youtube;ldnidMb9GaA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldnidMb9GaA&list=PLWysv3wFKyy51uoVI85jdvMAEPOcmA6hr&index=3[/video]
Click to expand...

Steve I thought I would post up since I pull some pretty crazy loads with an SRW. I tow ~24,000 behind a dodge 2500 diesel. Here's my two bits:

I do have a CDL. I got it since I was inspected by a friendly. I tow equipment for my business, so I needed to have a CDL. You can tow as much as you are registered for (in Utah). I have no idea in other states. My insurance hasn't asked for more $ for the extra weight rating.

The Dodge brakes are not up to the task. The Ford are infinitely better and I swapped the knuckles and brakes onto the dodge axle. Should have just swapped the entire axle. You will want either a manual tranny or a built auto. I have been driving a 96-97 7.3 the past few days towing the same stuff. I don't know that there is a big difference. I would drive either TBH. These loads are heavy enough my granny gear is not low enough. I have to start in 4low.

You do need to be way smart driving a load that size. Reading through the CDL manual will make you anticipate a lot of situations you will get into and help you make the correct reaction second nature.

The biggest benefit to a DRW is that if you lose a tire, you don't lose control. It's built in insurance. I do drive a big rig in the winter and love that. Even so, I'm not in a big rush to go dually on my DD. I tow a lot, but for short distances. Help is never far, though I have never blew a rear tire with the loads I tow. I think for long hauls it would be dually no question.

I didn't read the whole thread, so I hope this info is helpful/relevant.
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
super helpful and super relevant, thanks leorn. Do you happen to have a link to the CDL manual? That sounds like handy ready for anyone towing big loads.
 
Cascadia

Cascadia

Undecided
Location
Orem, Utah
I hope to retire my '15 GMC 3500 to towing only duties soon. I have been contemplating and gathering info on doing a dually swap. I have the 6.5' bed and dually' came in 8'. I'm hoping to be able to get an 8' dually bed and cut the flat parts of the bed down to match bed length and wheel wells. Weld together, paint prep, get it painted , swap axles and have a not so massive dually. I hope it happens. I pull my 35' fifth wheel nearly every other weekend and they usual work trailer towing duties.
 
kmboren

kmboren

Recovering XJ owner anonymous
Location
Southern Utah
Steve knowing you are a car guy I still think you can keep your Mazda with a enclosed trailer if you go motorhome route then you also have the extra storage and garage space for bikes ect or a Toy hauler large enough for the car which shouldn't be too hard to find as it is a small car. I am not sure how long your car is but my guess is a 14 foot inclosed would work nice. Just a couple of thoughts.
 
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