Hi all, Our Family has a 2001 Dutchman Signature Fifth Wheel 36' triple slide. We had a dually when the trailer was on the road. The truck was sold when we parked the trailer on a seasonal site.

We just bought last month a 2008 F350 CC,LB,SRW,4x4,3.73 gears with the 6.4 in it. We didnt buy the truck based on towing the trailer since it is parked and we like the campground it is in. My wife had the idea of in the fall taking the trailer out of the campground and towing it to Disney World for a week vacation. We live in PA so it would be a straight shot down 95 to FL.
The trailer is around 11,000lbs empty no fluids with a 14,000 GVW on it. I would say it sits at around 13,000 with what is in it.

I guess my concern is Yes it should be a Dualley hooked up to it for stability. Would anybody say NO I would not tow it with the SRW?

Thanks for the opinions in advance.

Greg

 

Again, that truck will be completely fine with that load. Posted in the 6.4L forum too!

 

I agree, you should have no issues towing that trailer with a SRW. I have a 36' quad slide and tow quite frequently with my 06 F350 CC 4x4 SB SRW, I did add airbags though. I have never noticed any stability issues.

 

The truck should be fine. However, depending on how long the trailer has been sitting, I would check on the condition of the tires. Most RV techs recommend new tires every 6-7 years no matter how they look. Also, you probably want to jack the trailer up, pull the wheels and check the condition of the bearings and races. Definitely re-pack the bearings no matter what. And don't forget to check all your lights, turn-signals, brakes, etc. We're planning on heading to Disney in September (Labor Day week). Maybe we'll see you there.

 

It will be going in for bearings and lights and brakes checked. The tires have had tire covers on them the whole time. I was hoping they are alright. I wasnt planning on buying 6 - 16" tires before we go. I will think hard about that one since it is a safety issue.

Thanks!
Greg

 

OUCH on the tires.
Last summer a friend lost 3 of 4 on his first trip with a (new to him 01 original tires). The good ( ) part of the story, the first tire took out the skirt (seems like he paid $250 for the new one) so the second failure didn't have anything to tear up. He discovered the 3rd flat at the tire store.
Ended up with 4 new and the orig spare back to being a spare BUT he knows if that spare ever hits the groud again it will be on it way SLOWLY to the tire store.

good luck and enjoy your trip
ab

 

Yeah Thanks!
We rethought it and we are going to be purchasing 6 new tires before we take it back out on the road. Its not worth a accident. If we cant get everything done this year in time we will get the truck and trailer done this year then put the trip on the agenda for next year.

 

Might be more cost effective to get a room at Disneyworld.

 

"Might be more cost effective to get a room at Disneyworld."

I don't know about that. Camping at Fort Wilderness runs around $40-$50/night; the resort hotels range from around $350/night & up.

You still have to figure cost of fuel, but depending on the size of your family, fuel vs. air fare, and the difference in cost per night, staying in your camper can make a lot of sense.

 

No, the work being done to the trailer wont be just to take it down to Disney 1 time and park it and not tow it again. If I am putting new tires on it then it will be put on the road for at least 2 local trips and 1 long haul vacation a year.