new 5th wheel
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 331
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new 5th wheel
i have never had a 5th wheeel, i have only towed conventional trailers. i have been doing a lot of shopping and wee have decided that we will need to be in the 32 to 35 foot range. just wanted to know if im getting too big for my srw F250. some of the sales men say that i need a dual rear wheel 1 ton. i just ant to know if my truck will pull with comfort or if it will be a big task to go camping? i dont want to have white nuckels, and need to be smashing the pedal to make it move? just want some feedback thanks
also will my 4inch lift be an issue?
also will my 4inch lift be an issue?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
Without wanting to start a 5th wheel verses a TT debate, I do like the way a 5th wheel pulls over a TT. Yes, you lose your bed for storage unless the overhang can clear your stuff but it's worth it in my opinion. Turning is a little better, you don't have to mess with sway bars on the hitch and most 5th wheel layouts are pretty nice and roomy. I have a 33' Cougar 5th wheel that weighs about 9500#'s before I load it and my SRW F350 in my sig does just fine. I would recommend that your brakes are in good order, get a sliding hitch for your shortbed if you are worried about jack knifing into a tight spot, the telescoping mirrors if you don't have them and upgrading your tranny cooler if you are running an automatic. Your 4 inch lift may be an issue but it will depend on the trailer height as well. Most hitches have ways to adjust the height so you have adequate room between the trailer and the bed rails. I would like to get a nice set of airbags one of these days as well. I can get my trailer into some tight spots with some patience.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
Holy moly... Since it's a toy hauler, I wonder if there was a fuel spill of some sort.
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have a 2002 F250 7.3L single rear axle. I haul a 31' Jayco Eagle rated at 12,000 GVW with no problems. However, it is the maximum for a non-dual rear end. I've owned the combined unit since 2003. The construction of the 5th wheel will determine the size versus weight. If you want to go large, go aluminum studs. Unfortunately, aluminum stud construction is more expensive. When I was in the market, I took my pick up to the dealer and said, "Here's my truck. Don't sell me anything it won't haul.". We are glad we own a 5th wheel. You shouldn't be disappointed. Good luck.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I have no idea what caused the 5er in that photo to burn... someone posted it on another forum.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
Here's a pic of mine.The dealer salesman that sold it to me didn't have much input on my towing vehicle specs. As soon as I told him that I have a diesel, he said, "You'll be fine." He didn't have a clue... 
If anything, talk to the RV dealer's tech guys in the service area. They may be more helpful and knowledgeable.
If anything, talk to the RV dealer's tech guys in the service area. They may be more helpful and knowledgeable.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
I pull a 38' Hitchhiker 5th wheel. Weight should be the deciding factor for you. Consider the overall weight of the unit as well as the hitch weight.
Your 4" lift shouldn't be hard to compensate for. Consider having the camper axles flipped to under the springs. That is a common mod for camper trailers. The hitches have height adjustment to them. Some campers have adjustments on the pin box also.
Your 4" lift shouldn't be hard to compensate for. Consider having the camper axles flipped to under the springs. That is a common mod for camper trailers. The hitches have height adjustment to them. Some campers have adjustments on the pin box also.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
I have had a 36' 5'er since '04 and just bout anew camper that is 41' and I have no problems pulling. I have been all over the east coast from NY, NJ to Texas with it. What you can tow is not determined by the dually. I tow just fine. The dually just makes it more stable. But Unless you tow everyday the dually is not needed IMO.
I hate sights like that fire. Runs a chill thru my spine. Yuck!!!
I hate sights like that fire. Runs a chill thru my spine. Yuck!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
My .02 : When it comes time for me to get a new truck, it will be a dually. Until then my SRW F250 does pretty well. One thing that I noticed in Ford's Towing Guide is an F350 of my same year model actually has a lower towing capacity because of the added weight of truck itself. The payload capacity is higher (meaning you can put more weight in the bed), but I think the brakes are the same. If someone can disprove this, feel free, but I'd like to see it in writing again.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Belgrade, MT
Tires
the one thing I would add to this is to be certain you have E rated tires and they are at 80 PSI Cold. if tongue weight makes it sag too much, airbags will give you all you need to level things off and provide a solid ride.
