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RE: 5th wheels vs motor homes
If some "Goon" threatens us, I can just sitdown and drive away. I don't have to confront him while trying to get to the tow vehicle.
Also the DW refuses to drive a truck when we get where we are going. :)
That is by far the 2 funniest reasons to own a motor home vs. a 5th wheel. I keep picturing you 'saving' yourself by slowly raising your landing gear, firing up the diesel, slides slowly coming in, hoses ripping out of the ground... all the while the DW is saying "thank God I'm not running to get in a truck to get out of this Compton gangland campground!" hahahahaha.
Thank you for that post. Just awesome.
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rsg63
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04/03/13 09:02am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: I have had 2 real threads going, Now the Verdict!
I have a 2006 dually. I run oversized tires on it (265/70 17) and run 65 pounds empty, 80 pounds towing, all the way around. Treadwear is excellent with 45k on them so far and never had a wandering issue. No bouncing issue really but I replaced my stabilizer and shocks with high quality units and run a 5th airborn box.
Never had a mor ryde to compare them but will not buy another 5th airborn. Instead I will get the Hensley Trailersaver next time and do it right.
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rsg63
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04/02/13 09:20am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Spray in bed liner and hitch
We have the Line-X, and just like everyone else here, no cutting or changes made because of it. I dare say I have not seen a post where every member agrees like this. Freaky.
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rsg63
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04/02/13 08:38am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Changing to LED's
I changed all 35+ lights (including the reading type by the bed) in our rig this year. We used:
www.m4products.com/wedge-based-led-lights/
If anyone can find better pricing I would be suprised. These guys are great to work with, very fair on price and ship quickly.
Highly recommend doing the entire rig at these prices.
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rsg63
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03/27/13 10:38am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Pin box bolts
If you really want to learn, here is one of the better writeups on the differences in bolt grades. Of particular interest for me was the comment that undertorqing bolts is a big culprit of their eventual failure.
http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/fasteners/index.asp
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rsg63
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03/22/13 07:42am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tire diameter/clearance
Try this link for an approximation of the differences in size.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
Just to throw more heat on this post, I went from 235/80 16's like you and replaced them with with LT265/75E 16's and love them. No contact latterally, horizontally or vertically. But that is on my Jayco TH and of course every model and brand will have less or more clearances that I do.
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rsg63
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03/15/13 02:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Generator ?s
We have an Onan 5500 Marquis Gold in the front of our unit. Until this thread I do not think we realized how many people depend on Shore power or small 'tent' camping gennies. Thinking back, most of the units we have seen outside an RV have been the little red Honda units strung together. Having a place for a typical Champion or equivalent would be limited to the TV hitch/bed area I would think.
Our next rig will also have an Onan inside, but to be fair, that's because we started that way. We can run both a/c's, the microwave, a hair dryer, and the 40" flat screen if desired without issue.
We also do not mind the noise and never run it near other folks unless it's a NASCAR type situation.
If I were in your situation, I would make sure I could run everything needed on any given day (cold or hot day). If that meant two 3000 Honda's vs. two 2000 Hondas then so be it.
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rsg63
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03/06/13 09:22am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: truck size
I drop my 16,000# fiver on my F450 and all it asks "Is that ll you got?" It doesnt sag at all
Hahahaha, funny. Must ride really well! lol. I am picturing ANY vehicle attaching a trailer and the suspension not moving. Just a really good visual when you wrote that.
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rsg63
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03/04/13 11:49am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th wheel vs. travel trailer
One thing that is a benefit with a fiver is the way a fiver tracks. You do not get any sway when a larger tractor trailer goes by you. It is also more stable and easier to back in. One con is that you lose most of your trucks bed space with a fiver. It is easier hooking up a fifth wheel tho. We had two TT and when we went to a fiver, we never looked back. The fiver do give you more basement storage. It all comes down to what you want. Every person will give you their own opinion and you have to take each with a grain of salt. Mine included. Good luck with your decision.
That was a well balanced and fair reply. Someone Ban this person! lol
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rsg63
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02/28/13 03:14pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: What you change on your FW to make it better
Went to three batteries, then two 6v batteries; Changed 6 tires to larger LT "E" rated tires; LED tail lights and two Rampage 60" LED Tailgate Light Bars; 5th Airborn pinbox; gun safe bolted under bed; fully carpeted garage; 2000# winch in front floor of garage; additional refrigerator in garage; slide awnings; Blue ray player; blood; sweat; and of course, tears.
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rsg63
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02/28/13 01:42pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Question on the map of states visited...
Thanks for all the good replies amd some down right funny. I see about 50/50 on the drive vs. stay deal.
DW and I appreciate the input and will now proceed to pick opposite sides most likely. Sigh...
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rsg63
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02/27/13 09:53pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Question on the map of states visited...
So this is something I've always wondered and have not seen asked before. The magnetic/sticky maps that so many folks have on their rigs (or sigs) indicating where they've traveled, what are the rules on those? Assumed or otherwise? I see some maps with all 50 states filled-in and I wonder "how the heck did they include Hawaii with a 40' fifth wheel?" Did they rent a camper there and then counted it?
I would assume states visited could be carried over from rig to rig so long as you have driven in that state. Or is it assumed you also actually camped there too? Like crossing the Texas panhandle in a day you could hit three states without stopping.
So can I get some 'collective' agreement on the simple guidelines for these things?
Thanks!
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rsg63
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02/27/13 02:26pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Is 2 axles enough?
My setup has triple 6k axles. The only difference from my 6k to the 7k I could have ordered was the brakes. So I upgraded all six tires recently to LT E rated and have never been happier. If my rims were rated for 110 psi I would have gone to the G rated as others mentioned here. No real issues backing this into my backyard off the street (at about 80% turn slightly uphill and over a curb). Sure tandem would be even easier, but my unit is 18K rolling down the road on average so I really like the extra braking and safety margin from the additional axle. Plus towing at speed is a absolute dream with triples.
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rsg63
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02/27/13 02:18pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: What kind of gas mileage do you get towing?
As others have clearly stated, speed kills mileage especially in an oil burner. I used to cruise around 70 mph because that is truly the sweet spot for the rig with trailer. I now average about 63 and have seen about 1.5 mpg increase. Gas engines are not as sensitive to this small of a highway speed difference. My 4x4 Diesel dually gets 9-12 Mpg towing our 18K triple axle and about 17 empty (relatively empty as I usually have 89 Gal of fuel, larger tires and a leveling kit which all subtract from mpg.)
Bottom line, you are doing just fine, just keep the tires aired up properly and the top speed, down. Front caps of 5vers are HUGE!
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rsg63
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02/27/13 10:37am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Best 5th wheel hitch for a 2012 Ram 3500
Congratz on the new rig! I have the Reese 24k sig series and it removes clean no tools. But truth be told, I will buy the Hensley TrailSaver when I buy my new truck. The Reese has been a fine unit but I do not like the fact that the locking jaw does not completely go around the pin and the idea of truly cushioning the rig all along the way appeals to my logical side (what there is of it).
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rsg63
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02/26/13 03:02pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 50 amp surge protection. Progressive Industries vs TRC
at $109 I "assume" that this is merely a surge protector, not a multi-function device that will prevent/solve other issues.
bumpy
Solve issues? Not sure what you mean there.
But it is slightly more than a surge protector as it will indicate (via lights) if a circuit is open, or mis-wired before you plug in. beyond indicating safe circuits and surge protection I really could not hope for more in a $100 device intended for this type of service.
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rsg63
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02/26/13 02:38pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 50 amp surge protection. Progressive Industries vs TRC
bumbpy can you direct me to the device you are referring to?
Here is where I purchased mine:
BTW, Made in America! Love that bonus.
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-SSP50-Smart-Surge/dp/B002UC2UB8/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1361914255&sr=1-1&keywords=Progressive+Industries+SSP50
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rsg63
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02/26/13 02:32pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: fl 5th wheel
Had a look at one at a show a few years back. Guess it is OK for some but I sure do like my big back window for the view.
Something else to think about would be resale value since relatively few are interested in that layout.
Ditto^^^
My first thought was resale. Less than 5% are made/sold of this type according to two different dealers we looked at.
Plus, most units seem to make the bathroom into a bathroom/laundryroom/hallway and we just could not get past that. (no pun intended)
Finally, the bedrooms seem stark with shallow drawers and a bed that seems to be located in a storage room, not in a bedroom. Meaning the whole room feels less personal for a typical bedroom atmosphere.
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rsg63
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02/26/13 02:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 50 amp surge protection. Progressive Industries vs TRC
Because of the threads on this forum about this very issue we just purchased our first surge. And it is the Progressive Industries SSP50 Smart Surge, for $109 on Amazon. We've been lucky I am sure as we have never had an appliance fry or fail, or even a tripped breaker for that matter.... (stops typing to knock on wood/skull)
Or maybe it's because it's a Jayco and nothing ever goes wrong. Ever.
Buttered or kettle corn folks?
;)
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rsg63
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02/22/13 02:42pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tow vehicle
I realize you are talking about the 3/4 to 1 ton versions with a Hemi but here are my experiences:
We own both the Cummins and the Hemi. Wife has a 2010 1500 Hemi loaded with all the tow goodies (3.92 axles, cooling, etc.)
I have a 2006 3500 Cummins dually. She tows our Jet ski trailer (about 3,900#'s) and I tow our 5th wheel (about 18k#'s). In my experience, anything over about 7-8k#'s will see a large drop in mileage for the gas engines regardless of brand, or size, to the point that the extra paid for the diesel will start paying for itself. (START paying....) However, the towing experience you will have is where it's really different. You will be taxing any gas motor pretty strongly after that average weight and that's no fun if you tow very far, or up hills, or on level ground...lol
The 2010 1500 with the Hemi is rated at about 10k#'s towing capacity but would I run it that high? Nope. Not fun, not very safe, and very expensive on the fuel.
Bottom line is I strongly suggest you get the right tool for the job and I humbly submit that the trailer weight you are considering towing is above a comfortable limit for a gasser.
Lord knows there are folks who will disagree and I invite them to share their experiences with you as well.
Edit: I am referencing the Dodge product line the OP mentioned interest in, not any V10 or big block beast gassers out there. I have zero experience towing truly heavy loads with a gasser v10 or a big block v8.
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rsg63
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02/22/13 02:09pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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