Okay, I recently purchased my TV, had been looking for several months. Ran across 03 F250 with low miles and couldn't wait any longer. So now I've switched all my research to 5th wheels.
My initial thoughts,
1. Bedroom Slide - due to my size I consider this near number 1 of importance
2. Shocks - Due to the floor plan of a rear kitchen this is probably important to keep everything back there in place. (perhaps for any trailer)?
3. Air Conditioning - It comes with 13.5 and seen other trailers with a 15K @ 36' and it ain't enough during Texas midday with 6 people! Will 15K work with a 33'?
4. Price - Is about the area that we're planning to spend < 30K
What are your thoughts? I have a few other items on my list but figure these were on top, What should I be concerned about? Suggestions? Thanks in advance, Ru
A typical 3/4 ton anybodies is very limited to how much actual weight capacity they have, especially so if it is diesel. You must be very careful on loading so as not to exceed GVWR/GCWR/axle ratings/tire ratings, or what ever numbers you choose to accept. Generally speaking a fivers pin weight will be 20% of it's GVWR.
OK your talking 6 people and a 36 foot fiver? That means a crew cab truck? Subtract all the people and junk you would load up in that 3/4 ton and you will already at or very near the GVWR before you hitch anything to it. Not really practical. Sorry. But you asked for opinions.
Your F-350 will handle a 292RKS easily, especially if it is a diesel. We have a Cougar 291RLS and up until last week we pulled it with a 2007 F-150 S/C 4x4. It worked pretty good for 100-200 mile outings as long as you don't think you need to run 70 MPH towing.I'm sure the weight police will have fun with that.Just bought a 2008 F250 crewcab diesel 4x4, hooked up the camper and going down the road you did not even know anything was back there!Now for the A/C, you will want more than the 13500.Our 13500 btu a/c struggles to keep up in the heat of summer in the midwest, and I'm sure you wouldn't like it in Tx.Good Luck and enjoy!
rseymour21, We have a similar floor-plan minus the bedroom slide. There is only two of us and we pack reasonably. My 2500 has no problems and all weights are close but under limits. The 290rks has no shocks but carrying 1/2 a tank of fresh water makes it ride great, lowers the pin weight somewhat and makes pit-stops easier.
In my opinion and experience ... Go for it. I think you will like the Cougar RK, we find it very livable.
The bedroom slide adds pin weight so look at air bags for rear of truck to level up. We have the 278rks and find the 13.5 weak in summer heat. We may change it out this season for 15000. Like the cougar a lot overall. Had minor issues all fixed. Find a good dealer and you'll be set. Lots of bad ones out there.
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