outdoorsman2007
In the Woods - Somewhere!
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Joined: 04/12/2007
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The half ton you describe is not a good match to a 30' fifth wheel. You will destroy your truck in no time.
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Katdaddy
Petal, MS USA
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Joined: 08/25/2003
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dpgllg wrote:I have a 30 foot 5th wheel in my sig that the dealer said I should be fine towing with my 1/2 ton. While it did tow it the truck screamed pulling hills and I could never get comfortable with the combination as I always had to anticipate every little hill or stop. After several trips I upgraded to a 3/4 ton and could not be happier. This truck can handle the hills without screaming and the stopping seems better as well.
A 5.5 bed would also be a concern. I have a 6.5 bed and have to watch some of my turns particularly when backing.
Someone with a lot more experience could probably work with my original combination but I just never could be comfortable. It got to the point that I did not want to take the trailer out because I did not look forward to the drive. With the new truck I have no concerns and look for chances to hit the road.
My story is similar. I have a 28 ft fiver that is 1/2 ton towable. My old truck would pull it but I felt every motion of the camper and I felt I needed a LOT of room to stop. I would be worn out at the end of every trip. I upgraded to a 3/4 ton and now I have to check the mirrors to make sure the camper is still back there. Much better combo. Having more truck than you need is a good thing.
Little by little, one travels far - J.R.R. Tolkien
There ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. - Mark Twain
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Big Red F-150
Michigan
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Joined: 04/30/2006
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Hay dpgllg would a 250 geared the same as a 150 scream going up hill pulling a 30'? All the time spent driving I'm really concerned about the ride of the truck, getting beat to death with the 150 30TT a have now
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Tundra2084
Kitchener Ontario Canada
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Joined: 09/06/2005
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Big Red F-150 Its not the lenght of the fiver ...its the WEIGHT. Not all small fivers are light and not all long fivers are heavy. Our fiver is 31 feet long..and its an ultra light..weight is 8100 lbs GVWR with a pin of 1142 lbs because its a rear kitchen our pin is lower than others.
We owned a Puma 253fbs that was 27 feet long and it weighed GVWR 10,000 lbs and the pin was 1200 lbs. Screaming going up hills is nice but stopping safely with ample space to spare between you and the car in front of you is even better.
Frank & Dawn
2005 Ford Super Duty F250 Diesel 6.0L Fx4 Short Box supercab
2007 Palomino Thoroughbred F-829RK
Tucker and Sadie our 4 legged kids
Forest River Forums
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jason_rving
North Georgia
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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Big Red F-150 wrote:Hay dpgllg would a 250 geared the same as a 150 scream going up hill pulling a 30'? All the time spent driving I'm really concerned about the ride of the truck, getting beat to death with the 150 30TT a have now
The F150 will not do it comfortably or safely. Even with an ultralite like a rockwood fifth wheel, it is hard on a F150. I had three F150s before my current truck.
Jason and family
2004 Cedar Creek 31LBHBS
2004 2500HD Silverado CC LT LLY Duramax/Allison 4x4
48 Gal Aux Fuel Tank - 74 total gal cap.
Husky 16K, Kipor 3500ti Generator
Prodigy, Timbrens, 285 Goodyears, Rhino Lined,
Cobra 75WXST with Firestik
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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Big Red F-150 wrote:Hay dpgllg would a 250 geared the same as a 150 scream going up hill pulling a 30'? All the time spent driving I'm really concerned about the ride of the truck, getting beat to death with the 150 30TT a have now
IMO if the engine and gearing are the same, the uphill screaming will be somewhat higher on the 250, since it weighs more than the 150. Gas milage will be a bit less too. If you can get a more powerful engine (V10) it will be a bit better, with same gearing. Diesel towing performance will be even better yet due to its better low end torque.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Mine is 26' and does just fine. Make sure everyone knows you will be downsizing the trailer to make the switch. GVWR times 20% will be a good estimate for the pin. Keep the dry pin under 1000 as it will grow to 1200/1400+ pounds. I have the automatic slider and I would not want a manual as I think I would be sliding it back too often.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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