Have had a C for a couple of years now- 2009 28 QB from Jayco and we were in Middlebury, Indiana visiting the factory when we really took a hard look at the 5th wheel. We are considering making a change which first means getting a truck that can pull it. Can anyone offer some advice/suggesstions or things to look out for as we begin doing research all over again.
We liked our Jayco class C, are they a good brand for this type of RV or are there others to really consider?
I'd pick the 5er you want first, then get the proper truck to haul it.
Generally, I'd recommend a 1-ton pickup as a minimum, and probably a diesel. If the GVWR of the 5er is over 14K, you'd probably be better off with a dually. If it's over 17-18K you might consider a medium-duty hauler.
Half-ton pickups aren't really designed for hauling 5ers. Most of the later 3/4-tons will handle the smaller ones (up to 10-12K or so), but then if you decide you want a bigger 5er you're looking at trading for a new truck, and that's a pain.
Ford, Chevy, Dodge are all good trucks. Some years each had various problems with one thing or another, so if you're looking at used you might want to ask about certain years.
Jaycos are generally regarded as good medium quality 5ers. For the price and weight, they're not bad, but you should look at other brands too.
You have two major investments to make, both will take some research to get the best one. I would start with the truck long before the camper. My reason for that is, take a look at your driving habits, will this be the main form of transportation or not. The reason I say that is a 1 ton drw is really not parking lot friendly. What kind a traveling will you be doing and the list for the truck goes on and on.
Yes a 3/4 will handle most 5ers, but that depends on how you drive and where. Any rv salesman will answer the question will my truck pull this with a big yes. Once you have a truck you are comfortabel with then start the fun of rv shopping.
You need to decide on a 5er first. Then get a truck. I would consider a 3/4 gas rig as a min. truck. The suspension, brakes, frame, everything is bigger and better to take you save down the road. The newer GM GAS 2500HD trucks now have the 6 speed automatics in them. Guys are reporting 15-19 MPG empty. that's awesome for a truck that can pull a 14k 5er.
As for 5th wheels? There are a ton of great trailer out. Jayco, Cougar and Sabre are very popular right now. Which is better? That's up to the person using that specific trailer. Everyone has their own reasons.
What do you want in a 5th wheel?
whats your max length ( small parks in my area have a 35' limit on the sites I like )
how many people do you need to sleep (Do you have kids)
Big water tank
big gray tank
lots of storage
Alum. mag wheels
outside shower
Power Awning
Outside Kitchen
Front or rear master bedroom
Front or rear Bunks
Mid or Rear Kitchen
1 or 2 toilets
hard surface counter tops
central air/heat
30 or 50 amp (some sites are only 30A)
what kind of flooring
color of cabinets
ease of charging cell phones
location on where to put bonfire forks and other items
I can go on and on. BUT...Whats important to you?
Good Luck
2008 Silverado 2500HD DMax LTZ cc sb 4x4 EFILive tuned, Blocked, Deleted, Rerouted and removed B&W Turnover ball and 5th Companion
02 F250 4x4 Auto Ex LWB SRW 7.3L B&W, RideRite, 5"exhaust. TW6 chip. 195k
2011 Sabre 32BHOK-6
I'm agreeing with those that say "pick the fiver first". You probably will end up buying something different than you really think you will when you first go shopping. It would be a shame to limit yourself because you didn't have enough truck to pull what you really wanted.
A 5er IS a very versatle way to travel and camp! We love our 7th Jayco and first 5er...should have "gone 5er" a long time ago!
Jayco has everything from an all new from the ground up Eagle Super Lite HT (half ton towable) 5er, the Eagle Lite, and the Eagle...all the way up to a luxury Pinnacle 5er. The HT can easily be towed by the F-150 EcoBoost with the HD package...or bigger and heavier trailers with any major brand of 3/4 ton full sized pickup! Good luck!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
I bought my first 5er last August. I bought the 5er first. It sat on the dealer's lot for almost a month while I found the truck to pull it.
IMO, you have to look into your crystal ball a bit when deciding on the truck. Will you go into mountains? If so, how much? If a lot, deisel is the only way to go, IMO. Will it be a daily driver? If so, do you care if you have to park at the far ends of parking rows? Does the price of fuel matter in your decision? If so, diesel is more expensive in most of the country. How many miles will you put on it every year? Diesel hold their value better than gassers. Do you care about new or used? 4x4 or not? What size cab; regular, extended or crew?
2011 GMC 3500 Dually
New to me 2006 Jayco Designer 38RDQS
2 Boxers and a Maine Coon
What type of camping do you do? Are you a weekender, going to the local CGs or are you a traveler, seldom in one CG for more than a few days but do are sightseeing while there?
Are you the type who wants FHUs or are you a SP & NP type who is happy to drycamp for a few days?
Do you camp/travel as a couple or are you with kids too most of the time? Not much point in buying a family trailer if 90% of the time it is just the 2 of you.
Then there is the truck issue. You can never have too much truck. You will regret every day that you do not have enough truck.
Do the research before going out & worrying about how many TVs it has in it or what colour & type the fabric is.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
"jet", I kinda have an issue with the statement that a 1 ton "will pull anything". Granted it will move almost any trailer down the road, but when you get into some of the heavier units, i.e. New Horizon, Spacecraft, older Teton's, etc. the pin weight will soon exceed the carrying capacity of a 1 ton. There is one rule for 5th wheel towing, YOU CANNOT HAVE TOO MUCH TRUCK!
I disagree with picking the fiver first. I wanted as much flexibility as possible, so I bought my truck first. Also, to make sure I really had the most flexibility, I searched for and found a very low milage 1 ton truck and jumped on it. With doing this, I could now go look at ANY fivers and know I would have enough truck to tow anything. I did look at tons of them but I also kept in mind that the heavier the fiver I got, the poorer mileage I would get. So with this in mind, I ended up with a fiver that had ALL the amenities I wanted, plus some I had not considered, and I am very very pleased with my decision. Of course, I had no question whether my truck would tow it and tow it easily. Not having to worry about my trucks abilities gave me great peace of mind when shopping for a fiver.
If you are going to be fulltiming now or in the near future, I personally would recommend the Montana brand since they have been the best selling fivers for the last 10+ years. Take a look and you will understand why.
I hope this helps with your decisions.
Jim
RV:2012 Montana 3625RE Quad Slide SKP#108921 TV:2004.5 Dodge Dually 3500 HD Favorite Quote:''Life's tough, pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''-- John Wayne
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B&W Turnover ball and 5th Companion
