I'm retiring at the end of the year and have decided to hit the road full time in a fifth wheel. Very simply, I miss all those National Parks. This is not a snap decision - been thinking about it for many months. I've towed camper trailers and good-sized boats in the past with a Chevy 4X4 Duramax diesel but have never pulled a fifth wheel.
I'm considering three 35 ft models from Montana (3000RK, 3100RL, 3150RL). Looks like the max towing weight would be about 14,000 pounds for any of them. At the top of my list for a tow vehicle is an F350 dually diesel (2011-2013).
So I have a few questions I hope you can help me with.
1. Do I really need the 4X4 option ? I won't be doing the boondocking thing. Just driving from one RV park to another. But . . I'm also not sure what to expect for roads if I want to use the US Forest campgrounds in the western states (been a long time since I've been out there). My initial opinion is that I don't think I'll need 4WD but I'd like to hear from some of you that have 2WD duallys and if you've had problems. I know there will be a fuel mileage penalty (and added complexity) so I don't want 4WD if I don't need it.
2. I think the 3.73 rear end gears should work for me. Does anyone disagree ? Can someone with a truck like this give me the approximate RPMs you're turning at 60 MPH ?
3. I'm guessing 9-10 MPG for this setup. Does that sound about right ? I know there's been tons of discussion about this question and I'm not trying to re-ignite something. Please just let me know if that's a good ballpark number.
4. I want the full 4-door cab. I know it's best to get the longer wheelbase model but that makes for a REALLY long truck. Is it a real bad idea to get the short bed/wheelbase ? I've read some posts about possible clearance problems between the trailer and the truck cab.
GoPackGo wrote: Hi all - Just joined and this is my 1st post.
I'm retiring at the end of the year and have decided to hit the road full time in a fifth wheel. Very simply, I miss all those National Parks. This is not a snap decision - been thinking about it for many months. I've towed camper trailers and good-sized boats in the past with a Chevy 4X4 Duramax diesel but have never pulled a fifth wheel.
I'm considering three 35 ft models from Montana (3000RK, 3100RL, 3150RL). Looks like the max towing weight would be about 14,000 pounds for any of them. At the top of my list for a tow vehicle is an F350 dually diesel (2011-2013).
So I have a few questions I hope you can help me with.
1. Do I really need the 4X4 option ? I won't be doing the boondocking thing. Just driving from one RV park to another. But . . I'm also not sure what to expect for roads if I want to use the US Forest campgrounds in the western states (been a long time since I've been out there). My initial opinion is that I don't think I'll need 4WD but I'd like to hear from some of you that have 2WD duallys and if you've had problems. I know there will be a fuel mileage penalty (and added complexity) so I don't want 4WD if I don't need it.
I wouldn't worry about a 4x4 if you are not going off road. It lessens your payload and lowers your mpg.
2. I think the 3.73 rear end gears should work for me. Does anyone disagree ? Can someone with a truck like this give me the approximate RPMs you're turning at 60 MPH ?
The 3.73 will do fine. You will get better mpg with it.
3. I'm guessing 9-10 MPG for this setup. Does that sound about right ? I know there's been tons of discussion about this question and I'm not trying to re-ignite something. Please just let me know if that's a good ballpark number.
I have the 4.10 rear end pulling 17k and get 10 - 12 mpg.
4. I want the full 4-door cab. I know it's best to get the longer wheelbase model but that makes for a REALLY long truck. Is it a real bad idea to get the short bed/wheelbase ? I've read some posts about possible clearance problems between the trailer and the truck cab.
Get the long WB. A better ride and you won't need a slider hitch and have to mess with it when backing up.
Thanks much.
In my life I've spent my money on women, booze, Harleys, guitars and traveling, the rest I just wasted...
2007 Ford F-350 diesel/dually & Sunnybrook Titan KSRV 39-1 Toy hauler 5th wheel hauling my custom Harley
I use 4WD every day, but I live on a ranch with over 35 miles of road and we require 4WD to be used, reduces wear and tear on our steep roads.
With the Ford DRW, 3:73 is your only choice, run about 1500-1600RPM at 60.
Your mileage estimate is fairly close, a lot of variables, you may get a little better or a little worse.
If you want a DRW crew cab, the LWB with 8' bed is your only choice.You can get a super cab DRW with a shorter WB(Ford).
F250/350SRW pickup 3.31 or 3.55 ratios
F350DRW pickup 3.73 ratio only
F350DRW cab/chassis 3.73 or 4.10 ratios
F450 pickup 4.30 ratio only
F450/550 cab/chassis 4.30 or 4.88 ratios
Those are the only axle ratio choices with the diesel in those years
You'll have more options with axles and short boxes with the SRW version F350.
And I believe they have a RAWR of 7k pounds which would be plenty for the 5er's you mentioned in the 14k range. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the DRW platform especially towing lots of miles in the mountains. If your within weight rating for your pin weight you might give them a look.
Good Luck and enjoy
I have a 2012 F350 SRW 4WD Laredo and we are pulling a 34 ft Titanium which weighs about the same as your Montanas. I've used the 4WD a few times so far when pulling thru big mud pools and such but its probably not needed. We do plan to do Boondocking and exploring without the 5ver so I wanted it. The SRW has pulled the 5ver easily and we had some 40-50 mph crosswinds in the Owens valley. The pull was perfectly steady. So I'm not convinced DRW is required.
Ive been getting 11-12 mpg towing and 18.5 in mixed non towing.
Glendale Titanium 29E34TS fifth wheel
2012 Ford F-350 4WD Lariat 6.7L
PullRite OE Series Super5th 18K
Superbumper
I ONLY purchased a 4 WD so that spouse could sell it easier after I am no longer around. To my surprise, I have used the 4 WD more than I expected. You will get most of your $$$ back if you live in the Northern States. A used 2 WD resale is OK in the sunbelt. I get between 10 and 14 towing my Newmar. Solo on the road around 20-21. Around town, about 16. I would never purchase a short bed pickup.
Ford F-350, 6.7 Diesel, 4x4, Long Bed
Newmar Kountry Star 5th Wheel
Get the 350 dually with 4x4 then you won't say, I wish I had gotten........
We went to the painted canyou near the Salton Sea without the rv and got into some loose sand on the road, it started to bogg down so I hit 4x4 and pulled right thru it.
When you are backing into a sight and you have to pull up a grade or onto some bib blocks just hit 4 low and save the stress on your tranny, it works great!
Resale value is a biggie also.
2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn 3500 Dually Long Bed, Cummins 350/800 HO, Towin Machine
B&W Companion Hitch, Maghytec Trans and Rear Dif Covers, AMZ/OIL Top To Bottom
2007 1/2 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 27,000# Combined
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