Greetings everyone. I have narrowed my RV search down to basically two models that will satisfy my wants/needs in an RV.
Now it's time to figure out my options for a TV. Here are the specs on each RV possibility. Both are 5th Wheels, 12'-11" high, 96" or 97" wide, 3-bedroom models w/ 1.5 baths (bunk bedrooms and 1/2 bath in rear, queen bed and full bath up front)....
I'm not sure if I've left anything off that list that is needed to make a decision.
FYI: The company I work for has a deal with a local Ford dealer since we buy a lot of tow vehicles from them for our boats/trailers (we do hydro surveying). So, if I can get some sort of discount on a Ford that way, that would be cool. But only if Ford makes an adequate TV. I've been "assuming" (yeah, I know) that an F350 would do the job, but I'm not sure.
Other than Ford, who else makes a comparable TV for such RV's? Do GMC, Dodge, Chevy, etc all make good TV's? Who is better than the other? Yes, I realize this may strictly be a personal choice type of thing.
I'm guessing from what I've read, I should go with a diesel TV. I've also read that the longer the truck, the better, so I'll be looking for an extended cab....
But what sort of transmission do I need? Should it be a turbo? Should it be 4x4? What other considerations should I worry about?
Thanks for your thoughts and info! I appreciate everyone on this forum and their experiences and opinions!
Dave
1998 Chrysler Town & Country "DIY RV" (in the design phase now)
My first real RV will be a Sportsmobile! Ford E350 EB V10 4x4, PH Top w/ bed, Custom Interior layout...
The longer the better recomendation is for travel trailers rather than fifth wheels. Fifth wheels don't have the sway issues of a regular trailer.
F-350 would get the job done with a diesel and if you're not going very far with the V-10.
Do you plan to tow in mountains or near sea level?
Do you plan to stay on the pavement or go to more primitive camping areas?
Do you feel comfortable with a manual transmission?
Do you have previous towing experience?
Answer these questions and then board members can answer your other questions
Ag Teacher wrote: The longer the better recomendation is for travel trailers rather than fifth wheels. Fifth wheels don't have the sway issues of a regular trailer. OK. Thanks for the info.
F-350 would get the job done with a diesel and if you're not going very far with the V-10.
Do you plan to tow in mountains or near sea level? Planning? No, but it's a possibility I should be ready for.
Do you plan to stay on the pavement or go to more primitive camping areas? I'd like the possibility of both.
Do you feel comfortable with a manual transmission? Having NEVER driven a manual, probably not so much. I know the "theory" behind it, but have zero practical experience driving it.
Do you have previous towing experience? Nope. I've been a car/minivan driver all my life.
Answer these questions and then board members can answer your other questions
My responses are in red. You've raised some good questions/points that I'm sure will help narrow/limit my choices. Thanks for the help!
That is a large set up to be towing for the first time. I would start smaller and work up to something that big. It would be a lot like being a walk on in the NFL vs someone who started in peewee ball. There is a lot to be said for experience and the bigger the set up the more experience comes into play.
Well, I can understand your point w/ it being a large setup for my first time, but I don't have a choice in smaller sizes right now. I have 3 kids (mixed gender), and am divorced (read "keep mommy happy to stay out of the Courts"), so I really need the separate bedrooms for the kids' privacy, which means a larger rig. Believe me, if it was just me, I'd be looking for something much smaller.
I know there is going to be a big learning curve w/ driving a pickup and towing a big 5th Wheel. But I figure if I can handle this size, everything else will be easy. LOL. I do plan on practicing on local roads, and especially maneuvering it (backing into spaces), a lot before actually going on a trip with it.
Holy crap!!! An F650?? That thing looks like it should be part of an 18-wheeler! I kind of can't see myself driving back and forth to work and home daily in that. What is that? a V-20?
What is the difference (generally) between the F350 and the F450 (other than 100 points in the name)?? Does it have a higher towing capacity?
I guess I need to hit a few websites and get the low-down on some TV's and their capabilities.
Also, when I eventually buy one from a dealer, will they have hitches there as well, or is that a separate purchase somewhere else?
You could tow that trailer with a 3/4ton diesel no problem...
KIDDING! Hope I didn't cause any heart attacks out there...
If I'm you I'm thinking F450 or (if you like the MD look) a GM 4500/5500 series rig; just me but I'd want extra frame, suspension, and brakes for the kind of trailer you're taking on.
And don't let anyone scare you about the no towing experience thing; yes, experience is wonderful, but if you remember to be CAREFUL, that's the main thing.
BManning
2002 F250SD,7.3L,4R100,4x4,crew cab/short bed,toreador red, Lariat, FX4,4" turbo-back exhaust,Edge Evolution,AutoMeters on the pillar,Michelin LTX M/S E-rated,3.73LS rear,camper pkg.,Garmin GPS,XM radio,CrimeStopper remote start/turbo timer/alarm
One last thing. These trailers are REALLY big, so you are going to need a really big truck to pull them. Most one ton duallies will have a Gross Combined Weight Rating of right around 23,000 pounds. If you subtract 7500 pounds for the truck you are going to be pushing the limits to the extreme. Another thing to consider, where are you going to camp with that much trailer? Simply because we have three slides we were excluded from one of our favorite beach side camp grounds. Not trying to be pushy, but, and this depends on your kids ages, have you considered tents for them? Heck, my girls preferred the tents after they were about 13.
bmanning wrote: If I'm you I'm thinking F450 or (if you like the MD look) a GM 4500/5500 series rig; just me but I'd want extra frame, suspension, and brakes for the kind of trailer you're taking on.
And don't let anyone scare you about the no towing experience thing...
OK, sounds like I need to think bigger than an F350. Having the extra frame, brakes, etc makes a lot of sense. And I'm not scared about towing. I have plenty of large parking lots around my house that I could practice in PRIOR to taking it out on the "real" roads.
donn0128 wrote: ... Another thing to consider, where are you going to camp with that much trailer? Simply because we have three slides we were excluded from one of our favorite beach side camp grounds. Not trying to be pushy, but, and this depends on your kids ages, have you considered tents for them? Heck, my girls preferred the tents after they were about 13.
I have been researching many campsites (and alternatives) ahead of time, so I know where I can and cannot park. And as far as tents go, honestly, I never considered that. My oldest is only 7 y.o., and I'd just feel better knowing they're all inside an RV.
Thanks to everyone for the great comments, questions, etc. I'm learning a lot so far!
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Holy crap!!! An F650?? That thing looks like it should be part of an 18-wheeler! I kind of can't see myself driving back and forth to work and home daily in that. What is that? a V-20?
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