This is a controversial topic on this forum. Rather than just voice my opiinion, I'll tell you what happened to me. As soon as I post, others will jump in and say that was an exception and that the new trucks are much stronger. Hope you can filter the information.
I have a large fiver, 40' long, that has a GVWR of 20,000 lbs. I bought it with an F550 (Class 5 mdt) Eclipse Thoroughbred Hauler conversion, 7.3PSD, dually, with all the upgrades to suspension and power train. The truck was at least $75,000 new (I bought it used for $45,000). I felt confident it could haul the load, as the combination was not over the truck's GVWR, GAWR or GCWR. After being towed off the highway three times in 18 months, I sold it (fully repaired) to someone that will only pull 15K-16K max.
I bought my used Volvo 420 (Class 7) for $24,000 because it was so much cheaper than any decent mdt. It is much heavier and stronger than my F550, but also "too big" for most folks.
All that said, if you are going to tow a 40+' fiver that can weigh 18K# or more, you really need to consider a class 6 or higher truck.
Hi, I want to thank the ones that had some intelligent advice to give me. It is true that most RV'ers are helpful. For the ones that gave smart alec advice, when it is obvious they did not have anything constructive to say so be it. I have driven for 42 years and not had an accident. How many can say that. I have riden motorcycles and raced motorcycles for 49 years and had no accidents on the roads. I currently ride a Big Dog Chopper. I've had to save my life from smart alecs many a time. I have hauled 3 different smaller RV's and 2 large boats and had no accidents. I wonder how many can say that. I do want to thank the gentleman that actually gave me advice on the ratios for the F450. The others can grow up, if possible. Thank you for the people that gave good advice, so I don't do like a lot of people do and BUY A VEHICLE THAT CAN'T HANDLE THE RV. I did not say I was a totally new RV'ing, just going larger and full time. I apologize to those that really did try to help me. Sincerely.
Isn't it amazing how some people can read a short post and know more about your abilities than you do. I guess your life profile emerges to them and thus they are able to render a final judgment for you. I am amazed by this sheer raw talent.
I went back and re-read the OP a couple of times as I read the responses to see if I had missed something, but no, there was NOTHING in the OP that led me to believe that jw7128jw was not every bit as capable of handling the rig he described as any of the ones taking shots at him. And, by the way, even if he was a novice camper, how does that infer that he can't safely pull a rig that size?
1992 Avion 35.5 5th Wheel
2006 F-350 King Ranch
6 liter PSD Torqshift Tow Command
I read your bio and everything that you have posted about yourself.....I saw nothing to tell anyone that you might be qualified or have any kind of experience to haul a trailer the size and weight that you want....Your opening remarks in the original post even suggests that you are "just starting out".....with that in mind I stand by my post....with your update I see that you have some experience that would be of assistance when you travel...41 ft plus 25 ft its a long unit and you will be somewhat limited in your travels....good luck
I should not have to defend myself for anything. I asked for help on information about a truck. I should not have to give my life history to gain this information. I will admit that I am not up to par right now as it has been about 10 years. I have driven an 18 wheeler before, but I would not go out now without a heck of a lot of practice. I will say again, sorry for being so thin skinned. Just getting ready to RV full time, and don't want to be sorry that I don't have the right truck for what I need. I will practice in the Fort Worth area until Feb 09, so you will be safe til then. Ha!
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