We're considering a fifth wheel but don't want a DRW (it would have to be our primary driver when we're at our winter site and I don't want that much width). Are there any well-built fivers suitable for living in for several months at a time that could be towed with a SRW truck (we'd have to buy a truck)? Thank you.
Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
You might look at the models that are labeled "1/2 ton towable". They're a little smaller but some still have the high-profile front end (meaning you can stand up in the bedroom) and floor plans similar to most 5ers. Can't remember the brand names, but we saw a couple of them at the Chicago RV show, and they were from one of the better-known brand names, IIRC.
mockturtle wrote: We're considering a fifth wheel but don't want a DRW (it would have to be our primary driver when we're at our winter site and I don't want that much width). Are there any well-built fivers suitable for living in for several months at a time that could be towed with a SRW truck (we'd have to buy a truck)? Thank you.
There is a large list of fivers you can tow with an SRW truck. Keep your eyes on the 350-3500's and take note of payload and if it meets the "pin" weight requirements.
2008 Cougar 310SRX 5th Wheel
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 4x4 CTD
2008 Nissan Armada LE
No need to limit yourself to "1/2 ton towable". Look at all your towing specs on the truck, GCWR, GAWR(s), payload, maxtrailer weight, etc. ANY 5w combo that fall at or under these figures can be towed. If you stay within the number a disle or gas 3/4 ton SRW can tow a large variety of trailers.
If you are going to living in it on a semi-fulltime basis you will have to go with some of the higer end 4 season units (depending on your climate). If you read the manuals of the regular 2weeks at time or weekend fivers, they will state they are not designed to live in fulltime and will void the warranty if you do. Shop around and ask alot of questions and you should be able to get rig that will be suitable for what you are looking for. Good luck and happy hunting.
Jim Mcgallan
2008 F-350 6.8l V10 4X4 CC LB 4.30 gears, Lariat loaded with/Nav.
2007 Dutchman Northshore 320TS-M5
1 beautiful wife (25 years) and 2 adorable collies
I have a SRW truck & pull a large fiver. We spend at least 4 months a year in our fiver. I see more SRW trucks pulling fivers than Duallies. However, you can see many, many discussions on this forum. Just remember that a lot of people give opinions on how they feel about a subject not on their experiences.
There are plenty of 5er's that fall within the 350/3500 SRW ratings, even some in the 38' range. Just check the truck ratings and the 5er pin weights to make sure they match up.
Depending on the truck capacity you buy, I would think you could go up to about 14,000 pounds GVWR with SRW 350/3500 (1 Ton) truck. If a 250/2500 truck, I would estimate 11,000 GVWR Trailer. But look up the load/tow ratings on the manufacturer web site. Things that could make a difference is cab choice, 4X4, 4X2, engine choice, rear axle ratio among other things.
But you need to consider LOADED trailer pin weight compared to available cargo carry capacity (CCC) of the truck you select.
A dually may give a bit more CCC since they have more tire load capacity with 4 tires. But that would be pretty much the vehicle specific benefit of the dually. I could be wrong, but I believe, the frame of the truck, suspension and axle weight rating is pretty much the same as the same model with SRW's.
Seems you already know the comfort, stability, handling, parking benefits/disavantages.
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
SRW or Dually, same frame, same motor and transmission, same brakes different rear springs and added weight capacity of 4 tires instead of 2. Oh, and the SRW can be pulled into a garage or bank drive up window without problems.
2005 Silverado 2500 HD, Duramax/Allison. Stock, like GM made it!
2002 Cardinal 28RK
Prodigy brake controller, Timbrens, 5th. Airborne pinbox.
Dave, Kathy and the dogs
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