As others have mentioned, take your time and try to get it right. That being said your first 5er will probably not be your last.
Unless you have money to burn I would suggest that you may want to consider looking at the used market.Specifically for trucks. Because of the high fuel prices there is a lot of panic selling going on. I suspect that you could find a pretty good deal on a late model truck. Pursuing this route could allow you to upgrade to more truck. I would suggest you go with a diesel and strongly suggest a 4X4, they retain more resale value down the road. A 2500 may suit your current needs, but should you get into a larger unit later on then you will be shopping for a 3500 at that point. If you can afford it, go 1 ton right away. You didn't mention it but it sounds like you will be spending a lot of time on the road (are you planning to Full Time RV?)
if so, go with a 5er that is large enough to feel somewhat like home. The more slides, the better. You will not find comfort in a trailer that is too small. Just a few comments for your consideration. GOOD LUCK!
I agree with the others that unless there are some extreem circumstances, shop around and take your time. We researched for about a year and a half before we decided on our purchase.
As for Arctic Fox, they are built in Oregon and are a good cold weather rig. We have had ours in sub-freezing temps for weekend trips and had no problems.
Again as others have stated no rig is perfect. There have been a few issues reported with the Arctic Fox line but they are rare. I have found that as the RV boom came along quality control on all RVs have suffered. Ours was built in 2006 and is a solid rig. Fit and finnish could have been better but it was nothing that I haven't been able to repair on my own. All of our systems have been trouble free so far.
The frame axel and chassis are solidly built with a much higher weight rating than the GVWR of most rigs of the same size.(Trailer GVWR 13000lbs and axels rated 7100lbs each). 16" wheels and 12" brakes. We tow ours with a K3500 8.1 gasser that works well for us. (well except for the 7.5 MPG)
I always recomend to get the biggest and heaviest duty truck you can afford. It will prevent some future upgrades. With the prices of the 1-ton trucks coming down due to the fuel crunch, good deals can be found.
Tripwire
First and foremost welcome.
I pull a 35 ft Laredo with the truck in my signature. The Hemi may come with a lifetime warranty, but the cummins has a LOT more power, especially down low where you will need it for getting up to speed. The cummins will get better over all mileage, and last longer. Try to a 5.9L, as the 6.7L is so loaded with anti-pollution stuff that the performance suffers DRASTICALLY. If you cannot find a 5.9L, or a 6.7L without the anti-pollution stuff, you might be better off with the Hemi. Don't misunderstand that statement; I LOVE MY 5.9L CUMMINS. My engine isn't anywhere near broken in, and I get between 10 and 12 MPG (in the mountains) pulling my 5th at just under 12K lbs.
Not sure where you are located in Montana or where you plan on buying, but I have nothing but good things to say about D&D RV in Helena, and they do carry the Artic Fox if that is the one you really want. Take your time and make informed decisions.
'08 Laredo 320 TRL, pulled by '06 Cummins nicely wrapped in an Inferno Red, Dodge QuadCab, 4X4.
Thank you all !! and the breaks are now locked tight, I have been rushing into this thing for some stupid reason, well not stupid but a reason none the less, I have been shopping around for a used unit (Artic Fox )but they aren't all that available around here.
I guess I was getting too hung up on that life time drive train warrenty the Dodge has.
The one over riding coment from all posters was slow down, GOOD ADVICE !!!
It is a buyers mkt and no sense in biting the big one again, I do have time, so thank you all for the poke with a sharp stick!! I'm now awake...
Tripwire wrote: Thank you all !! and the breaks are now locked tight,
The one over riding coment from all posters was slow down, GOOD ADVICE !!!
Trip
Ahhh...Grasshopper, you have learned.
That is the best decision you will ever make. Slow down, do your homework and you will find the best rig at the best price for your needs.
Buying is a big decision and an expensive one and should be made with the most information you can get. Good luck in your quest and don't be afraid to stop by and ask questions. Lots of good advice here.
Just remember there is no such thing as a stupid question...Some times there are stupid answers though.Mods and others, That is a joke so please take it the spirit it was intended.
If you trade trucks skip the 2500 and get 3500. The only question is single or duals in the rear. Very good deals on gently used trucks with diesels or big gas engines right now.
That 1500 4.7 will pull a TT better without the worry of the pin weight.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
You have lots of suggestions and ideas so far. Here is another one. How about keeping your 1/2 ton and buying a TT instead of a fiver? Why are you in suck a hurry to get this deal done? Nothing is that much of a hurry now days. Dealers are hungry and will make all sorts of deals today and tomorrow.
Glad you did take a breath. I spent about 2 months off and on doing research and looking at new and used units before deciding. We wanted a smaller unit because of how we use our trailer. Nice because I didn't want to trade in my truck.
Living in a unit for longer stays (months to full time) you need to take your time looking at units. Things that wouldn't bother me on a 2 week trip would be very irritating full time. Things like doors that don't open or close smoothly, a layout that requires a slight contortion to get in/thru, too little storage or storage in the wrong places. BATHROOM! Yes, sit down on the toilet. It sounds dumb, but, you'll be spending a lot of time there so make sure it's comfortable. On smaller units they seem to be able to leave you with no room for your knees or elbows Same for shower. Can you turn around without bumping your elbows four times? Bed size is important. Most of the beds are a bit smaller than std (a Queen may not really be a queen) so try them out. You can change the mattress (sometimes a bit expensive for a non-std size), but, may not be able to make the bed bigger.
Then there is the whole layout thing. Larger kitchen or smaller. Rear bath or rear kitchen or rear sitting area. Couch or chairs.
You have to sit in all the chairs, find out if they are comfortable. Imagine yourself watching the tube (flatscreen ) for a couple of hours. Would it still be comfortable? Is there a place to set your drink/food/snacks while watching TV?
You get the idea.
Once you have found a trailer, then look for a truck to haul it. Bigger will be better these days due to lower prices on bigger trucks. Mileage seems to be in the same range on most of the larger units, just have to pick between diesel and gas. Personally I'd go for one step heavier than required if I were going to put a lot of miles on it. If I needed a 3/4T get a 1T. If I needed a 1T then consider an MDT or HDT.
Have fun with your search. One rule I don't always follow myself. When you find the one you think you want, walk away and think on it at least overnight. Look at a couple other units. Then if you still want it go back. It is a great time to buy as prices are falling daily.
charlie
2006 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab
2003 Skyline Nomad 24ft Fiver
Me and Wife
Maggie the Old English Sheepdog
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Mods and others, That is a joke so please take it the spirit it was intended.
