We are thinking about going from the Class C to a 5th wheel, primarily because the layout for a toy hauler in the 5th wheel are better suited for what we want/need. Questions:
1. ideally for a 40+ foot (likely always overloaded ) size of truck should be purchase. 3/4 ton, 1 ton, gas? diesel?
2. Hubby is concerned about the wind issues as most of the ones we have seen are VERY tall in the front...is it better, same or worse than a Class C?
3. with a relatively heavy load in the garage area, at least to us, anywehre from 1500to 3000 pounds, is that going adversely effect the way the trailer handles to a great extent.
4. I know everyone has their favorite make/model, but comments as to why would be appreciated.
Keep the class C and tow a haulmark 6x12 motor cycle trailer if weight and volume accomdate......would be alot less expensive if your current motor home can pull such a trailer loaded....our trailer loaded runs about 3000 lbs......
1. 1 ton dually diesel, Medium duty truck (MDT) or if you really want to be safe a heavy duty truck (HDT). Stay away from a 3/4 ton even if it has the capacity. You want to have a lot more truck for safety.
2. Wind will affect a 5th wheel about the same or less than a Class C. A head wind will make the tow vehicle work harder. A side wind will push the RV towards the side of the road. I find it's easy to control even in a strong side wind.
3. the toy haulers are designed for a load in the rear to counteract all the weight up front for the living space. So there will be no performance affect as long as you don't overload the garage capacity
4. You want a floorplan that works even if your stuck inside for a solid week due to bad weather. Stay away from bottleneck areas in a floorplan. For example our old TT had a dining booth. The back of the booth was directly across from the sink. So if someone was doing dishes, you couldn't get by to go to the bathroom or refrig.
1) Any of the 350/3500 series full ton dually's, definitely diesel will work but fully loaded with toys, water, fuel, etc. you will most likely be right at the limits of the truck. If you're going all out, you may want to consider a 450 or MDT as already mentioned.
2) The rig in my sig is just at 4o feet and about 13' 4" tall. In normal conditions, wind is not an issue. I've never driven a C so I can't compare.
3) 3000 pounds in the back won't affect the handling in fact, I think my rig tows better with more weight in the back.
4) There are a lot of good toy haulers out there. Find the floor plan you like, then do your homework. We chose the rig in my sig based on floor plan, fit and finish, Heartland Customer Service, and local dealer reputation.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
FrankoToo
2012 Heartland Cyclone 3612 HD
2011 Ford F450 6.7L PS 4X4 Crew Cab Lariat
A one ton dually would be the minimum I would recommend if you already KNOW you're going to be overloading the 5er. A 450 or better would probably be in your best interest.
I'm partial to my Dutchmen Voltage, but I've also enjoyed a Forest River Shockwave pull behind. I feel that the overall quality of my Voltage is better, but there are a few things that the Shockwave had that I liked better.
Wow! You guys have such quick and awesome information! First, I made an "oops" when typing my first request. We are currently in a Class A, little thing, 30 footer, pulling an overloaded 12 x 8 double axle trailer. HATE it! Thought going to a Class C toy hauler would cure all my woes, but looking around at various floor plans etc, it does appear the '5er' would suit our needs better. We want a drop and drive situation. Driving this big ole' thing to get a gallon of milk or something from Home Depot is just no fun. Would prefer not to 'tow' anything, but of course a 5th wheel is towing, but different .
So...what I am getting is that for our sanity and safety, with what we are hauling (paints, molds and ceramic bisque), at least a F350, but likely a F450...(we MAY go full time..not sure yet..trying to figure out pay checks, darn it!) now, why a manual transmission? Another thing I am not crazy about. Hubby does most of the driving, but when docked and unhooked, I will be doing some. ICK!!! liked it in my younger days, now am just lazy..
Pac Brake? 'splain Lucy...I think I know, hubby thinks he knows, but confirm please if you can.
thank you all for your favorites..I will be researching!
Pat
) size of truck should be purchase. 3/4 ton, 1 ton, gas? diesel? 
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