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[berger]

hello to all, the ceo(wife) and I are just starting to search for a 5th wheel. we went to the Hershey rv show and saw a bunch of bunk house 5th wheels.
The wife saw a Montana 5th wheel about 5 years ago that she loved (front living room). we liked the 2017 358bh(we have a bunch of kids),and a few other 5th wheels.

We need to get a new tow vehicle. I was thinking of a 2016/17 dodge srw long bed, diesel. Anyone out there tow a 5th wheel with that truck and or have that 5th wheel.

Thanks for any advice,
Ed
Ps. we have a travel trailer now and have never towed a 5er.

[Rondo]

If you're going to get a tow vehicle I would recommend a one ton. It's better to have a little extra than not enough. I have a crew cab, short bed and srw Chevy but I do like the Dodges. It is to each his/her own in the way the rear wheel setup. I prefer the srw because I like parking closer than half way or more across a parking lot when we go shopping. The parking lots any more are set up for the smaller vehicles and the dually (Big Butts) are just to big to park in the parking spaces in most cases. This is just my preference however.
When it comes to towing comparing the TT which you are used to and a fiver it is similar but since you've been towing previously you'll catch on to the difference real quickly. Just take your unit and new truck to a large parking lot on a Sunday and practice your backing and etc. Use of a few traffic cones also helps to give you an idea where things are when practicing backing. Good luck and let us know what you decide on and hope to meet you on the road sometime.

[DQDick]

First, welcome to the forum! We have an older Dodge short bed, but it does have the Cummings deisel and it pulls our rig just fine. In fact, getting on interstates I frequently find myself going faster than I intend while still on the entrance ramp. I agree with Ron, for the newer, heavier rigs I would go with a 3500 SRW. We like SRW for the reasons Ron mentioned, plus we use ours for off roading occasionally and a dually just won't do that very well.

[Art-n-Marge]

I was a bumper pull for a lot of years prior to my fiver. I hope, like me, after you get past having that huge front cap in your rear view mirror I found the fiver being an easier tow. The only difficulty is backing up since more "estimation" is required because the front cap. I am pretty comfortable now, but I've been towing a fiver for over 10 years, now.

[hybridhauler]

Good luck with your search. A lot of people are towing the heavier fifth wheels with the SRW but as an added measure of safety, I would suggest going with the DRW instead.
Just my opinion

[DarMar]

At minimum a one ton SRW, but with a DRW you would have all your bases covered no matter what 5er you end up with in the future.

[berger]

Thanks to all for all the great advice. We are looking at a 1 ton srw. The drw would be the best for towing no debate here but as a daily driver, I don't know.
Anyone out there have that 5er?
Cheers,
Ed

[HOOK]

You mention the 358BH. My son owns one and loves it. You have asked serious questions, IMMHO. well, The model you mention is heavy. my son is towing his with a Dodge 2500 Cummings. it has plenty of power and tows it very well, especially after he added a tuner and jake brake. However, I recommended that he consider a dual wheel TV for stability. hopefully you will never have a panic situation where the dual wheels matter, but, if you do.... the 358BH with all your "stuff" will weigh in around 15000. A lot to think about. That is about twice the weight of your truck.... when you have an emergency situation arise, sideward stability can make all the difference and that is what you gain with the dual wheels. By the way, welcome and very pleasant travels!

[Hogfan]

We have a 2014 Mountaineer 356tbf and tow with a 2016 GMC 3500 DD. We weigh just under 16000 loaded. We had a 2006 Chevy 3500 DD and actually was little over weight. Have really enjoyed our bunk house with the Grands but are now thinking of changing back to a rear living. Good luck.

[rames14]

I don't know about that particular unit, but we have towed over 100,000 miles over the last 13 years with SRW 3500 (some were with a 2500). Living in the mountains, duallies are not good in the snow or for other activities like hunting, fishing, etc. We go on lots of rough dirt roads and have never had a problem. I have had one rear blow out on the truck and had no issue, other than it's a pain in the butt regardless to change a tire when towing. Good luck.

[berger]

Thanks for all the advice. The search continues

[1retired06]

DRW for us

[CORattler]

1st, welcome to the MOC forum!
I have the 3500 RAM SRW longbed and it works flawlessly for me. Combine that with a B&W RVK 3600 hitch and you have a winning combination (IMO).
I could have purchased either a DRW or SRW. Each has it's advantages/disadvantages. I suggest that you test drive each and try parking both. DRW will give you more towing capacity which is a good thing if you have a heavy rig.

[PackerFan]

The Dodge is a power house and I recommend the DRW as our pic shows. The Dually is a lot more stable in cross winds and opposing semi-truck traffic. I have pulled with a 3500 SRW for years and this is my first dually. Have to admit that I will never go back to a SRW again for towing the 5'er.

[berger]

Thanks for all the great advice. We are taking advice from the different owner forums. One thing in common, is that all the folks on the various owner boards are extremely helpful as campers are in general.
Happy trails,
Ed

[vipermanden]

Dually is the safe way to go.

[twindman]

I have a Mountaineer that was rated as 2055 lb pin weight. I bought it specifically because my truck was overweight on the total amount by around 400 lb. on my previous trailer (around 2350 lb). However the Mountaineer actually put around 2400 on the pin and I am still overweight. I didn't realize the difference between a 2500 and a 3500 (chevy) was only $1500 -2000 or I would have purchased the 3500 instead of my 2500. I have plenty of power and braking capacity, but am overweight. I worry a bit of getting stopped by Highway Patrol at some point, so would have been much happier with the 3500.

[berger]

Thanks for all the help. We are looking at a 3500 . Thanks again for the the real world advice!