Fulltiming question

[oddjobal]

Good luck and happy trails. May you find the rig you can live in and enjoy

[RPM3402]

I manage the in-house legal department for a major insurance carrier. I really wish you’d just go with me in this. Best of luck.

[bradufault]

I started off with a HD2500 diesel pulling a 2005 30 foot Montana 5th . My GCWR was fine but my rear Axel on my truck Was over weight because of my tongue weight of the 5th.
Rule of thumb is to take 20 to 25% of your GVWR of your 5er and the will equal your tongue weight. Get your Truck weight at a certified place fully loaded.
Add your estimated tongue weight to the certify weights of your rear Axle and you will have your answer. I know a lot of people say the have no problems pulling but stopping is another problem. Be safe

[jgeorger]

My 2015 Ram 2500 had a payload capacity of around 2300 lbs, since it was a diesel 4wd. The pin weight of the loaded fiver, allowed for no other payload, so I went up to a one ton SRW. Should have gone to a dually. Air baga and springs will not increase payload capacity.
As for coaches, the lighter units may give you more cargo capacity, given the same truck. Remember, nothing will depreciate as much as an RV. The bigger the buck the bigger the bite.

[BigE]

Hey ClockDr

I currently have a Fifth Wheel for sell.....I am a private owner, let me know if your interested

2016 Keystone Montana High Country 375FL –
$37,000 - REDUCED PRICE

375FL - FRONT LIVING ROOM
Like new "Fifth Wheel" - Keystone Montana High Country 375FL – 2nd owner.
Currently, this fifth wheel is too small for us, we need more room for grandkids, looking for BUNKHOUSE.

375FL is fully equipped with the following:
"Moving to Montana Package - Four Season Package"
"High Country Package"
4 slides
Dual 7000 pound axles
14 Ply Tires
Trail Air Hitch with air bag and shock
Bike Rack attached to rear bumper
Two entries to coach (front door and rear door)
Front Living - twin sofa beds, dual reclining chairs
New 55” Smart TV with Roku
Residential Samsung French Door Refrigerator with ice maker, operates on 1000 watt inverter with batteries when off shore power
Twin 30 gallon LP tanks
3 burner gas stove
6 point electric auto level system
Twin Air Conditioner w/ heat pump- 15K and 13.5K
17ft awning with LED lights
King Bed configured (will hold queen mattress)
Power Rain vents in kitchen and bathroom
Fully Bathroom with enclosed shower
Laundry and Dryer Ready (currently none in coach)

plus way many more to list.........

Thanks

[CFmaster]

Originally Posted by ClockDr

Looking for a Keystone 5th wheel to full time in. I have a GMC 2500hd diesel that the tow rating is 15,200 lbs. I want to use this truck as my tow vehicle. Looking for something 35 feet or longer that my truck can safely pull. Would prefer a Montana but don’t think my truck is big enough. I’ve looked at some High Countrys but am wondering if the quality is good and would hold up to full timing. Just wife and I. No pets. Appreciate some feedback please. Doesn’t have to be new but no older than 2016.

I am a Happy owner of a 2014 3402RL that I tow with a 2014 Ford F-350 Platinum Diesel and it tows great. That said, I have read the previous posts and agree with nearly all. (True statements) made by several members as to the Manufactures stated limits for both combined weights and axle weights that should be taken seriously to protect (to some degree?) your personal liability in case of an accident and or damage to your vehicle or trailer while towing.
With this being said. We are selling our Truck and Trailer due only to our decision to (down-size) so we can camp in smaller areas and the fact that we have found that we don’t use but half of the space we have in our Montana due to the fact that our “kids” and our grand-Kids can rarely get away at the same time we can . Please feel free to Contact us by private message if you are interested in talking more about our trailer and our Tow truck.

Be Blessed,
Tim and Lori Randall

[lensnel]

Although I am not a full timer, I also have a 2015 3610RL and have had no such quality issues. I pull it with a 2015 Silverado 2500HD Duramax SRW with the Firestone Airbags installed. I contacted GM about the differences between the 2500 and the 3500 and they advised that the only difference is the added set of leaf springs in the rear. The airbags serve that same purpose and I installled them for $400. I have not had excessive tire wear issues. If money were no object, I might upgrade to DRW 3500. But since when is money not an issue... My truck was nearly $70K when I bought it. (Maybe next time I buy).

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by dfb

The truck you have is not rated for a pin weight the trailer has. Your gvwr is likely under 13000. Youll be over. You can always add bags or springs to the 250. As far as insurance not covering you if you’re overweight, they will. As far as liability, anyone can be sued for anything. Now, the Montana’s. My experience is that the Montana we own, the 2015 3610 legacy is lacking in quality, big time. If we were in the market we’d look for a used Mobile Suites, or a used K-z Escalade. You want to stay away from any company who’s parent company is Thor. Owners have had roofing problems. Montana does not use a one piece roof under the cover. Staples come thru the material. Our Carpet is worn after 2 years of use. Fenders outside have no support so ours flap going down the road. Our slide gears stripped. Axles not aligned so it eats tires. Along with a NON SUPPORTIVE CUSTOMER care people I won’t buy another. Many love theirs and I’m happy for them. A rear wall on one Montana came completely off the back . All I can say is,, is what I have said.

Not even made it home from the dealer!

[Greg and Sherry]

We started off with a GMC 3/4 ton with a Forest River 5vr. Those REALLY are not something you’d ever want to full time in. But it was our first RV and we learned many things after. We then got our Montana 38’ and brought the 5vr home from So Utah, about 800 miles. We learned so much on that trip that we moved on to a Ram 1 ton diesel. Best decision ever.
Everyone has ‘their own’ ideas on trucks, make/model/engine. My suggestion would be the same as some others. Find the RV you want. Make a trip or 2 with ‘your truck’ and then decide what’s best for you and your use. I’m so happy with our Montana that upgrading the TV was worth it.

[BigE]

For our 2016 Montana HC Fifth Wheel......I use the power plant to tow it -

DIESEL POWER HOUSE - 2015 Chevy Silverado High County 3500HD 4x4 DRW -

Best investment very, we are one happy towing family!

[ketarkuss]

Originally Posted by ClockDr

Looking for a Keystone 5th wheel to full time in. I have a GMC 2500hd diesel that the tow rating is 15,200 lbs. I want to use this truck as my tow vehicle. Looking for something 35 feet or longer that my truck can safely pull. Would prefer a Montana but don’t think my truck is big enough. I’ve looked at some High Countrys but am wondering if the quality is good and would hold up to full timing. Just wife and I. No pets. Appreciate some feedback please. Doesn’t have to be new but no older than 2016.

We have a 2008 38’ Montana & tow with a Silverado 2500. No problem. We did get weighed fully loaded & are almost at maximum so I can say the 2500 does well

[ketarkuss]

WOW! Shows the quality of the workmanship

[Byron B]

Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy

You have hit on two hot button issues frequently and vigorously debated on the forum. In no time at all you will be baraged by a multitude of opinions. With regard to your truck make sure that you note not only the towing capacity but the payload and axle limits as these numbers will all come into play.



If you are so inclined you can search the forum for both topics and get a head start. Best of luck.

Excellent advice.

[kathdear]

Originally Posted by ClockDr

Looking for a Keystone 5th wheel to full time in. I have a GMC 2500hd diesel that the tow rating is 15,200 lbs. I want to use this truck as my tow vehicle. Looking for something 35 feet or longer that my truck can safely pull. Would prefer a Montana but don’t think my truck is big enough. I’ve looked at some High Countrys but am wondering if the quality is good and would hold up to full timing. Just wife and I. No pets. Appreciate some feedback please. Doesn’t have to be new but no older than 2016.

We have a 2017 Sierra 2400 Hd diesel and just pulled a Montana 3730fl to Florida with no issues. Pulled great although my husband added air bags to the truck on advice from a friend. We love this trailer we are now full timers.

[Byron B]

Don’t try to buy a full time Rv without spending a lot of time in one while part timing.
Follow the manufacturers guidelines as far as axle capacities, vehicle capacities and load(ing) capacities. Many trucks are capable of “pulling” a 5er but cannot handle the pin weight.
Simply my opinions....good luck and happy travels!

[GreG L.]

The question is how comfortable are you with the setup. Sure you can tow anything with anything and may get away with it but if you don't are you able to pay the price.

Lets take the extreme, say you have a setup that is over weight by any amount and you t bone someone that ran a red light and killed him. The first thing any good lawyer is going to do is check your weights (remember people and stuff in the truck count) and if over weight he will say if you weren't he would be alive because you could have stopped a little sooner. That probably wont happen but there are so many other situations that weight can effect and your insurance company can deny a claim because of weight or you could just get pulled over for a random check.

[CITRIX43]

Originally Posted by ClockDr

Looking for a Keystone 5th wheel to full time in. I have a GMC 2500hd diesel that the tow rating is 15,200 lbs. I want to use this truck as my tow vehicle. Looking for something 35 feet or longer that my truck can safely pull. Would prefer a Montana but don’t think my truck is big enough. I’ve looked at some High Countrys but am wondering if the quality is good and would hold up to full timing. Just wife and I. No pets. Appreciate some feedback please. Doesn’t have to be new but no older than 2016.

I have a 2016 305RL, pull with my 2016 2500HD, Duramax, never a power issue, or any issue. Have been south to Florida, north to N.C., west to State of Washington, thru Yellowstone, down to California, back to Missouri, never a problem. Due to family situation, I may be interested in selling my Montana H.C. 305RL. lets talk if you have an interest.
Jerry Palmer

[Ed and Carole]

We have a 2008 3400 RL and tow with a 2006 Chevy 2500 HD with air bags for tow leveling and haven't had any problems. The 2008 is for sale.

[browens62]

3121RL 12000 dry 13000 maybe load 20% 2600 pin. 2016 2500 ram 4x4 6.4 gas with 4.10. charts have 15630 tow weight

Payload 3015 per door sicker- pin = 415 for me and DW, dog, gas etc.. we will be over just don't know how much,

Our truck does fine pulling our montana, little slow on long grades.

Will upgrade in 5 year or so to DRW

i was looking for something around 9K but the DW change my mind

[JohnBerge]

ClockDr.

I have been pulling my 40 foot 3750FL for 5 years with my GMC 2500 Duramax Allison tranny with no problems. I have no upgrades (Bully type stuff) and I can pass 18 wheelers going up a mountain! However, I only travel at about 63 mph because that is my best mileage!