Dustytuu
Colorado USA
Senior Member
Joined: 03/16/2004
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I would go with a ton truck. Then when you trade up you will be prepared. We had to upgrade our truck with our last 5er purchase. That can get expensive! We traded in a perfectly good 3/4 ton diesel truck with only 40,000 miles which is low mileage for a diesel.
Diesel may cost more but you will get better fuel mileage then with a gasser.
2008 dodge 5500, diesel,Laramie cab, pressure pro tire.
2008 Carri-Lite 36SBQ, 4 slides,dishwasher,washer/dryer,2 fireplaces
D & D
Two Schnauzers, & cat
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/Dustytuu/
Criminals prefer unarmed victims!
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Blaster Man
USA
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Joined: 08/01/2007
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You might be within specs, but it will not be a pleasant experience...BTDT. I'd opt for a bigger truck, and, if you'll be doing any serious long hauls, a diesel.
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Dayle1
Spicewood, Tx
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Joined: 04/12/2001
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I've pulled 3 different fivers with 1/2T trucks over many years and never been unhappy with anything even though I was typically right at the truck's limits. And we traveled extensively as well. But the heaviest fiver I towed was just 5000 lbs dry and 6550 lbs GVWR. You want to tow a heavier bunkhouse unit with 2 homeschooled children and everything that a family of four needs on a long trip. You can do it, but IMO it's probably not the best choice. But even worse is a heavy bunkhouse TT behind a 1/2T (again IMO).
Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders since '01
'03 GMC 2500HD D/A EC SB, Jordan controller, custom RKI bed/hitch, Putco boards, TF 45gal tank, grey Speedliner
'04 CrossRoads Cruiser CF29RK, Mor/ryde IS, Carefree Eclipse 12V awning
Rig Photos
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cdhd2001
Texas
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Joined: 10/22/2002
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The only feasible answer to hitch weight is a TT with a weight distributing hitch and double sway controls or other WDH. We have a 1500 Hemi and the only two 5th wheels I would consider are the smallest Surveyor and Spree (967 & 879 dry hitch weights).
2008 Dodge 1500 QC SB 4x4 Hemi Auto 3.92
2006 Chevy 1500 EC SB 4.8L auto 3.23
1994 Chevy 350 auto
Looking for a small TT to continue RV'ing
Previous:
2007 Cummins (totalled)
2003 Dmax Allison
2001 Chevy 6.0L
1998 Chevy 305
& etc...
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TxCoastCamper
Houston Texas
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Joined: 02/23/2005
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Pin weight! Consider the stuff you take you'll have some 1,400# of pin weight, (1200 to 1600 pounds, call it 1400...).
Add the kids and stuff in the truck and you will be over the GVWR of the truck.
Most likely.
We pulled a 5er for near 3 years with a 1/2 ton PU and loved it. But actual loaded weight of the 5er was 6000# with a pin of 950#.
Consider carefully. Maybe get the thing ready to pull the trigger on a 3/4 ton PU after your first pull???
2006 2500HD D/A CrewCab
1992 Prowler 5er
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