How big?

[Corsair2]

Hi,
I'm new to this site, but could use some advice. Currently we tow a 26BHS travel trailer with no problems. We are about to purchase a Grand Design 5th wheel and want to be sure that it isn't too big for us to enjoy.
We have a 2013 F350 diesel SRW 4 wheel drive 6'6"bed.

The 5th wheels we are considering are:
Reflection 337RLS: 36'1"L, 96"W, 12'4"H, 13,995GVWR
Solitude 305RE: 35'11"L,101"W,12"9"H, 16,000GVWR
Solitude 368RD: 18'11"L,101"W,12'9"H, 16,000GVWR

We currently are long weekend and short vacation campers in Michigan. We think that we would like to try an extended trip around the country.

Two questions:
I plan to buy a Pullrite sliding hitch - any comments?
I think the 368RD is too long for us to enjoy - especially backing into our driveway - but does the additional 3' in length make that much difference? Does the Reflection"s 2000# lighter weight make a big difference?

Thanks for the help.
Bob

[Ron S]

We moved from a 25' hybrid at a little over 4,000 lbs to the Solitude 369RL. Fifth wheels handle so much better during straight towing and parking. Moving the pin weight forward from the bumper to the truck bed provides for much smoother ride.
I am towing with a 2013F2506.7L Diesel so you have plenty of truck to handle the trailers you are considering. We have long bed truck so I have an 18K Pull-Rite stationary hitch...you may need a slider.
Hope this helps.

[WhittleBurner]

Hi Bob, We have an older 350 6.0 Diesel SRW, short bed. We'll be towing the Reflection 303 any day now. If I recall correctly our tow rating is 13,700. If I'm wrong my husband will have no problem jumping in here and correcting me. Yours being a newer truck might have different towing capacities. Which diesel do you have?

Trailer life publishes towing guides , it would be wise to look your truck up. Grand Design has them listed on their site , here is the link. http://www.granddesignrv.com/service-tow_guides.php

One of your considerations also would be the type of camping you enjoy. Once you get over 35 feet it can difficult to find sites in some State Parks and National Forest campgrounds. They can be found, but it gets tougher. Those are the parks we prefer and that is why we chose the 303, just shy of 33 feet. If you frequent private Parks and resorts, than length isn't really an issue at all.
Have fun making the decision!

[wg5jim]

Bob, here is a link to an online tow vehicle calculator. There is also an MS Excel version on the same site.

http://www.klenger.net/RVing/Towing_...monstrator.htm
http://www.klenger.net/RVing/Towing_...monstrator.xls

[barkermd]

I am towing a 2014 369RL with a 2012 Ford F250 6.7 Diesel, single ax with a 6.5 ft bed.. I have a slider but it clears my cab fine so far without it. I have turned pretty sharp so far and haven't had to let the slider back as of yet...

[dave]

Hello

Can anyone that is using a srw truck tell me what axle you have. (3.73,4.10)?

Thanks in advanced

[Sandi]

Dave,
My husband did lots of research--we are pulling a Solitude 369 Rl with a 2011 Chevrolet Duramax 4 x 4 short bed with a slider hitch and 3.73 rear and it pulls great! He did put the air bags on the rear.



Sandi

[dave]

Thanks sandy

I am at odds with gm right now on the towing capacity of my truck. We are trying to purchase our 5th wheel and found out the towing capacity for my 2012 chevy 3500 srw 3.73 axle with 6.0 vortex gasser is only 9600 pounds. So frustrated because when we bought we thought it was 13800. I use the truck everyday to pull equipment for work but not 5th wheel. So frustrating!!!

[Dave and Monica]

[quote author=dave link=topic=270.msg1847#msg1847 date=1390524720]
Thanks sandy

I am at odds with gm right now on the towing capacity of my truck. We are trying to purchase our 5th wheel and found out the towing capacity for my 2012 chevy 3500 srw 3.73 axle with 6.0 vortex gasser is only 9600 pounds. So frustrated because when we bought we thought it was 13800. I use the truck everyday to pull equipment for work but not 5th wheel. So frustrating!!!
[/quote]

Here's the link to Trailer Life Towing Guide for 2012... http://dcd96xmek71bc.cloudfront.net/...ide_lo_res.pdf

The reason for the low tow rating is the rear end ratio...you need 4.10 for the higher rating. If it's a rear wheel drive, it can be changed without too much cost.

Dave

Edit: FWIW my V10 gas is RWD and has 4.10...the 4x4's have 4.30. Both are rated for 14000-14500 depending on configuration.

[dave]

Thanks for the info. after doing some searching I see that at time of purchase it would have been a $100.00 cost which was never offered. now the dealer wants $4000.00 to switch out. The 2014 comes standard with the 4.10.