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Thread: How big?

  1. #1
    Setting Up Camp
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    How big?

    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

  2. #2
    Ron S
    Guest

    Re: How big?

    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.

  3. #3
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    Re: How big?

    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!
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
    2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
    2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
    2003 F350 - retired
    Michigan
    We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
    https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/


  4. #4
    wg5jim
    Guest

    Re: How big?

    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



  5. #5
    barkermd
    Guest

    Re: How big?

    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...

  6. #6
    dave
    Guest

    Re: How big?

    Hello

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

    Thanks in advanced

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Sandi's Avatar
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    Re: How big?

    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
    Allen and Sandi-Lexington, KY
    Home of fast horses and beautiful women!
    2015 Chevrolet Duramax 4 x 4 3500 HD LTZ
    2014 Solitude 369 RL-Oct. 2014
    2016 Momentum 376 TH-April 2016

  8. #8
    dave
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    Re: How big?

    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!!!

  9. #9
    Site Sponsor Dave and Monica's Avatar
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    Re: How big?

    [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 and Monica - Gore Bay, Ontario
    Vitus the Hungarian Vizsla
    2014 Reflection 337 RLS #129
    2008 F250 V10 CC Lariat RWD

  10. #10
    dave
    Guest

    Re: How big?

    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.


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