Considering GD 350m thoughts? Any regrets from 350m owners? Plus truck advice please

[RVnforlife]

Hi there! We are new to the RV life and we are planning on moving out of our apartment in February to live in our 5th wheel FT. We have been looking at the GD trailers and have come across the GD 350m. I have been reading a lot of posts on here to educate myself as well as my boyfriend has too. We are concerned regarding all the "issues" we are reading. Anyone who owns a GD 350m specifically, do you have any regrets buying one? We plan to go see one this week and are looking forward to making sure it meets our expectations. This is a huge step for us but one we are looking forward to taking.

Another question, we are racking our brains regarding a truck. We don't want a DRW but rather a SRW and really like the dodge. Do not care for Chevy or Ford but willing to consider a Ford. Thoughts on this subject?

Thank you!

[carnolddsm]

We owned a 350M for about 9 months before buying a 397TH. We loved the 350M, we moved to the 397 for a handful of reasons: we wanted a table in the main area and I preferred the triple axle layout.

As to SRW vs. DRW there are a number of forum members who are pulling the 350M with a SRW, though I believe a DRW is a significantly better choice. Pin weight gets a little tricky with toy haulers. A toy hauler is typically nose heavy unless there is something significant in the garage. Our 350M with 50 - 100 pounds of stuff in the garage and another 180 pounds or so in the washer/dryer combo (also in the garage) had a pin weight of approximately 3500 pounds compared to the spec weight of approximately 2,900 pounds.

[IDwanderers]

We have had our 350 for almost a year and a half. We have pulled it through five states and have boondocked as well as stayed at RV resorts and campgrounds. We have used it in hot temps (AZ in July) and cool temps around freezing. In all cases we have been very pleased with our coach. We are extremely happy with our purchase. I feel GD builds a great product and we really like the 350 floor plan.

Regarding a truck, and I hope this does not turn into another DRW vs SRW endless debate, I have a RAM 3500 SRW with a HO Cummins diesel and the Aisin transmission. I love the truck and it pulls the trailer great. I had an 05 RAM 3500 with the 5.9 Cummins that I thought was the greatest truck ever. However my 2015 is light years better than my 05, in both grunt and balls and whistles. I suspect all the companies build a good diesel truck and any of them will do fine so you probably can't go really wrong. However, I highly recommend a RAM. If you purchase one, make sure you get the Aisin transmission.

Regarding tow weight. Yes, I can overload the truck rear axle weight rating. I have learned, through numerous trips to CAT scales how to load my trailer. I have weighed from 150 - 400 pounds over rating for the SRW axle rating. Keeping heavy things out of the baggage compartment and loading heavy items in the garage will help mitigate a heavy pin weight.

For several reasons, a SRW is the right truck for us. A DRW will not work for us. Get a DRW if you want a tow vehicle you don't have to think about how you load your rig and just want to throw a lot of stuff in.

Good luck on your research and purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with a GD trailer.

[RVnforlife]

We are very confused about this truck situation. We are being told that the Ram 2500 will do the job regarding pulling the 350m by both the truck dealer and the RV dealer. We are looking at another dodge as we speak, a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT. Here are the specs to the truck:

Engine: 5.7L HEMI V 8 OHV and variable valve timing
Multi-point fuel injection
Unleaded fuel
Power (SAE): 383 hp @ 5,600 rpm; 400 ft lb of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Rigid front beam suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs, rigid rear beam suspension with coil springs
Transmission: automatic with manual mode and column shifter

Engine
cc: 5654
cc: 6417
cc: 6690
Liters: 5.7
Liters: 6.4
Liters: 6.7
bore: 103.9
bore: 107.0
bore: 99.5
stroke: 124.0
stroke: 90.9
stroke: 94.6
compression ratio: 10.0 (comp ratio)
compression ratio: 10.5 (comp ratio)
compression ratio: 16.2 (comp ratio)
number of cylinders: 6
number of cylinders: 8
configuration: in-line
configuration: V
location: front
orientation: longitudinal (long)
block composition: cast iron
head composition: cast iron
head composition: light alloy
valve gear type: overhead valve (OHV)
automatic valve adjustment: no
variable valve timing/camshaft: no
variable valve timing/camshaft: yes
number of valves per cylinder: 2
engine code: ESA (code)
engine code: ETK (code)
engine code: EZC (code)
Power
measurement standard: SAE
Maximum power kW: 261 (kW)
Maximum power kW: 276 (kW)
Maximum power kW: 286 (kW)
Maximum power kW: 306 (kW)
Maximum power hp/PS: 350 (hp/PS)
Maximum power hp/PS: 370 (hp/PS)
Maximum power hp/PS: 383 (hp/PS)
Maximum power hp/PS: 410 (hp/PS)
rpm for maximum power: 2800 (rpm max hp)
rpm for maximum power: 5600 (rpm max hp)
maximum torque lb ft: 400 (max torq lb ft)
maximum torque lb ft: 429 (max torq lb ft)
maximum torque lb ft: 660 (max torq lb ft)
maximum torque lb ft: 800 (max torq lb ft)
maximum torque Nm: 1084 (max torq Nm)
maximum torque Nm: 542 (max torq Nm)
maximum torque Nm: 582 (max torq Nm)
maximum torque Nm: 881 (max torq Nm)
rpm for maximum torque: 1600 (rpm max torq)
rpm for maximum torque: 4000 (rpm max torq)
torque standard: SAE
Power steering
vehicle speed proportional: no
type: hydraulic
variable rack: -
Transmission
Transmission type: automatic
Transmission type: manual
number of speeds: 6
mode select (auto only): no
manual mode (auto only): yes
shift lever location: column
shift lever location: floor
1st gear ratio :1: 3.230 (1st)
1st gear ratio :1: 5.940 (1st)
2nd gear ratio :1: 1.840 (2nd)
2nd gear ratio :1: 3.280 (2nd)
3rd gear ratio :1: 1.410 (3rd)
3rd gear ratio :1: 1.980 (3rd)
4th gear ratio :1: 1.000 (4th)
4th gear ratio :1: 1.310 (4th)
5th gear ratio :1: 0.820 (5th)
5th gear ratio :1: 1.000 (5th)
6th gear ratio :1: 0.630 (6th)
6th gear ratio :1: 0.740 (6th)
reverse gear ratio :1: 4.440 (rev)
reverse gear ratio :1: 5.420 (rev)
low/high gear ranges: no
transmission code: 66RFE (code)
transmission code: 68RFE (code)
transmission code: G56 (code)
manual sequential: no
automatic mode - manual: no
transmission description: automatic with manual mode (auto with man)
transmission description: manual (Man)
Suspension
type: beam
stabilizer bar: no
stabilizer bar: yes
location: front (frt)
location: rear
wheel dependence: rigid
spring type: air
spring type: coil
Wheels
location: front
location: rear
rim type: alloy
rim diameter: 17
rim diameter: 18
rim diameter: 20
rim width: 8.0 (rim wid)
wheel covers: no
Tires
location: front
location: rear
tire width: 275 (tire wid)
tire profile: 70
tire rating: S
sidewall type: outline white letters (out white ltrs)
type: all seasons
type: all terrain
official brochure tire size: yes
Steering wheel
type: leather covered
type: plastic
height adjustment: yes
telescopic adjustment: no
electric adjustment: no
heated: no
multi-function: yes
easy entry: none
Disc brakes
number of: 4
number of ventilated discs: 4
ABS
Brake assist system
Fuel system
injection/carburetion: diesel common rail (diesel com rail)
injection/carburetion: multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel tank
type: main
capacity (l): 121 (cap (l))
fuel type: diesel
capacity (gal): 32.0 (cap (gal))
Weights
gross vehicle weight (kg): 4082 (gvw (kg))
published curb weight (kg): 3000 (curb wt (kg))
gross trailer weight braked (kg): 5089 (GTW braked)
gross trailer weight unbraked (kg): 907 (GTW unbraked)
payload allowance (kg): 1082 (payload (kg))
gross vehicle weight (lbs): 9000 (gvw (lbs))
published curb weight (lbs): 6614 (curb wt (lbs))
gross trailer weight braked (lbs): 11220 (GTW braked)
gross trailer weight unbraked (lbs): 2000 (GTW unbraked)
payload allowance (lbs): 2386 (payload (lbs))
Drive
Driven wheels: rear
four wheel drive type: none
descent control system: no
selection: no
Electronic traction control
controlled by: ABS & engine management (ABS & eng.mng.)

[JCR GD]

Here is the key right here

payload allowance (lbs): 2386 (payload (lbs))


The pin weight of the 350m will be well over this as noted by above posters.

[RVnforlife]

Okay so we need to go with the 3500 then...Going to look at today

2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck Crew Cab with 36,000 miles on it and Curt fifth wheel hitch 20,000 capacity already in it

Detailed Specifications
Convenience Features
1-touch down Tilt steering wheel Power windows Air conditioning Passenger door bin Front beverage holders Speed control Driver door bin Rear door bins 1-touch up
Off-Road Capability
Ground clearance (min): 198mm (7.8") Approach angle: 24 deg Departure angle: 28 deg Ramp breakover angle: 19 deg Ground clearance (max): 206mm (8.1")
Entertainment Features
AM/FM radio MP3 decoder Speakers: 6 CD player
Seats and Trim
Max seating capacity: 6 Rear seats: bench Front seats: bench Rear seat center armrest
Powertrain
Cylinder configuration: I-6 Horsepower: 350hp @ 3,000RPM Engine location: front Recommended fuel: diesel Engine liters: 6.7 Number of valves: 24 Drive type: four-wheel Fuel tank capacity: 34.0gal. Limited slip differential Compressor: intercooled turbo
Body Exterior
Right rear passenger: conventional Trailer hitch receiver Turn signal indicator mirrors Power door mirrors Rear step bumper Heated door mirrors Left rear passenger door: conventional
Specs and Dimensions
Compression ratio: 17.20 to 1 Engine horsepower: 350hp @ 3,000RPM Rear legroom: 1,024mm (40.3") Front headroom: 1,041mm (41.0") Exterior height: 1,991mm (78.4") Exterior body width: 2,019mm (79.5") Front legroom: 1,041mm (41.0") Interior maximum cargo volume: 1,161 L (41 cu.ft.) Exterior length: 6,030mm (237.4") GVWR: 4,581kg (10,100lbs) Front hiproom: 1,605mm (63.2") Passenger volume: 3,424L (120.9 cu.ft.) Turning radius: 6.7m (22.0') Front shoulder room: 1,676mm (66.0") Wheelbase: 3,797mm (149.5") Engine bore x stroke: 107.0mm x 124.0mm (4.21" x 4.88") Rear hiproom: 1,605mm (63.2") Rear headroom: 1,013mm (39.9") Engine displacement: 6.7 L Interior cargo volume: 1,161 L (41 cu.ft.) Rear shoulder room: 1,669mm (65.7")
Safety and Security
ABS brakes Perimeter/approach lights 4 wheel disc brakes Overhead airbag Occupant sensing airbag Ignition disable Dual front impact airbags
Suspension/Handling
Front tires: 265/70SR17.0E Rear tires: 265/70SR17.0E Wheel size: 17" Single rear wheels Front anti-roll bar Power steering
Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation
Fully automatic headlights Tachometer Oil pressure gauge Delay-off headlights Variably intermittent wipers Voltmeter

[Dave and Monica]

Okay so we need to go with the 3500 then...Going to look at today

2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck Crew Cab with 36,000 miles on it and Curt fifth wheel hitch 20,000 capacity already in it

What you need is the door pillar weight specs for the truck...GWVR, GRAWR and payload. I seem to recall that some of those Ram 3500 don't have much payload capacity...especially wondering if it has only 275/70/17 E rated tires with a load rating of only 3195#.

Dave

[steve gravelle]

Right brand IMHO, are tires load range E, if so 3195 lb. each max load at 80 psi. Will be overloaded with 350m. Think it is a short box, long box would be better! For safety margin and peace of mind, DRW! Please do not compromise with this critical decision!

[RVnforlife]

Okay so I will get the door tag information as well as the tire size. I see it has the Firestone Transforce HT tires but can't see the size of them. The truck is DRW so wouldn't that be good? I am so confused here???

[Dave and Monica]

Okay so I will get the door tag information as well as the tire size. I see it has the Firestone Transforce HT tires but can't see the size of them. The truck is DRW so wouldn't that be good? I am so confused here???

Guess I'm the one confused as your description didn't indicate that it's a dually. The GVWR you show of 10100# would make it a SRW not a DRW.

If it's a DRW, no issues with payload.

Dave