I am looking to upgrade from a Sunline 2753 to a 5th wheel. I just purchased a new Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab with 5.9 diesel and 4.10 rear. I don't want to kill the truck by buying something too big but I also don't want to outgrow the camper anytime soon. I am looking at models like the Sandpipper 315BHT or the Wildwood 336BHBS. I know the length is an issue because it is not a dually. What range should I stay in for weight, length and hitch weight? I really like the Sandpipper but I am thinking it might be a little too much.

 

If you want to stay with in you weights I would stay that is TOO much trailer.

It will have ~2800 lbs pin weight, that is Dully territory.

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/flo...ries=5thWheels

 

What about the Wildwood? It is just a little shorter but lower pin weight. The Sandpipper is premuim line camper so I guess it has heavier material. I like both but my wife likes that you can get a king bed in the Sandpipper. I do not travel with any water in the tanks, if that helps. Thanks.

Wildwood Specs -
Model 336BHBS
Hitch Weight 1,475 lbs.
Axle Weight 7,395 lbs.
Dry Ship Weight 8,870 lbs.
GVWR 11,635 lbs.
CCC - Cargo Capacity 2,306 lbs.
Ext Length 35 ft. 10 in.
Ext Height 12 ft. 2 in.
Int Height 84 in.
Fresh Water Cap 42 Gal.
Black Water Cap 32 Gal.
Gray Water Cap 35 Gal.
Tire Size 15 in.
Awning Size 18 ft.

 

The wildwood would have ~2300lbs of pin weight and would be better.
(GVWR 11,635 lbs x 20% = 2327 lbs) you would still be over your GVWR

 

Wrong, 2800lb PW is not dually territory.

 

Juzplanekrazy - WOW, you are pulling that toy hauler with a 3500 Mega? I looked it up and that thing is huge. How does it pull? When I get the 5th wheel I will probably install Firestone airbags. Do you think they help? I do not plan any other modifications. Real world experiences would be helpful. Thanks

 

Wade, where are you located?

 

When I talked to Joe a couple weeks ago he already had more than 10,000 miles towing with that monster. And he hasn't had any problems pulling it.

 

I'm not having one bit of drivability problems. It’s as stable as I can ask for. Once I got over the panic of everybody telling me I was “WAY” over doing it, and I really looked at the numbers the truck can carry, I calmed down and used my own judgment. I’m the one driving the damm thing. I know what it drives like, not some old fogy watching spec numbers like a Bingo game card.
These Dodge trucks are every bit as capable as any other 1 ton SRW truck on the market.
I just made a post on a RV forum about 2500 vs 3500, there the same darn truck, BUT, I’m glad I have the helper spring for the weight I’m carrying.
The rear axle on my truck is capable of carrying 10-11,000 lbs, the door sticker says I can carry 6200 lbs on the rear, the tires are rated at 6200 lbs.
I’m carrying 6200lbs on the rear end. I’m rated to pull 15,500 lbs, my trailer weighs 14,500 the way I travel. It’s not any simpler than that.
Can a 2500 do the same thing…. It sure can, you just won’t have the helper spring as a backup to the airbags and you won’t have the pretty 3500 emblem.

 

I haul a 38' Coachman up and down the alcan with my pickup several times a year. Other than overload springs, I havent done anything to the suspension and I've had zero problems. There are VERY steep grades, and VERY high winds on that road.

I think I could actually go bigger and still be well within my comfort zone. The only time the pucker factor comes into play is when turning tight corners. That has nothing to do with the suspension, but I sure do wish I had the long bed.

 

JuzPlaneKrazy you are totally right. I haul rvs for a living and have crossed many scales and as long as I am not over 6,200 pounds on the rear axle, i am fine with them. Secondly they dont know what the truck can haul for a trailer, as it changes everyyear it seams. I have a 1996 , 2500 truck and am leagally licenced for 20,000 pounds. Now with my truck weighing 7,500 I can have a trailer behind me that weighs 12,500 pounds. I could have bigger trailers, but thats what my dually is for,, the 36 foot and biiger ones i use it for.

As for the difference between a 2500 and a 3500 ,, you are right,, its the overload springs on the 3500,,, my 2500 has the cmaper package also it came factory with the overloads, and I have airbags on both just to stop the side to side sway. As with my setup I can have a pin weight of about 2,800 pounds before I am over weight with it, it would be more, but I have a 80 gallon aux fuel tank in the box, so that adds weight.

So people dont be affraid,, just check the tire ratings on your truck and dont exceed them and you will be fine. Oh by the way my truck has a GVW of 8,800 pounds and I have crossed the scales at over 10,400 for the truck alone and was told I was totally legal

 

I guess the people over at RV.net are a little more conservitive. I guess our trucks are not considered "real" trucks by some people. They must own Fords, we all know how great they are Try not to laugh too hard.

This is what I got from there -

What does the door sticker say for capacity limit for "occupants and cargo" to reach GVWR? What is your likely weight of occupants and cargo besides the pin wt? eg 400 for occupants and 200 for a hitch means take 600 off the sticker capacity and that is what is left for your pin wt allowance (to stay within GVWR--if you want to go over GVWR then that is up to you)

Next, look at the brochure pin wt for the 5er you have in mind. that is its dry pin wt. The trailer when loaded has a much higher pin wt, which you can estimate by the pin wt percentage of its loaded wt. Usually about 20%.

Apparently from previous posts involving your model truck you are going to be sorry you got that truck if you really want a 5er. No reason it can't work with bigger TTs though. Too much cab, not enough box. Truck weighs too much out of its own GVWR to be able to carry a heavy load like a "real" truck.

 

Hey Wade, whatcha' going to do with that Sunline?? What year & model?? I used to pull those out of the factory here in Denver, PA, before they closed their doors and went bankrupt. Still owe me some money too. Sunline used to build some quality & durable units. Also believe they brought a decent resale value.
Outlaw, where are you out of?? Keeping busy?? I have a few dealers here in PA that are keeping my head just above water right now. Hopefully the new 08' models will draw some more buyers. RV shows should be starting up soon and hopefully I'll get busy again.

 

I am from Canada, and have been busy as can be,,, took 2 weeks off to do some work around the house and trucks now tho. Things are a lil slower here than last year, but not by much tho. Hope the best for you GMScott

 

I will probably trade it in. They are not offering much at the dealers but I don't have the time (2 small kids) to deal with selling out right. It is a 2001 2753. They are nice campers, this is our second. I could not believe they went out of business. I don't think you will be seeing your money. From what I hear they are not even handling warranty claims. The dealers are telling me they can't give me more because it does not have a slide out. I just need more room for the kids.