Puchased a 5th wheel now the confusion starts

Mark1313 · 03-25-2015, 01:42 PM

My wife and I decided to purchase 2015 42' FR Sierra 378FB 5th wheel rv now so that when we retire in 3-5 yrs. we will be able to travel and enjoy the USA. It is still being built so I have a little time to look for a tow vehicle, but the more I look the more questions I have. The Sierra comes in dry @12,396 lbs. and GVWR is 15500lbs with the pin @ 2100lbs according to the spec. sheet. All of my research that I have done leads me to believe that I am looking at a 1 ton dually. Actually a Dodge 3500 DWR with the 6.7 diesel and a 3:73 rear end seems to meet the GCVW and towing capacity for my needs. My GCVW will be right at 30,000lbs. I am also looking at a Ford model dually also, since I don't see a single rear wheel 3500 working. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Also am I correct in assuming that since my GCVW is over 26,000lbs I need to change my drivers license to some kind of Class A ? Thanx Confused Newbie

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 01:47 PM

One ton drw territory yes.
No license change needed.

Dave_Monica · 03-25-2015, 02:03 PM

Yes the DRW is a good plan. Don't get fooled by that low dry pin weight...you'll find that it's a much better towing experience when you get that loaded pin weight at 20% of total or above. Certainly would have enough truck to do that.

Dave

onetonford · 03-25-2015, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURBS

One ton drw territory yes.
No license change needed.

Depending on the state you might need a RV certification. I know in California it is required if you are 1 lb over 10000 lbs. It is a 10 question test and not hard to pass.

dj3spots · 03-25-2015, 02:25 PM

I tow with a GMC 3500HD Denali truck - Duramax diesel 6.6, Allison Transmission, Standard bed, 373 rear, 4X4, SRW. After market we added a gull wing tool box, AMP power steps plus rear and side pull down steps for easy access to truck bed and tool box. We use a Reese Elite 18K truck hitch. Spouse & I are hefty plus our 80lb American Bulldog travels in the truck. We tow a Salem Hemisphere 346Qbud (40'). Traveling with me is like traveling with the circus - I take everything. Why am I telling you all this? We have traveled north to south and east coast to west coast. Crossed the Rockies, been thru Donner pass and traveled the deserts. That truck didn't even know the trailer was there. Mileage was anywhere from 13 to 16 mpg; depending on terrain and speed. The inside of Denali is great for long distance travel - gonna spend a lot of time in it, might as well be comfy. Make sure you can really see yourself driving that truck for hours on end; that's almost as important as getting the right size TV to pull your 5ver. Congrats on new trailer and thinking ahead.

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AquaMan · 03-25-2015, 02:27 PM

A SRW 3500 is capable of towing your 5er safely and within spec, (Even some properly equipped 2500's would fit the bill, but wouldn't recommend) but a DRW will give you the largest margin of safety and available payload.

asquared · 03-25-2015, 02:29 PM

I would go with a diesel dually for that trailer and the amount of travelling it sounds like you want to do. As for the drivers license, you need to research the laws in your state as this varies from state to state.

whj77372 · 03-25-2015, 03:31 PM

Don't know were you are from but in Texas you would need a license up grade because
the GCWR is over 26,000 lbs. Good Luck

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 03:40 PM

Georgia

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whj77372

Don't know were you are from but in Texas you would need a license up grade because
the GCWR is over 26,000 lbs. Good Luck

Correct , non commercial license upgrade.

fonzie · 03-25-2015, 03:43 PM

Where do you live (the OP)?

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 03:44 PM

Nothing needed in Georgia

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 03:45 PM

Everything you need to know per state.

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

Lefty59 · 03-25-2015, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURBS

Everything you need to know per state.

RV Driver's License Requirements

TURBS:

I think I know the answer...but to be sure:

Licensed in one state (no special licensing required) and driving in another (special licensing required)...am I okay/legal without the special license for the state being visited?

Curious minds want to know.

TURBS · 03-25-2015, 06:36 PM

To my knowledge if your good in your home state your good in any other.

asquared · 03-25-2015, 10:36 PM

I still say check with your dmv as it appears the changing gears website is not necessawrily correct. Although the way it's written in NC is about as clear as mud.

This is from NC DMV
Class C drivers license- Required to operate any single vehicle that is not carrying hazardous material in quantities required to be placarded or is designed to carry no more than 15 passengers including the driver with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds; or any vehicle towing a vehicle which has a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds operated by a driver at least eighteen years old.
Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to operate personal automobiles and small trucks.

Class B drivers license- Required to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more that is exempt from CDL requirements, or any such vehicle while towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.

Class A non-commercial drivers license- Required to operate any combination of vehicles exempt from CDL requirements with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds.

Reading this I might need to get a class A non-commercial license for my fiver with a 13k gvwr.

asquared · 03-25-2015, 10:37 PM

A quick Google search found this georgia department of driver's services link to types of driver's licenses

rdenslow · 03-26-2015, 12:32 PM

I have pulled 5ers with Fords and I have pulled them with Dodges - I am a truck guy with no real brand allegiance. My personal preference is the Cummins big 6 purely for the torque. Less shifting and lower rpms. As for the drw idea, hands down the dually will grant the most stability and limit body shifting but a real good alternative is the Timbren System - stiffens up the rear end and adds stability much like the drw for a few hundred dollars. Beyond the money however is your location, where I reside drw's don't get along too well about 9 months of the year between the wet clay in the spring and fall and the ice / snow from Nov-March.

j free · 03-26-2015, 12:52 PM

I have the ford 350 dully and it is fantastic. I pull a Columbus f370fl and on the freeway I don't even know it there. My truck weighs 9800 lbs on my local truck scales and the trailer is at 14,000 lbs to it not a issue for a lic's.

stillontheroad · 03-26-2015, 01:39 PM

We used to tow a 38 ft fifth whell and at first we had a standard F350. Then we traded up to a dullie and found the towing experience to be much more comfortable. I personally prefer a Ford 350 for two reasons. The first is that the engine or any service can be obtained anywhere and the performance of their diesel is super. The Cummins diesl (in the Dodge units) is much more expensive to repair and you have to be careful if you need any repairs or adjustments... Cummins is very particular when it comes to any warrantee problems (Had a cummins in my motorhome and mins (the service centres) were very demanding as far as service was concerned. Don't get me wrong. The cummins is a great enjune but service is not available everywhere.

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