Fifth wheel suggestions ??

[dretired]

We now have a 2010 Puma 26rlss TT . After seeing the DWs . Aunt and Uncles 2011 Cougar 26sab ... I have the "bug" for a 5ver... That being said.. What 5th wheel is out there ,that is very close to, if not the same as our TT floorplan.?? We like the bathroom all in one area, toilet,sink shower...We like the Head room in our bedroom (i am 6 ft ,shes 5' 10" ) There 5ver is lacking there . We also like our super slide and rear living window and chairs,.. And also 1/2 ton towable... I am not sure if there is any 5th wheel out there that meets our likes..Any ideas ?? Thanks ..Dave

[Jimcam22]

Look at Rockwood's 8285WS. It has everything you asked for.

[crocus]

The Flagstaff 8528 CKWS is even better. With the rear entertainment center, it is very comfortable and more spacious than the 8285WS.

[camper_Lucy]

There are a number of 5th's with the configuration you like, I think the more difficult issue will be can you tow them with your 1/2 ton.
But enjoy the shopping it's fun, and who knows you may even decide to upgrade the TV.

[Herk7769]

While you can find lots of folks towing 5th wheels with heavy duty 1500 series pickups, at the end of the day every one of them wishes it was a 2500 series.

While a given motor/trans/rear combination 1500HD can PULL an Ultra-Lite 5th wheel, not many can CARRY the pin weight required to keep them stable on the highway.

Stay with a TT with a floor plan you like while you shop for a bigger pickup. Once the pickup is paid for; then start you 5th wheel shopping. To do the reverse is a recipe for disaster.

[crocus]

herk, don't dismiss the 1/2 tons too quickly. I have a friend who towed a similar fifth to mine with a 2005 Ford F150 with the 5.4, and he has just picked up a new Ecoboost F150 that has a cargo capacity well in excess of his pin weight. The 2005 has absolutely no issues with the load, and the new one is even better.

I will admit I wouldn't pull one with my 2010 Dodge, but that Ford is something else!

[Herk7769]

I did say "not many."

He most likely would have been happier with more capability in the long run. Everyone wants a new bigger camper. It is cost prohibitive for most to replace the TV at the same time.

Don't send a boy; etc...

[Rugged Brown]

Originally Posted by crocus

The Flagstaff 8528 CKWS is even better. With the rear entertainment center, it is very comfortable and more spacious than the 8285WS.

This is what we have and its fabulous.

[Rugged Brown]

Another point to consider that the weight police do not mention is that if you get a bigger TV, you get a bigger camper. It's all relative. I tow mine easily with a 2010 Ram 1500 with 3.92 gear ratio, added Timbren SES and the rest is stock. I have towed big campers in the past with a different configuration and this TV tows like a dream. I am sure a 3/4 or 1 ton truck will handle it easier, but I have no issues. I saw a guy with a 1 ton towing a smaller camper than mine a couple of weeks ago and to be honest, he shouldn't even be behind the wheel of a Corolla , let alone a 1 ton Ford. If you drive with care and caution, your TV can handle the 8528ckws with relative ease. My gas mileage is averaging 10 mpg loaded on the rolling hills in Nova Scotia.

[adanguy]

The K-Z is very good quality their reputation is also good. I did buy it. You may get a better deal if you bargain a little longer. For kids, there is a nice big room with slide and also own 1/2 bath. And that sounds great to me!

[dretired]

Thanks for the replies.... We will take a look at at the rockwoods, flagstaffs, keystone cougars,prime times, springdales and any others anyone can suggest.. My 2010 F150 ,is rated for 9800 lbs on the Ford Towing guide... i would like to keep the dry weight ataround 7000 lbs. Or so.

[whj77372]

There are not many 5th wheelers that can be pulled safetly with a half ton truck! you may be able to tow but try stopping! it must be SMALL1

[grhodes50]

Originally Posted by herk7769

While you can find lots of folks towing 5th wheels with heavy duty 1500 series pickups, at the end of the day every one of them wishes it was a 2500 series.

While a given motor/trans/rear combination 1500HD can PULL an Ultra-Lite 5th wheel, not many can CARRY the pin weight required to keep them stable on the highway.

Stay with a TT with a floor plan you like while you shop for a bigger pickup. Once the pickup is paid for; then start you 5th wheel shopping. To do the reverse is a recipe for disaster.

Originally Posted by dretired

Thanks for the replies.... We will take a look at at the rockwoods, flagstaffs, keystone cougars,prime times, springdales and any others anyone can suggest.. My 2010 F150 ,is rated for 9800 lbs on the Ford Towing guide... i would like to keep the dry weight ataround 7000 lbs. Or so.

That's what Lou is talking about. The MAX towing capacity of your F-150 will work, but the hitch weight of a 5'er will run between 15%-25% versus a tt that should fall between 10%-15%.
With a 7,000 lb dry weight you'll probably be at least 8,500 lbs after loading your tt and tv. At that weight a tt will have a hitch weight of 850-1,250 lbs versus a 5'er that will have a hitch weight of 1,250-2,125 lbs.
While your towing capacity will be good to go, your tv's payload capacity MAY NOT be enough.
Also remember that air bags can level your tv, but they do not increase your pay load or towing capacities.

[Iggy]

Lou's suggestion x2

Originally Posted by herk7769

While you can find lots of folks towing 5th wheels with heavy duty 1500 series pickups, at the end of the day every one of them wishes it was a 2500 series.

While a given motor/trans/rear combination 1500HD can PULL an Ultra-Lite 5th wheel, not many can CARRY the pin weight required to keep them stable on the highway.

Stay with a TT with a floor plan you like while you shop for a bigger pickup. Once the pickup is paid for; then start you 5th wheel shopping. To do the reverse is a recipe for disaster.