Help me decide what to pull!

[jtizzle]

My wife and I started the RV hunt two months ago looking to pull with a 1/2ton dodge. We were looking at TTs and figured a 5er was pretty much out.

Two days ago we traded up trucks -I now have an 07 Dodge 2500 Diesel! Welcome to the world of 5ers!

We are looking at an 04 Wildcat 29BHBP which seems like an awesome deal. It has bunks in the back and its own room! The wife really likes the interior... my question for you is that at 32' overall length isn't this a little big for short trips? We would like to be able to hit the beach on the weekends -the limit is 31 at one dry camp spot -does this meant what is trailing behind me? In other words, does the "29" in the model number mean I am towing 29' behind the pin or my tail gate?

I should say that I have one child, but will probably acquire 1 or 2 for camping! Should I look to keep it shorter? Is a trailer this long a beast to pull? Short trips would easily allow dual purpose of the dinette and the fold couch, but do people generally wish they went bigger if they get a small coach? The deal includes a hitch and cover and the trailer seems clean for the price. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[gerrym51]

as far as i know the length the campground considers is from end to end
the total length

[chevy02]

Go for it you wont regret having the extra room,I always heard the length is what`s trailing behind but i may be wrong as i own a TT Good luck and enjoy

[Bama Rambler]

If it's the one that makes the DW happy, go for it.

You'll find that campground's measurements are subjective. I always tell them I have a 32' rig (it's 30'8" B2B) and I've been to places that say they'll accomodate a 32' rig and sometimes it's barely enough to get the wheels on and others you could have put a 40'er on there. In my experience private parks skimp on the numbers while public lands and parks are generous.

With a 5er you have it a little better because the whole 30' isn't sticking out behind you.

[rafcar]

That truck should pull that Wildcat like it's nothing. I would go for it if it's a good deal, or you can always go bigger with that kind of truck, but that Wildcat should give you plenty of room and not affect the mpg as some of the bigger and heavier units would.

[CTDSandpiper]

Go for it. Bigger is ALWAYS better. We started out with a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi Quad Cab 4x4 and a 2006 Coachmen 25 RKS TT, about 8 months after buying the TT we upgraded to a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD Quad Cab 4x4 and then about 5 months later we upgraded to a 2006 Keystone Outback 30FRKS 5th wheel which is 33'6" long and the truck tows it like thier is nothing back there unless you are in the mountains. This Saturday we pick up our new 2010 Sandpiper 356RL 5th wheel which is 39'4" long, a real monster. Towing a 5th wheel is way easier and better than towing a travel trailer. You get way less sway, wind affects you alot less and they are easier to hook up and unhook and also easier to back up into your spots. Go for it and you'll never regret it. You will be amazed at how easy that Wildcat will be to tow, I agree with rafcar, if you think you might want bigger it will be no problem at all to tow it with the new truck.

[Mr.B]

I agree with most posts here. I would not worry too much about the overall length as long as your tow vehicle can handle it. If the interior works for you then go for it. More important to have the set up you can enjoy than wish on every outing with two or three children you had something larger. One thing to consider on the pull out sofa is... when it pulls out does it allow space to walk around it. MINE DOES NOT! That means someone in the bunk house (which we love) cannot get to the bathroom if the sofa is pulled out without CRAWLING over the BED!!!! Good thought, bad design. Fivers are EASY! Have a great time and go CREATE THOSE MEMORIES!

[Oakman]

The "29" in the model number really doesn't mean much. The overall length of the BHBP model you're considering is 32 feet 8 inches from Kingpin to rear bumper.
I'd go for the deal, you should still be able to fit in most campsites.