Just ordered a 2015 cardinal 3850

CharlieandDonna · 10-15-2014, 09:57 PM

We have a few questions today... More later

How long have you had to wait for delivery? They say 4-8weeks.
Also what do you pull this size fifth wheel with? Would a F250 Ford Super Duty diesel be sufficient?

Scootdawg · 10-16-2014, 06:35 AM

Hello, that's a good looking RV. While a 250 Super Diesel may pull the weight, run the numbers by the Ford dealer. That's a heavy 5th wheel. The weight in the bed is one thing to ask. The super duty probably has stiffer shocks, maybe airbags also.

CharlieandDonna · 10-16-2014, 12:29 PM

Thanks, we are waiting on ordering the truck (we wanted to make sure the 5th wheel came in the color we wanted, which they stated they just stopped making the merlot, but will still make us one?) we don't feel too good about that happening.

**Terier** · 10-17-2014, 07:14 PM

Welcome to the forums and congrats on the 2015 cardinal 3850 too!

Gilm2113 · 10-17-2014, 07:35 PM

Charlie & Donna, I had just recently ordered a Forester a Class C and I was told 6 to 8 weeks. Our estimated delivery is November 18th. So far they are still on schedule.
Good luck with your 5th wheel.

CharlieandDonna · 01-30-2015, 11:06 AM

we received our new fifth wheel… Finally. It is absolutely beautiful, however we think we made a mistake in ordering the extra air conditioning unit ...it seems to measure 13'9". Have any of you had any height issues? And what is the easiest way to find our way from Michigan to Florida on I-75 and look for bridge Heights? We purchased the "all stays camp and RV" app,but does not seem to do what we are looking for?

14 CC 38CK · 02-01-2015, 07:16 PM

Congrats on the unit and enjoy

bigdaddy1 · 02-01-2015, 09:11 PM

Charlie and Donna, we have a 3850RL on order too but just started the process last Monday afternoon (jan 26) and were told should be the last of March. Also, that is was coming off as a 2016. I am looking to change TV to either F350 diesel or gmc 3500 both will have to be SRW in order to get in our garage. Trade in my 07 Cardinal fifth-wheel for the new unit!

Jerry01 · 02-02-2015, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieandDonna

we received our new fifth wheel… Finally. It is absolutely beautiful, however we think we made a mistake in ordering the extra air conditioning unit ...it seems to measure 13'9". Have any of you had any height issues? And what is the easiest way to find our way from Michigan to Florida on I-75 and look for bridge Heights? We purchased the "all stays camp and RV" app,but does not seem to do what we are looking for?

We have a 2013 Cardinal. We have the 2nd AC also. I have not physically checked the height, but so far it has not been a problem. Is 13'9" what you measured or is it from the brochure? From what I have heard, the printed height is not correct. Jerry.

CharlieandDonna · 02-05-2015, 09:01 AM

The brochure reads 13'6". When left dealership it measured 13'8. Just had the hitch lowered so now at 13'6. Worrisome for sure! Did anyone get different tires or just the tires that it came with? I (Donna) thought it would be safer since the weight is so close...however the better tires would make us another inch higher?

bigdaddy1 · 02-07-2015, 09:39 PM

Did you get the g rated 614 goodyear tires? How is the level on your truck? I have decided on getting the gmc 3500 diesel srw to tow my new unit.

Witch Doctor · 02-07-2015, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieandDonna

we received our new fifth wheel… Finally. It is absolutely beautiful, however we think we made a mistake in ordering the extra air conditioning unit ...it seems to measure 13'9". Have any of you had any height issues? And what is the easiest way to find our way from Michigan to Florida on I-75 and look for bridge Heights? We purchased the "all stays camp and RV" app,but does not seem to do what we are looking for?

Stay on the interstates highway's. Get a GPS that you can add the height into the program. I would worry more about the over hangs at gas stations. Con grads on the Card. Just love them units.

CharlieandDonna · 02-09-2015, 09:56 AM

We did not get the better tires for it will add 1/2"or so... And we are so close in this legal height issue.

CharlieandDonna · 02-09-2015, 09:59 AM

Our level is pretty good bigdaddy. It squats 2 1/2" and my hitch weight is 3450 pounds. We have a F250 SRW 6.7 Diesel. Wish we got the 10,500gbw instead of 10,000

Witch Doctor · 02-09-2015, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieandDonna

We did not get the better tires for it will add 1/2"or so... And we are so close in this legal height issue.

I'm not sure what GPS you have or if you use a smart phone. But they have apps that you add your height in. It will let you know if a overpass is lower. I THINK by law most over passes has to be 14' or over on interstates. Now side or secondary roads are different. So you need to be careful. They usually post the height a couple of miles ahead so you can avoid them but not always. Get a level and put it at the highest point on the trailer then measure to the ground then you will know for sure. I always thought I was 13' and in reality I 'm at 12.8" thats a big difference and it is different then the # FR gave me...

CharlieandDonna · 02-09-2015, 10:51 AM

Yes the brochures are much different. There is a bridge on I-94 in Detroit (a major expressway) it reads only 13'7"! That is why we started worrying and had the hitched lowered by 2". We were 13'8. Still too close for comfort! We are leaving this Thursday, not sure if we will arrive to Florida with our air conditioning unit on top or not, LOL. We did purchase the app called a "smart truck route" kind of pricey for just three months… But if it saves us trouble it shall be worth it

Witch Doctor · 02-09-2015, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieandDonna

Yes the brochures are much different. There is a bridge on I-94 in Detroit (a major expressway) it reads only 13'7"! That is why we started worrying and had the hitched lowered by 2". We were 13'8. Still too close for comfort! We are leaving this Thursday, not sure if we will arrive to Florida with our air conditioning unit on top or not, LOL. We did purchase the app called a "smart truck route" kind of pricey for just three months… But if it saves us trouble it shall be worth it

As long as you know it's there. isn't there a way to route around it. I rather travel 25 miles out of my way then take a chance. And yes everything is pricey even that A/C. Then you also looking at trusting that app.. If a big rig can make it you can also. One thing I also did was park next to a truck at a rest stop to see my height difference. Good luck, just watch out for the overhangs when you get gas. Go to loves, or pilot j they have over 14' overhangs.

bigdaddy1 · 02-09-2015, 08:20 PM

Well CharlieandDonna I am looking forward to getting my 3850RL Cardinal to see how it fits in the gmc 3500 I have got ordered!

Witch Doctor · 02-10-2015, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddy1

Well CharlieandDonna I am looking forward to getting my 3850RL Cardinal to see how it fits in the gmc 3500 I have got ordered!

Damn big daddy1, talk about going for it. What made you choose a GMC over the others if I may ask? I know why you getting that Cardinal it's a beauty......

bigdaddy1 · 02-10-2015, 09:13 AM

Well, I tell you...I wanted the dually with the long bed BUT I could not get it in my garage with my wife's car and she said that she was not moving her ride out in the weather.LOL I wanted to stay with the diesel for the power and heavier frame but still wanted some comforts of a loaded truck so as they say in the south I am "going whole-hog" .

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