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Old 03-03-2011, 09:30 PM   #1
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Deal that I don't want to pass up if I pull it

I am new to this forum and new to pulling a 5th wheel. I have a 2005 Dodge Ram QC 1500 4X4 with 5.7L Hemi. The 5th wheel I am looking at and have to make a decision on quickly is a 2006 Rockwood by Forest River 30 ft. Signature Ultra light Fifth Wheel. Model 8281ss.I have seen these can be pulled by a 1/2 ton, is this ok. The specs on the 5th wheel I can find are as follows, but I question if a 1/2 ton can handle this...

Dry Hitch Weight1,407 lb. (638 kg ) Dry Ship Weight7,308 lb. (3,315 kg ) GVWR9,407 lb. (4,267 kg ) Cargo Carrying Capacity1,900 lb. (862 kg ) Exterior Length31 ft. 2 in. (9.5 m) Exterior Height12 ft. 2 in. (3.7 m) Exterior Width96 in. (2.4 m) Fresh Water Capacity43 gal. (163 L) Gray Water Capacity76 gal. (288 L) Black Water Capacity76 gal. (288 L) Awning SizeTBA (TBA)I believe these specs to be for a 2011 from their website which has 2 slides and the 2006 only has one slide. But say at worst case the above is correct, is this too much for my Dodge. I know my Dodge can handle 2500#'s of dirt in the bed. But I want to be safe with my family. No major hauling around the country mostly to parks and lakes within 100 miles of our home in KS.

Thank you to anyone that is interested in helping a very new and green 5th wheeler.
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Old 03-03-2011, 10:29 PM   #2
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The 2006 is not quite as high as the newer models, and maybe a little lighter. But that is a lot of weight in the bed. I don't imagine you would want to haul that 2500 lbs of dirt very far?
If you have 4-wheel disk brakes on your truck, that would help.
There is no doubt that you can probably pull it, and if you're only going a hundred miles or so, you can take your time and
DRIVE CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!
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Old 03-03-2011, 11:13 PM   #3
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I would say your close to or over what your truck can handle. You can so it safe but its best to upgrade soon or look for something smaller.
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Old 03-03-2011, 11:24 PM   #4
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Welcome to the forum! I have a 2006 8281SS so I have some info for you that should make it sound more appealing. The 2006 8281SS has a dry pin weight of 1089, a dry weight of 64?? and a GVWR of 8129. Fresh water is 42 gal (36 gal tank with 6 gal water heater), 60 gallon gray water ( 30 gal galley & 30 gal gray) and 30 gal black.

If you have 3.92 gears it should do fine. If you have 3.55s, it will probably struggle a bit. You will be close to your GVWR, so you may need air bags to level it out. Probably the biggest concern will be that by having a 2005 Dodge Ram, you can not lock out fourth gear, so you will probably find it shifting quite a bit between fourth and third (Drive). I know two others which tow 8281SS models with 5.7 Hemi 1500 Dodge Rams and are satisfied. You won't win any races uphill, but it will get the job down. My Power Wagon is powered by the 5.7L Hemi with the 545RFE auto and it will do the job, but it is built on the 2500 platform so I have a higher GVWR and 4.56 gears. I am quite happy with my set up. Good Luck!
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Old 03-04-2011, 12:18 AM   #5
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If this works, here is the 2006 brochure with the specifications:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/ult...06rockwood.pdf
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Old 03-04-2011, 05:30 AM   #6
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Go to website (Changingears.com) you supply the info they tell you the answer1 Youroo!!
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Old 03-04-2011, 05:35 AM   #7
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I think you 1500 will pull it but like everyone said you are close if not over max for the truck. I have a 8285WS Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite 30 ft 5th and I pull it with a F-250 3/4 ton. Check your specs out closely before you decide. Dealers will tell you that you have no problems but they lie to make the sale.

My 2 cents
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Old 03-04-2011, 07:27 AM   #8
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A 3rd gen Dodge 1500 Quadcab 4x4 even with the tow package and 3:92 gears is only rated for 8500 to 8900lbs and has a payload of 1500 to 1690 lbs (which don't forget you need to add fuel and passengers) and these are if you have 17" wheels the ratings are less if you have 20's as you have reduced your gear ratio. I would stay away from that trailer with your truck. I used to have a beautiful 04 Laramie Quadcab 4x4 and that is why I got rid of it.

Well I looked at the pdf that Glen linked to and it would seem you would be OK as long as you don't have 20" wheels as your max trailer weight drops to 7600 and a payload of 1500 with 3:92's and 7550 and a payload of 1390 if you have a Laramie.
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:08 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crocus View Post
The 2006 is not quite as high as the newer models, and maybe a little lighter. But that is a lot of weight in the bed. I don't imagine you would want to haul that 2500 lbs of dirt very far?
If you have 4-wheel disk brakes on your truck, that would help.
There is no doubt that you can probably pull it, and if you're only going a hundred miles or so, you can take your time and
DRIVE CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!
I know that amount of dirt was too much for the truck but did rather well. I do have 4 wheel disc brakes. No I do not plan to do long trips.

Thank you for your help.

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Originally Posted by scubieman View Post
I would say your close to or over what your truck can handle. You can so it safe but its best to upgrade soon or look for something smaller.
Thank you. I would like to upgrade trucks, but getting a truck and 5th wheel is not doable right now together and this 5th wheel I am looking at is perfect. Sleeps 8 we have 5 family members with others that like to travel with us.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn5995 View Post
Welcome to the forum! I have a 2006 8281SS so I have some info for you that should make it sound more appealing. The 2006 8281SS has a dry pin weight of 1089, a dry weight of 64?? and a GVWR of 8129. Fresh water is 42 gal (36 gal tank with 6 gal water heater), 60 gallon gray water ( 30 gal galley & 30 gal gray) and 30 gal black.

If you have 3.92 gears it should do fine. If you have 3.55s, it will probably struggle a bit. You will be close to your GVWR, so you may need air bags to level it out. Probably the biggest concern will be that by having a 2005 Dodge Ram, you can not lock out fourth gear, so you will probably find it shifting quite a bit between fourth and third (Drive). I know two others which tow 8281SS models with 5.7 Hemi 1500 Dodge Rams and are satisfied. You won't win any races uphill, but it will get the job down. My Power Wagon is powered by the 5.7L Hemi with the 545RFE auto and it will do the job, but it is built on the 2500 platform so I have a higher GVWR and 4.56 gears. I am quite happy with my set up. Good Luck!
I do have 3.92 gears with 17's. I am not worried about speed, mainly safety and ability to do it. Thank you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn5995 View Post
If this works, here is the 2006 brochure with the specifications:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/ult...06rockwood.pdf
Thanks for the brochure. This does make it sound better. I do appreciate your help!

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Originally Posted by youroo View Post
Go to website (Changingears.com) you supply the info they tell you the answer1 Youroo!!
I will check this out. I am trying to find the exact weights of my truck and its pulling weights.

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Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
I think you 1500 will pull it but like everyone said you are close if not over max for the truck. I have a 8285WS Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite 30 ft 5th and I pull it with a F-250 3/4 ton. Check your specs out closely before you decide. Dealers will tell you that you have no problems but they lie to make the sale.

My 2 cents
Thank you. I am buying this from a private seller. He has pulled it with a 1/2 ton.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSasks View Post
A 3rd gen Dodge 1500 Quadcab 4x4 even with the tow package and 3:92 gears is only rated for 8500 to 8900lbs and has a payload of 1500 to 1690 lbs (which don't forget you need to add fuel and passengers) and these are if you have 17" wheels the ratings are less if you have 20's as you have reduced your gear ratio. I would stay away from that trailer with your truck. I used to have a beautiful 04 Laramie Quadcab 4x4 and that is why I got rid of it.

Well I looked at the pdf that Glen linked to and it would seem you would be OK as long as you don't have 20" wheels as your max trailer weight drops to 7600 and a payload of 1500 with 3:92's and 7550 and a payload of 1390 if you have a Laramie.
I have the tow package, 3.92 gears and 17's with the SLT package. Thank you for your input.


Thank you all for the help, concerns, issues and thoughts. Thank you for helping out someone as new as I am and helping me make informed decisions.
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:12 AM   #10
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Does anyone have a good feel for the price for this 2006 Rockwood by Forest River 30 ft. Signature Ultra light Fifth Wheel? They are asking $18900, but I feel from research and price comparison, this is too much. I have seen others in the $15K-$16K range. This one is appealing to me because it is 45 miles from my home town and others online are states away.

Thoughts?
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:21 AM   #11
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Camplight,

If you could provide more information about your Ram, such as GVWR, GCWR, gear ratio, long or short bed, we can help you with a more informed opinion. In the worst case scenario, you will be well over the ability of your tow vehicle. In the best case, you will be at least right at and probably slightly over your limits.

KS is pretty flat and you are not planning any long trips (that may well change once you have it and start to enjoy it), so that will make it a little easier to be towing at capacity. If you have P-Metric tires, I would certainly be upgrading to LT tires. Don't skimp on a brake controller. I would suggest the Prodigy P2 or P3 by Tekonsha or the G2 by Hayes. If you have a short bed, you will not be able to make a sharp turn without the fifth wheel cap striking the cab. I would normally recommend an automatic slider (what I have), but the the SuperGlide is very heavy and as you are close to or over your GVWR, you might be better suited to select a manual slider or a Sidewinder pin box.

Do you currently have another camper and this consideration is an upgrade or are you completely new to this? I assume that because you are considering a bunkhouse model, you have children. Camping is certainly a great family experience and a memory and bond creator, so I encourage you to find a way to make it work, but safely. If not with this model, there are certainly many options out there within the capability of you Ram. Good Luck!

Glenn

**EDIT**: Camplight, you answered many of the questions while I was reading, typing and responding, so never mind.
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:25 AM   #12
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That does seem a little steep, as the new ones are in the $27-28 range, and they are a different trailer. The newer ones are taller, so have a bit roomier bedroom area, and more storage underneath the bedroom.
But of course it all depends on condition. A premium unit stored inside might be worth that.
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:29 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by camplight View Post
Does anyone have a good feel for the price for this 2006 Rockwood by Forest River 30 ft. Signature Ultra light Fifth Wheel? They are asking $18900, but I feel from research and price comparison, this is too much. I have seen others in the $15K-$16K range. This one is appealing to me because it is 45 miles from my home town and others online are states away.

Thoughts?
It does sound a little high to me. We purchased ours new for $24,???. I would try to get them down some, but if it in good condition and a floor plan that will work well for you, I wouldn't completely disregard it if your budget can afford it.
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Old 03-04-2011, 09:54 AM   #14
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Camplight,

If you could provide more information about your Ram, such as GVWR, GCWR, gear ratio, long or short bed, we can help you with a more informed opinion. In the worst case scenario, you will be well over the ability of your tow vehicle. In the best case, you will be at least right at and probably slightly over your limits.

KS is pretty flat and you are not planning any long trips (that may well change once you have it and start to enjoy it), so that will make it a little easier to be towing at capacity. If you have P-Metric tires, I would certainly be upgrading to LT tires. Don't skimp on a brake controller. I would suggest the Prodigy P2 or P3 by Tekonsha or the G2 by Hayes. If you have a short bed, you will not be able to make a sharp turn without the fifth wheel cap striking the cab. I would normally recommend an automatic slider (what I have), but the the SuperGlide is very heavy and as you are close to or over your GVWR, you might be better suited to select a manual slider or a Sidewinder pin box.

Do you currently have another camper and this consideration is an upgrade or are you completely new to this? I assume that because you are considering a bunkhouse model, you have children. Camping is certainly a great family experience and a memory and bond creator, so I encourage you to find a way to make it work, but safely. If not with this model, there are certainly many options out there within the capability of you Ram. Good Luck!

Glenn

**EDIT**: Camplight, you answered many of the questions while I was reading, typing and responding, so never mind.
Here are the details I have found for my TV and 5th Wheel....
TV: GVWR=6700, Payload=1388, Curb Wt=5233, GCWR=14000, GTWR 8600, Curb weight front / rear axle=3090/3090, GAWR front / rear axle=3900/3900. 5.7 hemi, 2005 dodge ram qc 1500, tow package, 17" wheels, 4x4. No extra additions, stock.

5th Wheel:
Hitch wt=1089, Axle wt=5415, Unit dry wt=6504, GVWR=8089, fresh water=42, grey water=60, black water=30

Looks like to me reviewing the numbers, this is possible in a safe manner. Others want to weigh in on this.

EDIT-Yes we are a young family and first timers. I have hauled trailers and equipment before in various jobs with many different TV's. I just have not pulled a 5th wheel. I have a 5yr, 15 mo and 5 mo old children. We love the outdoors and camp in tents in our back yard, out at the river and my daughter is always asking to go. I am 32 and want to build so lasting memories with my family.
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Old 03-04-2011, 10:48 AM   #15
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So your payload of 1388 - the trailer pin weight at min 1089 (which will be low as that is dry weight and does not include batteries or 2x 30lb propane cylinders etc)= 299lbs minus truck fuel which if memory serves me is 25 gal@6lbs per gallon = 150lbs so now you have 149lbs for passengers and any cargo you have. Better rethink your decision IMHO, unless you are not interested in what Dodge has rated your truck for.
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Old 03-04-2011, 11:04 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by camplight View Post
Does anyone have a good feel for the price for this 2006 Rockwood by Forest River 30 ft. Signature Ultra light Fifth Wheel? They are asking $18900, but I feel from research and price comparison, this is too much. I have seen others in the $15K-$16K range. This one is appealing to me because it is 45 miles from my home town and others online are states away.

Thoughts?

Here is the NADA link to 2006 Rockwoods value. LINK
You need to go down and find Signature Ultra Lita nd select your model.
All I see is a 31ft and thend it drops to 27ft models.
At least you can get an idea what it is worth.

Good luck
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Old 03-04-2011, 11:15 AM   #17
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...TV: GVWR=6700, Payload=1388, Curb Wt=5233, GCWR=14000, GTWR 8600, Curb weight front / rear axle=3090/3090, GAWR front / rear axle=3900/3900. 5.7 hemi, 2005 dodge ram qc 1500, tow package, 17" wheels, 4x4. No extra additions, stock...

I think something is off there. The 1388 payload seems low. Just subtracting the 5233 curb weight from the 6700 GVWR would leave 1467 for payload. If you call a Dodge Dealership with your VIN, they can give you the exact specs for your vehicle.

I am about to leave town for the day. I'll check back in when I return. Good luck!
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Old 03-04-2011, 11:19 AM   #18
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With the price of fuel going up, trailer sales will probably slump again the way they did a few years back when fuel prices went to $4.00 a gallon. Look the unit over really good, REALLY GOOD, and if you like it offer the $15K. You can always increase your offer.
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Old 03-04-2011, 11:53 AM   #19
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I have this same model too, 8281SS, except a 2007 model year (not much difference, if any). We bought ours brand new, in 2009, from a local RV dealer for $15K. Granted he was taking a loss on it just to get rid of it for newer inventory, but I think $15K for a used 2006 is more than fair. Like another poster had mentioned, go with a lower offer and you can always increase if you don't want to pass it up.

I can tell you that having used ours for 2 full seasons so far, we are completely happy and satisfied with this model. The floor plan works great for my wife, 2 young daughters and myself. Not sure what to tell you regarding the towing issue as I have a 3/4 ton diesel. I have spoke with others that tow this trailer and similar using 1/2 tons and they admitted to pushing the limits. Not so bad on short flat trips, but agreed that it's not possible on longer or hilly terrain. Good luck with your choice!
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Old 03-04-2011, 12:37 PM   #20
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Don't worry about towing that camper with your truck.
Those who insist you can't do it are not taking into consideration how short your trips will be. You'll be fine, just don't throw too much extra stuff into the back of the truck!
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