This topic contains 7 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by Ray 6 months ago.
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Hi! My husband and I just purchased a fifth wheel Keystone Cougar 326srx, which is 38 feet long. It weighs about 9745 and can load another 2900 totaling approx 13,000 pounds. We are about to purchase a Dodge Ram 3500. We are stuck between a regular truck and a dually (both 4×4 and 4 doors). The regular one is rated just fine for what we want to haul, but we heard they can be a little wobbly and a dually would be better. But browsing through your website and others, a lot of people are towing similar fifth wheels with non-dually trucks. I’m just trying to get opinions on this before we purchase the truck this week. We both prefer regular trucks but for the money we are about to spend, definitely don’t want to make a mistake and end up with a horrible ride. Thank you!
I can’t advise too much as I’ve only ever had a dually. But one thing to keep in mind is if you might plan a future move to a bigger trailer, a dually wold allow more wiggle room with out having to get a new truck.
Duallys biggest drawback is moving around cities, especially these newer parking lots made for little cars. Some of the spots and narrow roads can be frustrating to navigate. Flip side is we gets lots of exercise parking far away where we can park easier.
LoveYourRV.comI have a Montana High country its rated at about 13000 I pull it with a Chevy 2500 its not a dully and it pulls with no problems. to me, I hardly know I’m pulling it. Like Ray said if you plan on bigger RV down the road you may want to go with dully that way you wont have to get a new truck, and worry if you have enough truck.
Thank you!!
I have friends with singles and they have no issues. I have always pulled with a dually. Our reason is if we had a rear tire blow out i can baby it to a secure spot to change out tires. My first dually was a 97 chev 3500. it pulled our 5er no problems. Biggest problem was stopping. Even with the trailer brakes working properly we went threw brakes on it like crazy. We ended up getting a ford 350 dually and never had issues breaking. Not only look for pulling power check into braking also
Thank you for all of the advice. We ended up getting a great deal on a dully so we went with it. We will be taking our first trip soon and I honestly have a lot of anxiety about it. My husband and I are going to practice in an empty parking lot before we go. But I know it will be different with dozens of other trailers around and trying to manouver it properly (and without looking like an idiot).
What did you buy? Even the most experienced have troubles from time to time. I have had problems just pulling in a site before. We all get those days. NO matter how long it takes just take your time. One thing wife and I do is one of use is in the drivers seat and the other is standing in the front of the truck. The person in front walks back and forth by the front of the truck. If you stand in the back your husband may not see you. Take plenty of time and make small changes.
If anyone gets mad your taking your sweet time tell them your doing the best you can. You will find most people will help out. Remember to look up also when backing. Those tree branches have a tendency to get a mind of their own.
Hey Christine, I have a few posts on my blog that may help.
http://www.loveyourrv.com/fifth-wheel-travel-trailer-towing-tips/
http://www.loveyourrv.com/back-fifth-wheel-trailer/
Practice is the key, the more you do it the easier it becomes, like anything. If you do get stuck in a tight campground, rather that force things just ask someone if they can guide you or even back her in for you. There are usually experienced RVers that are glad to help. We all started out as rookies.
LoveYourRV.com
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