5th Wheel questions - Diesel Forum

2122 · 03-15-2006, 03:32 PM

Just bought a 27 foot 5th wheel and its the first one I have ever owned or pulled so I had a few questions. Im moving from SoCal up to Montana for a Forest Service job and will be pulling the 5th wheel up there. On a long bed truck is it possible to keep my toolbox on? Also I have a 1995 F-250 7.3 Powerstroke, single cab, longbed, 4:10 gears and 165,000 miles. This truck will have no problem towing the 27 foot 5th wheel up to Montana will it? If anyone has suggestion for a hitch I would appreciate it.

FloridaEd · 03-15-2006, 04:28 PM

I have a long-bed truck (see my sig) and I carry a bed-width tool box that sets on a 105 gallon L-shaped fuel tank PLUS I have another shallow bed-width tool box that sets behind the 5th wheel hitch. You just gotta' love the room in a long-bed.

You didn't mention the weight of your rig. However, I don't belive a 27 footer would be a problem for a 7.3 with 4.10 gears. The mileage would not worry me one bit. I pulled a larger 5'ver with a 7.3 and 3.73 gears over I-70 between Denver and Glenwood Springs without any problems....just scared my flat-land old butt a little bit.

As for hitches, unless you spend a lot of money for one of them that has air springs and shock absorbers, I think a Husky or Reese type hitch is fine. I don't think the pricey ones are worth it, but folks buy them and it's their money. Don't get a slider with your long bed. It's nice to have a "wobbler" sometimes....a hitch that will pivot from back to front and side to side. I've known lots of guys who pull all the time without the wobbler with no problems. You only really need the wobbler when backing into a site where the site and the access road are not level to each other.

A used hitch would be fine with me. I suggest you look at a business that installs hitches for a used one. The RV dealers will be more expensive. I suggest you let them install the hitch where you buy it. I've known guys who installed their own, but it's tricky and I think you can make some dangerous mistakes if you don't know what you're doing.

Good luck in Montana...

Florida Ed

caseyj · 03-15-2006, 06:19 PM

I left my tool box on my truck which has the 8' box with no problems. However, my 5'ver has the extended hitch which places it further back when turning so it stays away from my cab. The main concern with the tool box is to make sure your 5'ver sets above your bed rails as high as you can get it while still keeping it level with your truck. 7" seems to be the norm. Keep an eye on your 5'ver when backing up on an incline as it can dip down and catch your tool box if you don't provide for additional clearance. Also, spend some time understanding how your hitch works so as to be safe.

As far as your engine and drive train you should be ok. Use the tow mode when you are in the hill/moutains thus keeping your RPM's at a level so you can maintain additional power when needed.

Also keep an eye on your tranny temp guage if you have one. If not, and you are going to be towing regularly, I would invest in a tranny guage and cooler. Well worth the investment. Take extra fluid with you.

Take the 5'vr for a trial run to get the feel of it. Practice backing them up. They respond differently than a trailer.

Make sure your emergency brake cord is clear of any obstructions so as you don't pull it out in a tight turn. Some folks loop it over on their hitch. I prefer it in the middle at the back of the hitch.

Watch for blind spots in your mirrors. Get the additional mirror for this purpose. Folks like to cruise along side of you while they talk on the phone or read a book.

Check your wheel lugs to make sure they are secure prior to leaving.

If you have a good dealer they will explain all the rest. Have a good trip.

NickKent · 03-15-2006, 06:38 PM

I pulled a 34' Holiday Rambler with my F250. No exhaust mods at the time. No ill affects known. If you were really anal, you'd have an egt gauge and a tranny gauge. when in doubt, run the rpm's up to 2500 at least. The egt's will cool off some.

wyoming_sal · 03-15-2006, 06:41 PM

Congrats on getting out of So. Calf. ;-) Anyway your rig will have ZERO problem pulling the rig. If you don't already have a 5th Wheel hitch I just installed a Reese Signature Series 18K in mine. The beautiful thing about this hitch is that it uses four plugs (that are almost flush with your bed), and you can also purchase a goose neck adapter.

Bottom line is go to
www.reeseproducts.com and look at the hitches.

As far as cab contact etc. don't sweat it because of the 8ft. box you are good.

Have fun in Montana. As soon as I retire from the military I will up there as well!!!!!