I wanted to say thank you to Howard, Jack, Neil, Bill, Tom, Terry and numerous other RV-Dreamers for all their great suggestions about tow vehicles. Based upon the reply to my prior inquiries, and reading the responses to other’s inquires, I have obtained a further understanding and appreciation for tow vehicle considerations over the last two years.

We placed the order for our New Horizons Majestic last month and now have a good idea of our future fifth wheel's weight, as we are finalizing the design. New Horizons worked with us to move some heavy items further back in our Majestic (e.g., generator is behind the Majestic’s axles and batteries are directly in front of those axles) to help with pin weight—however, even with those changes we realized our preselected tow vehicle was not the right choice for us.

We preselected the Ram 3500, but always planned to the double check the RGAWR, GVWR, GVCW, etc. before placing the order for the truck. We are glad that was our plan … because we preselected the wrong truck . What I determined is the Ram 3500’s RGAWR of 9,750 might be a challenge to stay under and I am confident that our pin weight will be higher than Ram 3500’s maximum fifth wheel pin weight of 5,000 lbs.

So what does that mean for us … we are in the process of validating that a Ram 5500 with a hauler body from Utility Bodywerks (UB) will meet our needs – all the weight numbers are looking good .

For those of you that have a hauler body, if there are any extras that you would recommend … please let me know. At a minimum, we plan to speak with UB about installing their Elite hauler body (i.e., lots of storage compartments) and Kelderman air suspension. A friend (New Horizon owner who has a UB hauler body) suggested that we also have UB install:

* Hensley Trailersaver hitch (TSLB2H with 3rd airbag, for pin weight to 7,500lbs); they will connect the hitch air input to the air pump of the Kelderman, to save installing a separate air pump for the hitch.

* Video equipment for the RV cameras, a center console mounted video monitor, power and all of the wiring back to the receptacles where the RV cameras connect to the tow vehicle.

* Rear Bumper backup sensors.

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Lyn:

Funny you should mention the 5500HD RAM.  We’ve just been validating those numbers as well.  Been looking at an F-550 but, as you may know, the RAM 5500 offers 325 HP and 750 ft lbs of torque and the Ford F-550 offering is well below those engine numbers.  So that’s what sent us over to the RAM.  It’s all about the numbers.

 he 3500HD, as well as the F-450 in standard configuration without a hauler bed, have very high bed rails.  My on-site measurements indicate that while either “could work” on your Majestic I think you will be much more comfortable with the hauler bed.  I’ve seen truck bed rails go into the trailer belly.  (Not mine.)  Wasn’t a pretty sight to say the least.

Don’t know what may be available in the 2015’s.  We’ll know in about 120 days or so.  That’s when the new “numbers” that Ford and Dodge will be made available.  But I doubt we’ll see any changes in the “5500/F-550” line as pertains to the engine ratings.

We also put the generator behind the rear axle FWIW.  That saves about 300lbs or more of pin weight “depending.”  Due to our solar arrangement I kept the batteries up front for a variety of electrical design reasons.  Do you have solar?

To your point – YES, you will want the air ride.  Not just air-bags. Real Air Ride.  Otherwise the solo ride will be terrible in the 5500/550 series trucks and it will enable you to better fine tune the level the total rig.  Make sure the air is adjustable from the cab or you can bet a big surprise when you un-hitch.  Think "rear of truck jumps up" when you off load 5,000lbs.

I had Line-X installed in all my storage compartments.  Just made for a better look and didn’t “scratch.”  Make sure they find some way for you to carry a spare tire.  Don’t let them talk you into a “road side” service call to change and provide a tire.  You need a spare tire with you, IMO.  Dual wheel “cuts” from rocks are what takes out tires on these trucks.  As Jack says, “Ask me how I know this.”

IMO you really want at least a 50 gallon aux tank.  RAM offers 74 gallons when you order an optional 20 gallon tank. But I would forgo the 20 gallon tank and put in an ATA 50-60 gallon tank giving you well over 100 gallons usable.  If you spec this truck with a 4.88 rear end, which you should with the NH, your mileage won’t be real good and you really don’t want to have to fill up every day if you travel much.  Your call, but all my trucks have carried at least 90 gallons and I have never regretted it. Much easier to manage fueling, IMO.  This has nothing to do with “bladder size” as such.

Make sure you can turn off-those backup sensors or they will drive you nuts when your connecting to the Majestic.  Ask me how I know this. (I can turn mine off.)

BTW, we just returned from the NH factory yesterday after enjoying the -11 degrees temperature in Junction City. Our steel goes on-line now so I think we’re just a little ahead of you as to delivery.

Best of luck with the new rig and I hope this perspectives help with your decisions.

Bill

Bill, thanks!

You may want to speak with NH about your battery location. We will have 800 watts of solar. We are the first (although you could be) to have the battery placement changed. The specific goal was to help reduce our pin weight. I am sure others will choose the location in the future (similar to the new generator location), as long as they select a battery type that does not require routine maintenance (i.e., we selected AGM 6volt batteries). I was told the batteries needed to be within 10’ of the inverter … I don’t know all the revised specifications, but the batteries will be placed in a special box/container under the Majestic between the axles and the gray/black tanks … I don’t believe the inverter location was changed. PM me, if you would like further information … if you are working with Cole, just tell him it is the battery location/design he created for Lynn.

Regarding the Ram 5500, I also like the higher GVCW compared to the F-550 (37,500 versus 35,000). We are selecting the 4.88 axle ratio … fuel mileage will be interesting.

Look forward to our paths crossing in-person!

Lyn:

Yes, we looked into that location but our design would have required some additional issues be addressed as pertained to water proofing the solar controller and inverter due to cable runs.  In the end, we decided with all the other “prototyping” we were doing to leave the batteries up front. Our trailer is "different" so to speak.

We also choose the 6 volt AGM batteries and, like you, that allowed us not to have to vent them to the outside world so to speak.  Our battery compartment is now protected from the elements.  That is one nice thing about NH – “What do you want?” is a frequent question from them and so far the answer has been yes to our requests.

I’m sure you two have gone through the menu at “Coach’s” by now?

Bill

Bill and Linda wrote:

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I’m sure you two have gone through the menu at “Coach’s” by now?

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 I tried my first frickle (fried pickle spear) at Coach's , but have not worked our way through the menu yet ... but I am sure we will.

I know Coach's menu well. The Ruben is great!!

Lyn, I'll see Cole  next week and will review your electrical system with him. We have already discussed parts of it, but not the complete picture.

Jack Mayer wrote:

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Lyn, I'll see Cole  next week and will review your electrical system with him. We have already discussed parts of it, but not the complete picture.

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 Great!

Any and all suggestions are welcome. As you will see, we borrowed many of your and Danielle's ideas and came up with a few unique modifications of our own.

Thank you!

Steve,

We made the correct decision not to purchase the Ram 3500, the rear axle would not have supported our weight. We have not yet had a wheel-by-wheel weighing, but based upon CAT scale weights, it looks like our pin weight is over 6K.

Per RAM literature, the max fifth wheel pin weight is 5K for a 3500 (the gooseneck pin weight is higher). More importantly the RGAWR is 9,750 for the Ram 3500 and 13,500 for the 5500 – we need the added capability of the stronger rear axle.

Keep in mind that all New Horizons are custom and they all have different weights, based upon length and design/options. Some can be towed by a Ram 3500, just not ours.

We are happy with the Ram 5500. Originally, I was disappointed that we would not be able to purchase the 3500, for various reasons – but ultimately, we like the truck and the advantages of the hauler body.

Lynn

Damn.. Yep.. over 6k pin weight is a deal breaker.. I assume that is empty too? wow..

The max pin weight changes by RAM's make and model.. from memory.. mine is right about 6k max..It could be 5k on others.. as your subtracting the rear weight from the 9750..Unless you install a second fuel tank thing.. I guess.. whatever..

So yep.. over 6k pin. different ball game.. I figured it may have been that based on other NH build weights I seen..Total weight of the camper 25k ish?

Was curious.. Thanks..Enjoy and have fun!

-- Edited by The Junkman on Saturday 19th of July 2014 12:28:15 PM