We are looking into purchasing a used Mobile Suites fifth wheel. We had a Keystone Montana in the past and I personally didn't think that it was built that well. My question is our budget can only stand about $15-20K and there seems to be some 2004's and the like out there. Were there any problems with the older Mobile Suites? Would we be better in buying another brand and a later year? Thanks, Jonathon
kb0zke said
07:36 PM Mar 31, 2016
Precisely what we've looked at. Some of them were fairly heavy, requiring a third axle. Just pay attention to the weights. You will probably be hearing from the Millers, who are great fans of DRV.
Glenn West said
03:00 PM Apr 1, 2016
We had an 2006 and it had some issues. 2004 was first production units. Later years they upped the insulation rating and overall done a better job.
JONATHON said
12:47 PM Apr 5, 2016
Thanks all for the advice. I am thinking that they are probably too heavy for the GMC 2500hd that I have to pull it with.
Terry and Jo said
05:35 PM Apr 5, 2016
You are right. A 3/4-ton pickup wouldn't be likely to be capable of handling a DRV, unless one could find a used 32 to 34-foot one.
Our 2010 is a 38-foot model and the GVWR on it is 18,500 lbs.
Terry
Bill and Linda said
07:40 AM Apr 6, 2016
JONATHON wrote:
Thanks all for the advice. I am thinking that they are probably too heavy for the GMC 2500hd that I have to pull it with.
John, you are quite correct. 18.500lb is much too heavy for a 2500HD or an F-250 series truck. While the 2500HD can certainly "pull" an 18,500lb trailer, the rear axle can't carry the pin weight safely. The 2500HD has the same engine, Allison transmission, exhaust brake, etc. the 3500HD's have. But it doesn't have the same capacities nor the same trailer control abilities, especially in turns at speed for one. The dual rear wheels make a huge difference.
The rear axle capacity is almost always the limiting factor with pickup trucks regardless of brand. One really needs dual rear wheels for stability and safety. If you have a tire failure while towing with a dual rear wheel truck it is an annoyance, not an "event." "Ask me how I know this."
This question arises many times concerning big trailers and 2500/F-250 single rear wheel trucks. It's just not, IMO, safe. The 3500HD's will handle up to around 20,000lbs including the allowance for pin weight. Once you pass around 18,500lbs a close consideration of pin and cargo weight, such as an aux fuel tank, is required and a little math to make sure all is within specs.
With way over 100,000 miles of 3500HD experience with a trailer in and above the weight class you are considering, I can report you won't regret having "enough truck."
We are looking into purchasing a used Mobile Suites fifth wheel. We had a Keystone Montana in the past and I personally didn't think that it was built that well. My question is our budget can only stand about $15-20K and there seems to be some 2004's and the like out there. Were there any problems with the older Mobile Suites? Would we be better in buying another brand and a later year? Thanks, Jonathon
You are right. A 3/4-ton pickup wouldn't be likely to be capable of handling a DRV, unless one could find a used 32 to 34-foot one.
Our 2010 is a 38-foot model and the GVWR on it is 18,500 lbs.
Terry
John, you are quite correct. 18.500lb is much too heavy for a 2500HD or an F-250 series truck. While the 2500HD can certainly "pull" an 18,500lb trailer, the rear axle can't carry the pin weight safely. The 2500HD has the same engine, Allison transmission, exhaust brake, etc. the 3500HD's have. But it doesn't have the same capacities nor the same trailer control abilities, especially in turns at speed for one. The dual rear wheels make a huge difference.
The rear axle capacity is almost always the limiting factor with pickup trucks regardless of brand. One really needs dual rear wheels for stability and safety. If you have a tire failure while towing with a dual rear wheel truck it is an annoyance, not an "event." "Ask me how I know this."
This question arises many times concerning big trailers and 2500/F-250 single rear wheel trucks. It's just not, IMO, safe. The 3500HD's will handle up to around 20,000lbs including the allowance for pin weight. Once you pass around 18,500lbs a close consideration of pin and cargo weight, such as an aux fuel tank, is required and a little math to make sure all is within specs.
With way over 100,000 miles of 3500HD experience with a trailer in and above the weight class you are considering, I can report you won't regret having "enough truck."