So hubby and I are FINALLY getting ready to purchase our RV and truck and we need some help! We are leaning toward the DRV MS Atlanta and would love your opinions on a truck. We definitely want a hauler body. Thoughts and suggestions to get us going in the right direction? Thanks in advance!
GTM41261 said
06:20 PM Jul 29, 2020
Well I'm sure you will get the normal, Ford verses Chevy verses Dodge opinions. I looked at it this way they all build good trucks some features are better with some than the others. So when I made my decision I went and drove all three. Looked at the tow capacity of all Three and ended up with a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually with air bag suspension. It actually turns out to ride better than the 2006 Dodge 2500 I had. So far no regrets.
LarryW21 said
07:07 AM Jul 30, 2020
Start by selecting or buying the trailer/5er. Then you’ll know the numbers to match a TV to it.
RonC said
03:38 PM Jul 30, 2020
With a DRV you'll likely need a dually. The brand is the one you like the most as they are all now very equal. I'm a Ford guy, but totally like the Chevy and Ram too.
jcordar2 said
08:05 PM Jul 30, 2020
So far we are leaning toward the Dodge Ram 3500, but that could always change!
Rickl said
09:54 PM Jul 30, 2020
While many may disagree, my take is that you are good candidate for a Ram 5500. I only say that as the size of the DRV is going to be border line for a 3500 in my opinion. There are other alternatives with a Ford or GM that you could also research. Plus the upside of moving to a 5500 (or similar) is the turning radius is greatly improved.
NWFL said
06:55 AM Jul 31, 2020
Check your RAWR on the truck. That's where most trucks are limited. Based on the specs, that 5er has a GVWR of 24k. So your pin weight is going to be between 4800-6000 lbs depending on how you calculate it (20% to 25% of GVWR). Then add in a full tank if gas, plus anything else you plan to carry in the bed. It adds up fast. Its better to err on the side of caution and have more truck than flirt with disaster and be right at the limits of your truck.
Neil and Connie said
09:35 AM Jul 31, 2020
You’re going to need a 5500HD for a rig that weight to not overload the RAWR...I just happen to have one for sale along with our 2012 New Horizons Majestic which while used is built better than the DRVs are...we only seriously looked back in 2012 at those two lines and construction techniques and standard amenities were far better in the NH.
Even with the DRV...you will be much, much happier with the 5500...it’s far superior to the F450 we traded up from in both comfort and pulling/stopping power. Grades just aren’t an issue with the bigger truck.
-- Edited by Neil and Connie on Friday 31st of July 2020 09:38:19 AM
jcordar2 said
07:55 PM Jul 31, 2020
Well I guess we'll be looking at 5500's. I'd rather err on the side of caution and be safe rather than sorry. I appreciate everyone's input.
If you have suggestions of where to look or know of any used ones available let me know! Definitely want the hauler body....
jcordar2 said
07:56 PM Jul 31, 2020
I sent a message to you Neil!
NWFL said
04:42 AM Aug 1, 2020
Check out Classy Chassis in Valparaiso Indiana. They do conversions .
https://www.classychassistrucks.com/
Bill and Linda said
04:58 PM Aug 5, 2020
What Neil said. Please don't go small truck with that large a rig. It isn't what the truck can tow, its what it can control and the 3500 RAM, a fine truck, does not have the rear axle rating for that kind of pin weight.
This discussion has been had on this forum probably 100 times. No exaggeration. Get a 5500HD either from Tom @ Classy new, or buy Neil's for a lot less money and it will likewise do the job.
I've typed the specs and the reasons so many times I could almost cut and past, but do yourself a big favor, get a 5500HD and tow with confidence and moreover safety. You won't be disappointed.
Bill
Neil and Connie said
02:34 PM Aug 6, 2020
Got it and replied...don’t know what your time frame is but we need to sell our rig first.
jcordar2 said
08:07 AM Aug 8, 2020
We understand and appreciate the advice. A 5500 then! We would like to be on the road mid April if we can pull it all together!
Bill and Linda said
10:03 AM Aug 9, 2020
jcordar2 wrote:
We understand and appreciate the advice. A 5500 then! We would like to be on the road mid April if we can pull it all together!
Do keep in mind these 5500HD's are extremely popular simply because they do the job. So I would caution about waiting to get one. I've seen it take 6 or more months. Used, like Neil's are fine. 75,000 miles are nothing on these true commercial grade trucks, engines and transmissions. New is also fine. Just don't think you can wait till January to begin and order one and expect it here in Mid-April. Odds are: won't happen.
YMMV
Bill
jcordar2 said
04:38 PM Aug 18, 2020
Thank you we will keep that in mind! Appreciate all the advice!
Well I'm sure you will get the normal, Ford verses Chevy verses Dodge opinions. I looked at it this way they all build good trucks some features are better with some than the others. So when I made my decision I went and drove all three. Looked at the tow capacity of all Three and ended up with a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually with air bag suspension. It actually turns out to ride better than the 2006 Dodge 2500 I had. So far no regrets.
You’re going to need a 5500HD for a rig that weight to not overload the RAWR...I just happen to have one for sale along with our 2012 New Horizons Majestic which while used is built better than the DRVs are...we only seriously looked back in 2012 at those two lines and construction techniques and standard amenities were far better in the NH.
Even with the DRV...you will be much, much happier with the 5500...it’s far superior to the F450 we traded up from in both comfort and pulling/stopping power. Grades just aren’t an issue with the bigger truck.
-- Edited by Neil and Connie on Friday 31st of July 2020 09:38:19 AM
What Neil said. Please don't go small truck with that large a rig. It isn't what the truck can tow, its what it can control and the 3500 RAM, a fine truck, does not have the rear axle rating for that kind of pin weight.
This discussion has been had on this forum probably 100 times. No exaggeration. Get a 5500HD either from Tom @ Classy new, or buy Neil's for a lot less money and it will likewise do the job.
I've typed the specs and the reasons so many times I could almost cut and past, but do yourself a big favor, get a 5500HD and tow with confidence and moreover safety. You won't be disappointed.
Bill
Got it and replied...don’t know what your time frame is but we need to sell our rig first.
Do keep in mind these 5500HD's are extremely popular simply because they do the job. So I would caution about waiting to get one. I've seen it take 6 or more months. Used, like Neil's are fine. 75,000 miles are nothing on these true commercial grade trucks, engines and transmissions. New is also fine. Just don't think you can wait till January to begin and order one and expect it here in Mid-April. Odds are: won't happen.
YMMV
Bill