I am a fulltime gonabe. I plan to be fulltiming with 1-2 years.
I have pretty much decided on a New Horizons 5th wheeler, and I know they are well build and heavy.
My problem is the tow vehicle. I really like the new Dodge 4500 or 5500 with the new Cummings engine. The only problem is the towing capacity. The max is 18,500, which is just about enough for the coach I would like.
The Ford F550 would carry the load but I do not have any reliability record on the new Diesel engine or the truck as a whole.
Does anyone have any information on the two trucks?
Help!!

Hi,

We can't help you on the Dodge or Ford but the trailer you seem to be interested in is HEAVY. This calls for at least an MDT or better yet an HDT. Go to the HDT forum and just read until your satisfied about the best "hauler" for a heavy trailer. Yes, we are prejudiced because we went from a pick-up to an MDT and then to the best vehicle we have ever owned. We bought a used HDT 6 years ago and never once have regreted it.

Pay particular attention to Jack Meyer's and Dale Bruss' websites. They have a world of free info. for you.



b

From a value standpoint you'd be better off looking at an HDT, traditional MDT or one of the MDT class pickups in that order.

If an HDT will work for you it will be inexpensive, outlast your needs and pull your rig far better than the other options.

A traditional MDT will cost a lot more but might meet your needs better if you have HDT issues.

The last choice I'd recommend is one of the heavy duty pickups. They will do the job but are a big step down in safety and service life.

The total combined weight maxes out at 33K on the 2008 F550.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/pdf/towing/08FSD_towing.pdf

FastEagle

Thanks for your help. Does anyone have any data on the reliablity of the new Fords?
I am keeping all of my options open. Including a MDT. It is just hard to see myself pulling into a small town to see the sights in a MDT.
I know the reliablity and safty are better in a MDT or a HDT.

By going up 1 step further, you can have the best of both worlds. The F-650 comes with either the Cummins or a Cat. It also has the Allison transmission.

Roy & ANN

We did touring in a Volvo 770 which is the large and tall Volvo HDT. We would pack at a grocery store which usually are on the outskirts of towns. And then we do some walking.

We are surprised at the relatively low GCWR for the Dodge 5500. With the new Cummins and the new higher strength (ala Allison) transmission, we expected at least what Ford claims.

New horizons build strong and heavy trailers. You definitely are going into the MDT/HDT class. With conditions being as they are there are some available which would make the economic case even better.

ok, I will give the MDTs another chance. I will see if I can go to a dealer and test drive one.

thanks
Roy

Keep in mind that the Allison in the smaller trucks bears little resemblance to the Allison in the larger ones.

We went through the same decision a little over a year ago prior to going full-time. We finally decided on a MDT because of the weight factor. One of the things I have learned is the MDT has a better truning radius than a F550 and really close to the same foot print. However, I do look much bigger. If we were to do it again, I would stay with the MDT. We have boondocked a couple of places a HDT would not get into.

Something to consider. My wife follows me when we change locations in our Honda. It works for us because we only change locations two to three times per month, we like to get out on the back roads about five days a week, it gives the wife and I some alone time for three to six hours when we move, and the Honda gets at least three times the fuel milage as the truck. Its not for everyone but, works for us.

Tony

We have a Teton Homes 5thwheel, which is heavy. When we bought the Teton, we had a Ford 550. It would pull the Teton, but stopping was questionable!!! We traded the Ford for a Freightliner Sportchassis and love it. The MDT has a much sharper turning radius than our Ford 550. And, we do not have a second vehicle. So, we use our MDT for all our transportation. I must admit that I much prefer driving the Freightliner to the Ford.

This is a big decision, but you have to decide what is right for your situation.

Dobie Lover

Roy & Ann,
Welcome to the forum. You are wise to choose the 5th wheel first, then select a tow vehicle to match.
The world of RVing is one of compromises.
Like you, the last thing we wanted was to go sightseeing in a truck that looked more suitable for delivering fuel oil than meandering through a state park. But safety and longevity can not be overlooked. I'm not suggesting that the Dodge you mentioned would be unsafe. It's just that you would be traveling at the "edge" of its design. Is that really something you want to do? Many folks are willing to trade longevity for a smaller tow vehicle. Ultimately, you'll have to decide where you'd like to make your compromise(s).
Remember: the research is almost as fun as the driving.
Mark

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NH2,

Tony & Pamela

Just wondering, what conditions did you encounter in boondocking that a HDT would not get into?

I am also curious where the MTD can go the HTD can't.

The MDT is shorter than most HDTs so it can get a lot of places that the taller trucks can't get into. I could even get my IH LP into a parking garage if I pulled the CB antennas.

Now with the fiver behind it I'd think they were pretty equal unless the HDT is taller than the fiver.