More toyhauler questions for a noob

Bansh88

Bansh88

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Getting a bit closer to possibly pulling the trigger on a toyhauler.  So far, I've only driven open trailers.  I'm a bit overwhelmed with trying to learn.  Especially weights limits.

I have 2022 Duramax 2500, short bed crew cab.  It has the 5th wheel package and many of you mentioned in another thread about the sweeter tow with a 5th wheel.  For those reasons and I am interest in going 5th wheel.  My wife is dead set on a front sleeper.  I do like the idea of a more available truck bed though.

Word is that the front design of older 5th wheels are more squared off and may have clearance issues with a short bed?

I want to keep it at 2 axles, not 3. I would like to stay at or under 32'.

What is my truck capable of in stock form?  I believe its "rated" for 18,500?  I see a lot of mention on the Dmax forum about air bags, wheel upgrades, etc for heavier weight but I don't think I'm looking at anything that would be considered a heavier trailer.

Load Range E tires are what I want to have/keep? 

This would haul 3-4 full size quads and maybe 2, 70s.  Can quads generally fit side by side in a toy hauler?

Anything you guys consider an absolute MUST on a trailer?  Anything to easily live without?  Anything to avoid when looking at used rigs?  I appreciate any and all input.

 
With a GVWR of 18,500 for towing....you have soo many options of 28' to 32' 5th wheels. Anything 34' or more will push past that limit.

Your Quads weigh nothing compared to a Buggy, SXS, etc.

Just find one with about 14 clear to the first cabinet and you won't have to JENGA your stuff around. ATC goes in the kitchen area.



 
With that truck I wouldn't be worried about pulling anything under 32'.

For older WW tag trailers  look at the FS2600 or FS3000, If they have bay windows you get the captain's chairs

For older WW 5th wheel you are going to be wanting the LE3105 or if you go to the Super Light series ( They are a lot narrower) you will need to go to the SL3005 the SL28005 will not get you three quads without playing some kind of crazy quad Jenga.

You can find these trailers for under $20K in great shape easy and they all are two axel.

 
You looking new or used?   Genesis has a few nice 5th wheel models in the 30-32' range. 

@megadesertdiesel has a nice new 5th wheel that is in the 32' range that has lots of storage. 

 
What's the budget? Your truck won't have any issues for the size you're wanting.

 
If you have a short bed, you might need/want a sliding hitch. 

I have a 2001 F-250 shortbed. I used to have a 32' 5th wheel. I had the manual slide hitch, that I could slide back if I really needed to jackknife the trailer. If I towed on the street, it would clear my rear window. I was turning around at a beach campground once and it was a tight turn, I was watching my rear window and it all looked good. Until I rolled through a pothole which rocked the trailer and broke out the rear window. Now they have auto slide hitches which I would think are easier to use. 

I also added airbags after a year or so of towing and it made a HUGE difference. I wish I would of done them sooner.  

 
Budget is CHEAP.  Well under $20k hopefully.  Under $10k, ideally.

Speaking of the captain's chairs: What the hell are you supposed to do with those when loaded with gear?  My wife and I were wondering that.

So the sliding hitch is a manual slide WHEN you need to make a tight turn?

 
There is a manual sliding and an automatic sliding. I've always had the manual, but never needed it. Friend had the Automatic and while convenient when towing it is bigger and takes up a lot of bed space. It's not coming out without a cherry picker. What is access like wherever you are going to store it? 

The Wife is right on the front sleeper. All 5th wheels have that. If you go pull trailer be sure the front sleeper is a walk around bed, otherwise one of you is climbing over the other to use the bathroom at night.

Let me know if you want to look at mine and take some actual measurements instead of going off what the brochures and interwebs say.

 
Bansh88 said:
Budget is CHEAP.  Well under $20k hopefully.  Under $10k, ideally.

Speaking of the captain's chairs: What the hell are you supposed to do with those when loaded with gear?  My wife and I were wondering that.

So the sliding hitch is a manual slide WHEN you need to make a tight turn?
Click to expand...
Under $10K watch for damage

Captains chairs I place them right in front of my car in the kitchen for most trips ( From Storage and back) but for the longer trips I throw them on the bed.

Yes Slider hitches are only for tight turns.  tight turns are for really tight turns not your basic driving down the street and need to go left.  They are for when your trying to stuff 30' of trailer thru a 25' window tight turn.  I knew a few people who spent the extra money and never once slid the hitch back once before they sold the trailer.

 
Make a run to Vegas..

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/tro/d/las-vegas-super-tough-32-ft-weekend/7590218381.html

Some pics are wrong model, could be the guy is a numbnut or a Nigerian Prince.....worth a call :drunkdial:

Examples cause the Ad pics suck.

2004-weekend-warrior-le3305-5th-wheel-toy-hauler-p14938.jpg


 
I had an 04 Duramax 2500 shortbed and pulled an 07 WW LE3505 all over the western portion of this country without a single issue. So, if you'd like to go shorter, even better. I had a sliding hitch and never once used it. It was a pain in the ass to deploy. Just went slow and watched closely. Went down a few cul de sacs too.

 
I have basically the same truck- 2021 2500HD Duramax. I haul a 39' Genesis 5th wheel Toyhauler that loaded is about 16k (hauls great, even in the mountains) I run air bags based on the heavy 3k+ kingpin weight, but I don't belive you will need them with the older Weekend Warriors if you go that route to save $$$. (If your trailer squats the back, then buy bags).

As far as cab to trailer turning clearance, the Anderson and Pullright style hitches can offset the trailer king pin forward for additional clearance (I run the Pullrite), and they are very light/easy to remove from bed. They have a style  available that essentially clamps right to a Gooseball (sold separately, i use a Curt) since you already have that truck option. That's a nice fast and effective setup for your truck.

If possible, go 5500 Onan generator on a trailer as it is quieter/smoother, and obviously more powerful.

Solar, if not already installed is one of the best adds you can do. Batteries always fresh and last MUCH longer.

2 Full size Quads won't fit side by side, so look for plenty of cargo area.

I have had owned 5 different Toyhaulers (2 5th wheels/3 bumper pulls), and 5th wheel in my opinion is the only way to go.

Happy trailer hunting...

20211203_113141.jpg

 
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Couple more things to add if you pick up an older trailer...

Clean and re-seal all your roof protrusions/ joints that need attention with self leveling compound (sold in caulking gun tubes) from a manufacturer such as Dicor.

Clean and treat your rubber/ EPDM roof asap, and every year. Rv supply houses or Amazon will have what you need.

Upgrade all incandescent bulbs you can to LED for better lighting and battery life.(relatively cheap upgrade for benefit). 

A nice gel mattress up front might be the nicest upgrade over the junk that sometimes comes with trailers, especially older units.

Don't get too caught up in the newer goodies out there, they are mostly wants- but not needs (except solar, that is nice to have).

 
Tanks! Make sure you get 100 gals fresh water or so. There is a really nice 2006 26’ front sleeper bumper pull here in pine valley for 10k$. Has couch, dinette and dual electric rear beds. Clean and senior owned

 
I have a similar truck set up I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 4x4 short bed and a Genesis 37crxl I did go with a slider hitch but have yet to use it and I can get my trailer damn near 90° with out the slider.  I just upgraded from a bumper pull front bath and should have done it years ago.  

BCC84CCE-D696-44CB-8E5A-5F412AC87074.jpeg

 
Would love a 5th wheel with a garage but with 5 bikes, I am stuck with a 27ft bumper pull for now.  4 in the trailer and 1 in the bed along with a full-size BBQ (necessity) and a ton of firewood.  A 5th wheel has much more storage, hell the space under the bed alone is almost more than my bumper pull.

 
EA020D6B-6ED4-4F3B-8CFD-6A12AC29CEA8.png35'8 total length with 10'3 inclosed garage, dinette set- 3 seat couch .

the 348 model garage is 12'2

the 358 model garage is 13'8

both have larger garage had toilet, no dinette 

DB1693BB-D996-430A-9A7A-0316E97CC776.jpeg

 
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