New Member Big Dreams . Hi , New guy here

[Bret]

Not Yet retired but circling the drain though . WE would like to know what upper end luxury makes there are . More specificly the parent company as it gets sort of complicated when getting down to the model names. And if any likes or dislikes about your tow vehicals . Looking forward to seeing you out on the road

[SuiteCook]

Hey Bret
We have been fulltiming for 2 1/2 years now. We travel in a 38 foot Mobile Suite by DRV (formerly Doubletree RV) and pull it with a Ford F450. We love the combinatin and have no regrets about buying one of the best as this is now our home.
I suggest that you decide which fifth wheel you want first, and then pick a truck that will not only pull but also stop safely. We travel through mountains every year and the F450 does a great job of getting us both up and down all types of hills.
DRV in Howe Indiana will be happy to give you a tour of the factory. A tour will show you how well made their units are. Do your homework and you will find the perfect model for your needs. Good Luck!

[LindaH]

Excel (Peterson Industries), Hitchhiker (NuWa), New Horizons (Horizons, Inc.), and Carriage are just some of the high-end brands.

[Motor31]

New Horizons and Spacecraft are both custom manufacturers. They make it to your specs. They each have a few floor plans that are "standard" but will make what you want withing limits. Keep in mind that when you start going for the "luxury class" units they will not be light weight and you will need a large tow vehicle for them. The old standard 1 ton truck won't get the job done.

[Bret]

Thanks for the ideas . I have heard talk of a upcoming Dodge 4500 or equivalent modle truck . Has anyone heard of such a thing

[LindaH]

Thanks for the ideas . I have heard talk of a upcoming Dodge 4500 or equivalent modle truck . Has anyone heard of such a thing
I thought those were already out...?

At any rate, depending on the GVWR of the fifth wheel you get, you may need something larger...a true MDT (medium duty truck) or an HDT (heavy duty truck). The 4500's/450's and 5500's/550's are just 1-tons on steroids! :lol:

[Motor31]

Yes I have heard that Dodge was getting into the MDT (4500 to 6500 range) arena like Ford and GM. Keep in mind that a 4500 (450) is not a significantly larger capacity truck than a 1 ton (350 / 3500) in a lot of cases.

If you can access it I'd be looking for a truck towing guide like Trailer Life puts out. It has tons of information regarding the subject and can help you understand what all the options do to make up the rating by vehicle and manufacturer. Lately (2009 edition) they have covered the Fords up to the 550 level. You get the annual guide each year with a subscription. The 2010 guide comes out in either the Jan or Feb issue I believe.

[iamdls]

My husband and I have been doing the research on the truck for our full time plans. The 2011 F450 has a towing capacity of 24,400 and a new J-break that really helps with the stopping. I would suggest you look at that. I did not want to have to go to the commercial truck and depending on the weight you want to tow will help with your answer.