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Old 12-07-2012, 07:05 PM   #1
DRV
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Need to Buy a Truck for 34 Foot DRV

For my first 5th wheel I bought a 2005 DRV from a repo site last Jul and had the DRV permanently moved to a campground while I look for a truck to buy. One I am looking at is a Ford 350 with dually tires. My concern is it has an 8" lift and have wondered if the lift is a concern for my 16,000 pound RV....or maybe too high off the ground to safely drive. I do not have to buy a truck at this moment.....just looking. And I am very happy with the DRV.
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Old 12-07-2012, 08:00 PM   #2
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Congrats on the new to you DRV!

Most late model pickups come from the factory pretty high already, especially 4WD. So any add on lift kits make them too high for a fiver in most cases.

A good way for you to tell is to measure your Mobile Suite from ground to bottom of the overhang in front near the hitch area with trailer level. Need to account for uneven ground if possible.

This measurement will show you where the trailer will be approx when hooked up. You need a min of 5-6" space between the pickup bed top and trailer. A bit more is a bonus, but 6" is good. Not much less.

Good choice will be a dually. Maybe the truck you are looking at can be lowered if its the truck you like. It may cost some, and maybe need diff tires. Remember to check the wt capacity of the tires and wheel if they are aftermarket. They could have been custom set made for looks not purpose.

Bill
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Old 12-08-2012, 11:36 AM   #3
wingnut60
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factoryoutnet,
A truck with a lift (8" is excessive) has probably had the components stressed more than normal use. Also, in my opinion, no way you can tow with it lifted, and it is not going to be fun to drive in any instance. Lift kits basically for looks, not improvements over original equipment, especially in a dually.
With a 34' Suites, you might get by with a 350/3500 SRW wheel truck.
Joe
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Old 12-08-2012, 01:30 PM   #4
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Thanks. What about a truck bed length? Is long bed only option for a 5th wheel hitch?
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Old 12-08-2012, 03:01 PM   #5
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One can use a short bed, but for best operation and safety one would need to have a slider hitch. In our case, because we live in our Mobile Suites full-time, the long bed is beneficial because I can put some of the heavier or bulkier items in the bed of the truck instead of the basement of the coach.

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Old 12-08-2012, 06:29 PM   #6
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I would highly recommend a dual rear wheel truck for two reasons. One being stability and two being higher load capacity. These units are heavy and I am one that would not tow any DRV without dual rear wheels.
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Old 12-15-2012, 09:57 PM   #7
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Thanks for the advice. I found a sharp F350 Lariat dually, long bed.
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Old 12-15-2012, 10:15 PM   #8
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factory outlet......................

That truck will do it.

I have a 2004 model of the same DRV you have. I use a 2004 RAM CTD drw.

Happy Camping.
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Old 12-16-2012, 10:01 AM   #9
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Beautiful truck. If you haven't already gotten one, take it to a Ford dealer and have an OASIS report run to see what repair work has been done on it before you bought.
Be meticulous on the maintenance with oil and filters.

I had an '07 dually and got 94500 miles before trading for my 450.

Joe
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Old 12-16-2012, 10:03 AM   #10
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Also, if you did not get the window sticker with it, here is a Ford website that you can get one:

http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webvie...XW43R39EA28714

Just replace the VIN with yours and hit go--your MSRP sticker will pop up.

Joe
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Old 12-16-2012, 11:16 AM   #11
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Wingnut. I replaced my VIN number on the link and the VIN was not found in system. I will be taking to a Ford Dealer for Oasis and VIN check. The VIN on title matches on the driver side door. Does the Ford VIN link cover for trucks 7 years old? I will do the recommended oil changes and replacements.
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Old 12-16-2012, 11:27 AM   #12
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I did carfax before purchasing. The VIN was in carfax and report came back clean.
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Old 12-16-2012, 03:42 PM   #13
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I believe that 2005 F-350 has the 6.0 diesel in it? If so, do a lot of research on the truck and the 6.0 diesel. They were notorious for problems, lots of problems.

Go to the Ford Diesel forums and check out all the issues on the 6.0 diesel.

Good luck with the new RV and truck, maybe we'll see you on the road!!!
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Old 12-16-2012, 04:08 PM   #14
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I don't have a Ford but I have listened to this fellow for a few years and he sure makes sense. He said to go out and buy a replacement coolant cap to keep from having motor damage. For $5.00 is sure seems like a smart thing to do.
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Old 12-16-2012, 05:51 PM   #15
wingnut60
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factoryoutnet,
The Carfax is nowhere as detailed on repair work done as is the Ford computer...
Joe
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Old 12-20-2012, 09:38 PM   #16
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I got the oasis report yesterday. Only repair has been a dipstick. Ford rep says the report only lists warranty work. Also went to Advance and bought the 4.99 radiator cap. Thanks.
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Old 12-20-2012, 11:07 PM   #17
wingnut60
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Sorry about the label--I tried several other VINs and it only goes back to 2007.
If the only warranty work done was the dipstick leak, that is good news.
Joe
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