Our Rig Set Up (Part 2)

Once the decision is made to go with a fifth wheel RV the next important decision is the choice of truck.  Some RVers make the decision on which truck first.   Regardless of the order the decisions are made the two units must be compatible. The truck must be capable of pulling the trailer safely. After deciding on a “short list” of three fifth wheels, all in the same weight class we began to look for a truck.

We made the determination that we would be on the lookout for a F350/3500 one ton truck.  We got in the truck market in earnest in early 2011 as I would be retiring at the end of the school yr. Another decision we made was to go with a dually.  Up until this point I had been a Ford truck person all of my adult life (gas). I did look at new Fords but the 55-65K new price tags and the introduction of a new diesel engine gave me some doubts.  One evening I was looking on Craig’s List and saw a 2009 Ram 3500 SLT 6.7 turbo diesel, 4X4, long bed with only 8600 miles.  It looked to be in showroom condition. Then I did something very few men would have the courage to do, I asked Judy to drive the 60 or so miles out in the “country” to look at it. She was a little surprised at the request. My work schedule would not permit me to go before the weekend. I know a deal when I see one!

The gentleman selling the truck had purchased it to pull a Cedar Creek fiver for full-timing. Unfortunately he had some health issues that ended that dream. He had already sold the CC and the truck was parked under an aluminum carport.  This information bolsters the idea that you should not put off your dream. The truck already had the rails in the bed so that was about a five hundred dollar expense that I saved. 

2009 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab SLT DRW 4X4 Long Bed

Selected Specs:

Engine:                                   6.7L Cummings Turbo Diesel

Transmission:                            6 spd. Automatic

Horsepower:                          330 (610 Torque Ft-lbs)

Curb WT:                               6759

GVW:                                   12,200

Payload Capacity:                  4,780

Tow Rating:                           16,900 lbs

GCWR:                                  24,000 lbs

Gas Tank Capacity                 35 Gal

Rhino Spray In Bed liner, Curt 16K Hitch, Under the Rail Box

Back Seats Fold Up

Bed Cover "Rolled UP"

Bed Cover

Welcome to new followers Mountainborn, and Wayne & Maureen. Thanks for stopping by!

PS. The first Purple Martin of the year returned Wed around 5:40 PM.  If you missed my "Purple Martin" entry "Click Here"

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