This is my 5th RV and 3rd 5th wheel, however it is the first time the dry weight listed on the camper could be as far as 2000 lbs off. Now I know why there is limited storage in this RV. I will limit what is needed and like someone said take 10-20 gallons of fresh water.

Here's an example on our '16 39MB: Brochure Weight: 13996, actual shipping weight from factory: 15848 Lbs.

I had the 6.4 with 4.10s, and the 6.7 with 3.73s, and I have to admit the 6.4 would have left that 6.7 in the dust because of the gear ratio. I really felt the difference in the Rockies (which is our backyard) after buying the new 6.7. Not only uphill, but downhill. I couldn't seem to slow those 3.73 down enough for my liking. Had I of known I could feel that much of a difference, I would have went to the 4.30s to be honest. They had just started offering them in the F350 with a wide track option which gave you the wider front axle and lower gearing like the F450. I have no idea what they offer now.

These comments echo my experiences with the rear axle ratios. I had a 4.10 ratio on my older SRW pickup and the F-450 has a 4.30 ratio, the braking downhill is awesome. I lost about 1 or 2 MPG going from the SRW to the dually, which I believe is a combination of the dual wheels and more emissions on the 450 combined with a heavier RV, but I think that the higher ratio is probably easier on the engine and drive train. I'm turning 2,000 engine RPM at 62 MPH, if I had the larger 19.5 tires it would be lower.

Wrong forum

Thanks for the info on the Rally, I was planning to go to the plant in June. I'm gonna have to make an adjustment to time the tour and the rally together.

I looked at the DVR, Landmark 365, Montana and RW (all with 1 1/2 bath). If $$$ was no object, I'd buy the DRV. I also liked Landmark, but, it only had one sink in the mstr bath. The Montana (2017 model) looked like it was slapped together. Fit and finish was poor. Then we saw the RW.

Positives; fit looks good, two sinks in mstr bath, storage next to kitchen table, electrical outlet in pantry for coffee maker. 3 HVAC units, Moryde pin, unit setup via smartphone, central vac, exterior paint schemes, hydraulic slides, 8k axles, electrical panel in storage area.

Cons; layout of tank valve panel, external storage seems less than the other 3 we looked at, 100" TV (too large for the wife), plastic faucet handles, smaller clothes closet off mstr bath, light fixture over sink (the wife again), 60 gal potable tank (would like 80+ for boondocking), no central plumbing panel (like on the DRV).

Questionable; not sure about the TPO roofs on 5er units. I like the idea of fiberglass or something solid and leak proof. Also I'm not sure I like the 40 psi water pressure limit on these units.

I'd like to make only one purchase. It sounds like most everyone buys one and then finds out what they really like and trade. We're looking to purchase 1-2 years out.

We plan to sell the house and hit the road until we tired then move to where the kids/gkids live and settle down. We love being out in nowhere land. I like fly fishing. The wife loves being outside. We both grew up spending part of our lives on farms and ranches. After getting married we lived on a small ranch. In case you can't tell, we love being outdoors.

I'll probably also go to an Escapees camp. I've never owned an RV. This will be a new experience for us.

When did they drop the freshwater tank down from 104 gallons? Was that 2017 models? My 2016 has the 104 gallons, and when boondocking for a few days( 4 of us) it's needed...

The "40 psi water pressure max" must be something new! Pex piping is rated at over 100 psi & I have my regulator set at 55 psi & never had a problem. If you don't have one, get a 3/4" water pressure regulator with a gauge, not that cheapo restrictor they may have given you & always attach it to the park faucet before your hose. You'll also need a separate hose to use only to flush your black tank.
Another must have is good quality 50 amp surge protector/EMS.

Here are the specs for the 2018 3901MB showing a 62 gallon fresh water tank. I had a factory rep at the Dallas show give me the 40 psi number. That was back in Sept.

I just brought my 2018 340RL home from the dealer last week. The actual hitch weight was 2235lb with the unit "dry". Scaled weight of the 340 was a tad over 14,000. Combined GCWR of ~22,230 so well within the limits of my 2017 F350 SRW. Specs for the 2017 are 18,000lb fifth wheel towing, payload of 3920lb and GCWR of 28,600. This trip was over the Rogers Pass in BC and approximately 450 miles. Truck and fifth wheel handled well considering it was dark and in the middle of winter; roads were bare though. I pulled a 10,000lb trailer on the way up and only difference I noticed between the two units was a little less acceleration and a bit more work for the exhaust brake on the descents. Fuel economy was a little over 11 mpg but that's normal for mountain driving around here when towing.

I just brought my 2018 340RL home from the dealer last week. The actual hitch weight was 2235lb with the unit "dry". Scaled weight of the 340 was a tad over 14,000. Combined GCWR of ~22,230 so well within the limits of my 2017 F350 SRW. Specs for the 2017 are 18,000lb fifth wheel towing, payload of 3920lb and GCWR of 28,600. This trip was over the Rogers Pass in BC and approximately 450 miles. Truck and fifth wheel handled well considering it was dark and in the middle of winter; roads were bare though. I pulled a 10,000lb trailer on the way up and only difference I noticed between the two units was a little less acceleration and a bit more work for the exhaust brake on the descents. Fuel economy was a little over 11 mpg but that's normal for mountain driving around here when towing.

Big improvement on the towing specs for the 2017's compared to my old 2012 F350 SRW.

Where are you located in BC. We are in Maple Ridge.

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So looking at your weights the 340RL is close to what the factory sys it is and not 2000 lbs over....
I feel better already.....I couldn't imagine being2000 lbs off.....

I've never checked it, but I'd almost bet the onboard pump puts out more than 40 psi. In 10 years of fulltime with my regulator set at 55 psi I've never had an issue, other than some parks have less than 40 psi.

The shurflo 4008 water pumps turn on when pressure drops to 30 psi and shut off at 45 psi.

Chris
2012 36RL

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