New to 5ers

I am going to be purchasing a new 5er (sometime in the next 12 months). We are still floor plan searching, but we are seriously leaning towards the 32QBT. We like the layout for our two daughters and the 1/2 bath option for the master bedroom is great. My question revolves around what ELSE I can expect to purchase to get rolling. Obviously I will need a hitch in my bed, what are some recommendations? The posted weights of the trailer are as follows: Dry Hitch Weight - 1830lbs, GVWR - 11,990 lbs. My TV is a 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD.

About the lowest weight capacity 5er htich on the market you will find is 15K, but those are being phased out by most of the manufacturers. You can very readily find a 16K fifth wheel. This would also allow for some room to grow if you buy a larger 5er in the future and would cover your GVWR.

In addition to the fifth wheel hitch itself, you will need an installation kit. An install kit will consist of brackets that bolt to the frame of your truck and rails that will sit in the bed and bolt to the bracket. With the install kit in place, the hitch will drop into the rails and pin securely to the rails.

There are two basic versions of install kits available. There are universal kits that consist of rails and generic L-shaped brackets that are bolted to the frame and usually require drilling the truck frame. There are also custom kits available that the manufacturers design to fit the tow vehicle frame. Many of these kits require little or no drilling of the frame which is nice if you just bought a new truck. With either kit, you sill still need to drill through the bed as the rails bolt through down into the brackets.

I'm sure you will get plenty of replies about the different setups they use. The folks here are plenty helpful and will be able to give you some good feedback on what works and what they like. Below is a link to a video of an install kit on a 2010 GMC Sierra. It will give you a good idea of the components involved and how the equipment is set up.

We sell a lot of Reese fifth wheel hitches and installation kits. They have been in the business for quite some time and their hitches have proven themselves. They also offer a rail-less install kit and fifth wheel if maintaining full use of the bed without rails is important.

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-fifth-wheel-2010-gmc-sierra.aspx

Along with the hitch you'll need a brake controller. Also, mirror extensions. But, i'm sure your 3500 came with extendable mirrors standard for this reason. I run the Prodigy Tekonsha controller. Back 6 or so years ago when we got our set up it was the best bang for the buck. Who knows, a brake controller probably came with that 3500 also! :)

When purchasing your 5er make sure that dealer throws in everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink! When I haggled on my 'Cat they told me we don't have much wiggle room on the price, but we can pretty much do any accessory you need. Look at adding the following to the 5er before you even pull it off the lot.

Max Air Vents
Nice large level for the king pin so you can see level from the pickup
Double Batteries, if you are going to be doing dry camping. one good AGM battery if you plan on being around services
Carpet pads for the stairs of the 5er
sewer hose (pretty sure you'll get one of these, but best to make sure)
Receiver hitch for the back of the camper, and light hookups. Even if you don't pull tandem you never know. Could be attractive when it comes time to sell and if they include it up front, it is worth it!

I'm sure others will have more suggestions. I'm drawing a blank on everything else I had them add! :)

Good luck!!!

Like dragynj said, a brake controller will be needed. Chevy did start offering a factory optional brake controller I think in 2006, maybe 2007. The Tekonsha Prodigy line is still one of the best performing and best priced line of brake controllers.

The hitch on the back of the trailer is a great option. You can use it for a bike rack or cargo carrier if you want to bring some additional stuff you can't fit in the Cat.

The Tekonsha Prodigy line

Can't go wrong with this choice.

I don't know what length bed you have with the 3500HD, but if it's a short bed, you should strongly consider getting a sliding hitch that will keep you from damaging your truck cab and the cap on your camper. Take a look at the 16K pullrite superglide.

etrailer wrote:You can use it for a bike rack or cargo carrier if you want to bring some additional stuff you can't fit in the Cat.

Great Point! Use ours as the bike rack carrier now since we no longer have a boat! duh, I forgot!!

If you have a long bed & want your bed clear when not pulling. You may think about B&W companion hitch with the B&W flip Ball.

desertcat wrote: If you have a long bed & want your bed clear when not pulling. You may think about B&W companion hitch with the B&W flip Ball.

I use the B&W companion for just that reason..... pull it out and the bed is completely useable again!
My set up is an '02 2500HD Crew cab short bed...... NEVER came close to hitting the cab when backing at an angle. (knock on wood!!)

As for Cat options: GET EVERY OPTION! You won't regret it.......
accessories for camping:
think twice about a 5er tripod. (I bought one, used it 2x and gave up on it. Went to Bal Lock ratcheting wheel chocks)
Pick up the Foam insulators for your vents. ($15.00 you get 2) keeps light and the cold out!
Propane "T" and extra hose (12' +) this way you can run your grill right off your on board tanks with out having to disconnect / reconnect.
Slide toppers are a great investment. (keeps heat and debris off the slides)
Battery cut ouff switch (saves the batteries when not camping)
Extra "miscellaneous" hardware: various light bulbs, flasher, water filter, pressure regulator, hoses (1 for potable water and 1 for non-potable water (aka sewer clean up / flushing), water hose connectors ("Y"), 25'+ cable and phone lines,
Good Sam and / or Camping World membership
Rewrite your will (inheritance money will be spent on the Cat!) :-)
and the list goes on and on and on and on........

Have fun shopping and good luck on all your selections!

Schieprock I like your part about will & shopping. I would tell my kids when we would go in to a store( you can't have everything you see). NOW I have to tell myself .