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First long distance tow with 5th wheel 7k lb RV

27127 Views 25 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  innocentchukwu798, 
D
We just finished up our first long distance tow with my 2011 raptor, and my 7k 5th wheel camper. We left from Colorado to Nebraska to Iowa then to Kansas over to Lake of the Ozarks, phew what a trip and the raptor did awesome. I have averaged 9.2mpg to 11mpg depending on my speed 60-70, hills and air temp. I actually thought it was going to be worse so i am somewhat happy.

Highest i saw the tranny temps was 204 when it was 95 through Kansas. Otherwise the tranny performed perfect no sloppy misshifts or constant hunt for a gear in tow mode.

Overall what a blast to tow with a raptor, might need a s/c later on to help with mpg but other than that its just perfect to tow with.

dc

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My best mpg seems to be right between the 60-65mph range which is tough to stay in that range.

dc

NVRaptor said:
Thrill thanks for that -- I'm also running towards the upper range. I experimented today by dropping my speed a bit and it made a significant improvement in mpg relative to mph. Haven't found the sweet spot yet but its def speed related. I realize that sounds stupidily obvious now that I'm saying it... Thanks
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There are several options out there for really short beds towing 5th wheels do a google search...

I wont tell you the brand i went with because of the lack of support from this company when i went to buy mine. I asked them if it fit a raptor bed and frame and they couldnt confirm. So i offered up to test fit it on my truck if they let me return it in case it didnt fit but they said no sorry cant help you.

dc

brettbalsiger said:
I thought the raptors bed was too short for a 5th wheel? any certain type of 5th wheel necessary? thanks!
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I'm about to purchase a 7,000 lb fifth wheel myself. To make matters more interesting, I'm also going to tow an ATV behind the fiver that has a total weight of 1,200 lbs. I'm not worried about power, shifting or braking, but the towing capacity and bed weight capacity will be greatly exceeded. I'm convinced that if it were not for the Raptor factory suspension, the towing capacity would be 10k. My plan is to use the new Firestone air bag system sold by Filthy Motor Sports. As I do not take the Raptor off road much (I have a Toyota FJ and Outlander ATV for that), I am comfortable in theory with the air bag system. Has anyone used this system yet?
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Brett,
Any of the slider type fifth wheel connections will work on a 5'6" bed. There are actually a few fivers out there now with a th wheel connection set up on the trailer to rotate in such a way as to work in the ultra short beds. Reese also has an adapter to change the trailer pin to work. What used to be an issue, does not seem to be anymore.
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Hey DC, still towing the 5th wheel? Any more comments?
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innocentchukwu798
DC1 said:
We just finished up our first long distance tow with my 2011 raptor, and my 7k 5th wheel camper. We left from Colorado to Nebraska to Iowa then to Kansas over to Lake of the Ozarks, phew what a trip and the raptor did awesome. I have averaged 9.2mpg to 11mpg depending on my speed 60-70, hills and air temp. I actually thought it was going to be worse so i am somewhat happy.

Highest i saw the tranny temps was 204 when it was 95 through Kansas. Otherwise the tranny performed perfect no sloppy misshifts or constant hunt for a gear in tow mode.

Overall what a blast to tow with a raptor, might need a s/c later on to help with mpg but other than that its just perfect to tow with.

dc
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How much can I
budget for it
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