|
|
Post by relliott on Nov 19, 2018 15:45:53 GMT -5
I have been researching our 5th wheel purchase for ever it seems. Every rig seems to be lacking one or more items that I'd like to see on it. I prefer; The dinette on the curb side. Hidden hinge cabinetry. Drawers in the bath room. King bed. RV fridge (for some light boon docking in a couple years) Good seating position for viewing the tv. Day/Night shades. Large pass through. 2 a/c units. Awning on the curb side slide. 1 piece shower. Good storage in the bedroom.
I saw the Durango Gold G353RKT at the Seattle RV show last year and really liked it. The only possible issue that I possibly see with it is the positioning of the sofa to the TV. MY DW has some health issues so she lays down while watching TV, and I'm not sure that the tight angle to the TV from this sofa would work for her, so would like any comments on this.
Also, overall, if you are familiar with this unit, I'd like to hear comments on how well you like or dislike it. Does the dual AC cool the unit well? etc.
Seems like a decent price ,but don't know much about the dealer other than they have pretty good reviews online.
My tow vehicle is a 2014 F350 6.7 SRW with 8ft bed.
I would like to get something in the next few months so looking for some help to push me over the edge:) Thanks for any and all input. We currently use our trailer about 7 weeks a year but are retiring in a couple years so usage will go way up.
|
|
cloud
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 54
|
Post by cloud on Nov 19, 2018 18:26:18 GMT -5
I would check and see if you could switch the couch and theater seat to accommodate your dw. Very nice looking 5th wheel.
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Nov 20, 2018 9:47:13 GMT -5
Hi relliot and welcome to the forum!!
Both units are great choices. To try to help you the television is on a swivel mount. It can be pulled away from the entertainment center and angled to the left or right to accommodate any viewing angle.
Another poster recommended swapping sofa and theater seat position, not sure that can be done. Theater seat is 72", sofa is 82". By moving the sofa to the space now occupied by the theater seat, you may find that it encroaches on the space for the dining room chair on the G353, but it is worth a try. On the G384 the theater seat would "swim" between the end tables and the sofa would block the entry door, also on the G384 if you moved the sofa to the slide you would not be able to open the sofa to use the bed because it would interfere with the kitchen island.
Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
Post by relliott64 on Nov 20, 2018 12:50:35 GMT -5
I noticed by looking at a few of the G353's on line that their seems to be a difference in the oven/stove between units and also, some have the large single "bowl" sink in the kitchen, and some have the split double "bowl' version. Is there an options package that adds the new furion stove/oven and single bowl sink?
Any comments on the ability of the a/c in these rigs to keep the unit respectively cool in the summer heat? I've read some not so good stories on other brands when it comes to cooling.
And Jetzen, how does your Ram 2500 do pulling/stopping the G384? I was a little concerned about this size of this unit behind my F350 6.7 SRW. This is one of the reasons that we were looking at the G353.
The G384 that we are looking at today also has the factory installed solar panel and inverter. Not sure if is a good starting system for eventually doing a little boon docking or is a waste of money.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Nov 20, 2018 14:20:26 GMT -5
We have the G384RLT which we love, the trailer has everything you stated an more an this is why were bought our G384RLT ... We love the living space in our G384RLT an is one of the reason we bought it for more room an after you retire you will need the room an storage space ...
As jertzen stated the TV swings out allot an my be what you need, I can say the theater seating also can almost lay flat or close to it when pushed out, i'd test drive it while looking to see for yourself ... The Durango Gold G353RKT it's also a nice trailer, only 4ft an some inches shorter but just a nice ... I will say the 4ft in a trailer makes allot of difference an the door being were it is also will take up some room unlike the G384RLT .... So in my option which is not much you loose some room in length an also door placement, but again it's only one persons option an I am predigest LOL
Will say as some owners have seen the extra 4ft dozen't make a difference once you get use to it an being retired an on the road that 4ft of difference will be noticed in short order believe me ...
What you have as far as a tow vehicle should work pretty well both on the flat land an in the mountains as long as you don't think you can go 70mph over such out here ...
Safe Travels 
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Nov 20, 2018 14:35:46 GMT -5
relliot,
Easy questions first I can't speak for any other brand but there is little difference between a Ram 2500 and a Ram 3500 SRW. Drivetrains, spring rates, brakes, axles are all the same. The only difference is the standard tire/wheel combination and the GVWR tag in the door jamb. The 2500 has a 17" tire wheel/combo while the 3500SRW has 18". On a set up like mine I have a 21000lb GCWR with a 3200lb cargo and a 10000lb GVWR . A Ram outfitted just like mine in a 3500SRW is rated at 21000lb GCWR with a 4600lb cargo capacity and 11000lb GVWR. My truck and trailer has been CAT scaled at 19700lb GCW and a trailer pin weight of just over 2900lbs. This is loaded and ready to roll. I am close to all my maximum truck parameters. A 3500 SRW would also be close with the exception of cargo capacity. That being said I have experienced no problems or difficulties towing.
I know of no "factory" installed solar panel option, however that doesn't make it so. The inverter will be present if the unit is equipped with a residential refrigerator,
The single bowl farm sink will be present if there is a residential dish washer, but it can be ordered separate.
The 2019 models have gone with the Furion stove/oven. The oven is great, you will learn to hate the stove top. The stovetop concept is great....just not big enough. The use of any pot or pan bigger than 10" in diameter will render at least 1 additional burner not useable.
I know of no issues with the A/C systems on the Durango Gold models. Most of the problems I have heard of industry wide is with the duct work collapsing and is mainly with the models that have curved ceiling panels.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Nov 20, 2018 14:38:32 GMT -5
I noticed by looking at a few of the G353's on line that their seems to be a difference in the oven/stove between units and also, some have the large single "bowl" sink in the kitchen, and some have the split double "bowl' version. Is there an options package that adds the new furion stove/oven and single bowl sink? Any comments on the ability of the a/c in these rigs to keep the unit respectively cool in the summer heat? I've read some not so good stories on other brands when it comes to cooling. And Jetzen, how does your Ram 2500 do pulling/stopping the G384? I was a little concerned about this size of this unit behind my F350 6.7 SRW. This is one of the reasons that we were looking at the G353. The G384 that we are looking at today also has the factory installed solar panel and inverter. Not sure if is a good starting system for eventually doing a little boon docking or is a waste of money. Thanks! A single sink most often means a dishwasher, double mean no dishwasher. even thought you could always ask if there is an option alll they can say is no I have to say we really like the dishwasher an the DW has a small plastic bin an a drain pan an rack that fits nicly in our sink ...
As far a cooling our G384RLT seem to keep things pretty cool in the summer, we have been in 100 degree temps an the trailer seem to stay pretty dar cool, in fact I call ours the meat locker because the DW hates hot weather ... Most times when setting up we run bboth air conditioners for a short time then only run the one in the living room an it seems to keep things cool ..
As stated your Ford should be ok, we pull our G384RLT with a 1 ton dually long bed but we only have the 6.0 diesel IH engine
an can pull the passes around 50/55mph without any problems so I think your 6.7 would do the trick ...
Safe Travels
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by Edd505 on Nov 20, 2018 22:14:41 GMT -5
I have a 2017 G353RKT & happen to pull with a 2015 F350SRW CC/LB 6.7 jetsen is correct, the couch & theater seats can be changed, but it will interfere with the dinning room chair. The TV above the fireplace pulls out and can be swiveled toward the couch in the original configuration, it works well for us. As above the single sink is with dish washer, dual with out. I live in the SW so 2 A/C's is a must have, they do keep up but take a bit after set up to get the temps down. Once down I run the bedroom while watching TV & the living room while sleeping. I prefer the RV fridge and it was a life saver this summer when it quit on electric. I carry a Champion 3100I on the rear rack, mounted to the lf (drivers side) and carry a 30AMP cord the reaches with out unloading the gen. Wife and I prefer queen bed and cut the king to size, more walk room around it. I use the B&W Companion with the MorRyde rotoflex pinbox, love the combination, no chucking & no clunks starting/stopping. I have also added the Splendine Washer/Dryer as we spend a lot of time out; Feb15-Sept31 this year. Any other questions feel free to get a hold of me. PS:We love the layout and doubt we could find any better, for us.
relliott & relliott64 same person? Related?
|
|
|
|
Post by relliott on Nov 21, 2018 1:48:09 GMT -5
We went up and looked at the 353 today and really liked it. The tv does swivel over far enough that she can lay on the sofa and see it just fine,so that isn't a concern any longer. Three is no dishwasher in this unit, so it has the double sink. Wonder if I could replace that with a single bowl sink? This unit also has the 18qf rv fridge, which is what we want. It has the 2nd awning installed, but no toppers. I was surprised to see that it has the factory Off The Grid Solar Package installed, which is the solar panel, invertor, and control panel which is mounted over the lh side of the sofa. I looked at the tires on the unit and they said that they were made in china, and were brand called provider or something like that. This unit also has the aft bumper rack. I do have a Yamaha 2400ish c generator that I plan on carrying on the back rack. Hopefully it can start one a/c unit.
We also spent a few minutes on an alpine 3400rs and why initially impressed by the bling, it just didn't seem like a quality unit. Things like the pantry door not straight, trim pieces coming unglued, etc. The durango seemed much more solid for lack of better word.
Seriously considering picking up this 353. They are asking 57,xxx for it which seems reasonable, although I know nothing about the dealers service record.
Thanks for all the comments so far.
Also,I could be relliott64 too i guess. I thought that i had created a user name before, but couldn't get logged in, so i created another.
|
|
|
|
Post by Edd505 on Nov 22, 2018 11:52:54 GMT -5
Update on the can I move the couch? Yes I am in mine and measured the wall the couch is on at70" & the couch at 72" It is close to the same length of the theater seat with the console, it can switch places. I have removed my couch & have two sets of theater seats or I would have tried it. I do not have a solar package so can't help there. JMHO but "bling" is for looks & I prefer workmanship & usability.
Talking with DW on this and she said to her the only draw back was the narrow counter in the kitchen. It is very easy to hit your head on the corner of the overhead cabinet, especially from the table side. KZ was suppose to be going to G rated tires so I would look into the tires, other wise we love our 353.
I saw two different names in the post that were so close I wondered if there was a connection.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Nov 22, 2018 13:25:18 GMT -5
relliott We had the Provider tire on our G384RLT, they lasted about six thousand miles an looked pretty good, I believe they are not a bad tire, that saying we have changed out to Sailons an different rims. the old rims were ok but I like the new ones because they match the trailer better I think ...
On the sink you might have to do some arm twisting because the sinks are glued an screwed to the counter, thus they have to take the complete counter off, then order the single sink which may take some time, like a month or two coming from the factory ...
On the dealer, I have heard good things about the dealerthought friends who have bought from them a few years back an liked them ... If we would have know about them I believe we may have traveled the extra miles to buy from them instead of Tacoma RV ... Like Edd505 we have the MorRyde 18k pin box which ours was put on at no cost to us when we bought our G384RLT at the dealer an was brand new... We also have just bought a B&W 18k Companion 5th wheel hitch replacing our old Curt 16k hitch which was wore out from years of giving us everything we ask of it ... Along with the other two upgrades we have upgrade our suspension to the MorRyde SRE4000, the three X-factory
Cross members an wet bolt kit this last September ...
Read my other post about Suspension an why we upgraded
Safe Travels
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by relliott64 on Nov 26, 2018 16:23:51 GMT -5
I own a used, like new Pullrite superlite 2400 hitch ( www.amazon.com/PullRite-2400-Superlite-Fifth-Wheel/dp/B019K9PUJ2 ) that we got a good deal on that I'll be using because we like to be able to remove it easily when we want. How did you convince the dealer to swap out the stock pin box for the MorRyde unit? I'll ask Haltermans about that too. I guess I can just make that a condition of sale:) Also I looked into the MorRyde SRE 4000 and it looks like a great reasonably priced upgrade. The kit I saw on Amazon shows one cross member included. What is the 3 X Factory cross member kit that you mentioned? Thanks, Rick |
|
|
|
Post by Edd505 on Nov 26, 2018 22:02:38 GMT -5
I made the sale contingent on them doing specifics, Convection/Micro instead of micro, my LT tires not the ST's it came with, etc. They want to sell it they will step up as long as your not unreasonable with your requests. I would think a pin box switch reasonable.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Nov 27, 2018 12:47:23 GMT -5
I own a used, like new Pullrite superlite 2400 hitch ( www.amazon.com/PullRite-2400-Superlite-Fifth-Wheel/dp/B019K9PUJ2 ) that we got a good deal on that I'll be using because we like to be able to remove it easily when we want. How did you convince the dealer to swap out the stock pin box for the MorRyde unit? I'll ask Haltermans about that too. I guess I can just make that a condition of sale:) Also I looked into the MorRyde SRE 4000 and it looks like a great reasonably priced upgrade. The kit I saw on Amazon shows one cross member included. What is the 3 X Factory cross member kit that you mentioned? Thanks, Rick Rick
Been busy so late answering your post, Ugh
We bought our 384RLT at the Tacoma RV Show in 2017, they offered us $1000 in perks, I told them no thanks just put on a 18K MorRyde pin box at no cost to us which they did without blinking an eye ... What was funny is when we did
our PDI the other LCI Pin Box was in the storage area, I ask why, they said you bought it with the trailer so it's yours, so
now I have the extra pin box I will sell someday in the future ....
Nothing wrong with a Pullrite superlite 2400 hitch it all in what you like, we liked our Curt but it just wore out
On the X-Factory cross members one comes with the SRE4000 suspension, you have to buy the other two extra for a total of three ... You can buy them from different venders on the internet or directly as we did from MorRyde themselves when we were at the Kz Rally an saved on the shipping cost ... Of course some venders on the internet have free shipping so it may be a push so to speak or ask your dealer about the cost as well... But I believe you may be cheaper ordering the stuff off the internet an at least saving tax, I hate paying the Washington State tax so they can waste it LOL
Keep thinking of things Ugh !!! The SRE4000 gives you 2 more inches of travel on your suspension over the LCI, thus more shock is absorbed overall going down the road for a smoother ride I believe ...
Safe travels
Chuck
|
|
