New Sundance owner

[PStorm7]

Hi all,

My partner and I have just purchased a new to us 2009 Heartland Sundance. We haven't even gotten it home yet since we didn't have a truck to pull it. The former owner is going to deliver the RV this week and we are beyond excited (and a little terrified). I have only used a pop-up before but have hauled a 16' trailer. I have not hauled a 5th wheel so everything is pretty new. I have done a lot of research but know I will have lots of questions and look forward to reading posts and learning as much as I can.

Pat

 

[jimtoo]

Hi PStorm7,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and to the family. If you have any questions we have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.

Be sure and join our Heartland Owners Club. Then join us at a rally when you can meet lots of the great folks here and make friends for a lifetime.

Enjoy the forum.
Jim M

 

[sengli]

I think in general the fifth wheels tow a lot easier that the bumper pull rigs. Wind has never bothered me. Still the size should concern you. I went to an empty parking lot when I first got my fiver. And practiced trying to back into a specific site. It is a learning curve. Be especially careful as the trailer wheels will cut inside your arch as you turn, so wide turns are you friend.

A set of walkie talkies and your wifes eyes are a great way to safely back your new rig.

 

[PStorm7]

Thank you so much for the advice. I see a large parking lot in my future! Sounds like a great way to practice. I have wondered about a back-up camera. Any thoughts?

Pat

I think in general the fifth wheels tow a lot easier that the bumper pull rigs. Wind has never bothered me. Still the size should concern you. I went to an empty parking lot when I first got my fiver. And practiced trying to back into a specific site. It is a learning curve. Be especially careful as the trailer wheels will cut inside your arch as you turn, so wide turns are you friend.

A set of walkie talkies and your wifes eyes are a great way to safely back your new rig.

 

[loganhughes]

Hello, PStorm7,

We were in the same situation as you 6 years ago when we bought our 2009 Sundance. We bought our Ram 2500 CTD Crew Cab 3 months later. I had experience towing a 27 foot bumper pull. The 5th wheel is much easier to tow and back. If you get a short bed truck, be sure to get a sliding hitch so you do bot jack knife your 5er nose into the cab. Also, lots of practice is a great recommendation. You can do walkie-talkies or my wife and I just use our cell phones.

FYI...you will love the Heartland forum Everyone is so helpful and you will likely have many questions.

 

[CoveredWagon]

Thank you so much for the advice. I see a large parking lot in my future! Sounds like a great way to practice. I have wondered about a back-up camera. Any thoughts?

Pat

we have the observation camera, not the backup camera. I seldom use it while backing, I normally use the wife with walkie talkies. Some folks use their cell phones, but I’ve heard that sometimes for some reason they don’t work. I really like the rear observation camera when on the road, lets you see who’s hiding back there (some idiots like to ride your rear end) also helps when passing.

 

[PStorm7]

Thanks for the feedback, Landon. I have found a F250 7.3L Diesel which I believe will do fine with the Sundance. I thought of using the cell phones also. One less thing to pack. I haven't picked the truck up yet, but will measure the bed as soon as I can. I think it is 6 1/2 ft. but am not absolutely sure. I am aware that short-beds require more caution turning and do plan to get plenty of practice.

Thanks again, I look forward to learning more on this forum.

Pat

Hello, PStorm7,

We were in the same situation as you 6 years ago when we bought our 2009 Sundance. We bought our Ram 2500 CTD Crew Cab 3 months later. I had experience towing a 27 foot bumper pull. The 5th wheel is much easier to tow and back. If you get a short bed truck, be sure to get a sliding hitch so you do bot jack knife your 5er nose into the cab. Also, lots of practice is a great recommendation. You can do walkie-talkies or my wife and I just use our cell phones.

FYI...you will love the Heartland forum Everyone is so helpful and you will likely have many questions.

 

[Jim Posz]

We are on our second Sundance (2007,2014) and have towed both extensively with short bed trucks. We have not needed a slider hitch. We do have a Hensley TS3 air ride hitch which improves the ride of truck and trailer, but is not essential. Enjoy your rig.

 

[PStorm7]

Jim,

Thanks for the info. A Curt E16 hitch came with the camper, but not the plate that is attached to the truck. So I need to have that plate installed. I also need to research the hitch since I know how it works, but not much else.

We are on our second Sundance (2007,2014) and have towed both extensively with short bed trucks. We have not needed a slider hitch. We do have a Hensley TS3 air ride hitch which improves the ride of truck and trailer, but is not essential. Enjoy your rig.