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Old 08-24-2012, 08:22 AM   #1 (permalink)
skyking
Master EcoModder
 
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Tacoma WA
Posts: 1,399

Woody - '96 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT
Team Cummins
90 day: 23.82 mpg (US)

Avion and Woody - '96 Dodge/Avion Ram 2500/5th wheel combo
90 day: 15.1 mpg (US)

TD eye eye eye - '03 Volkswagen Beetle GLS
90 day: 49.05 mpg (US)

Mule - '07 Dodge Ram 3500 ST
Thanks: 743
Thanked 528 Times in 344 Posts
Looking at a new (used) 5th wheel today!

We love the features of our current Avion, the build quality, but it comes with a hefty price: 10,000 pounds. It puts the truck right at limits, making it more like work than play.
That, coupled with limits on trailer length in several National Park campgrounds, has sent us on a search. 27' or under was the target.
This link is a similar style trailer, same vintage but 29' long and heavier.
1993 Alpenlite 29' 5th wheel trailer w slideout
Note that I lose my radiused corners along the top. It is as sharp a corner as it gets.
That's the bad news.
Now for the good news. That goofy luggage rack on top is a complete liability, causing leaks, and nobody ever uses them.
I am going to use it as the aft attachment points for a turtleback, leading back to a removable tail. It will have a pair of opening doors to let the AC unit breathe, and I will store the tail pieces up there when going into those tighter parks. I can't simply fold the tail, it would block the view out of that huge kitchen window.
I'm thinking 2 pieces each side, trapezoids that will taper in plan. two pieces on top, same thing. two radius sections to bring it together.
The turtleback will be smooth and rounded. I just need to get some sketches together.
Any roof vents forward of the turtleback will get a template-styled failing.

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2007 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 with 6MT
2003 TDI Beetle
2002 TDI Beetle

currently parked - 1996 Dodge 2500 Cummins Turbodiesel
Custom cab, auto, 3.55 gears
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