33ft...

 

3500 srw Chevy/gmc will do 18k. To go heavier need a drw. Im looking at a momentum 354m. Its a 16k gvwr trailer. You won't find a two axle any heavier I dont think, at least I haven't seen one. You get into triples at weights and heavier.

Drw adds a little safety when towing in case of a blow out, but if it's also going to be your daily driver it becomes a pain in the ***.

I couldn't like the dodge... I wanted to, I just couldn't. The Ford was nice but the price was 10k more than the gm product. I got a Denali with the new l5p motor. Its a beast and a half. 915 ft. Lbs of torque.

 

We are about 3-4 years out.
My father just sold his 5th wheel (on my recommendations), still has the Cummins though (first in line once he decides to sell).
He is getting to that point in life driving is not the safest, he actually started flying for trips.
He has about 30 years of RVing under his belt, so it was time.
One of his biggest mistakes was buying an RV without really looking it over (and under).
Looked great inside and out, first time he crawled under it he about popped a gasket (make sure you cover {over/under} the whole trailer).
Another issue they had with that one (sold it in less than a year) was you could not use the bathroom with the tip out in.
So pulling over to use the rest room was a no go.
As for dual vs single rear tire trucks, dual wins the weight war but not without some negative side affects.
If you can get away with running good rims/tires & airbags (or other suspension mods) you may be happier (unless the truck is just for heavy towing that is).
The semi wheel/tire set ups are nice for towing and high mileage use.
My wife like the mid size RV's, after talking to an older couple on this last trip we may look into one of them.
If the mileage is correct (even close) we may lean that way (still have time to do more research on the subject).

 

I have a 33' Grand Design toy hauler. I pull it with a 2007 Dodge 1 ton SRW. It pulls the trailer fine but I wish I had a DRW sometimes. The trailer has been good and I'm taking a short trip next week with 2 bikes in the back.

 

I'm considering doing the same thing within a few years, probably selling the house and living in the RV/toy hauler for a while, as we move back to TX. Was warned by a friend to make sure you still have your home when purchasing the RV, and you should have the truck first. Checked online, and the top 3 trucks for pulling 18k+ pounds are ALL Chevy/GMC, the 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. Since the truck will be probably 40-60% for regular driving, I think I'll rule out the dually, and since it will need to haul well, I was thinking about the either the 1500 or 2500 model, though probably leaning toward the 2500, and another friend told me that for hauling I will definitely want the diesel. For the RV/toy hauler, we'll need something we can actually "live" in, possible or semi-long term, so need some "living" space, with a decent sized kitchen (wife LOVES to cook) and bathroom/shower (I'm not a "small" guy), but also need either queen or king bed, and it would be nice to have extra sleeping area in case we have guests. Not going to go brand new, since 1) I can't afford a truck that'll be over $50k, and 2) I will need a decent amount of funds to get the RV/toy hauler. Probably going to get both truck and RV used, so I can save some dough, and I suspect I can still get good quality stuff, and might even get better features that I might not be able to afford brand new. Love the advice to look both over AND under, before purchasing, as that wasn't something I probably would have thought about, and the size advice of no more than 32 ft. long. Sure do appreciate everyone's input and advice.

 

No matter what they say...a 1500 truck is not capable of safely pulling an 18k 5th wheel...get in the mountains and get ready to do 15mph

The main reason a DRW is better is safety during a blowout...have a blowout doing 70 with a SRW and you may find yourself upside down in a ditch.

Diesels are nice...but unless you are really using it a lot...it may never pay for itself...but it will defiantly have better resale value.

I hate dealing with trailers and love my class a toy hauler.