Jeff Swearingen
Folsom
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Good day. I am new to 5th wheel ownership and I am picking up my 2015 327RES Keystone Cougar this weekend after I switch the king pin with a Reese Goosebox. I am going to tow it with a 2020 Dodge 3500 Megacab. Our first trip will be to Brookings Oregon. Any suggestions for a route that is easiest for a first timer from the Sacramento area to Brookings? Thanks in advance.
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Cptnvideo
Arizona - most of the time
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Why do you want to change to the Goosebox?
And you will probably get more responses if you post under "Roads and Routes".
Bill & Linda
Arizona
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stripit
Prescott
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If you have never towed a 5th wheel trailer before, you might consider doing some basic practice in a large parking lot. Pick up some cone/cans or buckets as something to gage the way that new to you trailer will cut the corners. Lay the cones/buckets out as curbs and try to see if you can turn the corner without hitting them. When we first got a 5th wheel I hired a driving instructor to help teach us how to drive it safely. Don't know about the route your asking about but I think others will answer about that. Safe travels.
Stacey Frank
2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40AP
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1991 Avanti Convertible
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TXiceman
Bryan, TX
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I agree that you need to practice turns and backing in a large parking lot before you hit the road. The road is never a good place to learn. I had my wife driving out 19,000#, 40' 5er in a church parking lot on several Saturdays until she felt comfortable to get on a street with it. She passed her Texas class A exempt license with no problems.
I also do not see the purpose of changing to a GooseBox. If you are after a clean bed get the B&W companion slider. Truckers do not use a ball hitch for their rigs. They use a 5th wheel hitch.
Ken
Amateur Radio Operator.
2023 Cougar 22MLS, toted with a 2022, F150, 3.5L EcoBoost, Crewcab, Max Tow, FORMER Full Time RVer. Travel with a standard schnauzer and a Timneh African Gray parrot
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southernsky
Ponchatoula La.
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I've had a couple of MegaCabs and I would suggest an auto slider hitch like a Pullrite. You never have to worry about hitting the back of your cab in sharp turns. Also be very aware of tail swing.
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garyp4951
TN
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I would check the clearances before towing, and you might need an offset ball for the Mega Cab, or get the auto slider mentioned above.
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Durb
NW
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Welcome to the forum. My feeling is you can go most anywhere on public highways with your setup; certainly wherever the big rigs go. If you are concerned with overhangs and hairpin turns, I believe there is a GPS system that allows you to enter your rig's length and height and it will offer alerts as to your route.
I can't say regarding your route as I am always coming from the north. I will say I have traveled 101 throughout Oregon and have never felt uncomfortable. pulling a fifth wheel on the highway. There have been comments on these forums regarding hwy 299. I've pulled a boat on that road from Redding to Weaverville and found it to be fine.
Enjoy your fifth wheel.
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j3ff9ack
Idaho/Montana
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If you want to avoid most of I-5, take CA 16 from I-5 at Woodland up to CA 20, then west over to US 101.
Agree with checking bed clearance with Megacab regardless of hitch - watch the cab to 5th front clearance when backing up.
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ramyankee
North Idaho/Kootenai Country
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From where were in NorCal our route would have been over to I-5 and then over to 299. Not my favorite but probably a shorter trip.
Really liked Brookings...
Rick and Patti ">
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2002 Chevy Silverado, 8.1, Crew, LB, 3.73, 4X4
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Now living in North Idaho (formerly Northeastern California) ... but the heart is with MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
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