Hello and questions about Carriage Cameos – "FROM OLD FORUM"

Hello and questions about Carriage Cameos
Postby boondockers2 » 01 May 2016 20:22

Hi everyone! So glad to have found you!!

We are looking at Carriage Cameo fifth wheels and have two different ones in mind:

1. 2011 31KSLS (32′ 4″) cargo capacity of ~3,700 lbs

2. 2009 F36FWS (36′ 11″) cargo capacity of ~1,750 lbs

It appears that they did not upgrade the axles for the F36FWS in 2009. In 2010, the cargo capacity for the 36FWS is 2,749 lbs.

I have some questions regarding these two models. We are planning to live in it for maybe a year, then travel, maybe wind up full timing.

Is there anyone who owns either of these two models?

Does the 31 KSLS have enough room for full timing? Is the floor plan livable? It looks kind of awkward to have the two recliners soooooo far away from the TV.

Also what do you haul these rigs with?

How about the 2009 36FWS? How is that CC workable? LOVE the FP but concerned about the CC. Also, does the longer length hinder travel? To national parks?

Thank you in advance for whatever information you can give!
boondockers2
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Re: Hello and questions about Carriage Cameos
Postby Itinerant1 » 02 May 2016 09:48

Welcome the site.

Those are really 2 different rigs. Obviously the size which in turn is the amount of carrying capacity and interior space.

We fulltimed in 2005 Cameo 32RLS for 3 years with a 70# dog. For us the smaller space wasn’t really a problem but I did wish at times that it had a 3rd slide in the living room. The tv was away like the one you’re asking about and it was more the sound than view ( we personally don’t like all the action from shows behind us. Surround sound). For fulltime living and boondocking if you plan on that, the holding tanks I believe are different size between the 2 you ask about.

Truck to pull 5th wheels are a personal preference. I like the F350 dually, the extra wheels in back give better handling in wind and carry the load better. I’ll due 8 hr runs and won’t worry to much about road conditions unless the wind kicks up high and starts to wag the 5th wheel. Others due fine with single rear wheels. Is there a right or wrong rear end for the heavy 5th wheels sure but that’s anther discussion by itself and what you’ll be doing after getting to the destination.

As far as NP… length has little to do with it for sites but most will be able to take the sizes. Height is a different animal not all roads have been trimmed for 12.6 – 13.6 rigs. If National Forest camping is on the agenda height is really a factor then. Don’t let either one of these things worry you to much. Just have to watch the overhang plus most of the areas have been travel by RV’s already.
2016 F350SD XLT DRW 4×4 Supercab 6.7, 3.73LS, B&W Companion Hitch
full-timing 2010 Cameo 34CK3
previous..2005 Cameo 32RLS
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Re: Hello and questions about Carriage Cameos
Postby jw of 4 corners » 07 May 2016 06:58

We have a 2010 36FWS and we had a 2008 35FSB3. The reason we went to the full wall slide was livability. We are in the unit 5 months or longer and it makes a big difference we think. We have not had any problems getting into any sites yet and all 3 fivers we have owned have been in the 37′ range. I would get the one with the floorplan that you think suites you best and not worry about the length. Good luck and get out there and enjoy on of the best units ever built.
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Re: Hello and questions about Carriage Cameos
Postby boondockers2 » 07 May 2016 07:36

Thanks so much! HUGE problem with the 2009 36fws is that the actual cargo capacity turned out to be only 952 lbs!!! Surely, it has been overloaded all these years…as no one could stay within that limit for long!! Axles, springs, tires and frame nust be in bad shape!!!

I just can’t imagine that Carriage would have let one of these out of their factory!! It just does not make sense!!w

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