Surprised nobody mentioned it. But make sure your truck is up to the task. Your profile shows you have a Silverado. But doesn't say if it is a 1500, or larger. But judging from your 21 foot TT, it may be a 1500?
While a half ton truck may be fine for a TT, The higher pin weight of a 5W makes a half ton inadequate for towing a 5'r. Not only that but a 5'r has more storage. So we can fill them up with a lot more stuff (weight). So even if you have a 2500 Siverado you could find if it has a smaller gas engine, or lower (numercal) rear gear set it may struggle with the extra weight. And gas MPG could be an issue for you.
Also if you have a short bed truck, you may want a sliding hitch?
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
Don't skimp on your hitch, slider non slider what ever you need. I and a lot of other agree the way PULL-RITE Has their hitch systems set up is the way to go. The way I look at it is pay a little more now for a lot less headache later. HAPPY CAMPING
Hitch up and unhitch alone, by yourself and without any distraction from others. It only takes once to skip a step and your 5er is sitting on the bed of your truck.
If you follow the correct hitching / unhitching order, it is so painless and so much easier then hooking up a trailer.
Marty
2000 F-250 SD,SC,2WD,auto,LB,V-10,3.73
2002 Forest River Wildcat 27RL
1-wife
2-girls (ages 17-13)
1-Dark Red toy poddle (2 1/2 yrs old.....our baby)
I'm a relatively new fiver owner, too (about 1 year). The single biggest thing I had to get used to was backing. Coming from a motorhome, I have to remember that the steering wheel is turned in the opposite direction of where you want the fiver's to go. I still have to think twice while backing but I'm much better at it now .
As an after thought, you'll love how the fiver handles. Mine has zero tendency to fishtail, even when passed by the largest trucks! I can keep one hand on the wheel with confidence. My motorhome would certainly feel the affects of passing vehicles, although it wasn't too hard to handle. The fiver is absolutely zero effect!
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
Equipment wise, we transferred everything over from our TT and didn't have any issues. I did get a nicer set of wheel chocks. While we did go shopping for our new baby, we did not buy anything that was "fiver specific."
A cordless drill with appropriate bit to turn the stabilizers is nice, but not unique to 5'ers. I still don't have one of those. :-(
I agree with the comments about different turn radius. You need to go deeper and wider or you'll pull your trailer wheels over a curb some times.
Also agree with the ease of hitching and unhitching. We had a weight distributing hitch on our TT so it was a bit of a hassle. The fifth wheel is very nice. Just remember your tailgate and don't high hitch.
I get a smile on my face every time I walk under between the truck and the trailer without having to whack my shins on the TT tongue. :-)
I am still learning to back. It is definitely different. I am finally starting to figure out "mid course" adjustments, which seem easier to me on the 5'er than on our TT. With the TT, getting the right line was crucial. With the 5'er, you can adjust a bit while backing.
Last thought. My 5'er still scares me every time I see it in the mirror or looking over my shoulder. It's so CLOSE!!!! But I guess I'll get used to it.
i also am new to the 5er world,and the only problem i have is i cant believe hooking up is that easy!!!!!there are no safety chains!!!it is harder to back up compared to tt ,but what a difference towing!!!trucks blow by me and no more "cringing as i wait for the jolt,that doesent happen!!!!make sure the wheels are chocked before unhooking.i watched a guy drop his 5er on new toyota(too bad)he didnt chock wheels and site slanted back.rig rolled and dropped on wheels.just take your time and think things through!!!and dont let anyone except wife help you!!!!buckeyebob
I can't wait to see how she pulls when we pick it up tonight. It will also be interesting to see what my gas mileage will be compared to the TT as well.
Not sure what kind of 5er hitch you have but be sure to do a pull test before you unchock and raise the front legs up all the way to be totally sure you are hooked up OK.
Use a king pin lock and unhook the battery to prevent someone for snatching your new toy.
Watch your head! You will raise up too quickly as you walk under the front. It just happens. Try putting small cones on the ground to mark the edges. As you walk under the overhang, you will be looking down and can see where the cone is and know that you can raise up then. Good for units that have bedroom slides and king pin marker too. It might keep the medical bills down!!!
I use the notch in my bed toolbox lid as the center line and so I know that I'm lined up with the hitch as I back up. And check your hitch pins, in case someone gets the idea that it would be funny to see your hitch come apart.
And like many have said...tailgate, tailgate, tailgate. Drop the tailgate.
~Hokie
2002 Cougar 281 EFS
2001 Ford 7.3 PSD CC/4x4
"Liberty is always unfinished business." --anonymous
You're gonna love the difference. A modern 5th wheel has amazing features and handles like a dream. I went from a 1996 22ft 5th (no slide, manual landing gear etc) to a 2007 mid profile 30ft and am amazed at all the features the manufacturers have added that make the whole experience so much better. Add some small things like roof vent fan, solar, extra batt , generator and you have flexibility and comfort. The 5th wheel hitch process is so simple it's very easy to miss a step so go slow. If someone is in your ear chatting, finish the conversation - then hitch/unhitch. I can easily hitch/unhitch myself but I get my wife to double check as we do it together and that works for us to avoid silly - costly mistakes. Being in a hurry gets expensive fast. When cornering at intersections, gas islands etc use your mirrors to check tires arent headed to the median/barrier. They do cut fast so swing wide. I actually find backing easier with the longer 5th because it reacts slower....more length from pin to wheels. Going down the road, cruise on - remind yourself you're towing (cause you'll forget) and leave room in front for panic stops. I actually love to tow our new rig (big kid toys), it's part of the fun when you're properly equipped.
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