Not sure if it's a step forward or backward for me but over the last several months I've been looking at going from my Camper (which I dearly love having) to a TT with a pop-out in the 24'-26'range. I had pretty much narrowed the choices down to two but now after attending yet another RV show something else caught my attention and that is a 5th wheel. I had never even considered it as I always thought they were simply too big for my needs but I saw a beautiful 25' with all my needs and more. The overall length when connected to the rig will actually be less and I know they are much nicer to tow than a TT. So my question to you all is what are the pros and cons to going with the 5th vs the TT?
Yes I have tons of power and my truck can easily handle it.
Thanks
2008 Dodge Ram 6.7 Laramie SRW SB
2012 Keystone Passport 26BHWE
2009 Lance 830 with Tent foldout
20' North River Seahawk Boat
2005 Honda VTX1300
Your truck wont even know you are towing that 5th wheel. The difference in stability between a 5th and a TT is enormous. The big difference is that with a 5th wheel ALL the space is useable and none is lost the tongue length like a TT. If you get a 25 footer then you 25 feet of inside space ( approximately ). Set up is quick too. Good luck.
Frank
2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB on a 2004 Dodge Quadcab CTD Ram3500 SRW long bed equipped with Timbren springs, Stable Load bump stops, Rickson 19.5" wheels/"G" range tires and a Helwig "Big Wig" rear anti sway bar.
A TT usually requires a weight distribution anti-sway set up to help with the handling charactistics. You'll still feel the wind push from passing big rigs. Hitching up and unhitching is sometimes a complex operation weight distribution bars, anti-sway friction bars, etc.
A 5th wheel doesn't have an issue with the above, as the pin of the 5er sits directly over the rear axle of the truck, virtually eliminating sway and poor handling. Hitching and unhitching is a snap too.
And as said, the overall towed length from the bumper back is less per the interior volume of the trailer, because about 3 ft or more is over the trucks bed! And under floor storage is truely amazing, as is the interior storage cabinet space.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
5th wheels are higher so will require more room to fit under tree branches. Most likely more of an issue for camping in non-campgrounds in the National Forests.
I pulled a 21", dual axle TT with a 1T van for multi years and operating on some interstates was a challenge. Especially while traveling late evening on trucker allies.
I used a Reese WD hitch and added an A/S bar. I tried shifting load weights around, but with little change. I just accepted the fact that the van/TT combo was just afraid of KW's/Pete's pulling a 53' box at 75mph. Every time one blew by, the bow wave pushed and the trailing vacuum pulled. We got used to it, but new, to the trip, riders were wide eyed.
I now pull an older 25' Jayco with a F250SD and the difference is amazing. This combo seems to like big trucks.
Had I known the difference, back then, I would have switched to a 5th wheel setup in the beginning. JMHO
Sorry if this post seems long, I lacked the time to make it shorter.
almost quote from S.L. Clemens
Don & Linda
1st RV UL EMS 4s Dome
2nd RV 21' AMF Scamper TT PV D300 Dodge
3rd RV National Seabreeze 133LX w/Demco Dolly
4th RV Jayco 2450 5TH PV Ford F-250 SD
Since you have the truck to handle it - what are you waiting for!
Had I known how much I enjoy RVing, and how much easier it is to hook up & tow - I NEVER would have taken a hit when I traded my 1-yr old TT in for our current 5ver - 'cuase I never would have bought our 27'ft TT in the first place!
There is no comparison....and my pants legs are alot cleaner - hint: my shins are no longer bruised!
2008 GMC Sierra C/C 2500HD D/A - w/Titan 52Gal tank
Ride Rite Airbags, Trail Air Pin Box, Garmin Nuvi 1450LMT,
Blue Ox Bed Saver, TST Tire Monitor, Yamaha EF2000is,
2009 Cedar Creek Silverback, GII, 32 WRL w/ XPS RIBS
I've tried both, and ended up buying a 5th. The ceilings/space of a 5th just seemed to be much much better. Also, a 5th pulls so much better. Wind and trucks don't make it bounce around nearly as bad.
The only thing I would add is that backing a 5w is different from a TT. Not easier, not harder, just different. The TT responds more quickly to steering in the tow vehicle, which makes it easy to "overshoot" your angle. Converseley it takes the 5w a little longer get the angle straight. Like I said, it is just a little different.
The only down side of the 5Ver is the higher profile. They do pull great. You do have to watch over head clearance more and with slide outs the 5Vers do seem to rock around more when parked. Bigger problem with the wind when parked. I was totally surprised that my 5Ver rocked around so much when parked because it towed so nice. I added extra stabilizer jacks and a tongue jack. Now I see that they have all kinds of extra bars and stabilizers available for the 5Vers when they are parked. Apparently it wasn't just mine that rocked around so much. The only other thing was I got tired of walking up and down all the steps.
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