bp/mp/tx
TX
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HELP!! We have looked & studied but still don't know if we should get a trailer or 5th wheel. We want something we can take almost anywhere & live in for extended periods of time. We have a 2012 2500 Dodge crew cab, 5.7 gas. We know what our weight limits are & know we can get either RV in a floor plan that will suit us. Please give feedback on pros & cons. Thanks!
Bill & Mary
Dodge RAM 2500 5.7 HEMI
2012 Jayco Eagle 330RLTS
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anaro
Mebane, NC
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Joined: 01/16/2011
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Having only owned a TT but looked at 5er's and knowing people w/ them, here are some things to consider. A TT with a good WDH and sway control set up and well matched to the TV will tow well. A 5er is said to be more stable but I have not towed one to really know. 5er's tend to be heavier than TT's. You can have a 30ft TT and a 30ft 5er, the 30ft 5er will be a shorter overall rig length because it combines w/ truck length. A 5er has more of an apartment feel to it but that is getting negated by many of the newer TT designs that have come up in style/floorplan. 5er's are said to have more storage (ie the big basement storage area). In the end everything being equal, go with the one that has the floorplan and storage that works the best for you. Just remember to pay attention to payload and tongue or pin weights in addition to the overall tow capacity. Also don't go by the UVW and you should be good with whatever you decide works for you. Happy hunting.
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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As stated above, you could probably tow a larger TT than you could a 5er...With the 5er, your going to be limited to how much pin weight you can carry in the bed of your truck....What is the GVWR of the Dodge 2500 gasser? Just remember to ignore the "dry" or "empty" weight of the 5er and use it's GVW when trying to figure out what 5er your truck can handle. Do you have any particular 5er in mind, if so, what is it's GVW? Information on your trucks GVWR and the 5er's GVW would be most helpful to give you more information on the topic.
Jim & Kathy
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phillyg
Front Royal, VA
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I've towed both and the FW is definitely more stable. But, it all comes down to what you like when you start looking. To me, the FW is more like a home, and a TT is more like, well, camping. I'm thinking I'm being a bit snobbish, however I do see a TT as more suited to families with smaller kids and the FWs are more suited to older folks (I'm one). However, I've seen more FW floor plans recently that have very nice kids' quarters. I've also looked inside some TTs that are very nice, indeed.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Either model would work well for what you want. You can buy a bigger TT that your truck will handle than you can a 5th wheel due to PIN weight. Pin weight will overload your truck long before you reach maximum trailer weight with a 5th wheel. Good luck / Skip
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kbroadnax
San Antonio
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X2 Also I prefer to have extra horsepower and torque when things get scary. In my opinion do not get a trailer that is at the max of your truck's towing capacity. Leave a little wiggle room.
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Suzanne and Brad
Oregon
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We've fulltimed in both and prefer the FW - more headroom for tall DH, we like the slight separation via stairs between the living & sleeping areas, and there's more storage. Just be sure whichever way you go that what you buy works for your needs.
Happy Travels!
Suzanne & Brad
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XRing
West Chester Ohio
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RRinNFla wrote:I have towed both. Here are my pros and cons of fifth wheels.
Pro: the fifth wheel is more stable when towing.
Pro: more storage in a 5w
Pro: shorter footprint when towing. This is useful when trying to find a parking spot.
Con: You lose the use of the truck bed.
Con: You have steps to deal with in the fiver.
Con: In a small fiver the bedroom ceiling is often very low. This can be a problem for really tall people.
Con: There is more flexibility in floor plans for TT's.
Hope this helps.
+1 on everything said here... And I would add (in my opinion) Pro: easier to hitch.
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RRinNFla
Northeast Florida
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I have towed both. Here are my pros and cons of fifth wheels.
Pro: the fifth wheel is more stable when towing.
Pro: more storage in a 5w
Pro: shorter footprint when towing. This is useful when trying to find a parking spot.
Con: You lose the use of the truck bed.
Con: You have steps to deal with in the fiver.
Con: In a small fiver the bedroom ceiling is often very low. This can be a problem for really tall people.
Con: There is more flexibility in floor plans for TT's.
Hope this helps.
Richard
2007 Keystone Cougar 291RLS
2008 Ford F250 V10 (Gas), EC, SB, 4X4
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dewatkins
Dallas Texas
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I have towed both and went back to a trailer mainly so that I can carry stuff in the bed of the truck and less wind resistance. I get better gas mileage towing the trailer than the 5er. I found a TT that is built like a 5er in that the bedroom is raised and it has basement storage under it but is still only 11'6" clearance with roof ACs.
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