LarryDel
Lewes, Delaware
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Joined: 03/10/2012
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We're debating between travel trailer and fifth wheel. We have a 2012 half ton chevy silverado with a max trailering package-6.2 V8 with 6 speed transmission and a 3.73 axle. We original planned to buy a travel trailer and then we've heard many stories that TT's do not handle well on the interstate with big trucks passing. They recommended a small fifth wheel instead, but we have two issues with buying a fifth wheel, one is cost and the other issue is that we were told we needed a 3/4 ton truck to pull a fifth wheel. Also we are still concerned about the driveability of pulling a travel trailer.
What are your experienes pulling a TT on the Interstate with big rigs flying by? Are you happy with your travel trailer or would you purchase a fifth wheel if you had to do it all over again?
Thanks,
Larry
Larry
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nevadanick
Elko, Nevada
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Joined: 11/25/2007
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A properly connected and loaded TT is perfectly stable.
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jrichard
Sacramento
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Joined: 03/22/2008
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I wouldn't choose one over the other for driving stability as both are fine properly set up and other issues dominate.
With either one, pay attention to your payload capacity...that's usually the limiting factor on 1/2 ton trucks--as I found out after buying a 1/2 ton. They're typically rated to tow a lot, just not deal with pin or tongue weight.
In any event, if I could choose, I'd lean toward TT to keep my truck bed available for other things.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Since you have a 1/2 ton I would not consider a fifth wheel. The ones that you could comfortably tow without exceeding your GVWR/GCWR are so small they would not be very comfortable. Generally this is because a fifth wheel places approx 20% of it's total load directly over the rear axle. Whereas a TT will place approx 12-15% of it's total load on the frame, spread between the from and rear axles. In theory not overloading either one. With your setup you could probably tow up to about a 30 foot TT and about a 20 foot fiver. Properly equipped with a good hitch system, like the Hensley Arrow your towing experience would be as good as towing a fiver. So don't let that stop you. Quality hitch setup is not cheap, and don't expect to find one on Craigslist.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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nevadanick wrote:A properly connected and loaded TT is perfectly stable.
+ 1,000,000, the myth that a TT is inherently unstable is exactly that. My set up is rock solid. It takes some research, planning, and brain power to acheive proper set up that some are just not willing to do. The pay off is a stable, confident, and enjoyable experience at lower cost.
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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boosTT
Milwaukee
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Joined: 03/03/2012
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5th wheels are known to tow better, but you still see more travel trailers then 5th wheels... so, what does that tell you? Travel trailers tow fine. Unless you live in a very windy area, the travel trailer would work perfectly fine. Even then, you just need to add more anti-sway control.
It's also nice to keep the truck bed free, almost like a mini toy hauler.
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eric james
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 07/21/2004
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You have a 1/2 ton, you're going to need a travel trailer if you want any room to live.
As mentioned, properly set up, it will tow like a dream.
2009 Keystone Passport UL 290BH
2003 Ford Expedition EB 5.4L/3.73
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profdant139
Southern California
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I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has had both!
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components)
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RedRocket204
Colorado Front Range - Got Elk?
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Joined: 05/22/2010
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You have a great 1/2 ton for a wide array of available TTs. What is your specific payload?
Although my truck can easily support a 5th, I chose TT to have my truck bed available with canopy. I do not have any issues with drivability but my Reese W/D with Dual Cam sway control is properly set-up.
My suggestion would be that if you have your dealer set-up your TT W/D, make sure to learn about your system and double check everything they did. Most would be willing to bet the dealer will/did not set it up and good as it could be.
I love me some land yachting
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Sandia Man
Rio Rancho, NM
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Joined: 08/09/2008
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First of all, there are pros and cons to each, plus you'll be limited to small 5ers as pin weight will quickly surpass your truck's payload. I have also heard these horror stories about towing travel trailers, but we have not experienced such phenomenon pulling our 32' TT. We frequently travel on interstates out West and have no issues passing or being passed (very rare) by commercial trucks or any RVs for that matter. The three critical items you must have for a comfortable towing experience is a capable tow vehicle, a well designed TT, and a properly sized Weight Distribution/Sway Control hitch that is accurately installed. I imagine that one of these factors was lacking for those who have endured such poor towing characteristics. I've also seen many a 5er having poor handling issues while passing them on the interstates so towing a 5er isn't always a perfect scenario. 5ers are a great choice if that is what you desire and have the TV to safely pull it. Whatever you finally decide on, here's hoping you have many great trips in your new RV.
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