azcudigger
Arizona
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Joined: 05/23/2012
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Hi all,
My wife and I are looking to upgrade our toy hauler. We currently have a 21-foot TT and are looking to move into something in the 28-30 foot range. We have narrowed down options to two choices. One is a TT and the other a 5th. Of course my wife is of the opinion the TT would be best and I believe the 5th would be better.
Her biggest concern is that the 5th would limit the areas we would be able go, as some of the areas we currently go are unimproved roads. The roads cross some side hills and drainages. My opinion is that if a TT will get there so will a 5th.
I've seen a lot of topics that cover pulling, sway, and TV load limits, but haven't found any opinions on this topic. Any input would be appreciated.
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sgip2000
Oregon
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Joined: 05/01/2012
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Depending on the desired destination, size may be a factor. There are more short bumper pull TH than fifth wheel models available.
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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The limitation with a 5th wheel design is clearance between bed rail and over hang of 5'vr.
The greater the clearance the less chance of making contact BUT then you have the added concern of towing level......more clearance----nose high on rig OR you end up flipping axles, adding blocks etc. to get back to level which makes the rig higher overall (greater ramp angles, entry steps higher, overhead obstacles etc.)
So NO IMHO a 5th wheel is not better suited to off-road adventures vs a tow behind trailer.
But tow behinds have limitations also due to ball hitch design vs off-road adventures.
2007 RAM 3500 QC LB SRW 5.9L CTD 48re 4:10 4K in bed 'quiet genny'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
Hit the Road Free & Clear April '07
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ol Bombero-JC
USA
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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~
azcudigger:
Apparently this is your first post (welcome!).
The best forum to post your question would be the *Toy Hauler* forum (here).
You would be asking folks that are involved in what you want to do -
and . . there are owners of both TTs & 5th wheels there.
No doubt some have owned one (or more) of each - and are or have been in your "situation" previously.
You could ask the Mod to move your thread -or- start a new topic there.
If you start a new thread - rules prevent duplicate threads - so re-word your question.
Good luck with your search & decision.
~
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Moved from 5th wheels to toy haulers.
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.
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nayther
Burbank, CA
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you're better off with a TT if you're going to tow over really uneven terrain, like said, bed clearance is the issue. If you have a 4wd truck it is already pretty tall and raising the trailer for 8+ inches of bed clearance may get the trailer up too high.
Have you checked out anyone else that tows to where you go? That's what I'd do.
DIRT BIKES RULE
'12 Duramax CC short bed
'06 3005 Rage'n Falcon
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AZ T&T
Mesa, AZ
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We also go to unimproved areas. Last year made the switch from TT to FW. I lifted the FW 4 inches to give myself a 9 inch clearance between the bed cap and the FW. I can still go into pretty rough areas, but a TT is definitely better in that aspect.
AZ T&T
2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 29.5RKS
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax
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lincster
Mesa Az
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I don't agree with the off road comments. I have 9" of clearance between my bedrails and trailer and I have been in some pretty off camber situations. I just take my time and watch what I am doing.
2012 F350 PSD CC 4X4 Dually to pull 2006 LE3905
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Artemus Gordon
Redding California
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Not raining on parade, but consider height issues. Low limbs, casually strung power lines etc. Height is something to think about when out on rural roads etc.
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2btowed
glendale,az
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I camp with about 20 different families,mostly 5th wheelers, but 4 have TThaulers in the 28 to 32 ft range.The bed clearance is crucial but 8 to 10 in is plenty,the problems we have had is more in the placement of the fuel station,rear steps,and those danged'olrear jacks that they want to hang off the very rear of the TH.Even the location of the spare underneath is sometimes wayy low.When you go through a creek the problem is after the TH wheels get through the wash and the TV is climbing up the incline,rear of TH scrapes the downside.We have moved all jacks right behind the wheels,moved the steps and on one built a cage around the fuel station.I put a 3ft skid plate accross the rear of my 39ftr so I just 'drag it through' the wash.Draw a line from the bottom of your rear wheels to your rear bumper, that's what you will drag off ,steps jacks,etc, at some point if not moved or braced really well.We also carry 2ft sections of 6x6 to put down under the TH wheels so we can get through some of the steeper washes.We've camped about half way up Harquala Mountain by going steady and using the blocks.Once you get to about 30 to 35 ft I dont think it matters,TT or 5th. Hope we see you around AZ..
08 Ranger
08 Grizzly x2
06 400ex
06 Honda 90
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