I am preparing to purchase either a travel trailer ot fifth wheel for full timing. I am told that there are hitches for trailers that can compare favorably with the stability offered by fifth wheels. Anybody using one of these hitches who has first hand knowledge as to how they perform?
I suspect you can request a video from most TT hitch manufacturers. I sent for the SuperSlide (for the 5th wheel) and the tape included both 5th wheel and TT hitches. I was quite impressed with the improved technology implemented with the TT hitches and gained a lot of knowledge.
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Larry, the "premium" hitches for TTs are the Hensley arrow and the Pullrite. Take a look at www.hensleymfg.com or www.pullrite.com.
These hitches minimize or eliminate (depending on your opinion) trailer sway by moving the pivot point of the hitch forward to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. TTs sway because the pivot point (the ball mount) is behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle by several feet. 5ers are inherently stable because the pivot point is directly above the rear axle of the truck, like a semi setup.
The Pullrite mimicks this setup by mounting under the frame of the tow vehicle and physically moving the pivot point to just behind the rear axle. The Hensley uses a conventional receiver mounted on the tow vehicle, and uses advanced geometry to create a "virtual" pivot point at the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
From what I have read, both are equally effective, both have plusses and minuses. Both are expensive at almost $3000, but both can be found used at substantially less.
I would suggest doing a search on this forum using "Hensley" and "Pullrite", you will get a lot of useful info. I have just ordered a Hensley, I found that best for my particular set-up.
I really enjoy the stability when pulling our 5er, and what I feel is better manuveuring capability with this set-up. One question on the hensley or pull-rite though....how are they for backing up? Are they more like the 5er's or a regular TT? Although I don't see making an RV change anytime soon, it would be nice to have the full truck bed available for storage, and maybe someday we'll change over.
hensley claims to pull better than a fifth wheel trailer. i dnp't own one, but if this is true, you may find a better floorplan with a tt than with a 5th wheel. plus, there are no stairs.
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i don't know how you could get better then a 5er, maybe the same(don't know never used a hensley). my parents just recently upgraded to a 36ft 5er and can't believe the differce from there tt. they have told me they don't even know that a 18 wheeler is passing them untill they see it next to them, no sway at all. after towing many years with many trailers and now for about a year with a 5er, they have said they will NEVER go back to a TT.
besides that you are alot shorter going down the road. a 35ft 5er has 35ft of usable space. a 35ft TT has about 32ft of space. also when towing about 5ft of your trailer is over your truck, shortening your overall length.
most(not all) floorplans you find in TT can be found in a 5er, with the addition of steps. its a personal choice, but i know my next one will be a 5er.
You point out several good advantages of a 5er vs. a TT, however, you neglected to include the tow vehicle in your comparison. We need the 3rd seat in our Suburban for carrying folks and friends to non-camping destinations, so a pick-up is not an option for us, even a crew cab. Even camping, the 3rd seat is good for the 2 dogs. So, we without a pick-up, we are limited to a TT. My wife and I have decided that in future years when it's just the 2 of us, we'll either go 5er or MH. Just my .02.
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