WHAT HOOK UP
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
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From: Los Angeles
WHAT HOOK UP
Im looking to purchase a TT or TH ive heard 5ht wheel hitches are the way to go. so im trying to figure out pros and cons of the different tow types
5th wheel
tow behind
and that ball thing? lol sorry not sure of the name!!!
5th wheel
tow behind
and that ball thing? lol sorry not sure of the name!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
I've read that the fifth wheels and gooseneck (ball thing) tend to tow better whether its increased stability, better weight distribution, etc... But the regular tow behinds allow use of the bed and anything over 5 or 6 thousand pounds requires a weight distribution hitch per Fords specs for SRW trucks. My dually requires it after 8 thousand pounds, but the trailers tow better with them. I dont think any travel trailer or toy hauler comes in a gooseneck. Short beds may require a special 5th wheel hitch unless the newer trailers are made so that the trailer doesnt crash into the rear window when making 90 degree turns. Also need to watch your hitch weight on the fifth wheels as you could go over the GAWR with a big trailer and a truck full of stuff and people. But then again some people follow the manufacturers ratings and others exceed them. Also not sure if you will need to change things on the truck or trailer end with the lift and larger tires. I'd also make sure those tires are "E" rated with a fifth wheel.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
If I were to be purchasing a large camper I would without a doubt go with a 5th wheel. A bumper pull will give you full use of the bed when towing but even a 5th wheel or gooseneck will allow some use of the bed. Like MDSuperDuty said you still have the trailer. The stability down the road is nice too with a 5th/gooseneck trailer versus a bumper pull.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Los Angeles
If I were to be purchasing a large camper I would without a doubt go with a 5th wheel. A bumper pull will give you full use of the bed when towing but even a 5th wheel or gooseneck will allow some use of the bed. Like MDSuperDuty said you still have the trailer. The stability down the road is nice too with a 5th/gooseneck trailer versus a bumper pull.
if i get a TH i wont have to worry about bed space and thats what i want but when the time comes im gonna get whatever i can get for the best price and nicest. it will be a little starter since i have limited storage so somewhere between 20-23ft
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I am not clear as to what are the most important factors for the OP. It is very difficult to answer this question the way it is framed. There are a multiplicity of considerations.
Just my thought,
Steve
Just my thought,
Steve
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Elder User
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From: Los Angeles
important is safety and what would be the easiest for a first timer. i guess i would say thats what it comes down to
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
Factors such as the size of your checkbook and the floorplan you want are also important as they go a very long ways towards determining how long you will keep your first towable (the average is less than two years).
I think everyone who tows is anxious at first, at least I know I was and I still focus on safety, even after quite a few years.
If you are going really long, I would tend to agree with the preceeding comment regarding the favorability of a fifth wheel, if for no other reason than you do not have quite so much length behind the truck.
Since you are just starting out, stay flexible in your thinking and continue to do your research.
Good luck,
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
Generally the most stable trailer to tow is a 5er. A TT hangs the weight from the bumper and when it tries to wag it wags at the back of the truck and shakes the truck also, thus weight dist and sway bars. A 5er puts more weight pushing down in the back of the truck and the trailer is trying to sway farther up on the tuck, keeping the swaying down.
A 5er generally has more living space in the same length trailer as it does not have a tongue that sticks out and part of the trailer is over the truck. Most 5er THs have garages, versus 1 that I have seen on TT, here are probably more.
Note: 5ers are generally more annoying to hook up if you have a standard bed, but I connect my wires before I completely back up.
(Weight police statement) With more weight in the rear of the truck there are many people that run heavy or to heavy.
My avatar shows my setup.
A 5er generally has more living space in the same length trailer as it does not have a tongue that sticks out and part of the trailer is over the truck. Most 5er THs have garages, versus 1 that I have seen on TT, here are probably more.
Note: 5ers are generally more annoying to hook up if you have a standard bed, but I connect my wires before I completely back up.
(Weight police statement) With more weight in the rear of the truck there are many people that run heavy or to heavy.
My avatar shows my setup.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
All I can say is make sure everything checks out for safety (tires, weights, etc..). Lifts and towing don't always go together but a lot of people do it no problem. So big tires come with a "D" load rating and most recommend getting that "E" rated tire. I've seen a pretty cool 5th wheel automatic sliding hitch for short bed trucks to the tune of $1600. Can't remember the name but it was a pretty slick setup. I guess the others are manual sliding but still work I guess. I don't tow 5th wheel so I can only speculate some things.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 579
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From: Chiefland, Fl
You can do a gooseneck conversion on a fifth wheel if so inclined. However, it will probably void the warranty, if any, on the trailer you purchase. Towing with that mild of a lift shouldn't be a problem as long as your tires are E's. I towed a 32' 5'er with a 6" lift and 37's all over the state and never had a problem. Just realize that you really don't need to be in a hurry to get there, especially if you have reservations.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
If you are looking to get a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch and still want full use of your bed I would look at the B&W Turnover ball and the Companion hitch. I have the Turnover ball in my pickup and love it. A nice flat bed floor is great.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Los Angeles
You can do a gooseneck conversion on a fifth wheel if so inclined. However, it will probably void the warranty, if any, on the trailer you purchase. Towing with that mild of a lift shouldn't be a problem as long as your tires are E's. I towed a 32' 5'er with a 6" lift and 37's all over the state and never had a problem. Just realize that you really don't need to be in a hurry to get there, especially if you have reservations.