Is there a big difference?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: At the Station
Is there a big difference?
Right now I have a 28 ft Prowler travel trailer that I pull with my 03 F250. Looking at going to a 5th wheel. Is there a big difference in the towing and handling between the two. Things like wind gusts and getting passed by 18 wheelers, and manueverabilty.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Henderson, NC
Without a doubt
I have an 08 F350 and pull a 35' fifth wheel. We have been from NC to Yellowstone and back, and many places in between.
It definitely is an adjustment backing a fifth wheel vs a bumper pull, but have never experienced the problems or puckering I had with a bumper pull.
It definitely is an adjustment backing a fifth wheel vs a bumper pull, but have never experienced the problems or puckering I had with a bumper pull.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
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From: Southern Cal
The bumper pull yanks you back and forth going down the road. The 5th wheel goes up and down. Much smoother, controlled pull with the 5th wheel.
Turning corners or backing up is different as noted above. Backing into tight spaces is tougher with a 5th wheel due to the center pivot being so farther forward. Amazing the difference just moving my center pivot point back a foot into the maneuver mode on my slider.
You still get the sucking issue when a big rig pulls up next to you, just not so noticeable.
In many states, passengers can ride in a 5th wheel with proper communications, not in a bumper pull.
Turning corners or backing up is different as noted above. Backing into tight spaces is tougher with a 5th wheel due to the center pivot being so farther forward. Amazing the difference just moving my center pivot point back a foot into the maneuver mode on my slider.
You still get the sucking issue when a big rig pulls up next to you, just not so noticeable.
In many states, passengers can ride in a 5th wheel with proper communications, not in a bumper pull.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
Also the 5er tracks a lot closer to the truck's when cornering.... don't have to swing as wide. I've had both and would NEVER go back to a bumper pull.
Lots of frontal area on a 5er...altho now design is MUCH better than just a few years ago.... much more aerodynamic now.
Lots of frontal area on a 5er...altho now design is MUCH better than just a few years ago.... much more aerodynamic now.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 427
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From: Prescott, Michigan
The bumper pull yanks you back and forth going down the road. The 5th wheel goes up and down. Much smoother, controlled pull with the 5th wheel.
Turning corners or backing up is different as noted above. Backing into tight spaces is tougher with a 5th wheel due to the center pivot being so farther forward.
Turning corners or backing up is different as noted above. Backing into tight spaces is tougher with a 5th wheel due to the center pivot being so farther forward.
We have had a 20ft TT, a 28ft 5th, and now a 40ft 5th. Each is different. The longer they get, the more you have to plan your backing up.
Also with a 5th, you get a "chucking" (back and forth pull). I would recommend you check out this forum: Trailer Life forum Good advice for hitches, etc. I ended up with a cheaper Reese. If I could afford anything, I would go with an air hitch. I have an air pin (came with the 5th), but a combo of an air hitch and an anti-chucking pin, like a mor-ryde, would be the best, if money were no object and long pulls were in your future.
Wind gusts, trucks are definitely easier with a 5th.
But a 5th will put more weight on the truck, so make sure you have the capacity. Gross axle ratings, GVWR and GCWR should be on your door along with the most important Carrying Capacity.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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Liked the trailair on our previous 5er and love this that came on the current one -->
'softens' the fore and aft movement and NICE to watch the 5er bob and weave going down the road and we are just floating along fine in the truck !
'softens' the fore and aft movement and NICE to watch the 5er bob and weave going down the road and we are just floating along fine in the truck !
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Prescott, Michigan
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Safe Travels,
Torklift Jen
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Torklift International – Towing, Suspension, Tie Downs, Steps
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Call me direct: 1-800-246-8132
Visit our Blog: http://www.torklift.com/blog
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
It's really hard to give specific answers as I don't think all truck and towable combinations handle the same way. I have pulled travel trailers and never knew they were behind me and with fivers I have also found "chucking" can be a big deal or almost none at all.
They certainly do back differently and again I think that is a matter of practice. Air hitches, nice if you got the bucks and are going to spend enough time towing to justify the added expense.
As with everything, I don't think it is a "one size or type fits all world" and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
My two cents worth.
Steve
They certainly do back differently and again I think that is a matter of practice. Air hitches, nice if you got the bucks and are going to spend enough time towing to justify the added expense.
As with everything, I don't think it is a "one size or type fits all world" and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
My two cents worth.
Steve
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: At the Station
I would like a 5th but the wife is happy with our existing camper. If I can get her to find a floor plan and interior colors she likes I will be ahead of the game. I keep telling her it doesn't matter what color the couch is because they are all black when I close my eyes.
Thanks for the responses. Still doing research. Time will tell. I am not unhappy with my travel trailer but I want something different.
Thanks for the responses. Still doing research. Time will tell. I am not unhappy with my travel trailer but I want something different.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
I would like a 5th but the wife is happy with our existing camper. If I can get her to find a floor plan and interior colors she likes I will be ahead of the game. I keep telling her it doesn't matter what color the couch is because they are all black when I close my eyes.
Thanks for the responses. Still doing research. Time will tell. I am not unhappy with my travel trailer but I want something different.
Thanks for the responses. Still doing research. Time will tell. I am not unhappy with my travel trailer but I want something different.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
I've got an idea for you to help ease the concerns you are having with the ride difference and handling. I suggest trying out the StableLoad by Torklift International. It is a suspension upgrade and it reduces side to side sway and bounce, etc regardless of the type of hitch you are going to use, plus it's an easy DIY.
Safe Travels,
Torklift Jen
Safe Travels,
Torklift Jen
Tightening up the suspension will help a lot with all that travel. The stableloads are easy to install with just a few simple tools.