Lets see those 5th wheels
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,191
Likes: 6,646
From: Great Falls, Montana
I've been in the 45' range for a few years now. I've gone to Yellowstone and the Black Hills and pulled into campgrounds where they said no way you'll fit. I ask them to let me judge it. Then I back in no problems. Sure, there are some I might have to skip. But it really isn't a big deal. Skills dependent.
My biggest concern is overhanging branches that damage the roof.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 17
I was in a campground in the Poconos last season. Walked the route out and there was a low hanging branch I'm pretty sure would have removed my Jack antenna and marred the AC pretty good. Told the campground about it a couple days prior to leaving. Sitting outside enjoying a beverage and a cigar and a big bucket truck went lumbering by. Heard the chainsaws shortly after. Took a walk after the truck left and the whole side of the tree was cleared up to about 20 feet off the ground. Guess he was planning ahead for even taller rigs. 
But that was fantastic customer service right there.
But that was fantastic customer service right there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
Tree limbs are a problem in campgrounds. I have noted that in my pre-search process. I do notice that campground owners are very defensive about their trees, but usually will clip branches that are overhanging to were they could cause trouble.
I pre-search places that I want to go in the future when I am in that vicinity. So I have a feel for the places. I keep a notebook that get's a thumbs up or down for places I visit. I hate surprises when you get to a area and your stuck with something your not really happy with, but not bad enough to leave. During the stop I do ask questions and try to get as much info as I can about the grounds, rules, and area restaurants, and attractions.
I pre-search places that I want to go in the future when I am in that vicinity. So I have a feel for the places. I keep a notebook that get's a thumbs up or down for places I visit. I hate surprises when you get to a area and your stuck with something your not really happy with, but not bad enough to leave. During the stop I do ask questions and try to get as much info as I can about the grounds, rules, and area restaurants, and attractions.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
We also keep a list of favorites. Our reality, unfortunately, is we do not like most campgrounds. KOAs, for us, are for stop-overs only. Too tight and not rustic enough. The same with lots of others. Even without full hook-ups, we favorite state/county parks.
Another one of those one size doesn't fit all RV things.
Steve
Another one of those one size doesn't fit all RV things.
Steve
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 136
Luckily for us my parents are so well traveled over their years they have marked NY state park maps with suitable sites for our 30' length trailers and sites that are just nicer than others. Our maiden voyage with our 5th wheel I had to shoehorn it into a very nice site. It was just a very small width entry but the site was absolute huge. No problem though as I've been towing all sorts of trailers for 15 years. Just was curious about parks out west that we haven't been too yet.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
Just my opinion. I know there's guys that get away with it but usually it's not a heavy toy hauler either.
BTW, love the flatbed.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
If you bolt down rails and add a 5th wheel hitch you'll probably have a better chance of getting it level instead of the goose neck adapter. I've seen a lot of frames that wouldn't take the added twisting that the adapter creates.
Just my opinion. I know there's guys that get away with it but usually it's not a heavy toy hauler either.
BTW, love the flatbed.
Just my opinion. I know there's guys that get away with it but usually it's not a heavy toy hauler either.
BTW, love the flatbed.
Had longer response but power went out and pc shut down.
I need a fifth wheel hitch that is 8 inches tall including the rails for that to work. Any ideas? When all done with the new pinbox/coupler I plan to make the coupler will be about 4 inches lower than the stock kingpin at the lowest setting. The current adapter is way too tall.
Edit. I was wrong it is coupled in this picture
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
I have spent several hours looking on etrailer and curt websites. I need a fifth wheel hitch that is 8 inches tall including the rails for that to work. most are 12 to 18 inches.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
Yep that is what I would like to have. Either a TS3 or TSLB2H. just need to buy one cut the hole and make some brackets to install it. not sure if I can use the TS3 and still have it be removable due to how my bed is made. I think it would be just not 100% sure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
An easier option is a flatbed hitch. I tried finding specs but you could just call and find out.
Here's a link: Companion? Flatbed 5th Wheel Hitch Single Point Attachment THE B&W ADVANTAGE
To stay with the theme here is the 5th wheel for a flatty. You could bolt it directly to the bed.