Pulling 5th wheels
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Locomotive breath
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: Mid Oh. Ponderosa
Pulling 5th wheels
The wife and I returned from vacation a couple weeks ago, and she's not happy with the room in our Lance anymore. (may be for sale soon) Was wondering what issues , if any there is with 5th wheels compared to TT's. I know my truck did well with the horse trailer to Fla. and back, in June. But it's short compared to campers. Some guys like 5th's more than others. We looked at a few for some time now and they are roomy. As always, thanks for any info.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 0
From: Utah County, UT
There are two main reasons why I like 5th wheels over TT. One, you are pulling from over the axle so it make the tow vehicle more stable. This results in a lot less counter steering when towing, especially when windy. Two, I like the layout and feel of them better than a standard TT. The only draw back to a 5th wheel is you do lose the option of putting large items in the bed of the truck, like a four wheeler or Bike. You can still put quite a bit in the bed though as long as it doesn't reach above the bed rails.
Happy shopping, remember slide out make all the difference in the world.
Happy shopping, remember slide out make all the difference in the world.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,918
Likes: 178
From: Princeton, BC
I prefer a 5th wheel for the reasons posted above as well. I also think they may have more underside storage room. I also second the slide out. The the real bonus is they look cooler towing than a TT.
Last edited by Zip; Aug 23, 2007 at 11:44 PM. Reason: goofed
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
I agree with the pin being over the axle for a better tow. But I prefer a TT because it isn't so high. I've been in a few spots where a fivers wouldn't go. As far as floor plans. Most fivers have more floor space due to the fact of double and triple slides. Most TT are only one slide. Some have two.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
I have a smaller 5er, and I find backing it up is a mind-job compared to a TT. I can back my 23' boat and triailer up a donkey trail, but I look like I haven't passed my drivers ed with a 5er, they correct a lot faster.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Love the 5er...
I have a 9500 # fifth wheel and love it!! At 31 feet lengh over all, it has plenty of room and I carry the Honda Generator in the front of the truck bed, so we just run the power up to the generator and have power anytime. It is under the bedroom but since its a honda, its not too bad. I like the way it tows compared to Travel Trailers but you gotta keep the tires inflated properly which ever one you choose. For storage under the bedroom, the 5er has lots more underdeck storage, and once you get the hang of hooking up and backing, it becomes second nature. I put 10,000 to 12000 miles a year on mine and we love it..Enjoy, Dave
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
I wanted a fifth wheel when I bought mine after RITA but I have a 95 gal fuel tank and a tool box in the back so it wouldn't fit. I bought a TT pull behind. I have a dually so it pulls with no problem. I didn't like the way the fifth wheel hitch looked and it would be in my way. I guess that is why they make both kinds.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,287
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
We went with a 30 ft TT. Wanted a layout without having the bath in the bedroom with you. Try to find that in a 5'er these days- Not many options to choose from in a 5'er for bath layout. Also chose due to cost. For the features we liked the TT was WAY cheaper.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: northern Michigan
My experience is that a fifth wheel tows much nicer then the TT that connects via a reese bumper hitch. The load is cntered over the rear axle and the truck just handles nice. If you have a dually the fifthwheel will really tow nice, even a longer one.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 0
From: Central Alabama
I have a 34' 10" bunkhouse TT that weighs about 9K-9.5K and it pulls like a dream. However we're looking into a 5ver for more head room and more storage. We also want a newer and larger one, so for that kind of weight a 5th wheel is a must. TTs are cheaper, something to consider.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 331
Likes: 4
From: grorgetown,in
Another opition would be do like i did and buy a toy hauler. I have 35ft toy hauler and i use the garage for bikes,atv,golfcart,or what ever i want to put back there.Also that is where i carry my gas grill. It weighs aprox. 13000 empty and i pull it with a 00 f350 super cab long bed single wheel and pull it 75 and 80 all day long. But all in all i would recommend a 5th wheel over a bumper hitch. Just mu .02.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: Plano Texas
I have good size 5th wheel. I looked for almost 6 months and found the layout I wanted. 3 slidouts. Back bedroom has two bunks with entertianment center for the kiddos as well a desk. This room is seperated by a full door. The front of the trailer has a queen bathroom and plenty of closet space. It even has a place to put a washer and dryer. This thing was loaded ceiling fans...etc. Everthing fully loaded with truck and wave runner around 22,000 lbs. Never had and issues with pulling it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 2
From: Pasadena, Maryland
I would recommend weighing your truck at a Cat scale. Full fuel, tool boxes, whatever else you normally carry. Find out your GVWR rating for your truck. You'll find it in your owners manual. That weight difference is the size of trailer you can safely tow. You will be surprised on just how fast the weigh adds up.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, SC
I have a Keystone Mountaineer travel trailer and LOVE it. 2 slides, alot of room, big bathroom, dinette. I ordered mine. When going across the scales I am usually about 20k-21k lbs. I have friction sway control and weight bars with additional sway control. I think it pulls pretty good but I have never towed a 5th wheel. When we were looking the 5th wheels we liked were way outta range pricewise so we opted for a real nice trailer. One other thing with a tt all of the floor is one level, so no steps except in and out.
