Gents,

We are getting a camping trailer soon and I have narrowed it down to 2 different trailers. Both are well within my F250's weight range. one is a standard travel trailer and the other is a 5th wheel. I've done the travel trailer thing with weight distributing hitches, but have never messed with a 5th wheeler.

Now to the questions:
- How do the the 5th wheel hitches mount into the bed? Do they use the factory bed bolts or do you drill new holes?
- Do the hitches pull out easily to allow full use of your bed when not towing?
- Will I be leaving my tailgate behind while 5th wheel towing?
- I've heard 5th wheels tow better than a standard trailer, are there any cons to the 5th wheel setup?
- Any recommended hitch brands?

Thanks
Edmo

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Mar-02 AT 12:44 PM (EST)]>Gents,
>
>We are getting a camping trailer soon and I have narrowed it
>down to 2 different trailers. Both are well within my
>F250's weight range. one is a standard travel trailer and
>the other is a 5th wheel. I've done the travel trailer
>thing with weight distributing hitches, but have never
>messed with a 5th wheeler.
>
>Now to the questions:
>- How do the the 5th wheel hitches mount into the bed? Do
>they use the factory bed bolts or do you drill new holes?

Brackets are welded and sometimes bolted to the frame then the hitch is bolted to them.

>- Do the hitches pull out easily to allow full use of your
>bed when not towing?

Most hitches are removable. The hitch pulls out in about 30 seconds. It weighs about 50lbs.It is secured by 4 pins, just like the ones used for a normal bumper hitch receiver.


>- Will I be leaving my tailgate behind while 5th wheel
>towing?

I do not, you just have to remember to put it down when unhooking. If you have the bucks, I would recommend a vented type tailgate for towing. The wind gets pretty bad in the bed when the trailer is hooked up. Seems to act like a parachute.

>- I've heard 5th wheels tow better than a standard trailer,
>are there any cons to the 5th wheel setup?

Towing is a breeze. The only problems I found is I forget it's back there (no jerky ride) and it takes a little practice to back it up. They don't respond very quickly.

>- Any recommended hitch brands?

I have a Reese 15K and have had no problems. Knowing what I know now I would have upgraded to the more expensive hitch that tilts both for and aft as well as side to side.

>
>Thanks
>Edmo


In general you can get a whole lot more trailer for the money. Because of the overhang for the hitch, towing a 27ft 5er is like towing a 23ft pull behind. You get the added ability of being able to get a better than 180 degree sweep for turning around and backing up. I have spun my trailer around on its axis to get out of a tough parking lot situation. The other nice thing is hook up. Put the trailer about 1 inch lower than the truck and back up "clunk" your hooked up. You can see everything that is going on and don't have to risk putting your hitch into your bumper or tailgate.

 

Edmo;

I strongly agree with Bill, the 5-er is the way to go. I love my 5-er, and its easier than a standard trailer to tow. I've had them both. Hope this helps.

Jim

 

Thanks for the input guys... The wife is leaning toward the travel trailer and we are still debating...

None-the-less, I just installed a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller so I'll be set either way.

Edmo

 

Edmo,
Most states allow passengers to travel in a 5th wheel trailer...
More nap time for the Mrs and her dogs in back,
more time for Edmo and his CD's in front.
Need any more reasons to go with the 5th wheel?

 

>Most states allow passengers to travel in a 5th wheel trailer...

WOW!! I didn't know this...

We currently live in the beautiful state of Alaska and will be sadly leaving for Arkansas in August 2002 (Active Duty Military). Is there a listing of states which allow passengers in a 5er? I plan to drive all the way with camper in tow, so I will hit a lot of the Midwestern states enroute... It should be a month of outstanding travel.

You just might have a selling point for the 5er.

Edmo

 

 

Here is a link to a list of what states allow and not allow:
http://www.rvda.bc.ca/PDF%20files/USRoadUseLaws.pdf
Most states do not allow passengers in the trailer when towing.

 

Wow did your response get in a time warp or something ?


This post was back in 2002 all most 5years to the day. I don't think he is still looking for an answer anymore .

How did you find that post to respond to ?

 

This one for the books but it might help someone else who was looking.

 

I was looking for threads on mounting my 5th wheel hitch and this came up in google. I didn't even notice the date on it... Story of my life I suppose, always late to the dance...
At least I gave everyone something to talk about....

 

I've been in suspense for years. Every morning I wake up, and the first thought through my head is....

Did Edmo go with the 5th wheel or the travel trailer?

 

Looks like the wife won out on that one. Here's a picture from his gallery.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...d=5255&width=2

.

 

....and as far as riding inside the trailer/ 5er while on the road.....I sure wouldn't recommend it....Can you imagine trying to use the potty while driving thru towm??? Stop - go --stop -- go. I can see the wet floor now....and the black and blue body parts.

 

Dooh I knew he'd give in. We gave him all the info to help him get that fiver.

Maybe we can check back in five or so years and see if he finally can get a fiver.