33' or 36' 5th Wheel ?

[boonsur]

I'm upgrading from a 30' travel trailer to a 5th wheel. The one I like is 33' long (standard), but is also available with a bedroom slide, which makes it 36' long. I really want the slide, and I don't think weight will be a problem (1,200# difference, which is significant), but I wonder about manueverability.



Can I get into the same places I could with my 30' TT, since the extra length would be mostly over the bed? I've heard a 5th wheel backs up a lot slower (to turn a corner). Or is it just that you have to start the turn earlier?



Also, when towing double (boat behind), is there an overall length that I have to stay below (3' could make a big difference there, too).



Thanks!

 

[klenger]

If the 36' model adds 1200 # because of the bedroom slide, most of that extra weight may be on the pin. I'd watch the total pin weight closely. Check the link in my sig for my RV page. There is an article on RV weights. 5th wheel camper pin weights add up quickly.

 

[Berrigan]

I just went from a 26 foot tt to a 35 foot 5th. The new 5th is heavier so the rig is a little slower, but thats my only complaint. The 5th pulls more stable, does not sway when being passed by an 18 wheeler, and handles better than the tt.



You may find that your overall rig length is shorter with the larger of the two 5ths that you are considering than it is now with your tt. The rule of thumb is you can go 6 to 7 feet longer with a fifth wheel and have the same overall lengh as a tt.



And I agree with you that backing up is a little different. The fifth rear end takes longer to react when turning in reverse. The geometry of the pivot point being behind the drive axle on a bumper pull allows it to move the tongue of the trailer sooner. You do need more room to back up a fifth, but the good thing is you can jacknife it tighter to compensate if you wish.



Then there are those who like me dont like the idea of pushing the tires on the fifth sidways on sharp turning jacknife situations.



I dont think the extra 3 feet for the slide out will keep you out of any spaces that you can get into now. Good luck with your new 5er. Bill

 

[Berrigan]

Check with your state motor vehicle dept on doubles and total length. There is a max and you should consider that if your going to pull doubles. Here in Arizona I think its 55 feet max. Bill

 

[boonsur]

I checked, the hitch weight goes from 1740# to 2250#. I don't think this will be a problem for my DRW (I'll do the calculations later), but I wonder about the capacities of a lesser truck, for resale value. Will a future owner require a 1-ton?

 

[klenger]

Add batteries, propane, a 5th wheel hitch and a passenger or two to the 2250 # and you are quickly approaching 3000 # load on the truck. Yes, a 1 ton DRW would be required to stay within the load ratings of the truck.

 

[boonsur]

Thanks for your replies. Klenger, I just checked out your website. Really nice.



Does anybody know off-hand what the ratings (payload & GCVW) are for the 2500's and the 3500 SRW's? The Dodge website didn't have the specifications page working. I remember there was a good list when I ordered mine (over 1 year ago), but I couldn't find it again (was it on dodgeram.org?). How about the ratings for Ford & Chevy (thinking, again, of re-sale to the general public).



My dealer will let me "test-drive" a couple of units, to help decide. But, I need to get & install my hitch (PullRite) first.

 

[klenger]

http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-gen-reference/2004-ram-towing.pdf

 

[Dean Upson]

You should definetely be shorter than you were with your tt. I have a 33' triple slide fiver (actual measurement 35') and the combo is about 50', my "dry" pin weight is 2715. I would estimate the "wet" weight to be at least 3200#. I have no problem at all with the truck pulling the trailer or the weight at the kingpin.



Dean

 

[boonsur]

I looked at the ratings on the link Klenger gave (thanks, again). Had to grin, as I was reading thru the 3/4 tons, then I got to the duallies. I definately picked the right truck this time .



I had started to convince myself I should get the smaller unit. But, I really want the bedroom suite & pulling it shouldn't be an issue. Oh, the tough decisions we must make .





Dean, Most of the places I camp at have pull-through sites available, but I have never really needed them. Can you get yours into a site by backing in from the average road?

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by boonsur

I looked at the ratings on the link Klenger gave (thanks, again). Had to grin, as I was reading thru the 3/4 tons, then I got to the duallies. I definately picked the right truck this time .



I had started to convince myself I should get the smaller unit. But, I really want the bedroom suite & pulling it shouldn't be an issue. Oh, the tough decisions we must make .





Dean, Most of the places I camp at have pull-through sites available, but I have never really needed them. Can you get yours into a site by backing in from the average road?

I have no problem with the length, the triple slide and the nearly 13' height can make it interesting at times, though:--)



Dean

 

[jimnance]

Regulations for pulling doubles vary from state to state. Some, like Oregon do not allow doubles. Ironically, commercial vehicles operated with a CDL and proper endorsement can pull triples in Oregon.



I think backing a fifth wheel is much easier than a TT because it is slower. No problem getting my '33 into some very tight spots.



At 12' tall I really have to watch for limbs in some campgrounds.



5th wheels are so stable I can't imagine going back to towing a TT.