5th Wheel or Tow Along?

[RustyJC]

Unless you have an overriding requirement to carry cargo in the bed, I would go with the 5th wheel. It's much easier to hitch, it's more stable, a more positive hitch (note that safety chains are NOT required), and provides more living space and RV storage space for a given length of RV and combined length of tow vehicle/RV.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

hhmmm. . if they are both 30 ft. and both have a super slide on one side and a regular slide on the the other... . wouldnt interior space be the same?

It's not as simple as comparing the length measurement.

As Bill explained, method of measurement is different so a conventional 30' compares closer to a 26' or 27' fifthwheel or a 31' fifthwheel compares to a 35' conventional.

Conventional travel trailers are most practical in sizes from about 22' to 26' or 30' if an aluminum Airstream or Avion. Beyond those lengths they suffer from the long wind catching sidewalls that tend to swing a tow vehicle like the tail wagging the dog in strong winds and their loaded weights begin to seesaw or lever the rear of the truck lifting needed weight off the front steer tires.

A large and heavier fifthwheel just adds more weight on the rear axle and a slightly greater weight on the steer axle.

The average sized fifthwheel of today is probably about 32' long and has three slides. The bedroom slide allows the bed to slide outside of the trailer about 4' making the bedroom much larger and comfortable when parked. Downstairs in the living area the average fiver has two opposing slides which effectively make the lower portion twice as wide. Intangibles like the taller roof makes a fifthwheel feel even larger because of the increased volume even though a person can't walk around in the tall overhead.

Fifthwheel floorplans are almost always laid out better than conventional trailers with excellent space utilization and much more storage space.

Fifthwheel trailers of quality use dimensionally larger and much stiffer frames which allow the unit to maintain longitudinal stiffness and avoid sagging with large slide outs installed.

In a long list of comparison factors the fifthwheel beats the conventional travel trailer in every single one except new purchase price, overall weight, and overhead clearance height.

 

[crispyboy]

There is a lot of information in your decision and many good points were made above.
The key to making a bumper pull trailer tow correctly is the setup of the hitch in regards to weight distribution and sway control. I have taken the time and effort with my setup and the truck rides along as if I were driving a car (we tow a 31' Airstream).
The type of hitch I am talking about is a pivot point project hitch (Hensley Arrow or Propride) or a Pull-rite. While expensive, these are quality hitches that make for safer towing. There are other cheaper hitches but they do not offer the safety and handling characteristics of the better quality hitches.
I fully agree that fifth wheels are very nice but they seem like rolling condo's to me and I hate loosing the space in the bed of the pickup.

 

[mwilson]

Advantage:

- ease of hooking up. You back under the pin and you're done (and you can see the pin !!)... With a trailer, you have to back the ball up just right under the receiver, then you have to hook up the weight distributing arms, etc...

- Storage on a 5er is way better too.

- Family and friends stop asking to borrow pickup (sorry, I have that heavy hitch in the bed taking up all of the space, so its useless for you to borrow the truck... )



Disadvantage: lose alot of the bed storage. I use the front of the bed for bikes and area behind the hitch for the lovely blue (black/grey) water tank (for extended camping w/o full hookups... )

Louis,

Do you have a huge tank or a smaller one?? I had a bumper mount bicycle rack laying around from a previous camper and got to looking it over one day. The width of the bike hangers matched the tank where the wheels mount.



Slid the spare tire a little to the left and clamped the bike rack on.



Voila, a place for it to always hang... .



If you want a better picture of it just let me know.

Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Advantage:

- ease of hooking up. You back under the pin and you're done (and you can see the pin !!)... With a trailer, you have to back the ball up just right under the receiver, then you have to hook up the weight distributing arms, etc...

- Storage on a 5er is way better too.

- Family and friends stop asking to borrow pickup (sorry, I have that heavy hitch in the bed taking up all of the space, so its useless for you to borrow the truck... )



Disadvantage: lose alot of the bed storage. I use the front of the bed for bikes and area behind the hitch for the lovely blue (black/grey) water tank (for extended camping w/o full hookups... )

Just looked at the floorplan you have. Maybe the big rear door would not clear it. You could find a fold down bike rack so you could just pull a pin and drop it down while accessing the rear storage area.



Mike.

 

[JJPage]

If your trailer is flexing that much is that more a question of the quality of the trailer build than the type of hitch??

Gonzo, you may be right about the quality of construction... I own a Ragen, which is a product of National RV that has closed it's doors to business. I purchased it new in late 2003, at the time it was certainly not the highest quality available, but not the poorest either. My guess is any trailer with a ramp, and enough weight involved, the sidewalls will flex if not leveled almost perfectly with tire blocks. I cannot use my rear stabilizers to correct the level at all, the sidewalls will flex too much, they are just what they are called "stabilizers".

 

[Gonzo 1066]

One of my friends bought a new Raptor toy hauler. When new it was a beautiful rig. He was using it to transport his artwork to shows, so he was out lots of weekends a year(like 20 weeks a year), In 3 years time the ramp door was falling apart, side panels were pulling from the roof, a complete disaster for them. He still owed lots of money on it, and let the finance company take it back. This was a classic case of the wife helping make the decision on the purchase. At the dealers they had a vase of flowers on the countertop, throw pillows on the fancy quilt etc etc. she just flipped out over those things and his input on build quality was never considered. This was not a inexpensive trailer to buy, however very expensive to own. .

 

[GCroyle]

Interesting comments as always, and many opinions. Kinda like Crunchy or Smooth Peanut butter, or Harley vs. Honda. I'm only 3 years into my 30' trailer, so expereice a bit limited with a trailer. But ALL of my kids spent summers camping in our tents, eating outdoors, sitting around the evening campfire, getting wet and playing in the rain, catching lightning bugs,collecting old Cicada shells, you name it thay played with it, or got hurt by it. We got the trailer due to the summer heat in SC and not as young as I once was but we all look back on those tent campounts, lots of work for sure but great memories.



I think too many times in camp, the rig backs in, hooks up and the occupants never spends the time outdoors.



My . 02$ get a tent, a popup, a tagalong, 5'er whatever you can, just GO and don't sit inside watching the satellite take a walk, say hello, join a campfire and enjoy.



Darn, some of them 5'er's are tall and BIG!

 

[JJPage]

One of my friends bought a new Raptor toy hauler. When new it was a beautiful rig. He was using it to transport his artwork to shows, so he was out lots of weekends a year(like 20 weeks a year), In 3 years time the ramp door was falling apart, side panels were pulling from the roof, a complete disaster for them. He still owed lots of money on it, and let the finance company take it back. This was a classic case of the wife helping make the decision on the purchase. At the dealers they had a vase of flowers on the countertop, throw pillows on the fancy quilt etc etc. she just flipped out over those things and his input on build quality was never considered. This was not a inexpensive trailer to buy, however very expensive to own. .

What a coincidence, we also scouted out a Raptor, the wife loved it, but I couldn't get over the flimsy cabinetry construction. Once I pointed that out, in comparison to the one we purchased, even the missus agreed. We also looked at an Aljo(sp), same thing, flashy exterior and interior decoration, but the cabinet material was so thin and poorly constructed, I just refuse to waste $ on a "throw away" product... Sadly there are many RV's that fit that description, the OP needs to thoroughly investigate before signing the check.

 

[EGroeneveld]

You'll want to be looking at the rv.net forums regarding brands and bumper vrs fifth wheel. More info then you'll ever want. Bumper pulls have there place. They are generally cheaper so a family on a limited budget just wanting to do some weekend camping or a couple of trips a year they work well for. But if you're planning lots of trips, taking lots of stuff with you and the wifey wants an apartment on wheels the fifth wheel wins.



I personally would go fifth wheel for just traveling and camping without toys. And likely in a few years will be getting a large 42' toy hauler.



My personal preference is a truck camper We are able to park anywhere and if we are taking toys then we take a 20' enclosed trailer along with the quads and RZR in it.

 

[Wingate]

Glad I listened to Harvey when I got ready to purchase a TT... . After years of hauling them, he had some pretty good data about quality differences between manufacturers. . I knew I did NOT want a 5er. . so the list of decent TT that Harvey and others provided was a short one... Ended up with a Jayco 298RES and bought from a very well respected family owned dealership.
We have had this camper for 18-24 months now... . gets drug all over the place atleast once a month and has yet to have one single issue. Its been to the coast at 80 MPH, 100 degree heat, freezing cold. . etc. . Others in our group paid less for more "flashy trim". . but have had absolute horror stories about quality of both the manufacturers and dealers. .
I gotta agtee with GCroyle though... doesnt matter waht you get, just use it!!.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Ill have to be the one that likes the idea of a TT why? because I put all the stuff that I dont want banging the I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER out of the trailer in my Rhino lined truck bed and forget about it.



FIREWOOD IN-SIDE YOUR TRAILER REALLY ?????



Gen set,tools,gas for gen set, lawn chairs,axe and hatchet,easy-up,ice cooler, BBQ and propane bottle, fishing tackle,bicycles on top of camper-shell and or paddles and canoe added, extra fuel tank hid from prying eyes and a bunch of other stuff that wont or cant go into or on top of a 5th wheel trailer



And if your TT isn't pulling right then more than likely YOUR THE PROBLEM. JMO



If your the kind that wants to sit at a concrete campground and watch the day DRAG BY then get a 5th wheel so big you cant take it any place except the concrete campground ,that way you wouldnt have far to walk( 10ft away) so you can tell your next door fellow concrete campground,good sam, camper-world buddy how great a time your having watching the grass grow.



PS we pulled a 29ft TT all over HELL'S HALF ACRE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS.



BIG

 

[BIGNASTY]

Travel trailer length is normally measured from the hitch ball to the rear bumper which includes the hitch framework that is outside the usable interior space. Fifth wheels are measured from the hitch kingpin to the rear bumper, and depending on the hitch kingpin location, most fifth wheels are all usable interior space.

Bill

I have to disagree with this Bill the ball to bumper on our TT was 32ft but TT was listed as 29ft
Front of trailer to rear of trailer living space was 29. 4 ft

 

[BIGNASTY]

Interesting comments as always, and many opinions. Kinda like Crunchy or Smooth Peanut butter, or Harley vs. Honda. I'm only 3 years into my 30' trailer, so expereice a bit limited with a trailer. But ALL of my kids spent summers camping in our tents, eating outdoors, sitting around the evening campfire, getting wet and playing in the rain, catching lightning bugs,collecting old Cicada shells, you name it thay played with it, or got hurt by it. We got the trailer due to the summer heat in SC and not as young as I once was but we all look back on those tent campounts, lots of work for sure but great memories.



I think too many times in camp, the rig backs in, hooks up and the occupants never spends the time outdoors.



My . 02$ get a tent, a popup, a tagalong, 5'er whatever you can, just GO and don't sit inside watching the satellite take a walk, say hello, join a campfire and enjoy.



Darn, some of them 5'er's are tall and BIG!

X2 good call Gary

 

[HBarlow]

One of my friends bought a new Raptor toy hauler. When new it was a beautiful rig. He was using it to transport his artwork to shows, so he was out lots of weekends a year(like 20 weeks a year), In 3 years time the ramp door was falling apart, side panels were pulling from the roof, a complete disaster for them. He still owed lots of money on it, and let the finance company take it back. This was a classic case of the wife helping make the decision on the purchase. At the dealers they had a vase of flowers on the countertop, throw pillows on the fancy quilt etc etc. she just flipped out over those things and his input on build quality was never considered. This was not a inexpensive trailer to buy, however very expensive to own. .

Your paragraph explained why so many RV manufacturers producing cheaply made junk sell so many of them. Wives are generally easily influenced by appearance not strength, durability, or substance. Some of the RV companies understand that factor very well and conceal cheap build quality beneath shiny finishes, nice modern colors, and a few glitzy (Chicomm) fixtures like lamps.

I selected our fifthwheel and told my wife about it. When it was built and I picked it up she liked it. It works for us.

 

[HBarlow]

Glad I listened to Harvey when I got ready to purchase a TT... . After years of hauling them, he had some pretty good data about quality differences between manufacturers. . I knew I did NOT want a 5er. . so the list of decent TT that Harvey and others provided was a short one... Ended up with a Jayco 298RES and bought from a very well respected family owned dealership.
We have had this camper for 18-24 months now... . gets drug all over the place atleast once a month and has yet to have one single issue. Its been to the coast at 80 MPH, 100 degree heat, freezing cold. . etc. . Others in our group paid less for more "flashy trim". . but have had absolute horror stories about quality of both the manufacturers and dealers. .
I gotta agtee with GCroyle though... doesnt matter waht you get, just use it!!.

I remember when we exhanged posts about it. You came here with an open mind and asked for opinions. You read and compared the opinions you received with your own prior knowledge and went and looked at Jaycos as some of us suggested. Now you're a satisfied owner. Jaycos are like the Amish who created the company and still build the trailers today. Not the most expensive and certainly not the most fancy. Solid quality but simple. The Amish don't waste money on silly frills.

Many come here seeking reinforcement of a bad decision already made. We all offer suggestions but the OP follows through with his original bad plan. We can't help those types.

 

[Wingate]

I remember when we exhanged posts about it. You came here with an open mind and asked for opinions. You read and compared the opinions you received with your own prior knowledge and went and looked at Jaycos as some of us suggested. Now you're a satisfied owner. Jaycos are like the Amish who created the company and still build the trailers today. Not the most expensive and certainly not the most fancy. Solid quality but simple. The Amish don't waste money on silly frills.

Many come here seeking reinforcement of a bad decision already made. We all offer suggestions but the OP follows through with his original bad plan. We can't help those types.

Amish? Is that why I have a electric fireplace in my Jayco?? hahahaha... Seriously though, that dang thing puts out some serious heat!.
BigNasty... I was thinking the same thing... my 298RES living area measures just slightly under 30ft. long... bumper to hitch pin measures 33 and change...
Do the 5ers measure just the box or to the pin? Maybe this varies between manufacturers???

 

[mwilson]

Ill have to be the one that likes the idea of a TT why? because I put all the stuff that I dont want banging the I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER out of the trailer in my Rhino lined truck bed and forget about it.



FIREWOOD IN-SIDE YOUR TRAILER REALLY ?????



Gen set,tools,gas for gen set, lawn chairs,axe and hatchet,easy-up,ice cooler, BBQ and propane bottle, fishing tackle,bicycles on top of camper-shell and or paddles and canoe added, extra fuel tank hid from prying eyes and a bunch of other stuff that wont or cant go into or on top of a 5th wheel trailer



And if your TT isn't pulling right then more than likely YOUR THE PROBLEM. JMO



If your the kind that wants to sit at a concrete campground and watch the day DRAG BY then get a 5th wheel so big you cant take it any place except the concrete campground ,that way you wouldnt have far to walk( 10ft away) so you can tell your next door fellow concrete campground,good sam, camper-world buddy how great a time your having watching the grass grow.



PS we pulled a 29ft TT all over HELL'S HALF ACRE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS.



BIG

Put the firewood on the kitchen floor for weight distribution. We did put protection around it, I didn't let it beat around loose.

I kid you not, that trailer pulled like crap. It would take the 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban that we had and just throw it. Even had double sway eliminators on it. I tried everything and finally decided that it was the floor plan. Front kitchen, mid living room, bathroom, queen bed and three bunks in the rear. Weight and wheelbase were all wrong. 33' feet long. I hope that it is set up as a seasonal somewhere and it did not kill someone.



Also was towing it across one of the worst roads in the state, wife would not follow the trailer, she would run out front because it scared her to watch it under tow.



I vowed that it would be the last TT that I ever owned and so far I have stuck to it. I can take my current unit across the same roads loaded far heavier and hardly know it is behind me. If the rear of the fiver moves over a foot it does not try to set me and the truck over a foot in the opposite direction.



No going back for us.



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Amish? Is that why I have a electric fireplace in my Jayco?? hahahaha...

Oh, that was a good one!!!!!



Mike.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Mr Wingate

Your guess is as good as mine as to how they measure them . I know that when we were looking at RV's we looked until they all looked the same. We looked at 5ers and TT's Finaly I told the wife JUST PICK THE ONE YOU WANT and I will get it into a spot somehow. We stopped on our way home at a place in Riverside Ca and they only had 5th wheels then a salesman said No wait a min. He took us out to the one we had that is now my sons. It has a 16ft slide and a TON OF STORAGE for the wife its the one in the picture. She loved it that was the one we have had a bunch of people in it and it never seemed to small. We spend allot of our time outside when camping so its a place to hang your hat and shower and sleep. That trailer has been to N Ca COUNTLESS TIMES, MT COUNTLESS TIMES,Co several,Utah,Wa,Or,AZ,eastern Sierras SO MANY TIMES WE CANT COUNT THEM. We used it close to home on long weekends every month. I have changed the tires and rims on it when Harvey Barlow told me about the china junk tires having a problem.

PS I did put those dexter equalizer rubber spring deals on the axles AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT MADE IN RIDE.

As Gary said if you buy it use it.