Buying a 5th Wheel ???

[F-15I Ra'am]

My son needs to buy a 5th wheel for his new job. Either new or used, not sure yet. Tow truck will be my old 01' 2500 QuadCab 4x4 shortbed "bombed" {Comp,DDII's,DTT transmission,etc. }. Truck has a B&W turnoverball hitch, looking at either getting a B&W "Companion" hitch or converting the 5th wheel to gooseneck. So we need your advice on trailers and hitches PLEASE! Thanks! Oh one other thing I noticed on the trailers we looked at was even the ones that had their axles flipped to make them sit higher, seemed like they'd barely clear the bed rails?

 

[KSears]

I have the B&W setup , tow a good size fifth wheel, works very well, Gooseneck adapters can cause a lot of stress on the trailer, and depending if new or not could void your warranty, I like the fact you can have the complete bed (no Rails ) when not in use.

 

[RJOL]

Take a look at the HitchHiker II LS fifth wheels. I just traded my 1996 Alpenlite in on a new 2006 HitchHiker 29. 5 FKTG. Here is the floorplan:



http://www.nuwa.com/cgi-bin/dbsql-2...ach_year=2006&mh=1&uid=default&template=coach



Here is what I liked about NuWa Hitchhikers. They are built very well. You can add all the options you can afford. They have an adjustable spring shackle option that will eliminate the need to do a spring over or lower the back of your 4X4. I have my trailer set to the middle spring position and it tows level with the truck with just over 5" clearance over the bed rails. The main slideouts are hydraulic and function very smoothly. This particular floor plan has a separate bathroom area (I don't know why most RV manufacturers seem to think that buyers want the bathroom sink and shower as part of the bedroom).



I had it out on two trips since new and have not found anything of any significance that I don't like about this unit...

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

Do you know what price range your son is looking at? I have a Gulf Stream Sea Hawk (now called Prarie Schooner) that I am very happy with. I think Gulf Stream makes a very good quality product at a price that is very competitive.



I'm assuming the pulling truck is a long bed. If not, you will need to look into a slider hitch.



I have three friends (plus me) who all tow with 4x4 Rams. None of us have had to make adjustments to the trailer to pull it. There are a lot of manufacturers that make trailers that are easily pulled with a truck that sits as high as the Ram.

 

[SHobbs]

The sky is the limit on 5er's. Figure what price range you want, what size is needed and start looking. Choose a floor plan that works for you and one that you are happy with. If he will be staying in one location for a long time try and get three slides. I have been in coaches with one or two slides which is great for short getaways and IMHO three slides are better for extended stays. If the job requires him to relocate from job site to job site then I would look into a lighter compact single or double slide 5er that would be easier to move around and easy on the fuel. At the least get a bedroom slide I would not be without one.



One thing I did when I got my 5er was to say no to all the fu fu items that just increase the cost. Most items you can add on later yourself and pay cash and be done with it and not have them financed in. For example, things like slide out covers or a second a/c. I would also recommend 50amp service over 30amp. I had 30amp service in previous 5er and could not run a/c and micro at same time unless micro was at half power. Check the "R" values too, some are not insulated very well.

 

[zues]

I would look at the "R" factor. I have Gulfstream Yellowstone Capri with the polar package. I camp at the lake in 100 degree temps and my A/C cycles on and off during the day. A buddy who has a newer trailer and a foot shorter camping next to us. His A/C nevers cycles on or off all day. I have never camped in cold weather with it yet, but the better the "R" factor the better.

 

[CPittman]

Check out your local dealers, or a dealer in the area where he'll be most of the time and buy a new used 5er from a dealer that offers a warranty. You already have the B&W, so I would get the Companion hitch from B&W as you stated rather than convert the 5er to a gooseneck. Check my "Readers Rigs" gallery - I converted my camper from the 5th wheel plate to a gooseneck hitch, but we welded the beejezus out of it AND added a stout piece of "kicker" tubing. My camper is about 24 to 26 feet so it's not too big - I wouldn't consider converting to the gooseneck only on a larger RV. I like the gooseneck because it's easier to hitch up out in the boonies - I'm never on a concrete pad of any kind. My axles are flipped also.



The 5th wheel hitch is probably a little more stable out on the road than my set-up is. As far as running with a short bed - no problem, just keep in mind that you can smack the side of the cab if you don't pay attention. But, if you're pulling a big RV you'd better be pretty alert anyway - expect the unexpected (is that possible?).



OBTW - to keep it cool... I cut some of that rigid 1" foam insulation board in the exact shape of the windows and used some little "d" shaped cord minders screwed into the outside of the camper (4 per window) and use bungie cords to hold the foam boards on the outside of the windows when its really hot - looks kinda redneck (remember, my camper isn't in an RV park) but when it's hot out here in Texas the inside of my Wanderer is like an ice box.

 

[starkmr]

I have been using a gooseneck conversion on my B&W turnover ball for about 2 years now, no problems at this point. That being said, here are the cons I have noticed. It is a PITA having to crawl up in the bed to unlatch the goosneck. As well, it is much easier to position your truck to hook up the 5ver than it is the gooseneck, especially if you are by yourself.



Myself, I plan on purchasing the companion 5ver in the near future so I can have the best of both worlds.



JMHO





Mike

 

[Weatherly]

Might consider getting a used toy hauler that has a garage in back. I live in one full time and it great place to store tools, motorcycle and/or four wheeler