Long 5th Wheel Experience

[RThompson]

Our unit measures about 29' bumper to back of trailer.

This unit would be comparable to 27' 5er if it didn't have cab over design.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by rkelso98

RMcCulloch how long is you 5er and what are you looking at as far as empty and loaded wgt?

According to the specs, it's 37' 10" long.



According to a CAT scale (or 3) it usually weighs in at 14,050 - 14,075. (GVWR=14,100)



When travelling, total weight is usually around 22,750 depending upon what's in the bed.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by RThompson

... ... ... ... ... . A bigger issue for me is the really cheap (on edit: let me add a couple of more, cheap, cheaps) axles and brakes that almost all of the trailer manufacturers put under their units. A little word of advice here, buy the biggest axles, best tires and wheels that they will put under your trailer, and that might not be enough. No fun seeing tires disintergrate at 60-70 mph and eat up side of your trailer!

You mean, like these?



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[Fireman]

The length of a FW from truck bumper to rear of trailer would generally be 5 1/2 feet (or so) less than the overall length of the FW.

I pull one that is 34. 5 ft. I am very comfortable with it, but it is BIG and it takes some planning sometimes when stopping or parking although it has never been a real problem. I've never been to a camp ground where I couldn't park. Some sites have been so small that I didn't have a decent place to park the truck, but I've always had room for the trailer.

Someone mentioned resale of larger trailers, when trying to sell larger trailers tow vehicles can really become an issue. I've been trying to sell mine lately, alot of people would like to have it but don't have enough truck to pull it. Most 37-40 FWs would require a 3500 DRW, and that could be considered to be marginal.

There are alot of 33-35' FWs out ther that are quiet roomy and livable.

FWIW,
Fireman

 

[SMorneau]

Originally posted by Big MAK

I had a 36' "posted" (38. 5' actual) 5th wheel dbl slide that I pulled all over the country for 7 years. No problems. But you have to be pretty confident (and capable) at getting into and out-of tight places by doing jack-knifing tricks, etc. I didn't really mind; but I just bought a 28' (30' actual) so read what you want into that Less worries and better mileage. Also consider that the medium size units are a LOT EASIER to resell. Big units are extremely tough to resell IMO. A medium sized unit (30ish) with triple slides is a really good option.

From what I have seen the roads are a lot narrower out PA way than they are in Nebraska or most western states. I wouldn't want to pilot a 35ft trailer around Philly where my parents live. Here in the Midwest most of the nicest places to stay are State and Federal parks and most are pretty limited on big rigs. I get a nervous twitch everytime I think I may have to back up my enclosed snowmobile trailer because of a lack of space or dead end. Incidently, my trailer is legal width in MN but I think it is too wide for PA. Is this an issue with the fivers?