Opinions on travel trailer types

[TStinson]

Having thoughts of getting into a travel trailer, probably something around 30'. Travel would generally be on paved roads anywhere in the USA.

Any opinions/suggestions either way on 5th wheel, gooseneck or bumper-pull including particular models would be appreciated.

See profile for current truck & mods. Note - bed cover is easily removed.

 

[C Schomer]

My Sunnybrook 5er is nice towing and holding up great! I'd like to have about a 30-32'er, but for now my 25' is doing fine for long vacations. Check out www.rv.net. They both have pros and cons. 5ers have more outside storage and tow better than TTs (bumper pull) unless you get a very expensive hitch for a TT. 5ers can be problems with tall 4wd trucks. Craig

 

[Jim Smith]

Originally posted by TStinson

Having thoughts of getting into a travel trailer, probably something around 30'. Travel would generally be on paved roads anywhere in the USA.

Any opinions/suggestions either way on 5th wheel, gooseneck or bumper-pull including particular models would be appreciated.

See profile for current truck & mods. Note - bed cover is easily removed.

Get a 5th wheel with slideouts, easy to tow ,turn ,back up etc. . 3-ft with slides will feel like 35' Get a nice brand name, don't buy cheap, you get what you pay for. Ask about all the options available, even if you're not sure ask anyway. Some sales people don't always know about their products, read the material. Jim

 

[EricBu12]

If getting a TT, Get a Hensley Hitch



http://www.hensleymfg.com/



This makes a TT feel like a 5th wheel.



If a 5th wheel, anything over 29' and at least 1 or 2 slideouts. This gives you alot more elbow room. Look for Tire load capacity and cheap construction like staples in the framing of the walls!!

Anyway. Don't settle, Look at alot of units.

 

[EricBu12]

Heres a pic of the Hensley hitch

 

[TowPro]

Just keep in mind a 30' travel trailer is 26' living space, and 4' hitch.



A 30' 5th wheel is 30' living space.



Plus the 5th wheel hangs over the truck bed some, so your overall lenth of your truck with a 30' 5th wheel will be around 4' shorter then your truck towing a 30' travel trailer.

 

[Underdog]

What you're asking is almost impossible to answer in a

limited space such as a forum.

First, you need to find out the differences between a travel

trailer (bumper), a fifth wheel (bed ) and a gooseneck (ball

in bed ). Next,what are you going to use for a tow vehicle?

How much storage space do you need?

Is height going to be a problem?

Will you be hauling "toys" with you?motorcycles,boat,etc. ,etc.

My suggestion would be to look at a lot of different types

and brands of rvs. Don't rush into anything. Be careful buying

used rvs. Why are they selling it?

I've already run out of space and I haven't said anything.

 

[kaptn]

I just bought a used Airstream 3 weeks ago from the advice I recieved on this site. I looked at used 5th wheels in the $ 20,000 range and most had water damage from the slideouts. Maybe there is a brand that dosent leak but I didnt find it. I went camping this week-end to try it out and man is it nice (top of the line). It is a 1989 29' and slept 4 comfortably. Newer units I looked at were stapled everywhere and with cheap staples on the fivers. I had a hard time finding a used Airstream. I towed it 700 miles and up small mountains with ease. I parked it easily also,but I hear the fivers park super easily. Good Luck

 

[swampfox]

Go for QUALITY. Nothing worse than having problems on the road when you're on vacation. I looked for about 18 months, bought a one year old 30 foot Sunnybrook. Its' like new and I'm very happy with it. I found that a lot of TT and 5th wheels over 4 or 5 years old on the RV lots had problems or were well used so I limited my search to units 3 years old or newer. I bought the Sunnybrook in August and saved a bundle. The dealer didn't want to store it over the Winter. Most important... . buy a unit you really LIKE. Rember you have to live in it. Don't worry too much about the difference between 5th. wheel and TT. The new hitches and a Dodge Cummins will handle most reasoable lengths. Also a Hensly hitch costs about $ 2500 which is less than the difference between a 30 ft TT and a 30 ft 5th wheel. Check out also the open roads forum http://www.rv.net/forum/ Good Luck.

 

[R-N-R]

I'll second EricBu12's recommendation. I went with the TT and Hensley combo. Keeps my truck bed available for a topper.

 

[CFAR]

Hensley Arrow Hitch



See details Hensley Arrow Hitch



We do not currently sell the hitch over our online store. We have found that we get better results on a good fit with personal contact.



Please feel free to contact us on our toll-free number



800-410-6580



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our price: $ 2,845. 00





http://www.hensleymfg.com/xcart/customer/home.php?cat=3&XCARTSESSID=9a25af9db6335de4f2e2697548b8db40

 

[Paul Primeaux]

Several members have mentioned Sunnybrook. I see your location is listed as Vidor, Tx. In Texas, Sunnybrook is MOBILESCOUT. I have a Moblescout travel trailer and a Hensley Arrow towing system. I installed the Hensley on a 1996 Mobile scout in April 1998. I now have the same Hensley on a 2002

Mobilescout. Would not tow a Travel trailer without my Hensley . Both companies Sunnybrook and Hensley are outstanding companies. I have towed appproximately 50,000 miles with the Hensley including over 11,000 miles to Alaska last summer. Not a bit of a problem with trailer or Hensley. If you need more info please send E-mail

 

[Mad Bomber]

Get a 5ver

If I were you get a 29' 5ver or bigger,that have at least 2 slides. One brand you might want to look at is Click here: Northwood Manufacturing Home Page The artic fox is a well made unit. Eric

 

[Josparkz]

I bought a clean , two-owner Airstream about 22 years ago . I am now on my fourth tow vehicle for it . At 39 years old it is still road worthy and structurally sound. I have towed it all kinds of places , both on and off pavement , spent many summers , and many winters in it . I really don't think that any other trailers are put together quite as well. I hope my Cummins turbo diesel lasts me as long

 

[CFAR]

http://www.nashtraveltrailers.com/





Northwood home page.