Question for Full Timers: Bumper Pull

[NIsaacs]

For those who full-time RV, I wonder if any of you have a bumper-pull travel trailer rather than a fifth-wheel or gooseneck.

If so, what do you have?

If so, why do you prefer the bumper-pull over the fifth wheel/gooseneck?

Thanks!

I am not a full time RV guy so I can't comment on the pro's or con's of living arrangements. However I tow a lot. If I tow light, I prefer the bumper pull. They are lighter, lower profile and require less room to turn. If I tow heavy, I like the gooseneck.

The single biggest issue with a bumper pull is not enough hitch weight, don't skimp here. Also keep in mind, the shorter the draw bar the better. Be real careful when going through dips like fuel station entries, the hitch or rear of the trailer can drag. Go though them at an angle. If you can keep the tow vehicle heavier than the towed vehicle I would not look back. The longer the trailer the better they pull. If your truck is about 9k including hitch weight and trailer about the same or less, your Jayco should not be a problem at all.

Nick

 

[crispyboy]

I am not a full-timer just a weekend - weekly warrior type of camping. If I even considered the thought of full-timing it would be a fifth wheel over a bumper pull just because of the large size and extra storage.
Personally the fifth wheels look too big - rolling condo's per se and not my taste. I also don't like climbing all those steps.

We have a bumper pull trailer but I use the Hensley Arrow hitch. I would highly recommend this type of hitch for any bumper pull because it is rock solid going down the road - winds, trucks and bad roads just don't seem to effect it.

 

[spin05]

i got a 31ft keystone outback with the garage in front for dirtbikes. Model 310TB. Love it and i can put anything else i need in the back of the truck or a extra dirt bike

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I see so many cases where the axles on the fifth wheel trailer had to be reversed, sitting the trailer higher to clear the bed of the truck. The trailer can't be nearly as stable when raised like that.

 

[SnoKing]

I have raise two 5th wheels now and never thought that it compromised the stability! Chris