Towing Equipment Questions/Opinions

[HookMeUp]

Looking at getting into the RV world. I had originally thought we would want a TT, but think that maybe a FW would better use of space and ease of towing. What kind of towing equipment would I need, for instance hitch (reese or other brand), brake controller (prodigy or other brand) and which is better and why? I want to make sure that I do everything right, no problems on the road. Also which type of trailer construction is better aluminum frame or wood frame? I would think aluminum, but I could be wrong.



Thanks for your input.

 

[RustyJC]

Not knowing whether or not you want to stay within the manufacturer's ratings (GCWR, GVWR and GAWR), be aware that a 5th wheel transfers as much as 20% or more of its laden weight to the truck as pin weight, whereas a TT transfers 10% to 12% of its laden weight to the truck. Therefore, with the limited GVWR of a 2500, you'll find that you can pull a heavier TT than you can a 5th wheel without exceeding the truck's GVWR.



Now, if you decide you want to pull a 5th wheel, you're in good shape with a long bed truck since that should give you adequate clearance between the front of the 5th wheel and the back of the cab without the use of a sliding hitch. This pretty much leaves the field wide open insofar as hitch selection is concerned. Reese/DrawTite is probably the hitch you'll find most often, but a number of us use the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck with B&W's Companion 5th wheel hitch. This allows us to tow a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer and still have a clean bed when neither hitch is in use.



The Prodigy is the Big Mac of brake controllers. Yes, it sells the most, but that doesn't mean it's the best - just OK, since it's an inertial controller. The Jordan Ultima 2020 (if you can still find one) is a truly proportional controller that applies trailer brakes as a mechanical function of the truck's brake pedal movement. The Brakesmart does the same thing hydraulically, but is more $$$ - it's probably the best controller out there, however.



Having owned both wood-framed and aluminum-framed 5th wheels, both have their strengths and weaknesses. The wood-framed RV is more prone to damage from water leaks, but the aluminum-framed RV is more prone to structural fatigue failures. I've never had a problem with either, but the market is moving toward aluminum framing. Having said that, a number of the top-line 5th wheels are still wood framed.



You might want to hang around some of the RV-oriented forums such as iRV2.com or RV.net to pick up some more input.



Rusty

 

[HookMeUp]

Great information Rusty. I'll take a look around the 2 forums you mentioned.



Thanks!

 

[Buffalo]

As usual, RustyJC's replies ar very worthwhile & informative. He's a great resource.



Regarding the different websites RustyJC mentioned, another to consider is AFNash.com. It is concerned with Northwood Industries products, namely Arctic Fox/ Nash trailers. They have wood framed & some aluminum framed trailers. They seem to be reasonably priced & ruggedly built. I have their Nash, 25-S travel trailer & have been very happy with the quality & comfort. Have dragged it all over the country & into Canada, a number of times. I'd buy the Nash, again.



I'm not trying to talk you into anything, just offering some suggestions that have worked well for my friends & myself.



Joe F. (Buffalo)