Travel Trail vs 5th Wheel

[ENE]

I'm trying to decide whether to buy a travel trailer or a 5th wheels.
With the floor plan being apples for apples, I can't see why I would pay all that extra money for a 5th wheel. All I hear is that a 5th wheel is easier to pull.
A 5th wheel weighs more than a TT, they use up half your space in the tow truck bed, they are taller.
Someone please convince why I should spend the extra money on a 5th wheel?

[darhike]

I only used One hand on the steering wheel from Indy to Salt Lake City didn't worry about semi trucks passing me with the fifth wheel. No sway, travel faster felt safer therefore went longer distances. On I-80. Did slowdown for headwinds don't think I'll ever go back to a travel trailer again .

[darhike]

Easy hook up. No have the trailer hitch to install along with sway bars to worry about. I did have a 2500 truck didn't feels the 150s would pull it

[darhike]

Miss truck bed storage but finding under bed storage and exterior camper access storage working out fine. But it is tall so far no problem.

[Ford Idaho]

Some people with mobility issues enjoy the one level of a TT over the fifth wheels two levels.

We went FW because the boss can hook it up and drive in the event something happens to me.

[Rugged Brown]

Don't spend the extra money for all the reasons you mentioned. I had both. Just recently returned to a TT after 5 years with a fiver.

[Crusadernoob]

So if you compare floor plan to floor plan I can tell you I would not want to pull a 35' TT, but a 35' 5er is nothing. Enough said.

[another_newfie]

I've had both and I'll not own another TT. Easy of hook up, towing is much more effortless. We also winter camp and having the hitch point and gear inside the truck bed is a huge advantage for us as well.

[davel1971]

5th wheel gets my vote. Hooking and unhooking takes 1/3 the time. Towing is night a day difference. MUCH more storage in the 5th wheel due to higher ceilings. MUCH MUCH more storage in basement.

[Grisham91402]

I have one of those long bumper pull tt(32+ feet) and have no issues pulling it at any speed I want. A properly setup WDH allows that. I really want to keep my covered bed of my truck for other things during travel. Im sure the 5er is wonderful. Just not enough for me to go that route.

[340_Formula_S]

I've owned both. The 5r is easier to hook up and the ride in the TV is better. However, if the bed space in your truck is important and you are fine with the floor plan, buy the TT. Both will get you out for the joys and adventures of camping. It's all about the best floor plan to fit your needs not how it hooks to the truck. If you love your floor plan, you can live with everything else.


Elko, Va.
2012 Ram 3500 DRW Cummins High Output
Cedar Creek 36B2

[dj3spots]

I've had both. Will not go back to TT. 5ver easier to deal with - no swaying from semis, easier to hook up, no hitch/sway bars to remove from truck and store, more basement storage and easier to maneuver/back up. But, Be aware, 5vers require 50 amp service and TT only 30 amp, at least that's what I believe. Many campgrounds only have 30 amp service or have many more sites with 30 amp service than 50 amp. While you can park a 5ver in a 30 amp site you will not be able to use all your appliances at the same time.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Big Rig]

I've had both don't feel much different towing. It is all about having enough to truck to pull it. Hooking up a travel trailer isn't much harder in fact with most new trucks with rear view cameras it can be easier. I have a 8' bed crew cab and you cant see the fifth wheel hitch which makes it a little harder. Just choose what you like the best. Not all fifth wheels are 50 amp, mine is 30 amp. I think most models are 30 amp until you add the second AC.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[dave-g]

A 30 ' TT will not tow as nice as a 30' fifth wheel Period. Most TT need a weight distribution hitch and anti sway- neither is needed on a 5er. Most 5th wheels have more storage space and higher ceilings.
But for both tow vehicle size is VERY important for proper towing. But imo a fifth wheel will always tow better than a TT. Even if set up well.

In the 15-22' range I have towed thousands of miles with a jeep and a mini van. But my 35' 5th wheel in a f250 tows nicer.

[spock123]

I have had both and a fifth wheel tows much better to me. When I traded in my tt I kept the WDH, I would like to one day buy a 25ft tt because my Cedar Creek is over 13ft tall and I like to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get in more camping spots with a small tt. I just like a fifth wheel better, there is good points on both sides. Just get what fits you and what you enjoy. If I could do it all over I would have kept the first tt I brought


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[tomrob1161]

We have only had TT's since 1970. No problem towing if hooked up properly. I have towed 5'ers to shows, etc. They are eaiser to hook up and tow better becase the trailer is hooked up over the rear axle. a 5'er does cut corners, again, because of where the hitch is mounted, whereas a TT pretty much follows the TV. When backing you have to keep the TV in line with the 5'er, otherwise it's harder to move to the right or left. The 5'er give the advantage of length. A 35' 5'er is 35' long inside, a 35' TT is approx. 31' inside because of the "A" frame out front. A 5'er does have a lot more storage. We pull our Rockwood, Signature Ultralight, 8315BSS (34'9") with a Yukon, XL, 2500. This TV gives us extra seating, plus more adaptability when not RV'ing.

[dcheatwood]

Personal preferences. Smart of you to ask that question here. Lots of knowledgeable folks here. I've had both. On my second fiver but would have gone back to TT if I found one I wanted under 32'. The best benefits for me are the shorter total length and massive storage under my fiver.

[SuicideSaints]

I think it all depends on usages and needs. I love the bunkhouse TTs, I have a three year old and another one in the oven. I like having the bunks (everyone has their own bed) and I like having my truck bed open for toys and hunting stuff. After the kids are grown we plan to get a 5th wheel for the wife and I. I have pulled both. 5th wheel was a lot nicer but we went with the TT due to the reasons above. Since Im young I dont mind spending extra time hitching and unhitching and loading the truck.

[clr]

As others have stated the towing of a fifth wheel is so much better that a TT there is hardly any comparison. The ease of hooking and unhooking a 5th wheel is also so much easier. One last thought a TT WDH can be dangerous to unhook I already had to take one of TT friends to the hospital emergence room.

[Herk7769]

Had both; buying a motorhome