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Old 12-24-2014, 01:11 PM   #1
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Travel Trailer vs. 5th Wheel

Hello All,

Thanks for allowing me to join this useful information forum. I am ready to start traveling after retiring but I have a basic question. Since I will be traveling alone a big majority of the time, I need help to determine which is easier to manage alone; TT or 5th wheel? I have a 2011 F250 Diesel so I shouldn't have any trouble pulling either so the question remains which will be easier for me to hook, unhook and pull alone. In the past, I've pulled a 33ft Cedar Creek 5th wheel which was pretty easy to hook, unhook and pull but most of the time, I was traveling with my girl friend who helped immensely. Now I am planning longer trips alone and am a little apprehensive about making the wrong purchase choice.

Thanks for any advice you may be able to provide.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:15 PM   #2
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We have owned both. Currently in a 5er and no plans in going back to a TT. Husband pulls out alot by himself and says it is a ton easier. But to each his own. Good luck and welcome.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:17 PM   #3
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Personally I would choose a fifth wheel over a TT. Easier to hook up by your self and you stated longer trips, it will pull much nicer also.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:25 PM   #4
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Thank you TheFordes and Crusadernoob for your feedback.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:27 PM   #5
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The 5th wheel is much easier to deal with alone. You can also get out of a tighter spot easier too. Towing is easier.... I liked the fifth wheel camper so well that when a fifth wheel flat car hauler came available I bought it too. It is so much easier to deal with,......so glad that I did too.......... Have had both....

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Old 12-24-2014, 01:29 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusadernoob View Post
Personally I would choose a fifth wheel over a TT. Easier to hook up by your self and you stated longer trips, it will pull much nicer also.
Ditto
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:32 PM   #7
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I have owned both and much prefer a fifth wheel. Better handling, arguably safer and as youhave stated easy to hook and unhook.
With an F250, you have the ability to pull a much largerfifth wheel than a 33ft Cedar Creek. Don’tlet them tell you that you need a 350/1Ton. A set of air bags on your current truck and properly functioning trailerbrakes are all you need to handle up to 38ft. New model fifth wheels don’t require a slider hitch, even on with ashort bed (6ft) truck.

I have a 2013 Trilogy 3650RL, 39ft, dry weight 15,000 and haul it with a 2011 Silverado 2500 Duramax Diesel, air bags and Curt 20k hitch.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:33 PM   #8
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I'll be the exception I'm sure, but after owning three 5th wheels we purchased our first TT in September.

We wanted the space in truck back for bikes, a Canoe and a Kayak.
There are ways to haul these when towing a 5th wheel, but none are as easy as fork mounts and ladder racks for our toys. We also have a clear bed when we want the truck for other chores.

The loss of basement storage was handled by getting rid of stuff we didn't really need, and adding some storage mods on the TT. Also on the plus side, I don't miss the stairs every time I wanted to use the bathroom.
The hookup takes at most a few more minutes, and after proper hitch setup I notice no difference in towing stability to any of the 5th wheels we owned.

Keep in mind that most who move from a TT to a 5th wheel are also ugrading to a nicer rig overall at the same time.
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:46 PM   #9
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Owned both.
5th wheel all the way!
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Old 12-24-2014, 01:51 PM   #10
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I went from a TT to a 5er.

It's easier to hook up, easier to pull, easier to back in. I improved my fuel economy.

Overall, it's an immensely better situation. I did both
alone, but the 5er is easier overall.
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Old 12-24-2014, 02:18 PM   #11
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Had both. Find fiver faster to hook up. No wdh or anti sway to hookup, but haste is not practiced here. Double check everything. Good luck.
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Old 12-24-2014, 02:22 PM   #12
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I've had both and prefer the 5'er
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Old 12-24-2014, 02:30 PM   #13
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5th wheel for sure ! ! ! get the optional self leveling system and you got it made ! Push the buttons , then hook up water and power good to go.......
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Old 12-24-2014, 02:34 PM   #14
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Am sure the 5er is nice for many reason I prefer TT and like the room in pickup. I have no problem with TT alone. Although DW is with me all the time but I view that no different wether 5er of TT. Can handle alone if necessary with no problem.
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Old 12-24-2014, 03:02 PM   #15
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The OP stated that he will most often be travelling alone, so storage and having the whole box of the truck for storage is not likely to be an issue, and being alone...hitching up to a 5th is much easier, no denying that.
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Old 12-24-2014, 03:07 PM   #16
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I say 5ver. I can handle it all my self when DH is having difficulties. Easier on me then the sway bar thing and I've done both.


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Old 12-24-2014, 03:24 PM   #17
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For a single guy traveling alone a 5er is clearly the best choice. We wanted a 2nd slide for the bunkhouse & needed to keep our weight & price down, so our only option was lightweight TT's. Previously we borrowed my uncle's 5er which he towed with a dually. Even though he is not as strong or mobile as when he was younger, he was able to drop-off & hook-up his 5er at our campground without any issues.


The only negatives with his unit were not being able to stand-up in the bedroom to get dressed & having to walk down steps to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night... Although you lose storage space in the bed of the truck, it's not so useful when you get older & have to climb in & out of the truck bed to get to stuff... In our case we have kids that can go fetch stuff...
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Old 12-25-2014, 12:41 PM   #18
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I have done both, recommend the 5th wheel. Also recommend self level system. It takes about 10 minutes after backing into a camping site to power up, level up, connect sewer and water, and slides out. Like any long trailer, you may need help backing in. But with most campers they are always helpful.
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Old 12-25-2014, 12:55 PM   #19
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Do whatever feels right for you.
I have a 35' TT and very happy with it.
5th wheel floorplans were not appealing to us.
Love the full bedroom slide and full width closet at front.
With a backup camera on the truck...hooking up alone is no problem at all.
So...in the end..choose what's best for you, no good or bad decision here.
Merry Xmas!!
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Old 12-25-2014, 01:14 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBS View Post
Owned both.
5th wheel all the way!
X2!!!



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