rayrbrooks
Altus, OK
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Joined: 10/21/2003
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Having decided to purchase a 5th wheel after ten years of pulling a travel trailer, I need some guidance about what will be different. I know that the hitch location will be different, but how will that affect turns and backing. How will side winds affect the rig? I would appreciate answeres to these and any other questions that you think I would like an answer for.
2010 F250 6.4l Diesel
2012 Keystone Alpine 3600
Ray, Kay, and Tessa & Reba. Tessa is a 5 year old American Cocker. She thinks that she is the co-driver. Reba is an 9mo old Australian Shepard that is learning about traveling.
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Busdriver
Shepherdsville Ky 40165
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Joined: 03/06/2004
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more stable when towing when you back responds slower-no fishtail
Busdriver 2005 F350 Power Stroke - Sunnybrook
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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When turning corners the 5er cuts farther inside of the path the truck takes meaning that you have to be more careful about what's there that you might run into. For me, the TT is easier to back up. Never did learn to back the 5er. The 5er is easier to hitch up but I still prefer the TT. We had two 5ers before going back to the TT so I do have experience with both. All that said, to each his own.
RRUGG
2009 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 1500 4x4 5.3L
2011 Kodiak 281RLGS travel trailer
2011 Egg Camper
2010 Chrysler Town & Country
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Bob & Grace professional retirees
Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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Roger10378
Goodrich, MI.
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Joined: 05/29/2008
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Side winds have very little affect on a 5er. You will love it on the hiway.
The 5er will turn inside the TV when going forward. This is particularly obvious when making a right turn from the curb lane. You need to stay left as far as possible in the lane and wait until you are farther into the intersection before you make the turn. I learned this the hard way when I went through the ditch getting mine into my driveway the first time.
When backing you will find that it takes a lot longer for the 5er to respond to changes. The best way to get used to it is take it to an empty parking lot and practice.
It takes some practice but you will love it once you get used to it.
2005 Cardinal 30TS
2007 Chevy 2500HD D/A
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RECVEH2005
Camano Island, WA, USA
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Joined: 11/10/2004
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I've had both conventional TT and fiver, and on balance the fivers are MUCH easier to pull.
Mike
Mike & Donna Scheer
Camano Island, WA
2006 GMC 2500HD D/A(LBZ), 4wd, Ext Cab, SB
2004 Okanagan 29-5Y, 1 slide
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portablevcb
Tijeras, NM
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Joined: 05/04/2006
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Towed many, many different bumper pull. As above said, towing is a dream compared to a bumper pull. No sway at all, unless in 50mph gusty winds and then barely noticeable. No danger of uncontrollable sway. No chains, WD or sway bars to mess with.
Backing is different. Takes a while to get used to it. Once you get used to the difference you'll find you can get into tighter places.
I won't ever have a TT, just because of the towing stability.
The only downside is having enough cargo capacity for the pin weight. You need a heavier duty truck for the same weight trailer.
Another difference for some is climbing a couple of steps to get into the front section.
2009 Dodge 2500 Double Cab Cummins
2003 Skyline Nomad 24ft Fiver
Me and Wife
Maggie the Old English Sheepdog
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Suzanne and Brad
Oregon
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We pulled a TT for about 10 years as well, now have a FW for about 1 year. Big difference I notice is when backing into a site - DH is at the wheel, me in back guiding - it takes about 10' of space before the FW responds to a turn in the steering wheel. Still taking us some time to get used to it.
Will say that when we pull it, we don't "feel" it the way we did a TT. Hard feeling to explain, but you'll know when you're driving one.
Congrats on your new rig~
Happy Travels!
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phillyg
Front Royal, VA
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Joined: 04/24/2002
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Overall FW is hands-down an easier tow on the road. But, if you find yourself in a very tight space where you can't get the TV wheels turned stop to stop, a similar length TT can actually be quicker to turn because the pivot point is at the bumper rather than the TV axle. That's the situation in my driveway where I have to turn my FW around (can't back down 300' driveway and retaining wall one one side at the parking area and drop-off on the other side). So, just try to stay away from a predicament like mine LOL.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
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LynnandCarol
Pensacola, FL
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Joined: 09/19/2006
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This will all wind down to overall preference (just like your beer, coffee, fave pie, etc.). There are +/- to both. We prefer the TT and the available bed storage that is lost with the fiver. When you have a high side wind both will be pulling off the road. I think the fiver is more stable for the interstate draft/big semi pull when they pass.
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LynnandCarol
Pensacola, FL
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Joined: 09/19/2006
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This will all wind down to overall preference (just like your beer, coffee, fave pie, etc.). There are +/- to both. We prefer the TT and the available bed storage that is lost with the fiver. When you have a high side wind both will be pulling off the road. I think the fiver is more stable for the interstate draft/big semi pull when they pass.
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