DallasSteve
Texas
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I've been researching travel trailers and I'm not sure yet whether I want a fifth wheel or a bumper pull trailer. I've read more than once that a fifth wheel is easier to handle/more stable on the road. I've heard others claim there's not much difference if they are set up correctly. Part of my hesitation on going with a fifth wheel is losing the truck bed, the additional tow capacity needed, the additional height, the additional cost. But they are nice. And I will probably put several thousand miles per year on it so doing that with more tranquility would be nice.
Can some of you who have pulled large trailers (over 35 feet) of both varieties give me your opinion about the difference in feel on the road?
(Moderator, if this would be better under General RV or somewhere else feel free to move it)
Thanks
Steve
2022 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT SLX 8 324BDS
2022 FORD F-250 XL CREW CAB 4X4
All my exes live in Texas, that's why I live in an RV
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azdryheat
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 03/02/2012
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We started with a 36' 5th wheel and now have a 41' 5th wheel toy hauler. We love the towing stability, even in the strongest of crosswinds of the 5th wheel. Wife and I take turns driving.
These things are pretty close to being as tall as an 18 wheeler so you really gotta watch where you're driving. I find 5th wheels are much easier to maneuver and back up than a bumper pull. Keep in mind the largest bumper pull I've towed was the trailer for my 24' boat so I can't comment on a large travel trailer.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE
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2oldman
NM
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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TT or 5er? 2007
5er v TT Oct2014
5er vs TT June 2016
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Fivers are way more stable. A bumper pull van be made stable, but it takes thousands of dollars to achieve. Two main reasons fivers are better....... hitch pin location. Directly over the rear axle vs three or more feet behind the rear axle. Higher hitch pin weight is the second biggie
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DutchmenSport
Indiana
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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You are absolutely correct. Properly set up, BOTH should tow flawless!
My TT DOES tow flawless! Especially with the integrated brake controller in the truck, with my 3500 diesel duly, pulling around 10,000 pounds, it really does tow like its not even there!
Trailers take a bit more to hitch up because of weight distribution bars. But with 5er's you've got to be aware of the space between the bed rails and the bottom of the trailer overhang.
You hit the nail right on the head with the truck bed. That is THE reason we stayed with a trailer and not a 5er, especially since I keep a shell on the truck bed and use the truck for more than just towing a trailer. I use the bed space for hauling too much lumber, plywood, stuff like that.
In the end, it really is a matter of what YOU prefer and what YOU are looking for for your situation and needs.
Remember though, you also hit another nail right on the head ... 5ers have 2 floors, and very tall. That means you have more steps, and constantly moving between the 2 floors. Don't know your age, but my knees can't take stairs any more. If you are aging, or even thinking about aging with this camper, this IS something to think about!
But for all practical purposes, it seems for full timing, Motor Homes with Toads, and 5ers are the most popular choice.
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horton333
Autora (Ontario)
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Joined: 11/08/2006
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DallasSteve wrote:I've been researching travel trailers and I'm not sure yet whether I want a fifth wheel or a bumper pull trailer. I've read more than once that a fifth wheel is easier to handle/more stable on the road. I've heard others claim there's not much difference if they are set up correctly. Part of my hesitation on going with a fifth wheel is losing the truck bed, the additional tow capacity needed, the additional height, the additional cost. But they are nice. And I will probably put several thousand miles per year on it so doing that with more tranquility would be nice.
Can some of you who have pulled large trailers (over 35 feet) of both varieties give me your opinion about the difference in feel on the road?
(Moderator, if this would be better under General RV or somewhere else feel free to move it)
Thanks
Steve
Properly setup either will tow fine, the travel trailer has a significant advantage with stability given it's low center of balance and less side area to get pushed in heavy winds. The fifth wheel is harder to setup 'wrong'.
It more boils down to what do you want out of the trailer far as I can see.
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Ford Explorer or Chrysler 300C to tow with.
Tracer Air 238 to be towed.
Triumph Thunderbird Sport - with the toy-hauler gone it's at home.
Retired very early and loving it.
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DallasSteve
Texas
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Duchmen and Horton
Another poster wrote "A bumper pull can be made stable, but it takes thousands of dollars to achieve". I know I would need a stabilizing hitch, but I was thinking that's around $500. Do you think it takes thousands of dollars to make a bumper pull stable?
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troubledwaters
Potomac
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donn0128 wrote:Fivers are way more stable. A bumper pull van be made stable, but it takes thousands of dollars to achieve. Two main reasons fivers are better....... hitch pin location. Directly over the rear axle vs three or more feet behind the rear axle. Higher hitch pin weight is the second biggie You failed to mention the thousands of dollars you have to spend to get rid of the bucking and chucking on the fifth wheel.
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troubledwaters
Potomac
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DallasSteve wrote:Duchmen and Horton
Another poster wrote "A bumper pull can be made stable, but it takes thousands of dollars to achieve". I know I would need a stabilizing hitch, but I was thinking that's around $500. Do you think it takes thousands of dollars to make a bumper pull stable? It cost me about $450 for my Weight Distribution Hitch Some people pay more, but my feeling is if you have the proper tongue weight, you really won't have problems. More tongue weight is better.
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Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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Joined: 08/23/2005
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DallasSteve wrote:Duchmen and Horton
Another poster wrote "A bumper pull can be made stable, but it takes thousands of dollars to achieve". I know I would need a stabilizing hitch, but I was thinking that's around $500. Do you think it takes thousands of dollars to make a bumper pull stable?
My prior rig was a 39' 11k GVW bumper pull.
It towed just as well as my 39' 5'er when all was said and done.
I towed it with a Ford Excursion using a premium Hensley Arrow $2500.00 hitch.
I do believe to get that 5'er like experience you need a premium high dollar hitch.
That doesn't mean you need a high $$ hitch to get a decent tow. But the high $$ hitches do deliver a better towing experience
19'Duramax w/hips,12'Open Range,Titan Disc Brake
BD3,RV safepower,22" Blackstone
Ox Bedsaver,RV760 w/BC20,Glow Steps, Enduraplas25,Pedego
BakFlip,RVLock,5500 Onan LP,Prog.50A surge,Hughes autoformer
Porta Bote 8.0 Nissan,Sailun S637
Correct Trax,Splendide
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