Community Forums

Rvtlee · 07-02-2014, 03:10 PM

I am looking for a fifth wheel w/a bunk room for my children. Our current pull behind is 31 ft & has a bunk rm. I am having trouble finding a 5th wheel w/space we need for less than 40 ft. My husband is concerned w/towing/getting in our fav camping spots and doesn't want to go much longer.
I was wondering if, for example, a 30 ft pull behind would be equivalent to a 32-33 ft 5th wheel while towing...considering that some of the RV is over the truck bed. Hope this isn't confusing.

BCooke · 07-02-2014, 06:42 PM

Out 5er is listed as a 32 (~32 behind the pickup bumper) and the living space (with garage, has happijac bunks) is approx 35' (35'10" exterior, nose to tail).

New or used on the trailer? How many children?

Muddypaws · 07-02-2014, 06:47 PM

You'll be fine with a fifth wheel several feet longer than your tag trailer was. They are simply easier to tow and maneuver once you get used to how it reacts.

A 34 foot fiver will be easier to get into a spot than a 30 foot TT, unless the spot is really only 30 feet long.

Roam America · 07-03-2014, 07:33 AM

just watch your weights so your not overloaded. a 5er will overload your tow vehicle GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) long before a tow behind will. there is a sticky in the Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicle section that can help guide you thru this often confusing scenario.

NewB2RV · 07-03-2014, 07:52 AM

We also were looking for a BH. Found a number of TT that we liked, but I didn't want to go the extra length. We found a Crusader 335BHS fit our needs. It is just under 38' total length and are able to pull it with the F250.

BRS50 · 07-03-2014, 01:07 PM

Rvtlee,
On a SB truck you've got about 3'3" from pin to bumper, 4' on the LB. If your 30' TT includes your tongue that 33' FW would be an equivalent tow length. In addition some fivers have some cap that extends forward of the pin and some might actually have the pin out front of the cap extending your tow length. On our new Excel FW there's 20" out in front of the pin so our 34'7" total length tows at 32'11" pin to bumper. On our old 25' Arctic Fox FW the pin was out front by about 12" so we towed at 26' pin to bumper.

Muddypaws · 07-03-2014, 02:32 PM

Most, but not all, manufacturers do not use the actual measured length in the model number. For example, our Montana 2955RL was actually 32' 4". Our friends Komfort TT was also 4 feet longer than the model number would imply. Check the actual measured length from pin to bumper.

I've never spoken to anybody who regretted going to a fifth wheel.