Community Forums

dcarver · 07-03-2016, 07:12 PM

How much difference towing will there be between the two lengths? Our TT now is 9500lbs and 37ft bumper to bumper. 5th wheel we're looking at is 13k and 42ft. I feel like I'll gain a little back with the nose being over the bed of the truck but will I notice that extra 5ft?

TXiceman · 07-03-2016, 09:23 PM

I doubt if a 42' 5er weighs as little as 13,000#. We are 40' and a bit over 19000# when loaded.

Go by the trailer GVWR and not the brochure dry weight.

Ken

wingnut60 · 07-03-2016, 09:25 PM

Don't think the 5' is a problem, but the 4k additional weight will be noticeable.

dcarver · 07-03-2016, 11:11 PM

The trailer is a 368 model number but it does list as overall length of 42ft. Gvwr is listed at 14,200. Our loaded "stuff" is just under 1400lbs so puts us at 12,400 loaded up. Not worried about the weight. Really just the maneuverability of that long of a 5th wheel seeing as I've only pulled my dad's 36ft 5th wheel 100 miles.

wingnut60 · 07-04-2016, 12:36 AM

Did not mean the weight was a problem, just that you will notice you have more to pull.
With about 5' over the truck with the fiver, the overall length should be close to the same.
The fiver will track inside of the truck, so watch closely for curbs and signposts mostly on right turns. Also, the height can cause a problem if you aren't used to watching above for 12-13' clearances, tree branches particularly.
Joe

Traildust · 07-04-2016, 01:42 AM

Just curious, what size truck are you planning on pulling a 42 foot 5ver with?
Bill

dcarver · 07-04-2016, 08:28 AM

06 dodge 3500 srw Cummins. My parents have a good friend with the same sized trailer that I'm going to test tow with and see how it feels. Like I said, not worried bout the weight, I've got all the "wet" numbers down and the only thing I'm close on is the payload and GCWR but still have about 200lbs left over. I've got air bags, 3700lb/ea rated tires, and all the gauges I need to monitor temps. My only concern has been the length. Only I wish I had was a long bed. Maybe a dually after the test pull, but we'll see.

glennwest · 07-04-2016, 09:11 AM

What brand of 5th wheel? I don't know of any light 42'ers

Gordon Dewald · 07-04-2016, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarver

How much difference towing will there be between the two lengths? Our TT now is 9500lbs and 37ft bumper to bumper. 5th wheel we're looking at is 13k and 42ft. I feel like I'll gain a little back with the nose being over the bed of the truck but will I notice that extra 5ft?

Likely you will not notice much difference when maneuvering. The effective length is probably similar.

You will get more livable space and more storage.

Now the best thing about the 5er is this is your chance to get a bigger truck.

dcarver · 07-04-2016, 12:42 PM

I keep telling my wife, if I find a 2012 dually megacab I'm buying it lol

rskeans · 07-04-2016, 01:56 PM

Mega cabs are short beds.

dcarver · 07-04-2016, 05:27 PM

I realize. Just like the look of a megacab dually.

Gordon Dewald · 07-05-2016, 09:37 AM

The fellow who purchased our 5er has a short box. His travelling hitch was not working so it was a devil of a time to get the 5er out from where I had parked it. Almost got the 450 out to move it to where he could deal with it. He persevered and changing trucks for a short move was not required.

Elatta1954 · 07-05-2016, 09:52 AM

As a personal preference I would far rather pull a fiver than a TT any day. Handling (in my opinion) going down the highway as well as backing is far better.
As for weight, well most here might say I'm mismatched, but I haven't had any issues and I'm well under weight capacities.