Feedback on towing TT vs 5er... 28-30 foot range

[tennisman77]

Anyone moved from towing a 28-foot TT to a 28-30 foot 5er and can share overall towing/maneuvering experience?

Looking to be more agile than I am now when towing the TT... gas stations, getting in/out of parking lots and campsites... anyone?

Thanks!

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by tennisman77

Anyone moved from towing a 28-foot TT to a 28-30 foot 5er and can share overall towing/maneuvering experience?

Looking to be more agile than I am now when towing the TT... gas stations, getting in/out of parking lots and campsites... anyone?

Thanks!

I recently asked a question that generated some answers that may be applicable to you:

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/why-...el-506608.html

[MtCamper]

Your OAL will be shorter with the 5er. Your height will be higher, remember to look up. Your towing stability will be better. I find backing is easier with the 5er but really doesn't make much difference as to where I can park. I think hooking up is easier with the 5er. Camping is just as fun with either one.

[Tooth Doc]

Went from35' tt to 35' 5er. 5er towed easier probably because changed from Suburban to 2500 Ram for tow vehicle. Never had a problem with length in finding a place to stay.

[CecilD]

I'm close; I went from a 25' trailer (OAL) to a 31' fifth wheel. My overall towing lengths are about the same. On the highway the 5er wins hands down, much more stable. My hitch was dialed in on the travel trailer so I had really no complaints there. Around town the TT tracked my truck better and I didn't need to be so cognizant of cutting inside corners. I was a lot better at backing the TT as I could make line corrections due to faster reaction times. Hitch/unhitch times are about the same. The extra weight of the 5er is evident when towing. Chucking mitigation is something you don't have to deal with towing a TT nor bedrail clearance issues. I put in an auxiliary tank so I don't have to fill up with the trailer in tow. I probably wouldn't have done that if I stayed with the TT. The difference is when I arrive - so much more space and comfort. We're thinking it is worth it as we have no plans to return to a TT.

[Edd505]

A 5W will have a shorter over all length than a bumper pull and will be much more stable in winds. Answer this and you will know the answer. Have you ever seen a bumper pull semi? There is your answer.

[Varago]

We had a GD 2500RL TT and moved to a GD 230RL 5th and will never go back. The stability on a freeway alone was worth the change. We drive at 60mph, even when the BIG semi's zoom past the 5th is very stable, you dont get the push/pull you get with a TT. Its night and day.

The only down side for me was backing, I spent about 55 years backing trailers (bumper pull) and its in my blood. With the TT my reactions were automatic, never had to stop and think about it. Two years now with a 5th wheel, getting better but still have to stop and think about it

2500RL length = 29' 9"
230RL length = 28' 1"
240RL length = 29' 11" 5th we now own

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by Varago

We had a GD 2500RL TT and moved to a GD 230RL 5th and will never go back. The stability on a freeway alone was worth the change. We drive at 60mph, even when the BIG semi's zoom past the 5th is very stable, you dont get the push/pull you get with a TT. Its night and day.

The only down side for me was backing, I spent about 55 years backing trailers (bumper pull) and its in my blood. With the TT my reactions were automatic, never had to stop and think about it. Two years now with a 5th wheel, getting better but still have to stop and think about it

2500RL length = 29' 9"
230RL length = 28' 1"
240RL length = 29' 11" 5th we now own

I have really been salivating over the 240RL. (To a lesser extent the 230RL). It's the 5er that has my wife and I wanting to make the switch from our (much smaller) TT.

You've had 3 GDs ... they must be doing something right.

[ardvark16]

I love the size and benefits of the 5er but worry about losing the bed of the pickup for storage. Does that bother you at all? I like the idea that
I can put things in the bed and not worry as much about them smashing the inside of the trailer. I have a 2500 and really like the GD 268BH. I also think it’s funny that they label them as 1/2 ton towable. 1300 dry hitch weight. Prob not great for 1/2 ton.

[NevadaNick]

You will likely have to make a wider swing with the fifth wheel to clear on the inside of a corner as the y do not track behind the truck like a bumper pull.

[Cumminsfan]

I went from a 31' TT to a 28' 5er and back to a 31' TT. I will say the 5er handles far better, is easier to hitch up and offers much more exterior storage.
As far as truck bed usage goes, if you have a long bed you still have 3.5'+ from the cab to the 5th hitch. Plenty of room for stuff.
Reason I went back to a TT was more bang for the buck. Do I miss the 5th wheel? Yes. But not enough to spend way more for what I got.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by ardvark16

I love the size and benefits of the 5er but worry about losing the bed of the pickup for storage. Does that bother you at all? I like the idea that
I can put things in the bed and not worry as much about them smashing the inside of the trailer. I have a 2500 and really like the GD 268BH. I also think it’s funny that they label them as 1/2 ton towable. 1300 dry hitch weight. Prob not great for 1/2 ton.

Some 1/2 tons are rated for that weight but as soon as you add supplies & people your over weight.

As for bed space lost the 5W will have more basement storage than a TT. I have a tool box & 80 gal fuel transfer tank, and still have about 3ft of bed space after the hitch. I have had coolers, wood, & a generator in the bed. We 3/4 time and I have empty cabinets & more room in the basement even with compressor, pressure washer, 4 chairs, grill, rugs and the stuff we all carry, down there.