Why a 5th wheel?

[Jack Klompus]

For context, my better half and I are in the very preliminary discussions on whether, when, and how to upgrade from our current little TT. This is not imminent, but we have started gathering background. It may be years before we make the move.

One thing we do know is that we seem to favor simple RL plans with minimal (1) slide. TT would be in the 27-29 foot area, and we initially looked at just TTs. But, we have also looked at a couple of the shortest FW RL style plans as well. (Example, Grand Design 240RL).

Anyway, the question here is simple: Why did you choose a 5er instead of a Travel Trailer?

[SoCalWarrior]

I can't speak to the 5er vs. TT argument, as I only ever had a 5er. With our specific needs for space, it was the only option. We i say space, I'm referring to the interior and exterior, we had a 35' 5th wheel toy hauler and our overall length was only 54'. I needed the interior space of a 35' unit, but only have 55' of storage, i would be lucky to fit a 28' TT + truck in 55' and I can attest to the stability of a 5th wheel when towing, granted I did tow with a crew cab long bed dually, but i never once felt pushed around by the trailer or wind, or a semi passing. I think if you have the ability to go 5er, it is a no brainer.

[Newmar2856]

I preferred the way our 5th wheel pulled and backed up vs our TT. Also, storage was way better in the 5th wheel. Our 5th wheel had auto leveling, which I would never be without again on any rig.

You give up the full use of your truck bed with a 5th wheel, but that wasn’t a big issue for us.

[NewBlackDak]

These are our reasons:

1. Towing stability.

2. Onboard generator. I was sick of lugging around gas cans and portable generators.

3. Same living space in a shorter overall package, or more living space in the same overall package.

4. More storage/battery space

5. Electric stabilizing jacks. I know this can be had on TTs, but it’s almost standard on 5ers.

[Old-Biscuit]

When we purchased our trailer we looked at TT &5vrs----2006
At that time TTs ceilings were low....5vrs had high ceilings

5vr tows easier

5vrs storage

with 5vr shorter overall total length

I like 5vrs!

[jimcumminsw]

These are my reason. Easier to tow, more stability the 5er does not waggle the tow vehicle when towing.

More storage space in the basement and 5er.

Better construction in a 5er over all.

Hydraulic auto leveling.

Stiffer frame.

Easier to back up and manuaver.

My unit is 37' long but when connected to the truck for towing I am only 55' long.

[450Donn]

Been thru every type of RV over the years. My fifth wheel was by far the best. Easiest to tow, most room, best floor plan, just more comfortable. Unless your a real minalmist start looking at 35 foot fivers with more than one slide. The more slides just make the inside so comfortable.

[Spdracr39]

Everything about a 5'er is easier than a TT except climbing those stairs to go to the bathroom.

[Bob_C]

We went with a rear kitchen and a lot of windows.....the passthru storage is huge with huge doors, ..........for us, a rear living wasn't in the cards due to most campgrounds there's nothing to see........out the back window....

[wrvond]

I have a 5th wheel and a TT. I also tow a variety of each around the country.
When pulling over rough terrain, contact between the truck bed and camper can cause extensive damage.
Fifth wheels are much taller. You need to be very aware of overhead lines, tree branches, roof eaves, and overpasses.
May it never happen to you:
I had a TT blow over going down the road. It popped off the ball and destroyed the trailer. I had to cut the safety chains to get free. A friend had his 5th blow over going down the same road - destroyed the camper, destroyed the truck, put him in the hospital with a broken back. Takeaway is, you are connected to that fiver for better or worse when things go wrong.
Fifth wheels have a lot more basement storage than a TT pass through offers.
For my money, a TT is easier to hook up to. The beds of today’s trucks are very tall and connections can be hard to reach.
A lot of the building techniques used in fivers are migrating over to trailers such a fiberglass wrap around caps, auto level and enclosed docking stations.

[Jack Klompus]

Thanks for all the feedback.

One interesting thing, since we are strictly looking at the shortest 5ers, there is not a TON of exterior/basement storage. Certainly plenty though, as we are somewhat minimalist... and interior storage is far greater.

Some discuss ease of hook up ... others disagree. I there no consensus on whoch hitching and leveling process is easier?

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

We went with a rear kitchen and a lot of windows.....the passthru storage is huge with huge doors, ..........for us, a rear living wasn't in the cards due to most campgrounds there's nothing to see........out the back window....

Thanks, interesting perspective. My experience in NPs and USFS is the back in sites have the views in the back, at least how we select them. If we are at a commercial spot or pull through, we aren't caring about the views much and are there for the convenience and ammenities.

[Bob_C]

With my setup, I can see the hitch out the cab back window......no camera or help needed.....

[n0mad]

Originally Posted by Jack Klompus

Some discuss ease of hook up ... others disagree. I there no consensus on whoch hitching and leveling process is easier?

Fifth wheel is far easier to hook up/disconnect, especially if you have the right hitch. For the people who complain, I reckon they just didn't/don't have the ideal setup for them and haven't ventured to find it.

Also leveling is far easier, if it has hydraulic leveling - easier to find in a fifth wheel than a TT.

I've had both, and I'll never have another TT. Or a rig without hydraulic leveling.