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Old 11-09-2024, 10:09 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by Lantley View Post
Its not the internet that told me so.
It was the engineers and those that published the ratings for the truck that determine what the truck is designed to do.
I don't need to do my own analysis. The towing parameters have already been determined and published. The buyer just needs to understand and follow the ratings.
I am a retired vehicle engineer, and I know how the vehicle weight limits are set and determined for various class of vehicles. This is nothing more than to meet the fed's classification system and marketing.

The only Standard I would follow is S.A.E. J2807 for towing a trailer.
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Old 11-09-2024, 10:33 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by Souljourner View Post

I left that experience feeling like a 5th wheel would be overkill for a weekend warrior, but a very comfortable living situation if spending months actually “living” on the road.
I kind of agree with your point but it's more about size or length vs. TT and 5'er.
A larger 32' plus TT or fiver gives you the space to live vs. camp.
Now you can make the point a long 5'er is easier to tow vs. a long TT but that is a different debate.
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Old 11-09-2024, 12:48 PM   #17
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It's definitely different from a TT. When we went from a 26' TT (29.5' overall length) to a 29' 5th wheel (32' overall length), we were blown away. Obviously, going from NO slides to 3 slides, makes a huge difference. Hookups are so much easier, no hauling a filthy, unwieldy weight distribution hitch every time.

Storage is just huge now. I mean, we could live in this rig full time if need be. Yes, there are 3 steps to the bedroom and bathroom, but, it does afford some more private space should one wish to sleep while the other chills in the living room.

we've spent up to 6 weeks at a time in the 5er, and we haven't felt cramped nor been hit by cabin fever. 4 weeks in the TT and we were pretty done.
It always comes down to the fact that there is no right RV for everyone. All of the choices in classes of RV’s, and then choices within each class, correlates to the vast differences in travel styles and budgets, and there are definitely pros, cons, and trade-offs between each one.

I began with my 22’ TT because I was looking for an upgrade to a tent - and that I got, and then some. At the time I saw myself as a “camper,” my ideal vacation being a quiet week in the woods surrounded by trees.

Although that will always be something I enjoy, I’m finding myself taking more and more trips - for longer and longer periods of time. My 22’ TT is perfect for when it’s just me, and most likely I would keep it for my solo trips. But now add in a spouse and a couple of grandchildren occasionally, and several rainy days, and it has become less than ideal.

What I liked about the fiver, which may also be a reason some would NOT like a 5th wheel, is the fact that it felt so “apartment-like.” I liked the steps up to a clearly defined bedroom area, and the ability to have seperate living areas when traveling over an extended period of time with a partner or kids. And of course - the kitchen island and endless floor to ceiling cabinets made me drool!

My husband and I did do 5 weeks in my 22’ TT. We like each other and we enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors. But I can definitely see that getting old after a while when taking several multiple-month trips over the course of a year.

My only hesitancy with jumping into a fifth wheel is quality. I love my RPod, and it has served me well. It looks great when you first walk in, but I’m tired of cardboard walls and paper countertops and plastic fixtures. It gave me the comfort and low weight I needed at the time, but I’m ready to upgrade to something more.

My initial plan was to upgrade to an Airstream because I like when a draw goes “thunk.” I thought the extra length would compensate for the lack of slides. The fifth wheel I was in was fairly comparable in quality to my Rpod - looks good when you walk in, and has the advantage of being lighter in weight - a need for some. But now that I’ve demonstrated to myself my love for this lifestyle and the amount of use I’m getting, I’d like my next RV to be more than smoke and mirrors.

Wondering what the middle to top of the line fifth wheels are, and perhaps the OP would like to know the same?
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Old 11-09-2024, 01:44 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by jimcumminsw View Post
I am a retired vehicle engineer, and I know how the vehicle weight limits are set and determined for various class of vehicles. This is nothing more than to meet the fed's classification system and marketing.
I agree; while anyone can read the numbers, such as on the tire/loading sticker, or the GVWR sticker, many on RV forums do not understand where these numbers come from.

The axle ratings are important, but not a true indicator of the actual axle, as rated by the axle manufacturer. The vehicle manufacturer is going by the weakest link involving the axle, such as springs, brakes, tires/wheels. With a 25 series truck, the weak link is most often the springs.

So when towing a FW, almost all weight added, is on the rear axle. As OB said, "this is most important number". If you have the power to tow it, and enough RAWR to carry it, you are usually GTG.
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Old 11-10-2024, 06:48 AM   #19
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Good points.
Many times a poster says he has a half ton or 3/4 ton or a one ton srw truck....but supplies no gvwr/gawr numbers.
Which leads to some opinions a certain size LDT can't tow over a certain weight. Those type opinions show a lack of understanding how many gvwrs/gawrs that size LDT has.
I won't go into all the weight specs for our LDT pickup trucks.

Looking at 2500 GM weight specs show gvwrs ranging from 8600 lbs on older year models up to 11550 lbs for a new gen 2500 GM.
New gen 2500 GMs has around 16 different gvwrs. And two rawr for carrying all type of trailers hitch loads....all depending on model selections. GM isn't about to make 16 different gvwr packages(frames/springs/braking systems/etc) for their 3/4 ton trucks.

If the OPs 3/4 ton GM has the 6.6 D/max and 11550 gvwr/6600 rawr package it will handle GMs tow ratings......and carry rear axle loads (hitch loads and gear in the bed) up to scaled 6600 rawr.

TT vs 5th wheel trailer ???
For my use a GN or 5th wheel trailer (rv or non rv) is much easier to hitch up and go. Plus no WD hitch to mess with which at 83 years old is a biggie for me.
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Old 11-10-2024, 10:05 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by Souljourner View Post
I left that experience feeling like a 5th wheel would be overkill for a weekend warrior, but a very comfortable living situation if spending months actually “living” on the road.

Planning on going to the Tampa RV show to do some serious looking at 5th wheels.
I actually found the opposite, if it raining cats and dogs of course your going to spend the time inside , it happens.. but its all in what you make of it.. if your stuck inside you might as well be comfortable right..

I actually found my 40 foot 5th wheel is more of a weekend warrior than my 29 foot trailer was. sure I can't get into quite as many small spots, but that's the only down side. its faster for me to hook up, about 5 times faster for me to set up camp (auto level speeds it right up, if the older trailer was auto level also it would be almost as fast) they were both towed by a 3/4 ton (trailer was to much for a 1/2 ton) the only reason I have a 1 ton now is the wife wanted heated seats air conditioning and power windows so since I was buying a new truck I went 1 ton. should have went dually then I wouldn't be worried about what truck camper I buy

part of the reason we wanted to go bigger was the kids were getting to that age they wanted to bring friends and such, so we took all of our "wants" and rolled them into a new rv. so we have the outdoor kitchen (that was a must have. keeps people from going in and out just to get drinks) rear bunk room (just leave the slide in and door closed if it is just me and the wife.) other than that a spacious kitchen/living room area so we are not tripping over the dog. it worked out traveling down the road I am only 2 feet longer than I was with the 29 foot trailer
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Old 11-10-2024, 10:18 AM   #21
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You have to decide what you want to camp in. More than likely you’re not going to want something huge so you could set your limit to a 36 foot 5ver with a gvwr of about 15000 lbs. Make sure you get the right trailer. It is no big deal to add air bags to your 3/4 ton or even to upgrade the truck if need be. You don’t want to get a trailer you’ll never be happy with just because you’re afraid you might not have enough truck to pull it.
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Old 11-10-2024, 06:17 PM   #22
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As previously stated plan to RV 3-4 months straight after retirement. Purchased GMC 3/4 ton for puller. Now will be looking for trailer. My RVing will be a mix of short and long stops. Should I be looking at 5th wheel or travel trailer? Don’t think truck has factory 5th wheel prep package so leaning towards TT. Will be looking at TTs in the 8000 to. 9000 lbs range 28 to 30 ft. Not opposed to Pro Pride or similar hitch set up. However 5th wheel sounds like an easier pull if it is not difficult to hitch/unhitch. Thanks for your thoughts
Hi, so I have had all three, motorhome, trailer and now a 5th wheel. They all have their pluses and minuses but the big thing between a 5th and a trailer is the towability. 5th wheels are way more stable towing especially in windy weather and I consider a 5th much easier to hook up. You don’t have to mess with equalizer bars or sway bars. In additional to that, the turning radius forward and backwards is much better than a trailer. There is a learning curve but once you get the hang of it, I think you’ll be happy with your choice. Good Luck with your purchase!
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Old 11-11-2024, 05:28 PM   #23
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The flat floors sold us on a TT over a 5R. Two years in we are still happy. DR
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Old 11-11-2024, 05:37 PM   #24
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The flat floors sold us on a TT over a 5R. Two years in we are still happy. DR
FYI some of the newer 5ers also have flat floors, but the ones I've seen are the larger variety, and heavier. They do have more entrance steps, but the higher floor affords a ton of coach bay storage underneath and/or small boat storage for some.
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Old 11-12-2024, 07:19 AM   #25
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FYI some of the newer 5ers also have flat floors, but the ones I've seen are the larger variety, and heavier. They do have more entrance steps, but the higher floor affords a ton of coach bay storage underneath and/or small boat storage for some.
yup, but also at the same time takes away interior storage and makes it more like a motorhome with most of the storage accessible from outside.
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Old 11-12-2024, 12:43 PM   #26
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for me, the reason to change from bumper pull to 5th wheel was the opposing slides on the model we picked allowed for a large living area and island kitchen. as for the raised bedroom area, it gives a little more separation to the sleeping area. as far as towing, the main factor for me was the ease of setup and leveling and hook-up and unhooking. I'm 77 and in good shape but hooking up our bumper pull and leveraging the hitch bars and then undoing it all at a campsite was taking a lot of the fun out of each trip. especially during the summer months. also with the dsl truck, it is easier to fuel enroute using the truck lanes as opposed to navigating around a gas station with the camper and gas truck. we have auto-level and the control panel is right on the front by the hitch so the whole process is a breeze. the worst part of the whole deal is the 50A cord is quite a load to lift in and out of the storage bay.
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Old 11-12-2024, 03:03 PM   #27
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5er vs. bumper pull isn't a right or wrong answer type of question - it all depends on wants/needs/usage/expectations and budget. As I said before, they each have their pros and cons and only you can decide which one is a better fit for your usage case.


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Old 11-29-2024, 10:06 AM   #28
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I've had both a TT and a 5th wheel. That said, they can both be a hassle to unhook and rehook. The kicker is the newer 5th wheels have an automated leveling system that really makes it easy so thats a consideration. Lastly, it really depends on the wife. If she's happy and comfortable, you'll be likewise. We also considered a coach but when you look at the costs, interior space, the 5th wheel is no brainer.
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