Community Forums

rubberduckie · 10-07-2015, 08:07 AM

Is there less stress on the tow vehicles engine,transmission and suspension towing one over the other?

jesilvas · 10-07-2015, 09:10 AM

I don't think so. When properly set up, it should all be the same as far as wear and tear.

All depends on how you drive it.

Cumminsfan · 10-07-2015, 09:14 AM

Apples to apples, no. But considering most 5th wheels weigh more than travel trailers then going by that there would be more stress. A 12-14,000lb 5th wheel takes a lot more to get going and stop than a 6500lb TT.

450Donn · 10-07-2015, 09:38 AM

Suspension? Maybe. The rest of the TV nope. Suspension only because a TT places approx 12-15% of its weight on the TV. Whereas a fifth wheel places approx 20% of its weight directly over the rear axle.

1bigmess · 10-07-2015, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

All depends on how you drive it.

I think this is universally applicable to all driving. Get the right TV for the job, treat it right and take care of it, and you should be fine and fairly worry free.

Gordon Dewald · 10-07-2015, 01:44 PM

Unless you get the same sized units it would be really tough to compare. Lots of other factors as well such as weight distribution hitch enter into the picture.

Dont forget when comparing the same size units the 5er will have more floor space and storage for the same length.

IMO 1bigmess has made the correct statement. Matched up properly both are good.

justafordguy · 10-07-2015, 02:33 PM

I think if the weight is the same the 5th wheel will be less stress on the TV because the weight is distributed directly over the axle and there is less air turbulence because the trailer is closer to the truck.

I went from a 35' 9500lb TT to a 41' 14000lb 5th wheel and I get better mileage now. And of course it tows way better also.

caissiel · 10-07-2015, 08:47 PM

I tow a 15k 5th wheel and the strain on my truck is actually minimal. I have towed 7000 lbs TTs that are much harder to tow then my unit.
I also towed a 24 5th wheel with a 2.9 Ford Ranger for 3 years and my friend had a much harder time pulling his 23ft TT with is 4.0 Explorer in 1995.
I find that towing a fifth wheel has much better air flow over the truck cab and less air dam effect then a TT.
When I tow a trailer behind my truck I will always put my box side racks to create better air flow to the trailer towed behind my truck.
I firmly believe that even a heavier 5er is lighter to tow then any TT. After all my 13 ft high fifth wheel with the egg shape front and about 3 ft of air hitting the front is a dream to tow.
All calculations have been observed for the past 8 years using a ScangaugeII for mileage and loads.

Bamaman · 10-07-2015, 09:32 PM

Fifth wheel trailers are much more stable on the open road. They're also easier to unhook from and setup. And the open floorplans are great.

Travel trailers are good for those that may have mobility issues. They've got less steps to climb. They have almost the same floorplans now as fifth wheels--all on one level. But to get them to tow well, you may have to invest in a very expensive Hensley or Blue Ox hitch. And they're more of a hassle to setup.

Grand Design has just come out with some travel trailers that are especially nice. Properly equipped with Camper Pkg. and Max Tow Pkg., they can be towed by Ford's new F150 Ecoboost 3.5.

1bigmess · 10-07-2015, 09:56 PM

The only reason I didn't get a fifth wheel is the height. For the places I want to go, height is an issue. Otherwise a fiver would have been the way to go for me, but I couldn't get over how much taller they were than a TT..

cdinatl · 10-08-2015, 07:19 PM

I have a class A now, but went from 5r to A. Have had TT and the 5r was much more stable and a breeze to tow. After having the 5r I honestly don't know why, other than people just don't know better, why anyone would want a TT. Just my opinion which really isn't worth a lot.

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1bigmess · 10-08-2015, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdinatl

After having the 5r I honestly don't know why, other than people just don't know better, why anyone would want a TT.

I'll say it again. I'd have a 5er if it wasn't for the height.

Where I am not I wouldn't have been able to get here with a 5er, and I am very alone out here. Which is exactly what I was looking for: solitude. It might have been easier to get here in a 5er as long as the low hanging branches from the trees that are right next to the road weren't there, and I'm not gonna spend all day trimming branches on trees I don't own to get here. The travel trailer was the right height to get here without a chain saw on a pole, and I love it, but I'll have to leave soon and find another great spot.

caissiel · 10-08-2015, 09:19 PM

If my trips would be within 100 miles most of the time I would not bother with a 5 th wheel. But I do about 6k miles per year so the only choice and right unit is the fifth wheel.

monkey · 10-09-2015, 09:28 AM

Thats the reason I'm looking at TT's... I would prefer a 5th,,, but our garage has only 12' doors... And we don't need a big 40' like some people do... I have the truck now,,, next is the rv....