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Travel Trailer vs 5th Wheel: 23 differences to know before buying

Published on July 27th, 2016 by Camper Report
This post was updated on April 20th, 2021

Travel trailer and class C motorhome on the road

A large RV 5th wheel on the highway

I bought a Rockwood 25′ travel trailer a few weeks ago and I had to make the tough choice of whether or not to get a 5th wheel.  In this post I want to share some of the things that helped me make the decision.

But first, the quick answer: 5th wheels are better suited to the BIG trailers of 28′ or more.  Travel trailers have advantages that make it better suited for the trailers of 28′ or less.  Why?  Because 5th wheels tow better and have multiple levels and higher ceilings–all things that make it suited to a larger trailer.  Travel trailers are far less expensive, have more storage, and allow for a much larger variety of towing vehicles.

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Towing Vehicle Seating

Obviously, the first consideration is if your towing vehicle is even compatible with a 5th wheel.  Since we have three kids, using a truck isn’t a great option.  It means all 5 seats in a truck would be taken up, and if we have another child, then we’d have to bring a car AND a truck/5th wheel in order to get to the camp site.  Not a great option for us!

Ease of Towing

The 5th wheel clearly wins this debate.  The 5th wheel design puts more of the weight centered between the axles on the towing vehicle, and brings the center of mass forward on the towed vehicle.  This makes towing a 5th wheel much more stable and secure.

Truck Bed Storage

One drawback to a 5th wheel is that it uses up your entire truck bed.  You might fit in a few little things, but you’re basically losing the truck storage.  If you want to bring an ATV, bikes, or other items, you will have to find another option.

We wanted our solution for an RV to be flexible to allow us to bring a canoe, or eventually an ATV or whatever hobbies we take up throughout the years, so a travel trailer was a better solution for us.

Cost

5th wheel trailers are PRICEY!  Frankly, I’m not quite sure what justifies the large price increase of a 5th wheel over a travel trailer.  It has a different connection and requires a little more engineering to get the raised piece above the truck bed, but I still don’t really understand why they cost so much more. If you’re still considering a fifth wheel, in this article I give 21 examples of fifth wheel costs, including the average cost.

Multiple Levels

5th wheels always have some steps in the interior cabin–usually to get to the bathroom and the master bedroom.  If you have a difficult time getting around, this is a consideration.

However, the multiple levels in a 5th wheel can also be quite nice for blocking sound and making each room feel a bit more private.

Total Length

Since a 5th wheel has a large area that overhangs the truck bed, it extends far less behind the vehicle while giving far more living area.  This makes it easy to get into smaller camping sites and maneuvering around town while still getting a huge living area.

Basement Storage

The exterior storage under the living area on a 5th wheel is often very larger.  You’ll often find a huge open cavity for storing larger items under a 5th wheel.  This is thanks to the multi-level design of a 5th wheel that opens space underneath.

Fuel Economy

Not only are 5th wheel trailers often very heavy, they have a much higher profile.  This usually reduces fuel efficiency of the towing vehicle by a bit.  When you’re already getting poor gas mileage, that’s an important factor to consider.

Ceiling Height

A 5th wheel almost always comes with significantly taller ceilings than a travel trailer.  If you’re very tall or feel cramped in a travel trailer, a nice ceiling height could really help.  However, remember that the ceiling height in a 5th wheel is higher in the living area, but LOWER in the bedroom.  So there’s no clear winner here.

Luxurious Features

Travel trailers eventually tap out on how much you can really fit in, because weight is always an issue.  Some 5th wheels are MASSIVE and have an incredible number of features that rival any motorhome, so if you’re shopping on the very high end and basically want a luxury apartment attached to your truck, then the motorhome is for you.

It’s gonna be tough to find a $150,000 or even $300,000 travel trailer, but they definitely exist in the 5th wheel arena.

Weight

5th wheel trailers are almost always significantly heavier than a comparable travel trailer.  Be sure your tow vehicle can support the bed weight and also the two weight of a 5th wheel before you buy.  An F-250 or a Ram 2500 often won’t be enough to handle a big 5th wheel. Here, you can find an article I wrote all about the average weight of a fifth wheel, including 18 examples.

Off-Roading and Boondocking

The travel trailer wins hands-down for boondocking and off-roading your way to a campsite.  A 12,000 pound 5th wheel attached to your vehicle makes going down a decline on a dirt road or an icy road a serious concern.

Also, 5th wheels are so tall that you’ll be ramming into tree branches on many boondocking camp sites.  I made the mistake of driving my pontoon boat down the tree-lined street in my neighborhood and did significant damage to the boat when I parked alongside the curb and the boat hit a tree branch.  Height is a serious concern when camping off the beaten path.

Hookup

Some people say that 5th wheels are easier to hook up than travel trailers.  I think this is generally true, but personally I haven’t had much trouble hooking up my travel trailer.  It’s really only a 2 minute operation now that I’ve practiced it. I wrote an article all about how a fifth wheel connects to a truck, including a guide on how to connect it. Find the article here. 

ATVs and Dirt Bikes

If you get a 5th wheel, you can’t bring along an ATV.  With a travel trailer, you can fit in an ATV, bikes or dirt bikes in the truck bed.  On a 5th wheel, the only way to do this is if you have a toy hauler 5th wheel. Here, you can find a list I made of the most popular fifth wheel toy haulers.

So if you think you’ll be buying or renting an ATV in the future, then a travel trailer is the clear winner.

Built-In Generators

Some 5th wheels (but definitely not all) have generators built-in.  That not only saves an additional purchase, but it’s more convenient and quiet.  I’ve never seen a travel trailer with a built-in generator.

Second Tow

If you plan to bring a small trailer with an ATV or a boat behind your RV, then a 5th wheel is a much better choice for the super long tows.  In fact, some states only allow you to tow something behind a trailer if your trailer is a 5th wheel.

Riding in the Towed Vehicle

In several states, it is legal to ride inside a 5th wheel while it is being towed.  It’s never legal to do so in a travel trailer.  However, seriously, this is a dumb idea.  Riding unrestrained in a towed vehicle is a recipe for disaster.  Don’t do it!

[x_blockquote cite=”Carl L from the RVForum.net” type=”center”] “(g) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle that is towing a trailer coach, camp trailer, or trailer carrying a vessel, containing a passenger, except when a trailer carrying or designed to carry a vessel is engaged in the launching or recovery of the vessel.”     “(i) Subdivision (g) does not apply to a trailer coach that is towed with a fifth-wheel device if the trailer coach is equipped with safety glazing materials wherever glazing materials are used in windows or doors, with an audible or visual signaling device that a passenger inside the trailer coach can use to gain the attention of the motor vehicle driver, and with at least one unobstructed exit capable of being opened from both the interior and exterior of the trailer coach.”[/x_blockquote]

Heating and Cooling

Many 5th wheel owners complain about uneven cooling in a 5th wheel compared to a travel trailer.  Even if the length behind the tow vehicle is the same, the 5th wheel has extra space over the truck bed AND the ceilings are MUCH MUCH taller.  Also, there are levels and stairs in 5th wheels.

The larger space combined with a more segmented area equals major troubles with heating and cooling.

This is not to say that every 5th wheel has the same problem.  Some certainly don’t, but many many 5th wheel owners complain of an extremely hot bedroom area in the upper level.

Backing Up

It’s tough to say whether backing up is easier on a 5th wheel or a travel trailer.  They act differently and you’ll hear people say they like one or the other, but there is no clear winner.

The difference is that a towed travel trailer tends to overreact to very minor movements in the steering wheel.  So until you learn not to overcompensate, you can end up with some wild angles when backing up.  The 5th wheel has the opposite problem.  It requires larger wheel movements to turn, so it often pushes the truck end too far one way and throws off the angle.

Pick your poison.

Slide Outs

It’s common to find 5th wheels with 3, 4, or even 5 slide outs, which substantially improves the “roominess” of your rig.  On travel trailers, only one or two are common.  The reason that travel trailers don’t usually have more than one or two slide outs is that each slide out weighs about 800 pounds, so it increases the weight of the vehicle, and travel trailers are more difficult to tow–especially when they are heavy.

5th Wheel Tow Receiver

Not only does a 5th wheel take up space in your truck bed when towing, it also takes up space when you’re not towing.  The 5th wheel tow receiver is a HUGE and HEAVY chunk of steel.  Either you have to go through a lot of work to remove it out of the truck bed after each trip, or you have to keep it in there and dedicate most of your truck bed to a tow hitch–always.

By contrast, the hitch for a travel trailer takes up no space at all (obviously).

Storage Units

If you purchase a covered storage unit to store your rig, you may find that your options are more expensive and limited since a 5th wheel is so much taller.  A travel trailer will fit under just about any commercial storage unit.

Two Bathrooms

Many 5th wheels have two bathrooms or 1.5 bathrooms.  If you have kids (especially girls….) then having two bathrooms is a really nice feature to have.  I’m sure there are many travel trailers with two bathrooms, but I don’t think I can recall seeing any.

My Conclusion and How to Pick

If I were ever to live in my trailer, I’d buy a 5th wheel in a HEART BEAT but for me I think that would never happen.  For me, flexibility was the most important option.  We have a growing family of 3 kids and we need the seating of an SUV for towing, so it was a no brainer that a 5th wheel was out of the question.  Towing for us hasn’t really been a problem since we bought a lightweight 25′ trailer.

However, 5th wheels have some INCREDIBLE features and advantages that will appeal to many.

When it comes right down to it, if you need better flexibility of your tow vehicle, want to save a bunch of money, and don’t plan on going more than 28′ then get a travel trailer.  If you want your trailer to be a luxury apartment with lots of separation, you have a huge budget and the exact right truck for it, then a 5th wheel is a great choice.

Rent Before Buying

If you’re considering buying an RV or Camper, I strongly suggest you rent one first to make sure it’s one you’ll really love.  Campers can be very large investments, and buying the wrong one can be a costly mistake.  RVShare is a great place for finding RVs and Campers to rent in your local area.

77 thoughts on “Travel Trailer vs 5th Wheel: 23 differences to know before buying”

  1. Jim, I have been looking at RVs for awhile, and all options are open on what type to purchase. Your article helped big time! Thank you for writing and sharing it.

    Reply
  2. HELP!!!! please suggest ANYONE for totally customizing a motorhome. We know what we need as far as floor plan, don’t know what class yet, that can be open to suggestions. What we need is 2 dedicated bedrooms, no bunks/lofts/foldouts. one master, the other a guest with a 1/2 bath. no toy hauler customization. this is for a couple and an elderly person. none of the websites can customize it like we need. just gives us flooring options, etc…. We live in MO but can travel anywhere.

    Reply
  3. Thanks for the nice write up, one issue I take exception to is that it is “out of the question” to have a family with a truck. Tow capable trucks come with full back seats, so I don’t see the problem. And, especially if you go with a regular trailer–not a 5th wheel, you benefit with the large, full sized Truck bed; put a shell on that and you have tons of utility to boot.

    Reply
    • I would like to add a bit to this (My family has both a 28′ travel trailer and 35′ 5th wheel. I live in the travel trailer full-time).

      My dad’s Ram 2500 has a 6.5′ bed. With the 5th wheel, the generator gets loaded into the front garage, and bikes get stored on the rear bike rack. We can fit the full family (Mom, dad, 2 adult children, and the dog) comfortably. And there’s still room in the bed for the cooler, spare propane, and 4 fuel cans (2 for the truck, 2 for the genny)

      With the travel trailer the generator goes in the bed with the cooler and fuel cans, and the bikes go in the bed (Because that trailer doesn’t have a rear hitch for the bike rack).

      Either way, it works out about the same with the major difference being that the 5th wheel has 2 queen beds, and the travel trailer has 1 queen, 2full, and 2 twins.

      Reply
  4. I am glad I read your comment. I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a fifth wheel to live in full-time. Would you recommend living in a fifth wheel full-time parked on my son’s lot? I was thinking about buying a travel trailer but I’ve been researching and I come to a conclusion that fifth wheels are safer. Please advise if this is a good idea or not a good idea. Thank you so much

    Reply
  5. Though a lot less common than on fifth wheels, there have been several travel trailers manufactured in the last 3-4 years with 1.5 baths. I have actually found a 2012 model Forest River Flagstaff advertised (30WRKSS) with 1.5 baths.

    Reply
  6. Excellent article! Very helpful! We’re looking for a newer-used about 28′. We thought we wanted a 5th wheel, but after reading your article realize we don’t want to give up the bed when not camping. Appreciate your info! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  7. While visiting National parks in 2017 we found the park systems can only accommodate up to 28ft campers since being built in the 60s and 70s and most campgrounds only have 30 amp service some private campgrounds has updated to 50amp service but not all of them so if you are planning on doing a lot of traveling keep this in mine

    Reply
    • That’s a great idea to take into consideration. We have also been in that same situation where not only the length of the trailer, but the electric service has also been an issue.

      Thank you for the reminder!

      Reply
  8. My wife and i are going to buy a grand design 260rd fifth wheel to yravel south for the winters, its supose to be half ton towable we are going with a 2015 ram 2500 because the weights are to close if we stayed with the 1500. Beyyer to be over trucked then under in an emergeny.
    Von

    Reply
  9. Thankyou for a good article and for the comments. I’ve been a tent camper for 40 years and I am now looking at travel trailers and fifth wheels. The information all of you provided is helpful, it gives me some points to ponder.

    Reply
  10. I have a GMC Sierra 1500 STD box with the factory tow package. Rated to pull 11,700lbs, and cargo capacity of 1,855lbs. I’ve been going back and forth between 5th wheels and TT’s. While there are plenty of 5th wheel “Half Ton Towables” I’ve learened that this occurs under optimal conditions. The 5th wheel I’ve been looking at has a pin weight of 1,400lbs. That means it will depress 1,400lbs directly into my cargo capacity limit. Add a 200lb hitch, and there’s just enough room for me @250lbs to drive the truck alone. Any added passengers put me over my legal limit.

    Working backwards, if I want 800lbs of passengers + the hitch, my “Half Ton Towable” options are pretty much non-existent. This is something to consider. For TT’s, make sure you subtract ~20% of your towing capacity to reserve as a safety weight. As one posted mentioned above, just because you can tow it… doesn’t mean you can safely stop in an emergency. Leave that contingency!

    Reply
      • A one ton dually is overkill for most (essentially all) travel trailers. A 24′ TT averages about 4500lbs empty. loaded, you are looking at 6-7000 lbs. Just about every half-ton truck (F150, 1500) and SUV (Expedition, Tahoe, Suburban) can safely haul that. A 30′ TT will need a 3/4 ton (F250, 2500). Even the biggest TTs of 41′ are well within the capacity of a diesel 3/4 ton. That said, if you are OK with the extra cost, a one ton is a great luxury.

        Reply
        • I will throw a different twist at this . I own a one ton dually I have a 37ft travel trailer and it is the perfect set up. I have heard many times a one ton is a one ton dually or not. could not be further from the truth. my truck was originally set up for a fifth wheel my uncle has has 38ft triple axle almost 16,000 lbs which he pulls with a single axle 8 ft box f350. his truck went into the shop needed taken to there seasonal spot 140miles away I hooked up to it and let him drive it and he was truly amazed by the major difference in stability. his health is such that they may be done camping. but if he were to continue camping he was swapping for a dually! overkill so what better to be safe than sorry

          Reply
    • Don, next year I’m planning on ordering a KZ Sportsmen 231rk. It’s the only 5th wheel I’ve been able to find that has a slide-out (we really want that) and is 1/2 ton towable. It’s 24’10”, weighs 6,020 and has an 800 lb pin weight. I plan on using an Anderson Ultimate hitch, which is 35 lbs and removable. I’ll need a gooseneck hitch installed in my truck to accommodate the Anderson hitch. I’ve been working on the math and specs, and that seems like the best option for us, especially since we’re very limited on storage room and can’t go over 25′.

      Reply
  11. I just bought a 21ft trail cruiser and was wondering if my grand Cherokee 2014 will tow it, it dies land in the weight specs thanks nervous about towing new to this

    Reply
  12. The more I read and the more folks I TT, the more confused I become.
    My situation: Single grandma that wants to travel from FL to New England. Grandkids plus me will be 6. All over the place as far as Class A, Class C, TT or 5th wheel. Most economical would be pull TT or 5th wheel with quad truck since I have rental properties and could utilize the truck vs an A or C sitting unused most of the time. BUT 6 plus dogs in a quad truck is too cramped and grandkids would wine a lot. Really need some advise as to what choice to make. I know it will ultimately be my decision, but need help in deciding. cost will be a huge factor as well.

    Reply
  13. Check out the forest river chapparal xlight model. We tow with a ford f250. Its gorgeous and crazy light. 33.5 ft and approx 8,100lbs. outdoor kitchen….the works. Family of 5 and I wouldn’t of picked anything otherwise.

    Reply
  14. Looking at both 5th wheel and pull behind have a 2018 f250 with a 6.7 turbo want to tow long distances at times how do they both act on the highway with the proper towing hitch this would be a 20 to 38 ft unit thanks steve

    Reply
  15. To me……..the 5th wheel is a no brainer if you value your life and or family, I have traveled 300,000 miles…forget a tag trailer if you want to be safe………a 5th wheel will always be easier to back up……….look at semi trucks? Duh
    I have seen more of my friends hurt with tag trailers that I care to talk about and countless flipped. Pulling a tag trailer with even the largest SUV does not give you any meadure of safety…the wheelbase is much short to get out of a trailer sway emergency.

    Reply
  16. For years I used a Chevy Express 3500 and a 24′ travel traler for all my adventures. I MT Bike, Whitewater Kayak, and ride an XC off-raod motorcycle. Loaded tools and toys into van and pulled the light-weight basic living space along behind. Like others, I’m older and looking to do MORE now. A Sport UTV to bring the dog along… the wife wants an ATV…. and we want to be able to stay on the road much longer than a week. etc….
    My research has led me to ATC brand Toy Haulers (http://aluminumtoyhauler.com/models.html). The very best thing about this site, whether or not you purchase a TT or 5th wheel from them, is that they give you a ton of information reguarding sizing and construction. (Example: a 28′ trailer is actually 33′ in total lenght) The #1 deciding factor for RV ownership is being honest about where you plan to go. First, you are subjecting your (vaction) home to an earth quake every time you move it. Next, trees provide shade but they also cause serious space issues (height and length). In my humble opinion, once you learn a small amount about RV construction and you are truelly honest about how mean you will be to your poor trailer, the choices of what you can own becomes simple and obvious.

    Reply
  17. My wife and I are in the hunt for a new camper. One of my biggest debates was a fifth wheel or travel trailer. Having 6 kids makes it tough to find something suitable. After reading this I have definetly made up my mind. Travel trailer it will be! Thank you for the great and very informative article!

    Reply
  18. Can’t beat this for information. I was on the fence before reading this article, but not any longer. Thanks for the enlightening info.

    Reply
  19. The lightweight 5th wheel hitch is the Anderson Ultimate 5th wheel hitch. One of the other hitch manufacturers also has their copy of the Anderson.

    Reply
  20. This was a very informative article for a person like me trying to decide on a TT or 5th wheel for my wife & I who will be utilizing it 1 to 2 months a year. My question is when you are referring to a max length for a TT of 28′, is that the overall length including the hitch or just the trailer? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  21. I have a 33ft travel trailer it is an Ultra light Rockwood it was delivered by the dealer I now will be towing it for the first time ever. I am a single woman and going this alone with my 2008 Chevy GMC 5.7lt extra cab, a full city block away on flat surface ground to house it in a perm shady lot. Do u feel my truck can do the job ? Weight wise at 7500 to 8000 gross weight ? Btw the dealer installed a high end weight hitch on truck and brake thingy at time of purchase . Thank u

    Reply
    • In reply to your post , You shouldn’t have any issues with your 08 Chevy being able to tow a 33 ft. trailer any where you want let alone a block . You have plenty of truck for the job good luck to you.

      Reply
    • Are you still single? LOL
      Jk
      Unless you got a boat too!
      Reading up as much a s I can to buy my first RV and came across this article.
      I mean no disrespect.
      GN

      Reply
  22. My question is about going on rough terrain – my mind says a TT has more flexibility with a hitch and would have more success in rough up & down terrain then a 5ver which seems rigid — also would like to keep the bed open and not waste that space but mostly the ability to travel hard unlevel paths…………….. Thanks for any advice you may have in advance!

    Reply
  23. For what it’s worth, my wife and I have had four travel trailers, three fifth wheels and one motorhome. They all have their purposeful niche. For us, we will never again have a travel trailer nor a motorhome! For us, the fifth wheels have the most advantages in our opinion. We typically travel 5 or 6 months of the year and we are always on the move, we don’t just stay put. Love traveling in our fantastic diesel pick up and then dropping our rig in our camp site and seeing the area around about a 200 mile radius., then moving on. I could go on and on about the negatives of trailers and MH’s but I will spare you.

    Reply
    • Hi Wingleader69,
      I hope you and your wife are enjoying your retirement. What you and your wife are doing is what me and my husband want to do in the near future when we retire. My husband wants a 5th wheel toy hauler for his “baby” (aka motorcycle) 🙂 We’ll find an RV camp somewhere and then take the motorcycle out and ride. And then when we get tired of that spot, we’ll pick up and go to another. Can you give me some advice about what brands of 5th wheel toy haulers are good, and, if you know, which to stay away from? And what type truck did you get to haul your 5th wheeler. We were thinking about buying used toy hauler and truck. Thank you.

      Reply
    • I’ve been reading many of these comments. I stopped at your comment because it makes a lot of sense as far as safety is concerned. This may sound crazy but I don’t plan on traveling with this RV. I want to live in it full-time on my son’s lot. Would you recommend a fifth wheel verses a travel trailer for safety reasons? Thank you

      Reply
    • Can you please let us know what vehicle you use to tow it? Does it have to be a 350 diesel dually or can we get something less. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Most 5th wheels are well within the capacity of a 3/4 ton. However, anyone considering any RV should make sure they understand the empty weight, loaded weight and tongue weight of whatever rig they are considering. That will inform your decision regarding tow vehicle. An F350 diesel dually will tow just about any RV comfortably, but it is overkill for any travel trailer and most 5th wheels. Engine matters as much as the chassis. In fact, a bigger truck with the same engine is actually slightly WORSE for towing a trailer light enough for the smaller truck. All you do going from an F250 to an F350 with the same engine is add weight. I pull a 29′ toy hauler 5th wheel with a four seat side x side with a 2500 Silverado duramax. It had zero problems in the Tetons at a 13% grade. The biggest issue I have ever had was FORGETTING THE TRAILER WAS THERE.

        Reply
  24. Is there a rule of thumb for the size of vehicle to pull a trailer under 28 feet? I would most likely think we would be between 18 to 25. We have a 1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 with 200K and is showing her age a bit. Until we see if we are fit for this new adventure I would like to not have to purchase a new tow vehicle. Our Ford has a serious trailer hitch already as we purchased her used and she used to pull a big boat. I am assuming torque and horsepower are key.

    Reply
    • Please look carefully at tow capacity and remember fully loaded weight NOT on the lot weight. Not to insult but you DO NOT HAVE A VERY CAPABLE TOW VEHICLE. I would hate to see a tragedy happen due to over towing.

      Reply
  25. In the article you wrote, “Travel trailers have advantages that make it better suited for the trailers of 28? or less.” Is that measured with the tongue?

    Reply
  26. We became 1st RV owners after doing research for three years. My husband wanted a toyhauler and I didn?t want to give up any living space since we were going to be full time living. We once again visited our local RV show January 2017 and found our dream Fifth Wheel. It is a big one….42? with 5 slides but it has the bedroom in the back. The queen bed does sit somewhat high off the floor but…if you would go outside and around to the back of the RV you will see a large door that will come down like a ramp to the ground. Inside you see a huge storage unit which people could use for just for additional storage but for those motorcyclists, ATV enthusiasts, bicyclists, etc. just need to reach in an push the button and the ceiling raises (which is actually your queen bed instead the RV) and you have a garage!!! So my husband got his toy hauler for our 2 Harley?s and I got my living space! Neither of us had to compromise….lol. This fifth wheel is on the heavy side which we knew it would be as it?s just the two of us ( in our upper 50?s) so we purchased a new Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab Long Bed Diesel Dually Truck. This truck pulls the RV like nothing is behind us. We had a generator installed plus a washer/dryer too. I just think the hardest part is purging your stuff from a 2,500 sq ft home and moving into 3??sq ft and learning how to tiny live. It?s worth it though as life is short and material things really don?t bring happiness. Life?s experiences do though along with meeting new people.

    Reply
    • I will be very interested knowing what kind of 5ht wheel you purchased? My wife and I are wanting to do the same thing and live on the road but need added space for motorcycle.

      Reply
  27. they now have 5th wheels from 27′ that can be pulled by a 1/2 ton truck( so says the advertisement) we are currently looking on moving up from a 22 ‘ Fleetwood TT to a 29 ft forest river or artic fox 5th wheel with the later being our #1 choice. . both we were told could be towed with our chevy silverado 3/4 ton.

    Reply
    • I’LL SHARE SOME WISDOM I LEARNED MANY MOONS AGO. JUST BECAUSE THEY SAY YOU CAN TOW IT WITH A HALF TON TRUCK DOES NOT MEAN IT’S SAFE. THIS IS THE PART TO REMEMBER; YOU MUST BE ABLE TO STOP

      Reply
  28. I have a 24 foot TT and I am seriously considering a 5th wheel. The reason is you can gain about 8 foot of living space and have the same footprint ( TT plus Truck ). It also looks a lot easier to hook up a 5th wheel. I hate dealing with the weight distribution bars, anti-sway arm, chains, and brake lock. I currently load my motorcycle in the truck bed so I need to find a solution to bring that along if I go the 5th wheel route. Thanks for post, insightful.

    Reply
  29. Looking for a trailer with the bells and whistles of s fifth wheel for a 4 to 5 month stay. Away from the Georgia mountain winter. Heading west and south to warm climates. Love the 5 th wheel but have 3 Irish setters our fur kids which keep us from getting a pick up. Any suggestions to compare to a keystone or grand design. Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Richard,

      Saw you post now in May, I was wondering what you decided on? We are looking into doing a baby boomer home liquidation to travel the US while we still have time. Like you wish to have something weather worthy, handles easily and is comfy enough for we two and our dog(s). Additionally you did not mention your tow vehicle, we would need to consider that also as we would be selling our existing cars to full fill this quest. TT vs 5th wheel??? We are not going to be hauling toys just us
      Thanks…Jini

      Reply
  30. Want a. 5th wheel because we are looking at traveling south and west during the winter months to escape the Georgia mountains. Have not seen a travel trailer that compares with a 5th wheel interior for a 4 or 5 month stay away from home. Only thing stopping or 5th wheel purchase is 3 Irish setters our fur kids. Does any one know of a travel trailer that would compare to 5th wheel living arrangements?

    Reply
  31. This has been so very interesting. I will soon be a dislocated, first time ,SENIOR, fill time RV enthusiast. I think I would like a fifth wheel. I think 30 foot is my max. However ever lot I shop gives me very different information. PLEASE ADVISE ME! I don’t know if one brand or manufacturer’s better pr more dependable!! Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Thanks I need help. This will be my last big financial decision!!

    Reply
  32. My daughter has a ram 1500. 5.2(? I know it?s a 6 cylinder). Bottom line would a goose neck or bumper pull be better for the truck? I know it?s not ideal, but she needs to haul 2 horses from time to time. I can?t afford another truck now, since I just had a total rebuild – motor and paint done, then she eloped.

    Reply
    • It really depends on the weight of the trailer and horses. A two horse bumper pull is cheaper and easy to hook up. I don’t know if it’s worth buying a goose neck trailer to haul 2 horses. You’ll find most goose neck or 5th wheel horse trailer are for 3+
      horses. I would check the max tounge weight and pulling weight for the truck. My friend borrowed my trailer to haul 1 horse a 900lb Arabian, my trailer was around 2500lbs . She said she had difficulty going up steep hill. So long story short there’s lots of factors to consider, but combine weight of horses and trailer together and make sure it’s less then the manufacturer recommendation.

      Reply
  33. Great Job! Your blog is so informative for me.You share some beneficial tips I really like it.It also provides the personal satisfaction of undergoing and completing a creative project. Keep it up Admin.

    Reply
  34. I like how you mention that we should look at the ease of towing when getting a trailer. I know for me having a trailer is kind of stressful so it’s important to me to have one that is easy to tow. In the future, if I ever get a trailer I’ll be sure to check how easy it is to tow.

    Reply
  35. I’m towing a 38′ travel trailer that weighs 24,000 lbs. It has three 9K axles. It is 13′ 4″ high and 8′ 6″ wide and has 4 hydraulic slides, two air conditioners, and an 8K diesel generator with a 35 gallon fuel tank. I absolutely love it. It tows rock solid. TV is a Dodge 5500 198″wb with an 11′ Knapheide KUVCC utility body. I have all my work tools plus a fridge and freezer in the back along with a 4K inverter w/900AH Battery bank and 150 PSI air compressor. Using a Torklift 30K hitch with Everest WD 1000 hitch. Truck is the same level hooked or unhooked from TT, tongue wt. is 3,200#. Big heavy TT’s are the way to go. Much more use of your truck and tow as good and maneuver better in parking lots. Just make sure you have a big heavy duty truck to pull with.

    Reply
  36. I would expect that to be as much a function of the hitch as the trailer. I’ve never owned a fifth wheel myself, but as a full-time TT resident, I drive by a lot of haul vehicles. Dome fifth wheel hitches I see appear totally rigid, while others are made to pivot side to side, allowing for variations in the pitch of the two vehicles.

    Reply
  37. I feel like you’ve never heard of a toy hauler. I’m sure you’ve seen those fifth wheels (and less frequently motor homes and travel trailers) with a gate on the back? Yeah. That’s a ramp to the garage. Some of them even come with a fuel tank to gas up your toys so you’re not loading up with a ton of Jerry cans to fuel your vacation hijinks.

    Reply
      • For sway issues you purchase a sway bar. In addition most will come with a weight distribution so you may distribute weight accordingly between travel trailer and vehicle towing. It’s very scientific and keeps vehicle from saying down and bring it evenly back up. You will notice a significant difference in areas that have high winds. It’s like nothing is behind you. Look into this and you will be glad you did. Hope this helps.

        Reply
  38. My husband and I are looking for a new trailer to take out on our adventures, and we are looking for advice on how to find the right one for us. I like how you pointed out that one thing we need to look at is what total length will work best for us. It will be nice to have something that is big enough to fit our family plus have room to do things, and be able to fit in the different size camping grounds out there.

    Reply
  39. RE: fuel economy. My experience has been the opposite of what you desribe. Same truck, and when we moved from our 27′ travel trailer to 29.5′ fifth wheel, our fuel economy actually stayed the same, if not actually improved because the “tow” is that much smoother and the truck is not “wrestling” with a wagging TT behind you. This is especially noticeable in windy driving conditions when our fuel economy with the TT went up considerably. Not so with our fifth wheel, even though it is longer and heavier!

    Reply
  40. Regarding hitches – most current pickups can be ordered with a factory installed “puck” system for fifth wheel hitches. B&W, Reese, Curt and others also make aftermarket versions. The hitch is secured to the truck at four points with cam action pins that fit into recesses under the truck bed. The hitch usually separates into two manageable pieces for removal. I can remove the hitch from our truck in about 5 minutes with no damage to my late 60s back, leaving a flat bed with no obstructions.

    Reply
      • Check out the AlexanderHitch. I have never considered a 5th wheel because I don’t want that huge chunk of metal staying in my truck bed. The Alexander hitch is quite amazing and can be removed in just a few minutes. I researched this hitch and spoke to several owners…all say it is the best thing for 5th wheel towing. We are in the process of looking for a toyhauler and have only considered a bumper hitch…until now. Good luck.

        Reply
    • I have my 5th wheel hitch reversed. I only have a ball in my bed that slides down level with my bed when not in use. so I alway have use of my bed and no receiver to take apart or remove.

      Reply
  41. We are considering a 5th wheel toyhauler. We have had several tow-behinds, and since we are nearing retirement, we thought the added room and features would be desirable. During our search we have learned that 5th wheels are prone to twisting the neck of the trailer after a while, especially if traveling over rough, twisty roads . We ride at some, so we travel in rough terrain. This info came from a mechanic (and he had several examples), but I have not been able to find any reports.
    Have you heard of this issue with 5th wheels.

    Reply

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