5th VS Travel Trailer

[Montana2Manila]

I’m looking for a bargain here. Currently 5th wheel trailers are cheaper and plentiful.

I know this question pops up frequently; BUT, what are the pros/cons of 5th wheel campers vs a travel trailer that you hitch to your bumper?

Thank you

 

[Dr. Dolittle]

Google this and you'll get hours of enlightening reading!

First thing that pops into my head is the weight. There's a wide selection of TT's available that you can pull with a generic, 1/2 ton pickup or even a suitably equipped SUV. Very rare to find a 5er that allows you to do that.

Also, the hitch setup can be much more expensive for a 5er.

 

[Russellvh]

Also look at storage. From my observations 5th wheels have more storage. Probably not an issue for weekends or 1 week but if full timer that could be a changer.

 

[kayakterp]

The biggest thing that keeps me away from a 5th wheel is not being able to use all of the truck bed. I like having space in the truck bed which a TT allows with or without an RV behind it.

 

[L884593]

one item to remember-YES you can find a lot more TT's to pull with a 1/2 ton pickup BUT remember even then do your homework. Be sure you have either the right TT, or truck, for the weight you are going to tow and more importantly "stop". Many F150 crewcabs(new models) are rated up to 13,000# towing capacity--i can can tell you if you try to take that rig up/down any type of grade your in for a truly hair-raising-white-knuckle experience at the least-at the worst an accident. Don't take anyone's words, including Ford dealer(like i did)-get with someone knowledgable on GCWR for your vehicle, payload capacity, etc--and you'll be much happier and safer.

 

[FL-JOE]

There are very few fivers out there that can safely be towed with anything less than a 3/4 ton pickup, and many really spec out when loaded to require a 1-ton. So that is the first thing that I would consider when comparing a TT and a fiver. There could be a huge price difference between a 1/2 ton truck or SUV and a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

One other thing to consider is towing on windy days and towing up and down steep grades. Most people find that a fiver does much better.

 

[Ben]

Here is my opinion and I am no expert. First had a TT without slides and it was nice and really plenty of room for 2 people. Liked having a seperate exterior door in the bedroom, and it pulled fine. I have a Dodge 2500 with a Cumins. Sold and got a 5th wheel which pulling over the rear axel did feel more stable and was able to get into places easier. Was hesitant about getting a 5th wheel hitch installed and losing bed space. I pull 4 pins and then have only 2 rails across the bottom of the bed and if I feel like I am going to put something heavy enough to damage those (which would be a lot) I lay a piece of plywood over them. Now we have a motorhome which is great when traveling and only spending a night or two and going on. I think personally the 5th wheel feels more roomy inside to us, so if we were going to be staying put any length of time I think we would prefer the 5th wheel. The motorhome has more storage outside than the 5th wheel and the 5th wheel had more than the TT. Again just our opinion and different models, several years apart. Get what you are comfortable with and enjoy.

 

[sanda]

This is why I pull a TT and have an 8' bed.