Forum Discussion

Explorer

Feb 28, 2019

1st time buyer - 31 vs 35 ft trailer?

We are planning to get a 5th wheel trailer soon and are debating between a trailer that is 31 ft and one that is 35 ft length.

It's our first time pulling a 5th wheel trailer so we are leaning towards the 31 ft trailer so it's easier to pull and find camping spots, but we have 5 kids and the 35 ft one has a dedicated bunk room, plus an extra bathroom and an outdoor kitchen. The 31 ft trailer does have double bunks.

What advice would you have? Should we go with shorter to keep it simpler or is the extra 4 ft not as big of an impact and we should go with one that fits our family better? Our plan is do a fairly even mix of dry camping and campground camping, I'm in Utah.

Here are the models we are considering. Would love any feedback on these two as well.

2018 JAYCO EAGLE HT 26.5BHS
https://www.jayco.com/tools/archive/2018-eagle-ht-fifth-wheel/265bhs/

HIDEOUT 308BHDS
https://www.keystonerv.com/fifth-wheels/hideout/floorplans/308bhds-fifth-wheel/

Thanks for the help!

43 Replies

Krusty
Nomad II
Feb 28, 2019
Get the one that is the best fit for your family. You will just need to get adjusted to the larger size. After you are used to pulling it and parking it, it will still be the best trailer for your needs.
frenchmr
Explorer
Feb 28, 2019
Thanks for the reply and feedback! The 31 ft trailer can work for us, but we definitely would be a lot more comfortable with the 35 ft one (I forgot to mention we also have 2 dogs!).

On the entertainment center, I agree that it is not at an ideal viewing angle, it seems to be a common place for the newer trailers in this size range floorplan. My hope is we can get a TV mount bracket that can swivel out enough to make it ok for viewing.
downtheroad
Explorer
Feb 28, 2019
No question: get the one that fits your family better. Why spend this kind of $$$ for something that won't work for you?
Couple of feet will not make a difference in how it pulls or handles.

On thing I did notice is that the entertainment center on both is at a very uncomfortable viewing angle from the seating....so if you all are going to watch TV or videos, might be a consideration.

Also, make sure you have the truck to handle either and your family (7 people and the dog).