mtofell1 wrote:
The 5th wheel vs. TT debate is a tough one. I'm right in the middle of it myself as I'm looking at an RV change in the next few months. I've owned both and there are pros/cons to each - at least for my usage.
Here's my list:
TT pros:
Maintain usage of the entire truck bed while on the road (firewood, bikes, tools, etc.)
Easy to hookup - no anvil to lift in/out of the bed
Less TV needed for a given size
Elevated part of the 5th provides nice separation and a generally better floor plan IMO. :h
TT cons:
Long overall combination (common to find spots in campgrounds that won't take a 30' + TT - RV Parks generally more accepting), also more difficult to back a similar sized unit into a given tight spot.
5th pros:
Better overall towing experience with the weight over the axle vs. hanging on the bumper
Better floor plan flow with upper level
Better storage options on the 5th (but the TT leaves better in the truck so it's kind of a toss-up) :h
5th cons:
Hook-up is more time consuming
Hitch is a lot to deal with both while on the road while setting up/breaking down
More tow vehicle needed
5ths seem to be generally more $$ compared to a similar TT
It's a REALLY touch call (for me anyway). I still use my truck for work more than fun so it's even tougher. If I were out with any regularity it would be a 5th for sure. It just gets old emptying the tools out of my truck and lugging the hitch in and setting up.... especially since my outings are more likely to be a weekend.
Well your last statement makes a bit more sense of the two head scratchier above.
To the longer hitch time, that is debatable! Even having to put the hitch in the bed tales about 5 minutes tops with a rail system, and likely easier than lifting a WD head in to that 2" or 2.5" receiver. My TV isn't a work truck, so the hitch is already in the bed much of the time.
It is all personal choice, but a 5er makes more sense to me, we are able to keep all we need for a weekend or a week or more in the 5er all the time with the exception of perishable food.
Our best time from me leaving work, to having the 5er in tow leaving the storage yard, is one hour and fifteen minutes. That included driving the eight miles from work to the storage yard, with a stop at the house. At the house, I picked up DW, the dogs, perishable food from refer, installed the hitch, and aired up the rear tires to towing pressure. Once at the yard, less than 15 minutes to place food in the 5er, hitch up remove tire covers and double check all connection. Did you notice NO Cloths!! Yep weeks worth in the 5er all the time.
