Forum Discussion

rayford118's avatar
rayford118
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013

Bumper Pull vs 5th Wheel

Getting closer to getting the Cyclone and got another question for the experts. Currently pulling a 32' Jayco that is probably closer to 35' including tounge im sure. What would be the equivalent for a 5th wheel as far as length. What I mean is, with a few feet of the 5th wheel hanging over the bed, how much longer a 5th wheel can you have and still have the similar turning ranger as the 35' bumper pull. Trying to see how much harder it will be to get in and out of places with this longer trailer but i figure it may not be as bad as im fearing since a good bit of the extra length will get over the bed instead of extending in the rear. Am I thinking right?
Toy Haulers
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2013
    We previously had a 32 foot TT and now have a 35' FW. Backing it up, it's more responsive and much easier per DH. We're backing it in the same spot as the TT before. Overall we are actually shorter with the fifth wheel and that was with a short bed F250 towing the 32' TT compared to a long bed F350 towing a 35' FW. Id like to respond to the off topic subject interjected here regarding trouble finding campgrounds for longer lengths. Not so. We've fit in sites that on first glance looked short and ending up being able to fit in including the TV and without unhooking (for overnight stays). We boondock often and have no problem finding a spot for our rig too.
  • The_Dung_Beetle's avatar
    The_Dung_Beetle
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2013
    I would SOOOOOOOOOOO DRIVE THAT LOCALLY! I wonder about the stopping capabilities, but the "wow" factor is absolutely OFF the charts!! Not too many hills around this area.

    I WANT THAT!!
    .
  • rayford118's avatar
    rayford118
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2013
    Halmfamily wrote:
    One of the big differences between a bumper pull and a fiver is the tracking in turns. My 40' fiver can track so far in while turning into my driveway I had to widen my driveway by six feet to make the turn. Just make sure that you make wide turns compared to the bumper pull and you will be fine. Some campgrounds are a little tight but have not found one I have not been able to navigate.


    how long was your BP compared to your FW. I figured a same length BP vs FW the FW would have a much better turning capability, or at least thats what Ive been told.

    I have an 8ft bed. Just me guessing but i figured a 38-39' FW would be equivalent to my current BP since i figured 3-4' of the length of the cyclone will hang over the bed of the truck. If thats true then maybe my entire length will only grow by 2-4'. Again thats just my thinking, trying to get other peoples opinions with this.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2013
    One of the big differences between a bumper pull and a fiver is the tracking in turns. My 40' fiver can track so far in while turning into my driveway I had to widen my driveway by six feet to make the turn. Just make sure that you make wide turns compared to the bumper pull and you will be fine. Some campgrounds are a little tight but have not found one I have not been able to navigate.
  • Vulcanmars's avatar
    Vulcanmars
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2013
    Up to 36ft should keep you under your current overall length if that is you goal. The 5th will turn better and if you have a short bed and an auto slide hitch it will turn tighter than the truck. Our 31ft unit has worked out real well as we mostly go to state parks.
  • SWD's avatar
    SWD
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2013
    I think 35ft is longer than what I would want to pull, but there again I go to alot of off the beaten track places to camp. I just moved from a TT to a FW. Assuming you have a long box? Many campsites in the National Parks are already maxed out at 30ft or even less!

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