Do I want a 5th wheel?

looper wrote:
The wife and I are retired. We have been camping for many years. From tent to popup to travel trailer. Been in our 23.5 Pilgrim for 7 years and it is time for a change. We really like what we see in 5th wheels but just can't make up our mind. I am OCD about reading and learning all I can about something I plan to do. In my research on what it takes to go from TT to 5er it seems like a MUCH bigger step than any we took before. I am trying to learn about the weights and I am a stickler about sticking to the wt limits. I have a low mileage F250 with the old 7.3L diesel and know that limits my choices and we are good with that. Actually would not consider anything over 30'. All that to get to this. What would a veteran 5th wheel owner tell me to consider and research before making my final decision to move up to a 5th wheel or stay with a new TT?

Without reading ahead...

When I was looking for an RV, I knew I didn't want a MH and didn't want a TT. I've towed both trailers and GN trailers and knew that a FW was what I wanted. The ease of hitching/unhitching, better towing, more room/ft and more overall storage more than make up for the (normally) taller RV, steps inside and loss of truck bed.

I have an '02 D'max, so my payload is pretty anemic, compared to today's trucks, so I'm looking to go lighter, even if slightly longer. There are any number of so-called "half-ton towable" FWs out there that will probably work well for you and keep you well within your weight numbers. The top 2 on my short list are a Jayco Eagle HT and a KZ Durango 1500. Both are 30+ feet, 3 slides and 9,950 GVW (Jayco) and 10,500 GVW (KZ). Each line has a number of models from smaller to larger. Down side to them, and most other "light" FWs, is limited cargo capacity, so if you like to carry a lot of "stuff", or want to add mods, you have to be aware of that.

Lyle