Eagle 34.5 BHTS or Eagle 314BHDS; tough decision

northmeck0255 wrote:
Sorry, but the superior towing of a fiver is a matter of physics and not just opinion. If a gust of wind hits a travel trailer, the force is multiplied by the distance between the hitch and the rear tires. This is called "moment arm". You can think of moment arm as "leverage" that multiplies force.

On a fifth wheel, the kingpin sits right over the rear axle so the moment arm is zero.

The fifth wheel does have a larger sail area, but the resistance to sway is pure physics. That is the reason all the big tractor-trailers are fifth wheels and not bumper pull.

I am not going to question your statement but then it is what I said of towing with my Dmax 2500 2008 Chevy. It isn't often that I even know the trailer is behind us. We normally don't drive over 66 MPH and are on the interstates and secondary roads never on gravel or sand. We travel a lot somewhere around 15,000 miles a year. We see many 5ers and trailers, been to many a show and looked at both. I can normally find at least 5 problems with any unit in a few minutes. Bottom line like what you have and have what you like.

I've had both BP and 5er's. I got my first 5er 4 years ago and promised myself I would never go back to a BP. They pull so much better.

My 2 cents worth.

Sorry, but the superior towing of a fiver is a matter of physics and not just opinion. If a gust of wind hits a travel trailer, the force is multiplied by the distance between the hitch and the rear tires. This is called "moment arm". You can think of moment arm as "leverage" that multiplies force.

On a fifth wheel, the kingpin sits right over the rear axle so the moment arm is zero.

The fifth wheel does have a larger sail area, but the resistance to sway is pure physics. That is the reason all the big tractor-trailers are fifth wheels and not bumper pull.

northmeck0255 wrote:

tomman58 wrote:
I've nothing but Jaycos, they are good units with great 2 years warranty. I personally like the TT the 5ers for older folks make no sense. Falling down a set of stairs (happened to several folks we know) isn't a good thing. Secondly , tell me how you get out in a fire? Drop out of a window 6+ feet above the concrete! No thanks again. The TT has a door at the end of the bed , better chance to live without the broken back thank you.
I've towed the FKS322 for no less than 100,000 miles and with the proper truck they are a dream. Just saying.
I might have bought the new one but need more storage for our 5 month outings.

I share your safety concerns. A Front Living fiver solves those issues and gives you superior towability.

I just don't think I've ever really encountered a towing problem. Been in the Michigan UP with 5ers on the side of the road and went by them at 40MPH with no worry of the extreme wind. I think 5ers are a state on mind. If you don't tow much, are scared of towing in general, maybe you'll do better with a 5er. For me it is the TT and a pickup with a cap for all my stuff.
I've seen the reverse 5ers but stairs are stairs and cocktails are cocktails.
Oh and to the fella that needs an easy hookup.... get a 2015 GMC its rear camera shows the rear bumper and the hitch. My wife can hook up with getting out of the cab to locate the hitch point. Sweet. Also has built in anti sway and an exhaust brake... more sweet!

tomman58 wrote:
I've nothing but Jaycos, they are good units with great 2 years warranty. I personally like the TT the 5ers for older folks make no sense. Falling down a set of stairs (happened to several folks we know) isn't a good thing. Secondly , tell me how you get out in a fire? Drop out of a window 6+ feet above the concrete! No thanks again. The TT has a door at the end of the bed , better chance to live without the broken back thank you.
I've towed the FKS322 for no less than 100,000 miles and with the proper truck they are a dream. Just saying.
I might have bought the new one but need more storage for our 5 month outings.

I share your safety concerns. A Front Living fiver solves those issues and gives you superior towability.

I have been debating the same thing myself....35ft trailer or 35ft fifth...I lean towards the fifth for shorter length on the road, in the camping spot, better towing characteristics and roomier feel to the layout. However I also lean a bit towards the trailer due to keeping the bed for a quad in there and other gear.

How much are you going to be traveling? The tow length and where your're setting up is more of a factor if you are on the go a lot.
Jim

I know people do it all of the time, but I wouldn't want to pull a TT of that length. In my opinion, the fifth wheel is so much easier to hitch up and go.

I've nothing but Jaycos, they are good units with great 2 years warranty. I personally like the TT the 5ers for older folks make no sense. Falling down a set of stairs (happened to several folks we know) isn't a good thing. Secondly , tell me how you get out in a fire? Drop out of a window 6+ feet above the concrete! No thanks again. The TT has a door at the end of the bed , better chance to live without the broken back thank you.
I've towed the FKS322 for no less than 100,000 miles and with the proper truck they are a dream. Just saying.
I might have bought the new one but need more storage for our 5 month outings.

Jayco produces 4 levels of 5ers .... the Eagle HT, Eagle, Eagle Premier, and Pinnacle .... the HT is a half ton towable line .... the Eagle is their old "Eagle Lite" line .... the Eagle Premier is their old Designer which used to be their top 5er .... the Pinnacle is a step above the Premier .... the Eagle TT is a Premier level camper so it will have features like provision for a washer/dryer that aren't available in lines below the Premier/Pinnacle .... either one will serve you well .... the bottom line is which one do you feel is best for you and your family

Jim