Going from bumper pull to fifth wheel

2001400ex wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
See my sig. Those smaller 28ft 5ers are perfect for a newer 3/4 ton. I came from a 21ft WW Superlite bumper pull. The 5er while heavier is a much nicer pull. I get nearly identical mileage on the flats and only a little less pulling hills. No regrets. Do it!

You will have to contend with the added height depending on where you camp so keep that in mind.

One thing I would look at in regards to the trailers is whether they are spring over or spring under suspension. I had to do a spring over flip to get a level tow behind my truck. The added stresses from the spring over causes horizontal stress cracks in my frame between the axles. Lippert took care of it and sured it up with three cross members but it is something I would have tried to avoid if I had known.

What do you think about the overall quality of the eclipse? And do you think the stress cracks could also be from poor quality? They are quite a bit lighter than the competition.

For other responses, my wife prefers the eclipse because of the bedroom and the spice rack, a few other things. I like it cause it's lighter. They both are so similar in design.

There was a bunch of questions on the closed thread. Basically, when I bought it, I was only camping 2-3 nights at a time. So the bedroom wasn't a big deal. And in places where there is wall to wall camping sites, like lines painted on cement and your neighbor is right there. Since then, I've had 4 buddies buy campers as well and have been camping longer periods of time. My rational on the smaller trailer was 1) we only sleep in our camper (still true, just uncomfortable) 2) we camp in tight spaces, didn't want bump outs and 3) long distances in one day meaning I don't want to lug around a big beast.

I still do that type of camping, but now also camp in different areas. And those are closer to town where size isn't an issue.

Yes a modern 3/4 is probably viable. Mine, I'm 7,700 pounds with the family and gear. 9,200 GVW. This has a dry pin weight of 2,000 pounds, I've had that much rock in my bed and there's zero chance I'd enjoy that's with a 32 foot trailer included.

Overall quality is decent but I have seen some things that leave me scratching my head. They are all this way though. Just how the industry is. The frame cracks I feel were the direct result of the axle flip. I don't think the trailer and frame were designed to handle the extra stresses. I would look at the frames between the units your looking at. If the added weight is in the frame I wouldn't mind it. I feel the frame on the 28SAG is marginal at best. Likely in an attempt to save weight. Anyways Lippert took care of my frame issues and its really strong NOW. I like the overall size of the unit as I can maneuver it fairly easy and get in/out most any place I took my bumper pull. If you opt for the sofa slideout (highly recommend) the interior is fairly roomy even for the 28ft model.