HELP! Is towing a 5th wheel easier?
Not wanting to start an argument here, but would really like some insight, both pros and cons of towing a 5th wheel vs. a travel trailer. Currently, we own a 23 ft (from end to tow bar) travel traile...
Forum Discussion
Towing down the road:
- TT is around 7-12% of the trailer weight 3-4' behind the rear axle.
- 5er is around 20-25% of the trailer weight directly over the rear axle.
The 5er plants that rear axle with more weight and it has less leverage, so you don't get blown around by passing trucks as much. This isn't to say a properly set up travel trailer shouldn't be safe and comfortable to drive but for an otherwise similar setup, it won't be as comfortable. (There is a reason, commercial trailers are almost exclusively 5th wheels)
You do have to take corners a little wider with a 5th wheel but not substantially different.
Backing in is the same but different. The same principals apply but the 5er starts turning more slowly but ultimately can turn sharper. The easiest solution is to use an S-curve to jump start the backing process:
- Start out as close as you can to the side the site is on.
- As you pass the site, turn hard away from the site until you run out of room.
- Then turn hard back toward the site.
- If you have done this properly, the trailer is now turned 20-40 degrees towards the site with the trailer at an angle to the truck, so you are already past the "slow to start" part of the turn.
In general 5th wheels do tow nicer.
- TT is around 7-12% of the trailer weight 3-4' behind the rear axle.
- 5er is around 20-25% of the trailer weight directly over the rear axle.
The 5er plants that rear axle with more weight and it has less leverage, so you don't get blown around by passing trucks as much. This isn't to say a properly set up travel trailer shouldn't be safe and comfortable to drive but for an otherwise similar setup, it won't be as comfortable. (There is a reason, commercial trailers are almost exclusively 5th wheels)
You do have to take corners a little wider with a 5th wheel but not substantially different.
Backing in is the same but different. The same principals apply but the 5er starts turning more slowly but ultimately can turn sharper. The easiest solution is to use an S-curve to jump start the backing process:
- Start out as close as you can to the side the site is on.
- As you pass the site, turn hard away from the site until you run out of room.
- Then turn hard back toward the site.
- If you have done this properly, the trailer is now turned 20-40 degrees towards the site with the trailer at an angle to the truck, so you are already past the "slow to start" part of the turn.
In general 5th wheels do tow nicer.
