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 trailer. My husband says that a 5th wheel is easier to tow.Years ago, we owned a 24 ft. 5th wheel and my husband remembers this as being easier to tow than the travel trailer we own now. I tell him that we were much younger then and not such nervous Nellies as we are now about towing. :RWe are considering selling our travel trailer for a 5th wheel, but I don't know if selling our travel trailer would be worth it. We do have sway control with this trailer.Opinions? Experiences? Advice? Thank you!

According to my husband, it is. It has something to do with the turning radius. All I know is that when I watch him backing the 21 ft 5er, the 26 ft 5er, and now the 34 ft 5ers up into "spaces", he does a heck of a lot better job than when he backs up the utility trailer we own. :) :)

I believe anyone can become an expert at either. My personal preference is a 5th wheel. The biggest reason is the shorter overall length for truck and trailers of comparable size. I also "think" (can't prove) a fifth wheel handles side winds, be it weather or traffic, somewhat better. Choose the one you are most comfortable with...there are advantages to both.

If you're having trouble with a 23' TT then you either don't have the WD setup right or your tow vehicle is undersized. I towed a 22' TT with an 08 F150 and literally did not know it was back there. I currently own a 5th and it's the same feeling. You feel the tugs from it once in awhile like you should but as far as sway goes it's non existent. It cuts corners a little sharper, it's a little trickier to back in and it's taller so I have to be a little more careful. A 5th only has one advantage over a TT and that's towing down the road. The rest is all personal preference.

My DW will tow and back our 5th. She refuses to tow, let alone back, my boat using the same tow vehicle.The 5th cuts corners a lot less, does not get knocked around as much by passing trucks, and reacts quicker to direction changes when backing, making backing easier since you don't have to anticipate as much. The only down side for her is the much increased side and front area between a boat and the 5th, making strong winds a noticeable issue. But I would rather be driving a 5th in wind than a trailer any day!

When I first got my rig I went from a motorhome and had never towed a fiver before and was I happy with it! The tracking was outstanding, the maneuverability was far better than I thought it would be, all in all I was floored but,,,our rig is set up properly with the trail Air pin-box and Centerpoint air ride in the fiver and my truck is a BIG dually which I think makes ALL the difference. Red Green: There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys.

HELP! Is towing a 5th wheel easier? | Good Sam Community

MPI_Mallard
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
When I first got my rig I went from a motorhome and had never towed a fiver before and was I happy with it! The tracking was outstanding, the maneuverability was far better than I thought it would be, all in all I was floored but,,,our rig is set up properly with the trail Air pin-box and Centerpoint air ride in the fiver and my truck is a BIG dually which I think makes ALL the difference.

Red Green:
There's only two things that excite
a man, expensive toys and real
expensive toys.
Flapper
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
My DW will tow and back our 5th. She refuses to tow, let alone back, my boat using the same tow vehicle.
The 5th cuts corners a lot less, does not get knocked around as much by passing trucks, and reacts quicker to direction changes when backing, making backing easier since you don't have to anticipate as much. The only down side for her is the much increased side and front area between a boat and the 5th, making strong winds a noticeable issue. But I would rather be driving a 5th in wind than a trailer any day!
goducks10
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
If you're having trouble with a 23' TT then you either don't have the WD setup right or your tow vehicle is undersized. I towed a 22' TT with an 08 F150 and literally did not know it was back there. I currently own a 5th and it's the same feeling. You feel the tugs from it once in awhile like you should but as far as sway goes it's non existent. It cuts corners a little sharper, it's a little trickier to back in and it's taller so I have to be a little more careful. A 5th only has one advantage over a TT and that's towing down the road. The rest is all personal preference.
SH
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
I believe anyone can become an expert at either. My personal preference is a 5th wheel. The biggest reason is the shorter overall length for truck and trailers of comparable size. I also "think" (can't prove) a fifth wheel handles side winds, be it weather or traffic, somewhat better. Choose the one you are most comfortable with...there are advantages to both.
amandasgramma
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
According to my husband, it is. It has something to do with the turning radius. All I know is that when I watch him backing the 21 ft 5er, the 26 ft 5er, and now the 34 ft 5ers up into "spaces", he does a heck of a lot better job than when he backs up the utility trailer we own. :) :)

Forum Discussion

HELP! Is towing a 5th wheel easier?

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

It's getting easier

Whoever said 5er's were easier

tow dolly help

suv to trailer towing help

Need help choosing new tow vehicle