HelloI am looking at selling an older smaller fifth wheel to upgrade to a unit with more bunks. It is getting hard to fit three kids in two bunks as they grow!I pull with a gas SRW chev 3/4 ton so I don't want a big unit. I have no desire to upsize trucks so am thinking either a half ton model or a regular fifth wheel with fewer slides (in my mind, excessive slides are extra weight, extra complications, extra leak points, and extra weak points due to compromising the integrity of the main structure).For half ton models, I was thinking, Cougar, Jayco, Chaparral, or Rezerve.I can see that the half ton units are usually shorter of stature, and have fewer slides. Also in general, the floor plans are simpler.Do they compromise on strength when building the half ton models, as far as thickness of materials, quality of components, etc.?

Fineline1 wrote:HelloI am looking at selling an older smaller fifth wheel to upgrade to a unit with more bunks. It is getting hard to fit three kids in two bunks as they grow!I pull with a gas SRW chev 3/4 ton so I don't want a big unit. I have no desire to upsize trucks so am thinking either a half ton model or a regular fifth wheel with fewer slides (in my mind, excessive slides are extra weight, extra complications, extra leak points, and extra weak points due to compromising the integrity of the main structure).For half ton models, I was thinking, Cougar, Jayco, Chaparral, or Rezerve.I can see that the half ton units are usually shorter of stature, and have fewer slides. Also in general, the floor plans are simpler.Do they compromise on strength when building the half ton models, as far as thickness of materials, quality of components, etc.?Check out the KZ Durango 1500 line, too.Lyle

Fineline 1Again this is just my take coming from a Coachman Chaparral to a Kz Durango Gold, I'm sure other will tell you how great their brand is an why you should buy that brand ... RV Brands are like cars, the one they own is the best one out there and the rest are junk LOL ...You might also look at Kz line of 5th wheels, they have 5 different lines of 5th wheels, from heavy to light an they have good build guilty ...They also priced most times below what the others like Cougar, Jayco, Chaparral, or Rezerve, I will say they do not have the bing or glitter that others have, they are functional with what you need where you need it :)Take a look, you may be surprisedhttps://www.kz-rv.com/fifth-wheels.html

Just be aware of the CCC, and holding tank, fresh water tank capacities, with the 1/2 ton towable models. Also look at axle capacities, many are just 4,400 lbs, with smaller brake assemblies.I agree, with the too many slides, on light weight models, could result in issues. JMOJerry

A few years ago I was considering a Jayco half ton model. I compared them extensively to the standard model, and could find very few differences. Construction was the same, insulation, etc. They were just smaller, especially in the front bedroom area, and as you noted, less slides. I think they had cheaper/lighter counter tops too. :B

I don't know that there's a standard answer that works for all brands and models. Best thing to do is look at the method of construction and the detailed specs for each model when comparing. As MFL stated above, pay close attention to the CCC, tank capacities, axle weights, frame sizes. and any construction specs and diagrams.

Light 5th wheels vs "regular" | Good Sam Community

kzspree320
Explorer
Jul 17, 2017
I don't know that there's a standard answer that works for all brands and models. Best thing to do is look at the method of construction and the detailed specs for each model when comparing. As MFL stated above, pay close attention to the CCC, tank capacities, axle weights, frame sizes. and any construction specs and diagrams.
TurnThePage
Explorer
Jul 17, 2017
A few years ago I was considering a Jayco half ton model. I compared them extensively to the standard model, and could find very few differences. Construction was the same, insulation, etc. They were just smaller, especially in the front bedroom area, and as you noted, less slides. I think they had cheaper/lighter counter tops too. :B
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 17, 2017
Just be aware of the CCC, and holding tank, fresh water tank capacities, with the 1/2 ton towable models. Also look at axle capacities, many are just 4,400 lbs, with smaller brake assemblies.

I agree, with the too many slides, on light weight models, could result in issues. JMO

Jerry
ChuckV1
Explorer
Jul 17, 2017
Fineline 1

Again this is just my take coming from a Coachman Chaparral to a Kz Durango Gold, I'm sure other will tell you how great their brand is an why you should buy that brand ... RV Brands are like cars, the one they own is the best one out there and the rest are junk LOL ...

You might also look at Kz line of 5th wheels, they have 5 different lines of 5th wheels, from heavy to light an they have good build guilty ...They also priced most times below what the others like Cougar, Jayco, Chaparral, or Rezerve, I will say they do not have the bing or glitter that others have, they are functional with what you need where you need it :)

Take a look, you may be surprised

https://www.kz-rv.com/fifth-wheels.html
laknox
Nomad
Jul 17, 2017
Fineline1 wrote:
Hello
I am looking at selling an older smaller fifth wheel to upgrade to a unit with more bunks. It is getting hard to fit three kids in two bunks as they grow!
I pull with a gas SRW chev 3/4 ton so I don't want a big unit. I have no desire to upsize trucks so am thinking either a half ton model or a regular fifth wheel with fewer slides (in my mind, excessive slides are extra weight, extra complications, extra leak points, and extra weak points due to compromising the integrity of the main structure).
For half ton models, I was thinking, Cougar, Jayco, Chaparral, or Rezerve.
I can see that the half ton units are usually shorter of stature, and have fewer slides. Also in general, the floor plans are simpler.
Do they compromise on strength when building the half ton models, as far as thickness of materials, quality of components, etc.?

Check out the KZ Durango 1500 line, too.

Lyle

Forum Discussion

Light 5th wheels vs "regular"

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

No signal lights, headlights, docking lights, fog lights

LED Lights

lighting

Wheels

Dual rear wheel or single rear wheel?