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Flscubadiver72's avatar
Flscubadiver72
Explorer
Nov 07, 2015

Need 5th wheel advice

We currently own a Lance truck camper but we are thinking about buying a 39ft toy hauler for a trip we will be making from FL to AK next year. It seems like national parks out west all have size limits is there any drawback to having a 5th wheel close to 40ft? Also is there any major difference between towing (tight turning) between tandem and triple axel this would be our 1st 5th wheel any advice would help greatly
  • Norskeman's avatar
    Norskeman
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    We downsized from a 38 foot to a 34 foot fifth wheel because of the length of the longer unit. I had a had time finding state parks that would take the longer trailer.

    Also if you go on any toll roads the cost of a triple axle is higher. Tolls for our tandem axle - NY to MN - about $120.00

    Hopefully you already have a dually, diesel truck - one will be needed for that big of a tow hauler.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2015
    Our fifth wheel is 36' plus a two-bike rack on the back. We've been in a couple of national forest campgrounds (in the East) and some state parks in Texas where we almost didn't fit in. We also had a very tight fit in one military resort, as well. I don't think I could have gotten a 40' trailer into those places - but I'm not a retired big rig driver, either.
  • TubaPete's avatar
    TubaPete
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    One drawback to a long trailer is the rear end swing. That is, if you turn sharply to the right, say in a gas station, the rear of the trailer will swing a surprising amount to the left. Collisions do occur.

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