Possible switch to 5th Wheel....Questions

Hitches are like trucks. Everyone has an opinion. Pulled with a Hijacker dual pivor to 11 years and it was never an issue. Dual pivot is what you want no matter what brand you pick.
All towable RVs except a select couple will have 2x2 sidewalls. So insulation is a mute point unless the mfg used spray foam insulation.
Cougar is a mid priced weekend RV brand. Lots of them on the road, so I guess their OK quality wise.
As far as better brands? Outdoor RV, and Northwood MFG, both family owned smaller mfgs that build on an in house frame instead of a Lippert product. Although recent reports of their quality slipping recently I would still place them near the top of my list to consider. Be aware, their built heavy, so a substsantial truck will be needed. You also need to understand towing a fiver is a different animal. With a fiver its all about your trucks load carrying capacity.

donn0128 wrote:
Hitches are like trucks. Everyone has an opinion. Pulled with a Hijacker dual pivor to 11 years and it was never an issue. Dual pivot is what you want no matter what brand you pick.
All towable RVs except a select couple will have 2x2 sidewalls. So insulation is a mute point unless the mfg used spray foam insulation.
Cougar is a mid priced weekend RV brand. Lots of them on the road, so I guess their OK quality wise.
As far as better brands? Outdoor RV, and Northwood MFG, both family owned smaller mfgs that build on an in house frame instead of a Lippert product. Although recent reports of their quality slipping recently I would still place them near the top of my list to consider. Be aware, their built heavy, so a substsantial truck will be needed. You also need to understand towing a fiver is a different animal. With a fiver its all about your trucks load carrying capacity.

Not to stay "mute" on the moot point......insulation usually only a consideration if you want a 4-seasons 5th. They're all just fine! Note: Dual pane windows are an option worth the additional cost, and *do* improve insulating qualities and outdoor noise reduction.

The truck: *If* you stay with the size 5th you're considering, a 3/4 or 1T truck will be "substsantial" as well as substantial enough.

Hitches: Unlike moving from one brand of tow vehicle to a different brand (Ram to Chev, etc.), most hitch owners only have had one hitch, which (if they did their research) will be their "only" for a lot of years and may go along to their next tow vehicle - if they "upgrade".

My preference (after *my* research) was a PullRite SuperGlide for my short bed 1T (SRW) p/up. Happy with both for the last 13 years. I have had lots of RVs (and tow vehicles)over the years - but have had only one 5th and one hitch - so can't compare hitches.
(If it ain't broke, no need to fix it!)..:W

Decide on the brands and floor plans of the 5ths you like - then decide what you will tow it with, and the hitch that's right for you.
(Ignore salesperson's recommendations!)

Happy "shopping"..

:C

The best is a very subjective term - I think everyone who has had an air-ride hitch would never go back to something solid.

For insulation how much do you want to pay for your unit? My Luxe has 3" walls and has insulation close to a house.

coveredwagon,

Hitches! One of the best....TrailerSaver. One of the most expensive.....TrailerSaver. One of the heaviest ( likely “the” heaviest) .....TrailerSaver. Way “overkill” for a 5er in the 27 ft. Cougar range!


Cold weather 5ers.....how cold? There are quite a few that will winter, far better than the Cougar. Most of which, are no longer still in production! But, they will be a little larger and “much” heavier, than the 27’ Cougar! If wintering means, below zero temperatures, a short list can be posted!

You are considering something close to the size we tow (see signature)

Unless you think you might move up to something really big in a few years, why not use something that works well and is easy to install and remove.

Rail mount Andersen.

Trailer Saver! It's an air ride hitch in the truck. If you change trucks later, move the hitch. If you put an air ride pin box on the trailer, and change trailers later, you buy another air ride pin box.

At 27'-29', an air ride hitch is overkill.

With our (actual) 27' fifth wheel, we have never felt the need.

I'll also say the rail-mount Anderson.

Thank you everyone. I am listening/ learning. Checking into every suggestion.

covered wagon wrote:
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated......

Which 5th wheel hitch is the very best for strength and ease of use? I don't worry about cost when it comes to something this important.

I want around 27 foot Cougar as it seems to be discreet in having everything I would like and I'm thankful for any thoughts about insulation and the holding tanks being able to take cold weather

Are there any other brands that have better insulation, thicker walls that I should consider?

Thanks to everyone for your helpful thoughts It will help to make wise decisions while switching from a Truck camper.

My first choice on a hitch is the 25k AirSafe Hitch. I have had mine for 12 years now. My second choice is the TrailerSaver air hitch. Make sure the hitch has a Holland/Binkley head on it. On our first trip to pull or 2006 Carriage, the wife said you can't even feel it back their. Nothing moved in the 5th wheel , no even a dish. Only time anythng moves is if you have to slam on the brakes. That is why you want a good air hitch