shopping, have questions

anaro wrote:
We are in the process of debating between the sabre 5ers (33rets or 34reqs) and TT (320rets). Virtually the same floor plan and not far off on length. Obviously the 5ers are slightly heavier than the tt but within specs for my truck (calculated using scaled tv weights and trailer gvwr not dry weights). Here is my dilemma... the 5er is more expensive and taller. Is it really that much nicer towing to be worth the expense (almost $10,000 difference)? How easy is it to adjust to the height. I worry towing my current tt and it is a lot shorter. Do most figure the difference in towing/backing out pretty easily? TT is a comfort zone for me towing but the 5ers sure are nice. Any input appreciated. Thank you.

I've never had a TT, but I've pulled enough trailers of all kinds over the years, that I knew from the get-go that I wanted a FW. Also helped to have towed a gooseneck a fair amount, so already had experience with the feel of it.

Lyle

Once you pull a 5er you will never go back to a bumper pull. First time you are on a 2 lane and meet a big rig and the trailer doesn't wiggle you will understand. More stable. Sidewinds don't bother it as much.

At least I never will, incredible difference.

Don't be afraid of the height. as others have mentioned, the additional storage and stability makes the fiver a dream to tow.
The exterior height becomes worthwhile when it becomes interior height!
The fivers track a bit different than a TT, and backing a fiver is a bit different as well vs. a TT. There is a learning curve nevertheless I went from a 36'TT to 39' fiver without any real issues.

Jerry- yes my truck should be just fine with any of those trailers.... here are my scale weights and specs...

Cat scale:
Front axle 4940 lbs,
Rear axle 3250 lbs
Total weight 8180 lbs.

Truck has an 11,600 lb gvwr to give me 3420 lbs of available payload.
Front GAWR is 6000 lbs so I have 1060 lbs available.
Rear GAWR is 7050 so I have 3810 lbs available.
GCWR is 24,500 lbs leaving me 16320 lbs (although technically only rated to 16000 lb 5ers capability).

The 33rets has a dry weight of 10,8682, gvwr of 13,532 and dry pin of 1915. Worst case scenario would be a 25% pin weight of gvwr (way heavier than we would ever probably be), which would be 3383 lbs.

The 34reqs has dry weight of 10,854 and gvwr of 13,704 with a dry pin of 1880. Again worst case pin would be 3426. 6 lbs over payload and still several hundred pounds under max RAWR if 5er loaded to max.

Please correct me if my math is wrong, but I should be fine with either of those trailers. I don't think I have room to go bigger but should be within specs here.

Wiscampsin- I'm over on forest river from time to time. I would be curious about your real world weights on the 34reqs. If we go with the 5er, it will be whichever one of the two we can get the better deal on as I love both equally for different reasons. The 33 allows me better fridge access when slides are in. The 34 allows me better cabinet space. Neither issue is a deal maker or breaker at this point, just differences in floor plan.

Thank you everyone for your input.

We made the move to a 5er two years ago. Wish we had done so a long time ago. For all the reasons stated above. The wife really likes it because she says I am more relaxed towing the 5er vs the TT. If you can afford it go for it. JMHO

We went 3 yrs with a TT. Moved to a 5'er last year. Went 300 miles to get it. Never towed a 5'er before. While we had some chucking issues that have since been ironed out, the initial tow was easy. I actually found myself running 65-70mph on a short stretch. I normally tow in the 60-65 range, but the 5'er is a much more relaxing tow. Can't say exactly why, but it just feels better connected to the truck.

Another thing that my wife brought up this last week while we were camping was the fact that last year I had broke my right arm and how much easier it is to hitch up the 5'er compared to hooking up spring bars on a WDH. I suppose I could've done it one handed, or have her help. But hitching the 5'er up is so much easier.
My wife would've had a heck of a time putting the EQ bars on our last TT. She could very easily hitch up the 5'er with me directing her.
Another nice thing is when walking around the trailer and truck you don't have to step over the tongue to get to one side or the other.

The added ceiling height and the more convenient storage also make them a plus IMO.

Simple things you don't really notice till you get out and use one for awhile.

Backing up is still tricky and we've had ours for a year now. It's not more difficult, it's just different. 5'ers corner a little tighter but you get use to that. The height thing is something to get used to. If you just do RV parks then no biggie. We tend to do mostly forest service CG's and therefore have to watch for low branches more. Funny thing is I have more trouble getting out of my neighborhood than driving thru most CG's.

Anaro - We hauled a TT for 2 seasons, and then upgraded to the 5ver in signature.....on the way home from the dealer (100 mile trip), my first time hauling a 5ver, and going around the Wash DC beltway - all I could do was grin and giggle - I could not believe how much nicer it was to tow than my TT.

I also no longer have greasy banged up shins....and that's really nice. Go for the 5th wheel.

You can always have your co-pilot get out and check for branches...if you think they might be close....my DW has no problem doing that for us.

Good Luck.

Once you pull a 5th you will love it. Yes you do watch out for trees and etc. Last fall I did what I should not have done. I was trying to get to a Denny's, and turned into a hotel which was right behind the Denny's. Had to dodge a pickup and trailer and got too close to a pine tree. Took a new roof. Not the 5ths fault, but mine. I knew better!!!! Height is not a problem if you just use your head.

For us, spending 90+ nights we love higher ceilings. It feels less like a car and more like a house. IMHO if money isn't a concern, go witht he 5er.

anaro,
We're on a seasonal sight so I can't help with your towing question but you might also want to post your question over at the Forest River Forum under the Palomino thread: Link:http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f96/

BYW, as you can see by our sig we have a 34REQS-6 and are extremely happy with it.