Forum Discussion

Blanco1's avatar
Blanco1
Explorer
Oct 21, 2017

Shortest 5th wheel?

I just learned of StarCraft & they have a 25.9, model 245RKS.

https://starcraftrv.com/fifth-wheels/autumn-ridge-outfitter/

Not the prettiest but nice & short.

My reason for wanting so short is my limited space & the fact that I will have to be doing a 90 degree turn back into its place being my house from a narrow alley.

This fact might actually end up not allowing me a trailer at all?
I can get my boat & open single car trailer back there. But they are much shorter.

I'll have measure how long they are?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 21, 2017
    Scamp built a 19 footer. Not sure if they are now. Oliver and Casita don’t.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    If you like rear kitchen
    K-Z Sportsman 231rk total length 25'4"
    big grey and black tanks for its size too and a 2 yr warranty.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Oct 21, 2017
    Going back to the mid 70s, Alpenlite had a 22' 5er. Course that was when a camper was a camper. The bigger is better luxury townhouse on wheels was not even a thought.
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    The narrow alley combined with the need for a direct back in might make it pretty hard to do. At least I would think so. It's hard to finish the turn without the front of the truck sweeping a fair bit outside of the lane.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Oct 21, 2017
    Our first fiver was an 18' Vanguard, it worked as long as one of us was outside lol.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    Snowman9000 wrote:
    The narrow alley combined with the need for a direct back in might make it pretty hard to do. At least I would think so. It's hard to finish the turn without the front of the truck sweeping a fair bit outside of the lane.


    That's my fear. :(

    Wish there was a way to borrow or even rent one to test fit it.

    I'd hate to buy one then suddenly not be able to fit it.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    I'd be looking for a short TT. From my experience I could back in tighter and quicker with my last TT. Current 5er doesn't respond as easily to sharper quicker back ins. Maybe it's just my skill.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    goducks10 wrote:
    I'd be looking for a short TT. From my experience I could back in tighter and quicker with my last TT. Current 5er doesn't respond as easily to sharper quicker back ins. Maybe it's just my skill.


    You get more trailer in the same length in 5th wheel than a TT being you sleeping quarters is above the bed of the truck. vs all behind the truck and the "A" frame.

    Besides I think a 5th wheel will tow more solidly with less sway than a TT?

    The only things I've seen & or heard of flipped over in high winds have been TT's.

    If I don't go with a 5th wheel I'll get another truck camper with a slide or two.

    I really like the Lance 1131 that they don't make any more.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2017
    kerrlakeRoo wrote:
    If you like rear kitchen
    K-Z Sportsman 231rk total length 25'4"
    big grey and black tanks for its size too and a 2 yr warranty.


    Those look really nice!
    Much better looking than the StarCraft ones.
    The aluminum siding on the StarCraft makes the new ones look old due to the old school styling.

    I really hope to find one of these close by somewhere , so I can see it in person.

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