Forum Discussion

Karen1969's avatar
Karen1969
Explorer
May 07, 2018

Small FW Recommendations

I’m thinking about changing from our travel trailer (25’ Zinger) to a small FW around the same length, which is actually 29’ 6” total. I’m hoping that this might be a little easier and safer for me to deal with setup/towing by myself. I pull with a Ram 2500 Cummings 4x4.

Ideally, would like one with an outdoor kitchen.

Any recommendations for a quality brand, small FW with (or without if that’s the case) outdoor kitchen appreciated! Thank you ??
  • “I’m hoping that this might be a little easier and safer for me to deal with setup/towing by myself”

    Possibly a little safer towing but not setup. If you want a new RV ok but otherwise only a hope IMO. You don’t need to be Atlas to setup either one. You do need to be methodical with a plan.
  • I am partial to KZ. Here is one about the size you are looking for, but I cannot find one in the 29 foot area with an outside kitchen.

    https://www.kz-rv.com/products/durango-1500-fifth-wheels/D259RDD.html
  • Sorry, dont mean to be a pest. Here is one at my dealer with an outside kitchen.

    https://www.vacationlandrv.com/sales-category/inventory/?filter_class=fifth-wheel
  • I am solo and just went from a 31' fifth-wheel to a 26' travel trailer. I found the fiver to be a lot more effort and can set up the TT in about 1/2 the time. I do like the fifth wheel and it was very easy for me to back under and hook up.. the TT is a little more effort there, but a wireless camera should help solve that.

    Maybe search 25' fifth wheels for sale on rvtrader.com and see what comes up? Or whatever size you would like?
  • Find a copy of "Trailer Life" magazine, May 2018 issue. They have a big, multi page article of lower cost, smaller sized, 5th wheels. The article starts on page 26.
  • We have also been on the hunt for a short 5th wheel so are pretty familiar with what is available. Winnebago has a 27REOK floor plan, which has an outdoor kitchen (hence the OK in the name...). The specifications list the exterior length at 29'6". These Winnebagos are pretty much the nicest trailers we have seen within the specifications/limitations we have.
  • LadyRVer wrote:
    I am solo and just went from a 31' fifth-wheel to a 26' travel trailer. I found the fiver to be a lot more effort and can set up the TT in about 1/2 the time. I do like the fifth wheel and it was very easy for me to back under and hook up.. the TT is a little more effort there, but a wireless camera should help solve that.

    Maybe search 25' fifth wheels for sale on rvtrader.com and see what comes up? Or whatever size you would like?


    So I ask because I don’t have a clue...what exactly took more effort with the FW versus the TT? This is exactly the type of info I’m looking for to help make the decision. Thanks!
  • Karen1969 wrote:
    LadyRVer wrote:
    I am solo and just went from a 31' fifth-wheel to a 26' travel trailer. I found the fiver to be a lot more effort and can set up the TT in about 1/2 the time. I do like the fifth wheel and it was very easy for me to back under and hook up.. the TT is a little more effort there, but a wireless camera should help solve that.

    Maybe search 25' fifth wheels for sale on rvtrader.com and see what comes up? Or whatever size you would like?


    So I ask because I don’t have a clue...what exactly took more effort with the FW versus the TT? This is exactly the type of info I’m looking for to help make the decision. Thanks!


    I'm also puzzled why Karen would have more trouble hooking up a FW than a TT. Even if it =were= more difficult, the difference in towing stability with a FW over a TT is the #1 reason I knew that I didn't want a TT. I'd towed enough trailers to know that I didn't want to have to mess with an equalizer hitch if I went with a TT of the size I was looking for. (Also, since I needed to have a GN hitch to tow our GN trailer and desired a clean bed when not towing, going with the B&W Turnover Ball and Companion, gave me the best of all worlds.)

    FWIW, look up some videos of how to hitch/unhitch FWs and TTs and compare the two.

    Lyle