DW and I have been trailerless since Hurricane Harvey decided to destroy our TT. We're looking at FW and still discussing (READ: arguing) the floor plans.Realizing there will be a difference between towing a 34ft TT and a FW, how much of a difference have you noticed between a 37ft and a 42ft FW? Is there much of a difference in handling? Figure GVWR of what we are looking at is between 14-15.5K.(Not worried about weight. Truck is an F350 DRW with 5,490lbs CC according to the door jam and a 3.55 read end. I've also purchased a 20K B&W Companion hitch after reading review and listening to advice here.)

Towing either will not be a big difference. Depending where you camp, five extra feet will be noticeable in tight back-in sites. Also, if one is a foot taller, you will notice the difference, especially coming from a not too tall TT.Jerry

I would agree that towing won't be any different. Parking is where you'll notice the extra length.

If you have been towing a 37' TT and go to a 42' FW, the towing difference will be easier. The length will be about the same, probably less since much of the additional length will be above the truck bed. I will think it will be a much easier tow for you and your vehicle should easily handle it. We used to tow a 35' TT and our 42' FW tows so much easier with little to no "push" when we are passed by large trucks.

Not that much difference but you will need to watch that tail swing in tight spaces.

Towing difference between 37 and 42ft FW | Good Sam Community

MFL
Nomad II
Aug 19, 2018
Towing either will not be a big difference. Depending where you camp, five extra feet will be noticeable in tight back-in sites. Also, if one is a foot taller, you will notice the difference, especially coming from a not too tall TT.

Jerry
IdaD
Explorer
Aug 19, 2018
I would agree that towing won't be any different. Parking is where you'll notice the extra length.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Aug 19, 2018
^^^^^^^What he said.
Merrykalia
Explorer
Aug 19, 2018
If you have been towing a 37' TT and go to a 42' FW, the towing difference will be easier. The length will be about the same, probably less since much of the additional length will be above the truck bed. I will think it will be a much easier tow for you and your vehicle should easily handle it.

We used to tow a 35' TT and our 42' FW tows so much easier with little to no "push" when we are passed by large trucks.
WeBeFulltimers
Explorer
Aug 19, 2018
Not that much difference but you will need to watch that tail swing in tight spaces.
3_dog_nights
Explorer
Aug 19, 2018
went from a 30' TT to a 40' 5ver, only difference was backing up, It's a learning curve, but once you pass it, it's a lot easier.
Sinton4616
Explorer
Aug 19, 2018
Thanks for the confirmation. Looking to pull the trigger on a 2018 Sandpiper 357DSOK. If I don't have any calls this weekend, might go make an offer. If not and the RW is gone, oh well. There will be another.

Thank you all for the responses. Just have to learn how to back it up.

Little nervous about getting a Class A non-professional license as the GVWR of both the truck and FW will be over the 26,001lb limit from Texas. But planning on three things.....practice, practice and yet even more practice.
okiefatman
Explorer
Aug 20, 2018
Would be better if you had 4:10 gears there is a major difference between 3:55 and 4:10 gears. Allow extra time when passing, also when backing the tail end of the trailer doesn`t react as fast with the extra length.
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Aug 20, 2018
Not mentioned, but you'll have to remember to swing wider on turns with the 5er vs your TT or you'll be clipping curbs.
Bierp
Explorer
Aug 20, 2018
I made a very similar jump this year with almost the same truck. My gears are 3.73 which helps a little. Using the 25k B&W.

Just did about 5k of towing and had no issues. The sway is non-existent with the 5er, though it wasn't terrible with the TT on this truck. As others have said, backing up is a whole new ballgame. I was pretty slick with the TT, but the 5er has made me look bad a few times. The pivot point is further forward and the axles are further back. That changes everything.

Enjoy your new rig!