Transitioning to 1st Fifth Wheel
Well, retirement is almost upon me (December if all goes well) and we're looking hard at a 5th wheel and a new tow rig to start things off right. Problem is, I'm not sure how to get started. I've towe...
Forum Discussion
Durb wrote:
I've taken the same ownership route you are and I made a few mistakes. Chucking is a phenomena that I learned about right away. Like a travel trailer fifth wheels generate forces that are transferred to the truck. On a travel trailer the hitch is about axle high so the forces are bouncing forces, up and down. On a 5er the hitch point is high so the forces are a combination of bouncing and chucking energy, fore and aft. Many things enter into the chucking equation such as length, polar mass, and the trailer's tendency to rotate due to its layout. Unfortunately, short trailers will have a greater percentage of chucking forces compared to bouncing forces than a longer unit. Bottom line, your short light weight trailer may generate more chucking than a long heavy one even when hooked up to a substantial truck. It is hard to know without trying it so since you are settled on your trailer I would suggest trying to tow it with a buddy's truck and see where you stand. There are ways to fix the chucking issue but it would be less expensive if done from the outset. This is based on personal experience. Not to be alarmist but you just can't tell how a trailer is going to tow until you hook it up.
Make sure your trailer will fit your intended truck from a height standpoint. It would be a shame to have to modify it right out of the gate. Good luck.
My short 27'10" 9,000 lb 5th wheel does have a chucking issue. I tow behind a Ram 2500 CTD CC LB 4x4. Plenty of truck. I totally agree with the length being the issue. I've put shocks on the 5er and they may of helped some. Also added a MorRyde pin box which helped the most.
To the OP a real good 5th wheel pin box is also something to consider if you end up with some chucking. Just another piece of the puzzle.
For that size 5th wheel most 3/4 tons should work but I'd look at 1 tons as well. Hardly any more money and payload would never be a concern. Gas will give you more payload, but less towing power. If you're going exploring then you'll no doubt be traveling on all kinds of hwys. A diesel will definitely make towing easier when you hit the mountains.
Slight chucking aside, I'm amazed every time we head out on a trip at how well my truck and 5th wheel work together. We just did a nice little 950 mile round trip last week and it was about as effortless as you can get.
