TT or Fifth Wheel-opinions wanted

n7bsn wrote:
Everything has a good point and a weak point
5er tow better, an anti-sway system on a bumper pull is to make them more "5er like"
5er's get worse gas-milage, due to their added height

The list goes on and on.

What's your budget? How long will your trips be? How much on-the-road vrs parked?

Where did you get the idea that 5ers get worse fuel mileage?
There have been several reports on this forum of those who have gone from a smaller (slightly) to lager and heaver 5er and the. Getting better mileage.

You can find a decent 5er to fit that F250, and it will FAR more enjoyable to tow than any TT!

Well those are the rationals in a nutshell, but until you pull something yourself and try living in it you will only be hearing other peoples priorities.

Try renting a TT and pulling it, I doubt if you can find a 5er for rent but who know, everything under the sun is available in CA.

One other advantage, of a TT, you can pull it with something besides a pick-up.

I too recommend used to start.

I choose a 5er after pulling a TT to Florida for a month. I prefer the stability while driving down the road. However, I am now in a travel-every-day or so, not a staying-for-a-week mode, so I am looking for a Motorhome.

Almost forgot, ask over in the TT forum for their opinions.

FW for sure!! Yeah you'll be limited as to what you can pull as far as fifth wheels and weights go but trailering a fifth wheel out west in the wind, hands down way better than scaring yourself pulling a TT. Just MHO tho, it's YOUR money and YOUR comfort level.

Going up three steps in the FW isn't an issue for us yet but we're "young", I'm about to turn 62 and the missus is 56. :B

Dan

I have had both. Currently have a 34 ft TT as I need the use of the p/up bed to haul "stuff". I have a topper over the bed where I keep generators and other things under cover. The DW and I are pushing 80 and the extra steps in the 5th w
are a pain to climb. I still have a 40 ft 5th wheel that I got tired of rather quickly. It is used as a rental here in Yuma. The 5th w and the TT have there good and bad points. I still think the TT tows as well as the 5th w if it is properly equipted. I have no problem hooking up to the TT by myself. In over 55 years towing all types of RVs I still prefer the Class A DP and the TT second over all the RVs that I have owned. I have a F250 Ford Super Cab that I tow with and it does a great job towing the 10,000 pd TT

I agree with N7BSN. Every RV has its good and bad points. TTs will track your back PU wheels. 5er will cut shorter around the corners just because because wher hitch is located. Just different towing. I have had a 5er, TT, and MH. JMHO. In a TT and MH you will feel cross winds more. In a 5er it rocks around the same, just watch them from behind, you just don't feel it in the PU. Some times it tends to make one over confident. I towed a 2001 5er with a F250 diesel and never had a problem. If my choices were TT or 5er I would look at them all and buy the one I liked. Just watch your weight ratings.

Everything has a good point and a weak point
5er tow better, an anti-sway system on a bumper pull is to make them more "5er like"
5er's get worse gas-milage, due to their added height

The list goes on and on.

What's your budget? How long will your trips be? How much on-the-road vrs parked?

While I wouldn't want to get into the pickup capacity argument, I would tell you that a 30' TT with a good WD system properly installed will tow very nicely with a 250. A fiver would, too, if suited for your truck. The fives are usually taller, if that matters to you. They also often cost more, again, if that's a factor you'd consider.

New or used is up to you and your tolerance for buying someone elses castoff. Myself, I'd be more upset paying new rig price and getting a pot load of problems than if I'd purchased used, where you are more likely to expect it to not be perfect.

But if you've looked at a hundred and still aren't even sure which type you prefer, you may not be all that interested in making a purchase.

FW without a doubt, can't beat the ez hookup, towing stability and driver comfort. There are many, many fivers that are within the capabilities of today's 3/4 ton trucks, just have to pay attention to stay under the rear axle GAWR and GVWR. Among retirees, the fiver and 3/4 ton truck is clearly the most popular combo. I suggest a used unit, as newbies, you will have a lot of flexibility in floor plan and features and can save money on depreciation. With experience, you will understand better what you like and don't like and may then decide that a new unit with the right list of options makes sense.

Here is a related threadTT vs fiver

Moved from Forum Technical Support

TT is your better choice. With 2500 series trucks your fiver options get limited fast due to lack of load carrying capacity