Upgrading to a 5th Wheel

ldmc wrote:
We are looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel from a TT.

Our old trailer was only 10' high and now most 5th wheels are pushing the 13' mark.

Our question is not as much about the length as the height.

Has anyone regretted upgrading to a 5th from a TT because of height issues?

I know we have to watch out for it but does that take away from enjoying the trip?

Looking for all real life input.

Plenty out there < 13'. Still quite a number right around 12'.

Lyle

Never had a problem with tree branches but did take out a low hanging telephone line with my A/C. Just remember to keep and eye up. You'll love pulling a fifth wheel.

We went from a 24' travel trailer with no slides to a 34' fifth wheel with three slides. We only wish we had skipped the travel trailer. So much more needed room and storage. Much easier to hook up as well as tow. Never had any concern with the height. Just tried to avoid the trees and know the height limits on fuel station canopies.

It's there, no doubt, but I've gotten used to it. I've gone back and forth from TT to 5th over the years and can't say I've ever been turned away from a site or had to modify a trip due to height. Losing a camp site due to length seems way more likely.

Have to be aware of the height but not really an issue. In town I often have to drive in the left lane because of overhanging trees on the curb lane. When traveling smaller highways I check if there are any low clearance issues along the route. So far I've never found any highway I've wanted to travel that had any clearance issues. Might depend on where you live. Interstates are never a problem as truckers use them too.

Smaller campgrounds might have issues from trees but most often not a problem for campgrounds designed with RV's in mind. I've not had a problem although I've been to campgrounds where some spots might be tight but they're usually given to smaller trailers such as popups.

When we got our fist fiver in 08, we came from a 31' TT and never looked back... There has never been a time that we regretted our decision to go UP to a fifth wheel..

Our 12.5' 5er felt a bit tall at first, but now it's not that big of a deal. Some of the smaller, less used parks I will still look up and maneuver around a few branches now and then, but most of the time it isn't an issue.

Depending where you camp, it may limit use able sites. I choose to not drag tree branches over the roof, but many don't care. Mine is 12' 4"s, so what I'd call a mid height. I also store mine at home, and sometimes need to drive in the middle, or wrong side of the street, in residential areas.

Had 2 TTs early on, and now 2 FWs. No regrets.

Jerry