Why a 5th wheel over a tow trailer?
Want are the big advantages of the 5th wheel compared to a tow trailer? I would like to be able to use my bed of my truck to haul things. My brother in-law says he can back up a tow trailer much easi...
Forum Discussion
First, considering I am a TT owner and not a 5er owner, why I prefer a TT over a 5er: 1) bed of my truck -- I like my construction shell with the ladder racks to haul our canoe. 2) less steps .. all on 1 floor. (there's more, but these are the 2 major factors for keeping a TT over a 5er, although I have enough truck to haul a good sized 5er if I wanted. I prefer by choice a TT.
Now, ADVANTAGES of a 5er (and this coming from a TT owner)...
1. Basement Space in the 5er for storage.
2. Longer trailer with a shorter wheel base, as several feet of the trailer tow over the bed of the truck. Over all length is shorter than the same length of TT.
3. Usually taller, unless you find a very low-profile 5er. Makes for the possibility of taller bunks, more storage cabinets, and more interior space.
4. People who have had both a TT and 5er say a 5er tows better than a TT, but I think with the correct TT and tow vehicle combination with the correct hitch and weight distribution system with sway, a TT can tow very comfortable (mine does). But still, 5er owners still say they tow better. I guess I won't know until I actually tow one someday.
5. For some reason, there is this "image" that 5ers are a step-up from a TT. I've noticed over and over that folks use the expression, "I've UPGRADED from a TT to a 5er." or "I'm thinking of UPGRADING from a TT to a 5er." All I know is, 5er's cost more (overall) than a TT of the same length. If you think a 5er is an "upgrade" over a TT, then so be it... it's an "upgrade" over a TT.
6. The basic design of a 5er, from the frame to the roof, is different than a standard TT. Perhaps because of the complexity of the design to make a 5er work and work well, this makes for a stronger trailer over a standard one level travel trailer. This may also factor in for a higher price tag for the same length of TT vs 5er. (also, this frame design can also be it's weakness too if it's not built right.)
7. Folks who get 5er's simply like the floor plan, they like split level living. 5er Toy Haulers ARE simply awesome.... especially when they have a loft over the garage area.
I think these are the "BIG" "pluses" for a 5er in my opinion. I have a list of "minuses" for a 5er over a TT, but to bring those up, well ... i think the OP already has a list going.
Now, ADVANTAGES of a 5er (and this coming from a TT owner)...
1. Basement Space in the 5er for storage.
2. Longer trailer with a shorter wheel base, as several feet of the trailer tow over the bed of the truck. Over all length is shorter than the same length of TT.
3. Usually taller, unless you find a very low-profile 5er. Makes for the possibility of taller bunks, more storage cabinets, and more interior space.
4. People who have had both a TT and 5er say a 5er tows better than a TT, but I think with the correct TT and tow vehicle combination with the correct hitch and weight distribution system with sway, a TT can tow very comfortable (mine does). But still, 5er owners still say they tow better. I guess I won't know until I actually tow one someday.
5. For some reason, there is this "image" that 5ers are a step-up from a TT. I've noticed over and over that folks use the expression, "I've UPGRADED from a TT to a 5er." or "I'm thinking of UPGRADING from a TT to a 5er." All I know is, 5er's cost more (overall) than a TT of the same length. If you think a 5er is an "upgrade" over a TT, then so be it... it's an "upgrade" over a TT.
6. The basic design of a 5er, from the frame to the roof, is different than a standard TT. Perhaps because of the complexity of the design to make a 5er work and work well, this makes for a stronger trailer over a standard one level travel trailer. This may also factor in for a higher price tag for the same length of TT vs 5er. (also, this frame design can also be it's weakness too if it's not built right.)
7. Folks who get 5er's simply like the floor plan, they like split level living. 5er Toy Haulers ARE simply awesome.... especially when they have a loft over the garage area.
I think these are the "BIG" "pluses" for a 5er in my opinion. I have a list of "minuses" for a 5er over a TT, but to bring those up, well ... i think the OP already has a list going.
