Forum Discussion

MelB52's avatar
MelB52
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014

Full-timing for 1 year...TT or FW?

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum, but not new to RVing. A little background: We've owned, in order: 1) Rockwood pup, 2) Skamper pup, 3) Terry Resort 24' TT (really like that Terry) and most recently 4) a R-Vision 26' Trail Lite TT.

Seven years ago, we sold the Trail Lite TT and my truck when we bought a garden home and had no place to park the TT. And in those 7 years we have not really had the time to enjoy a RV. Now, however, at ages 61 & 64, we are planning our "bucket-list" trip to see our "must-see" places in the U.S. and parts of Canada. We plan on spending 12 to 18 months to accomplish this. We'll be purchasing a truck and TT or FW sometime in the summer of 2015 and will start our journey in early 2016.

I have only towed the above-mentioned RVs. No real problems towing the TTs. (I never get in a hurry when towing.) However, I have friends who tell me that a FW is the way to go if we are going to do this trip. I also know that the debate over full-timing in a TT or FW rages on and on. However, I need to start the process of narrowing down my choices/options. TT or FW?

I need the most simple set-up possible. With the TTs, I had anti-sway hitch systems, but never had the Hensley Arrow hitch. I hear it absolutely prevents sway. However, a buddy tells me a FW is a "piece of cake" to hitch and unhitch. And with a little arthritis in the joints, "piece of cake" is appealing.

My priorities are, in order:
1) Safety
2) Quality construction.
3) Ease of hitching, unhitching and set-up
4) Overall interior comfort, storage, and functionality for FT living for one or two years
5) Bang for my buck

A 4-season TT or FW would be nice, although we don't plan on being in extreme cold weather environs during the winter months. Double pane windows would be great. I really like the floor plan of the Rockwood 8280SS 5er, but have no idea what the construction is like. There are some TTs that look appealing, too.

I look forward to hearing from some of you who have a lot of experience with both TTs and FWs from a full-timer's point of view.

Many thanks,

Mel
  • From a towing aspect I prefer the 5th wheel. As a trucker I feel it gets the load up were it belongs, over the axle. Honestly, it's what I'm comfortable with. I can tell you my "RV rig" behaves better in the wind than some semi's I've driven. The 5th wheel gives you more living space and often have a large "basement" area for storage.

    Down size is weight. The 5th wheel will weigh more and cost more than the TT. Due to pin weights of 2,500 - 3,500# depending upon unit you'll need a bigger truck than the TT would require. The 2005 and later trucks have much higher capacities than the pre 2005 trucks do, so if you buy used watch you numbers they change year to year.

    There is also size limitations in some State and Federal parks so you might look at that.

    Some people due to health issues find the additional steps inside the RV to be an issue. 5th wheels also tend to ride higher and some require an extra step or two to get into.

    Good luck and enjoy your trip. I've seen the country through a windshield. Hope one day to go back and stop for a look around :)
  • My priorities are, in order:
    1) Safety - Most likely towing a 5er is better to tow due to the pivot and weight being located directly over the rear axle. A higher profile does create more surface area for wind. If it's real windy just don't travel that day, it's a lot more relaxing.
    2) Quality construction. - Good and bad in both, this will just require you to investigate anything you consider purchasing. This site and product specific site provide massive amounts of information overload.
    3) Ease of hitching, unhitching and set-up - I had a 31' TT for 18 yrs and now a 5er for 2 yrs. A 5er is hands down easier for me. I carry a small 2 step stool in the bed of the truck to access the hitch.
    4) Overall interior comfort, storage, and functionality for FT living for one or two years - My TT allowed using a shell on the truck, lots of storage, sometimes hard to access. The TT had a single slide for the couch. I would consider a slide to be a must have for the days your stuck inside. Our 5er has opposing large slides, 14'x3'. When closed you can access everything but are in no way livable. When open the space is amazing for a RV. I tell everyone the laminate flooring in the kitchen are is a dance floor. We also have a small slide in the bedroom. Space on the bed side it tight, longer units solve this but I wanted this length so I can double tow a alum fishing boat behind. The basement has massive storage but with carpet and plumbing you have to be more careful than with the shell covered truck bed for the TT.
    5) Bang for my buck - Buying a nice used unit give the most bang but will probably require some upkeep.

    A single rear wheel truck will limit 5th wheel choices due to the weight carrying capacity of the tires. Gas engine duallys will take you up to 13,000-14,000 GVW due to towing limits. They'll have around 5,000 lbs of weight handling capacity. Diesel duallys have capacities far beyond what you think a pickup should be towing.

    See, information overload. Good Luck and I hope you hit the road and enjoy all the many wonders you'll find.
  • Although I've always owned a travel trailer, for your purposes, a fifth wheel is the best option. For full timing, you'll get the most living space for overall length, and you reduce the overall length due to part of the trailer sits over the truck bed. Secondly, you are going to have more storage space for gear, etc. which you will need for being on the road full-time. And, it seems to me there are a few more "quality" brands to choose from versus travel trailers, although the market has changed and some of the top end fifth wheel manufacturers are no longer in existance.

    A travel trailer would cost less, but if you need to save a few bucks, look for a good used fifth wheel. A lightly used fifth wheel would give you the biggest bang for the buck, providing you have the knowledge/skills to make sure there aren't any problems with the unit. And, I would suggest having any unit that you are ready to purchase be checked out by an independent RV service tech if at all possible.
  • With a little Arthritis Do the stairs bother you? If so a TT might be better. If your going large 5er or TT a 5er will tow better. If a smaller unit A TT will tow just fine and be on one level. I would look around and see what you like, your the one going to live with it.
  • I loved the way my FW handled when driving down the road and it was extremely easy to hook-up and unhook. Also, having the extra room without the extra length behind the truck was awesome. IMO, go with the FW.