Bumper Pull vs. Fifth Wheel

Many of the newer FWs in the 30' range have more aerodynamic front caps than earlier models. Plenty of choices out there in TTs, too.

Towing either one will use about the same amount of fuel. Towing either one can be comfortable, i.e. tow well. Choose the type based on other factors, use of truck bed, number of steps, floorplan, storage, price, weight, etc.

We've had a couple of each over the years. I always felt that the fifth wheel handled better than the travel trailer. Essentially there is very little sway potential because of the geometry, with of the kingpin over the axle. This includes crosswinds. Both are subject to the same suction effect when being passed by a larger vehicle.

Do you want to carry anything in the truck bed such as an ATV, bikes, motorcycle or scooters? That would be a deciding factor, for me anyway.

we like a f'ver better than the tt we had but the real issue was floor plan above all else the f'ver pulls better than the tt did in cross winds. Iwould spend the time looking at both and see what you like and dislike. Good Luck

Truly a "to each his own" question...all we can do is offer our 2 cents.

We like pulling a TT with our truck instead of a 5er because it frees up the bed of our truck to haul "stuff" with us. We have a matching truck cap with the 8 ft. bed so can haul a lot of stuff and not worry about it getting wet..etc.

Just very handy...but again, that's just our POV..

We've had two TT's and now have a 2 week old 5'er. After towing the TT's for 10-12,000 miles and only towing the 5'er for roughly a 1,000 miles. I will say the 5th wheel tows much easier. Absolutely now sway whether passing semi's or in strong side winds.
Now backing up is a different story. I could put our 31' TT anywhere on a dime. The 5th wheel is a little different and I just need more time. I've only backed it in to 2 camping spots and our driveway twice. Each time I had overdrove the truck and couldn't bring the 5'er back around. Had to drive forward and restart. I like the layout in a 5th wheel better as you generally get more room around the bed area. Also there's a ton of storage in the front. Our new 5'er is 3' shorter but has the same sq ft. Another nice thing is I'll be able to squeeze into some shorter spots as I'll be able to back the truck under the 5'er a little if needed.
Hitching and unhitching IMO is way faster. Before I would need to get the WD bars out, back up, hookup, raise the TT tongue, hook up bars, lower the TT's tongue, hook up chains and safety wire.
With the 5'er all I have to do is flip the safety latch, back in till the pins in the hitch, flip the safety latch, attach the safety brake wire and done. Literally takes 1/3 the time. I've only hitched up 3-4 times and each time I have to stand there for a bit because I'm so used to it taking longer:) A

Here's some of the things we look at to make a decision on a new RV.

Roomy floorplan
If the hook ups and dump valves are convenient
Plenty of storage inside and out
Comfortable bath...toilet area and shower especially.
Ride height for dirt roads, good clearance

Fifth wheel or Travel Trailer (TT) as long as it has all of the above and more we will consider it. In the past most people chose 5th wheels because they came with slideouts and TT didn't. Now the TT and Toyhaulers have slideouts so any of them are great if it meets your needs.

The difference between towing a 5th wheel and a TT to me is so small it's not a consideration. I've towed several of each and didn't have a problem with either type.

That being said I would go with a 5th wheel if I was looking at a 30 foot or longer trailer.

For ease of towing I go with the 5th wheel. For me it's easier to maneuver and back into campsite. I had both a TT and 5th and prefer the 5th. Final decision will be yours. Good luck.

Had both types.
Enjoyed both types.

Fifth wheels in the mid or full profile range can be quite tall 12-12 1\2 foot high.
TT's are sometimes better being lower for dodging low hanging tree branches.

Newer coaches are going to the fiberglass front caps that will cut wind resistance while traveling.
IMHO wind resistance wouldn't be a large factor for choice.

Good luck with the search!
jim