Bumper Pull vs. Fifth Wheel

The 5th-wheel will provide a tighter turning radius and the "hitch" can support a much greater load which becomes important with a trailer weight that exceeds 10,000 lbs.

The king pin for the 5th-wheel limits the use of the bed both while towing and when not towing as compared to a conventional hitch and trailer. People who also want to have recreation vehicles along on a trip will opt for either a conventional trailer so they can use the pickup bed for their toys (motorcycle, ATV, bicycles, boat(s)), or a toy hauler with the toy hauler the less popular choice overall from what I see on the road and in camping areas in the western USA.

5th-wheels are for the most part designed to maximize interior space in the bedroom area and not to minimize air drag driving down the highway. There are a few that have a better profile but very few.

Thanks all. I am leaning toward a 5th wheel. I have a limited area to park at home and the 5th wheel gives me more living space for the parking space at home if that makes sense. See you on the road!

Turtle n Peeps wrote:


I can hook up my TT in less than 5 minutes. I challenge any 5er owner to do it in less time with a regular tail gate.

I can hook my 5er up and start rolling in less than 5 minutes, and I have a stock tailgate. But let's face it, who's really in that much of a rush?

Don't 5'vers give you more maneuverability when parking? IE: more that 45 or so degree's before the truck hits the trailer?

-Chak

I have towed both. Both can tow nice and both can tow not so nice.

I can hook up my TT in less than 5 minutes. I challenge any 5er owner to do it in less time with a regular tail gate.

I now have a TT but I like the 5er floor plans better. In the future when I buy a new trailer I will look at both.

A properly setup TT will tow every bit as nice as a 5er IMHO. Like I said, I have towed both.

Were I to be confronted with this issue, I would prefer the better handling features of a fifth wheel. That comes from a retired truck driver who has had lots of experience with that type of setup. But then I would also prefer a bigger rig than most are pulling with. At least a super duty or bigger.

We've always had trailers and like the lower heights for less problems with tree branches and sometimes bridges (rare). They also weigh less as a rule for the same length. Never had sway issues with the combo's & hitches we've had. Agree that the interior of 5vers is more spacious because of their higher ceilings. Our first two TT's were used, and we looked for 4 years before finding the floor plan of the TT below that we love. Happy Hunting!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the information. Looks like we could go either way.

I might add also that one of the 1st things you notice when walking in to most 5'ers is the increased headroom. At least a foot higher. Makes for a more open spacious feeling.

I have had both. Towing is not the deciding factor. A 5'er tows well out of the box. A TT may require more tinkering and WD hitch adjusting. A fairly expensive premium hitch may even be required. However both can be dialed in to tow the same.
Focus on floorplan,storage needs,height,TV capability,amenities and camping style when deciding between TT and 5'er