Fifth wheel or travel trailer?

The other issue we face with our 5er while boondocking is bottoming out. I feel like it sits lower to the ground than our old TT did. And, the sewer output tube is very low, so we have to keep an eye on that.

So, when considering boondocking possibilities, keep an eye on that as well.

Also, speaking from experience, while truck shopping, shop around. There's so many dealerships in the Denver Metro area, and oddly enough, their pricing can vary greatly, as will what they're willing to do with a trade. We've bought our last 2 trucks at Brighton Ford, as they have a huge inventory, much larger than dealers more in the city had. Prior to needing a super duty, we bought at Freeway Ford off I-25 and Evans. I bought my Explorer at Sill-Terhar in Broomfield as they had a large selection of Explorers, whereas Brighton Ford did not.

CO-traveler wrote:
Regarding the TT vs 5er: the equivalent length 5th wheel will have an overall shorter length for the entire rig right? So, doesn't that equate to getting into tight(er) campground spots easier than the TT?

Often it's not the site itself that is too tight or too small, it's the narrow campground roads and trees right by the edge that restrict access.

CO-traveler wrote:
Regarding the TT vs 5er: the equivalent length 5th wheel will have an overall shorter length for the entire rig right? So, doesn't that equate to getting into tight(er) campground spots easier than the TT?

Except that a TT responds faster to steering inputs because the pivot point is away from the back axle of the TV. But really, there are way too many variables to make a generalized statement about either. In actuality the most important variable would be length vs. maneuvering room. Given enough maneuvering room, I can put a 40-footer of either one anywhere with 3 inches to spare on each side. Not enough maneuvering room and you couldn't get a 20-footer half way in.

Over 50 years of camping we have done tent, 15' TT, 18'TT, tent, PU camper, BH trailer, PU camper, 5th wheel, smaller 5th wheel. We loved some things about all of them and hated some things about all of them. My advice would be to buy used what you think will work for you and go from there. Most importantly make sure your tow vehicle meets or exceeds the specs for what you are towing (we have never owned a diesel and have camped all over the west). Enjoy your journey.

Regarding the TT vs 5er: the equivalent length 5th wheel will have an overall shorter length for the entire rig right? So, doesn't that equate to getting into tight(er) campground spots easier than the TT?

Grit dog wrote:
^ While I don't disagree that HD pickups are more versatile, let's stop with the proverbial "1/2 tons can't tow much". First, most every and certainly all the common "off road" travel trailers are on the small end of the spectrum, and any large TT with tandem axles that claims to be for off road is really just marketing and graphics. Secondly, a well equipped new ish half ton will have no problem with 3-4ton trailer......even in mighty Colorado. Been there done that got the t shirt. Drug everything from construction equipment to big cargo trailers/boats up and down both sides of the Divide sometimes daily for work and sport.
No, you won't beat the new or modded diesels to the top of the pass but being safe and winning a drag race uphill with a trailer are not necessarily related.
Guy asks for advice about basically boondocking and dry camping with his wife and a baby and some are touting 5th wheels and 1 tons......

I went and looked at the Outdoors RV models at Ketelsen Campers in Wheat Ridge, CO. The one my wife really liked is the Timber Ridge with bunks in the back that has a wet and loaded weight of 8150 lb. Now, the similar model in a Creekside class might be under 6000# dry. As for these not really being "off-road" trailers, I think you will see that their axles, tires, and general construction do provide more off-roadability that most mass produced TTs.

I found a new Silverado 2500HD 4x4 with the 6.0 gas engine at a local dealership that was the same price and even cheaper than some of the 1500s on the lot. No need for the fancy LTZ package for me as a nicely equipped LT is comfy enough. Now adding the diesel ups the price about $10 grand which I think is excessive and not entirely necessary for my needs which include using this truck as my daily driver into downtown Denver hospital for work.

Op, I've towed both:

Both will tow great if set up and manufactured correctly. Both will tow like garbage if not set up right.

I own a TT not because it's the best or whatever. I own a TT because I have a cap on my truck and don't want to take it off anytime I go camping. I actually like the layouts of 5ers the best but I don't want to deal with a 5er hitch in the back of my truck.

So to answer your questions; it just depends on what you want and what you are going to do with it. If I were full timing I would for sure get a 5er. I'm not, so I have a TT that I'm very happy with.

I think upgrading your truck sooner than later is a better idea than trying to find a little trailer to work with your Canyon.

In my opinion, here in Colorado, it's not the elevation and grades that are the hardest to deal with, it's the wind. We've had some stressful drives with our old bumper pull because of the wind, even with having the right setup. The worst one while in state was coming down I-70 basically between Eagle and Grand Junction (I won't get into how bad it was in Wyoming LOL). We had started with an F-150, then traded up to a 250, and the difference was night and day when dealing with cross-winds. Now, our old bumper pull was larger than the ones you're talking about, about 32' and 12' high, so a bit of a wind sail. But I would imagine the problem being similar when trying to pull a smaller one with a truck like a Canyon.

^ While I don't disagree that HD pickups are more versatile, let's stop with the proverbial "1/2 tons can't tow much". First, most every and certainly all the common "off road" travel trailers are on the small end of the spectrum, and any large TT with tandem axles that claims to be for off road is really just marketing and graphics. Secondly, a well equipped new ish half ton will have no problem with 3-4ton trailer......even in mighty Colorado. Been there done that got the t shirt. Drug everything from construction equipment to big cargo trailers/boats up and down both sides of the Divide sometimes daily for work and sport.
No, you won't beat the new or modded diesels to the top of the pass but being safe and winning a drag race uphill with a trailer are not necessarily related.
Guy asks for advice about basically boondocking and dry camping with his wife and a baby and some are touting 5th wheels and 1 tons......

For what you want, Outdoors RV is a great option. A high wall pop-up could work if you don't want to upgrade truck.

Do not get less than a 3/4 ton truck since you have to buy a new tow vehicle. Any TT made for offroad is heavier than normal and not a good candidate for a 1/2 ton. The 3/4 ton won't cost much more if any. You are able to bump up in the future if you want and will tow better in CO.