Several new to RVing questions

JEB17245 wrote:
We have a 2014 F-250 6.7 diesel so we can handle most RVs,
Thanks in advance,

John

• Your truck may not be able to "carry" many 5th wheel trailers
• Make floor plan a primary consideration
• Properly set up travel trailer will tow just as easily as a 5th wheel
• Do you want to be able to use the bed of your truck for other cargo?
• Do you have trouble with stairs?

Just some more thoughts to confuse you....
Good luck with your search and decision. Either way (TT or 5th wheel) you will make many great memories and have lots of adventures.

JEB17245 wrote:
We plan on buying a RV soon and are struggling with choices. We have a 2014 F-250 6.7 diesel so we can handle most RVs, but would like suggestions for either a bumper pull or 5th wheel. The truck bed is the 6.5 short bed. If we go with a 5th wheel I understand that we need a hitch with a slider and is it important to have one that pivots side to side and front to back to improve the tow?
We're also struggling with length. What is the difference in towing a 28' versus a 33'? I know 5':). Does a 5th wheel make towing a longer trailer easier?

Thanks in advance,

John

A fifth wheel is easy to pull because they don't sway, and the hitch requires no setup. A properly set up bumper pull also tows just fine. You'll find many different opinions on which is better.

With a bumper pull, you still have use of the truck bed for storage. 5ers usually have more inside storage area than a TT. A 5er has steps to the front area, an issue for some with mobility limitations. 5ers tend to be heavier. TTs are usually cheaper. 5ers are taller, so watch for low hanging trees.

A longer unit is most noticeable when making gas stops, parking, and backing. A fifth wheel makes for a shorter overall length, since some is over the truck bed. With either, five feet isn't much difference. A shorter rig gives you more campsite options. Older campgrounds with narrow roads and other obstructions may be difficult for 30+ foot units.

A 3/4-ton truck will not handle "most" fifth wheels. A crew cab diesel with 4WD has an even lower payload rating than a 2WD gasser because of the extra weight in the drive train. With a fifth wheel, it's about payload and not towing capacity. Figure out what you have left for rear axle capacity on the truck (loaded, people, hitch, etc.). Multiply that by four and you'll have the GVWR for a fifth wheel you can comfortably handle.

In my opinion, fifth wheels handle better - especially in high winds. A 33' fifth wheel should actually end up shorter overall than a 28' TT because of the lack of the A-frame on the front (as on a TT) and because a good part of the fifth wheel overhangs the truck.

You don't necessarily need a slider with a 6.5' bed. It depends largely on the pin box placement and the front cap design of the fifth wheel. We pulled our first 12K miles with a 6.5' bed without a slider and did just fine (we used an Andersen Ultimate). Sliders can be extremely heavy and you may not want to give up the extra payload. At less than 50 lbs., the Andersen is a good alternative to consider for a 3/4-ton truck.

Rob

Hi Jeb. I’m sure I don’t have the experience of others. I’ve pulled a 22ft tow trailer for the last 14 years and just this last Monday bought a 34’ 5th wheel. We so far have only pulled it home approx 120 miles with no problems. The size is noticeable definitely, but I didn’t feel it was overwhelming thankfully. I told my wife that as long as I keep it between the lines we should be ok.