WDH compared to 5th Wheel

So what I'm gathering from you experts is that if the TT is set up correctly with the TV there shouldn't be any problems. We don't plan on going cross country by any means but some trips to the Black Hills of SD and maybe some Montana mountains are in the future.

We towed a 24ft TT for 16 years and then switched to a 38ft 5th wheel.

To be honest there really isn't much difference 90% of the time. As long as truck, hitch and TT/5th Wheel are properly setup the stability should be there.

Here's a couple of caveats based on the TT & 5th Wheel we towed:
Both trailers had "flipped" axles. I feel because both are higher off of the ground this allows side winds to have less effect. The distance between the bottom of the trailer and the road breaks the suction/pushing effect.

The trucks and hitches were purposely setup to tow each trailer. Better brakes, better cooling, heavier suspension and proper gearing all helped to provide maximum stability.

Once you have practiced towing a trailer it becomes second nature. Anytime I get a new vehicle or RV; one of the first things I do is to go to a large empty parking lot and practice. Panic stops, turns, backing, parallel parking, tight space parking, fast lane changes...etc. This way I know how the vehicle/RV will handle.

I agree having the bed of the truck is great. With the TT we had a cap (campershell) and it provided secure storage for large items. With the 5th wheel I am able to carry lots of stuff but it has to be no more than bed rail height and not something a thief would want. Typically I have a mobility scooter broke down into six parts, a 4ft folding table and two folding chairs, wood for fires and leveling, and misc. other camping needs. Plus I have a cross bed tool cabinet at the front of the bed. There is lots of room for stuff even with the 5th wheel hitch in the bed.

I've not driven a truck-5er combination, but I do know I've driven several tow vehicles with trailers. If the truck is too small for the trailer, towing is a nightmare. With the right truck-trailer-hitch combination, towing is sweet. I think 99.99% of travel trailer towing problems is because of too much trailer for the truck. Whereas, a 5er is more forgiving with the same truck.

I do know, my current rig combination (with the integrated brake controller) is a very sweet ride! We've done several long trips now (over a thousand miles one way) with this set up, and did not have any problems, sway, scarry moments, nothing. Truck and trailer acted as one unit. No problems.

(However, i-65 through Montgomery Alabama has us down to 35 mph. BUT everyone else was running about the same speed.) That was the only place I felt I had a trailer attached.

Is there a rule of thumb so to speak of when trailer length dictates a preference between TT or 5th? Say for example under 25 ft does the 5th wheel towing advantage still hold true or does the 5th wheel advantage start to come into play on longer trailers? This is assuming any TT would have a WDH and sway control.

Sorry for the lack of info guys. We're looking at around a 35 foot TT about 8k pounds dry weight. There are a few different ones we're looking at so its hard to give an exact tongue weight. TV will be a ram 2500 with the 6.4 hemi so weight shouldn't really be an issue.

'Best' depends on the situation.

5th is superior from a stability and maneuverability standpoint, but puts a lot more weight on the tow vehicle, meaning you generally need a larger truck for a given trailer weight. This configuration also gives you more trailer space for a given overall rig length.

TT is better if you are close to the payload limits of your tow vehicle, want the extra storage space, or want to tow with something other than a pickup. They aren't as stable as a 5th, but are perfectly usable in typical situations when properly configured.

Long trips, involving a lot of highway driving...5th wheel is the way to go. They do NOT buck or wiggle as much as a TT. It is a better way for the trailer to become "one with the truck". They also have a large basement for all that "camping gear" you mention.

Short weekend, occassional week trips...get the trailer with the floor plan you like. If you stay at about 80% of your trucks towing/payload capicity, then add WDH/Anti-sway, you will not be disappointed.

I think people insist on 5ers when they push the envelope on the weight issue. You can get away with going heavier with a 5er more safely then with a TT.

I think a fifth wheel is inherently more stable but a TT with good hitch setup can come close. You didn't mention what size your truck is or how big and heavy of tongue weight TT you are looking at, all of which is important when selecting a hitch setup. A larger trailer may benefit from a Hensly or Propride but are more expensive. So a little more information would be helpful.