5er to TT

All things being equal(same sft., same construction, same appliances, same fit and finish), 5er vs. TT, a 5er costs more and requires a bigger vehicle to tow it. For those reasons, I upgraded with a TT.

I'm not sure why everyone considers it moving "up" from a TT to a 5er other than the 5er is higher off the ground. Our Open Range Journeyer has everything we need including a washer/dryer location (we chose not to get one), tons of storage, and lots of room. It even has a ceiling fan like many 5ers. There is plenty of room in the bathroom and I am a big guy (close to 400 lbs.). It also has fewer steps than a similar 5er which is much nicer for my knees. No problem pulling it with my Ram.

A couple of advantages of a fifth wheel over a TT that I didn't notice mentioned: For a given length of RV, the fifth wheel gives you more livable room than a TT. This is because the TT has 3' or more of non-livable space -- tongue with propane tanks and battery(ies). For the fifth wheel, that space is livable space.

Also, when hooked up, the livable space of a fifth wheel is farther forward than in the TT. So the length of the rig is less with the fifth wheel compared to the amount of livable space. This can be a factor when maneuvering in tight spaces in gas stations and so on.

These are factors for us, as moving to a fifth wheel will allow us to fit an RV with more livable space in the parking space we have at home, by owning a fifth wheel vs a TT. And, the same principle applies when camping -- with a fifth wheel, I can fit an RV with more livable space in a tight space in the 5th wheel form than in the TT form. For this and other reasons, we plan to move to a 31-33' Fifth wheel from our 28.5' TT in the next year or two.

krsmitty wrote:
Brought up this question a year or two ago...thought I would try again and see if any new input.

Our first RV was a travel trailer. Upgraded a few years later to our present 5th wheel. We are in the process of looking for a new RV and I am seriously thinking of going back to a travel trailer.

Wanted to see if anyone here has done that...5er back to a travel trailer?
Reasons why?
Any regrets?
Notice any big difference in towing/backing etc?

Thanks.

Just curious your Jayco is not that big, what is it that you don't care for?

There are plus and minus to both. What used to be that 5th wheels were always nicer interior than fifths is now a myth. Many of the TT mfg make them just as nice interior wise and the same sizes as fifth wheel.
There is more storage on a fifth but you do lose some of the bed so depending on what you bring with you either could be good. Water tanks can be just as big on TT as 5th now a days too so look around and you can throw that one out too.
There are better hitches out there now too that make towing a breeze. When towing a beast you should spend the money on one of the premiere hitches. If you do towing will not be that different. Don't spend the money and yes you will have the doesn't tow well scenario happening especially on the large units.
Bottom line is look around and be open minded and other than the extra storage under the pin area of a fifth the rest of a TT can give you the same comforts for a lot less dollars.

We did several TT upsizings to a monster 5th wheel while we were stationary seasonal campers, but decided to downsize a couple months ago back to the shortest TT we ever owned. Once set up properly, there was little difference towing a 25' TT behind a 3/4 ton truck vs. the 40' 5th wheel.

Our goal was to simplify and to free up the truck bed for a couple scooters and ramps. But we made sure to do our homework first by listing our needs and wants, also finding a new unit where the storage was adequate. I got me my first outdoor kitchen in the deal.

Only thing I noticed when towing my buddies 30ft Outback was that my 39ft 5th wheel towed much easier in my opinion. Much smoother ride also with weight over axle vs behind even with a wd hitch.

We started with a 23.5 foot TT - traded up to a 30.5 5th wheel & diesel dually. Got out RV'ing for 5 years now back to 1/2 ton p/up & 18 foot TT. At 81 years of age this will be our last

I went back to TT a few years ago, but just didn't like it as well. I missed the storage space, and I didn't like the way it pulled as well as my previous 5er. I kept it one season, sold it and got another 5er. But, as has been said, it's a matter of preference.

It is really personal choice and personal needs.
5er here like the layout and storage of the basement. The fact It takes time to load the bed of the truck is not for me!
The 5er is always packed and ready to go camping, we only need a little over an hour from decision to go until on the road!