5W vs. Bumper Pull
After giving my search a break for the summer, I'm back at it. Not super serious right now, but if I find the right RV, I'll probably buy it. I know that I'm limited in the size of 5W I can pull, so...
Forum Discussion
Having owned both here are some observations comparing a 31' 5er and 25' travel trailer. I know many of these are little things that you don't consider until owning them.
- You have to mitigate chucking issues with the 5er and you have to mitigate weight distribution and sway with the TT. The 5er tows better on the open road but the TT tracks the TV better in turns and is easier to back into a site. You have to look up when towing a 5er. The fifth wheel will be heavier from the outset and there is more opportunity to load it with more stuff.
- My guess is a truck will squat more with 1,000# mounted on a lever 5 ft. back from the axle (TT) than 2,000# mounted over the axle (5er). Your truck bed will be available to you with a TT and if your 5er hitch is heavy it is most likely parked in the back of the truck all season (like mine) taking up bed space.
- 5er storage is large and is more easily accessed from multiple doors rather than having to climb over a tailgate and dig out stuff under a canopy 8 ft. back. With a tri-fold cover on an 8 ft. bed the front third will tow dry and the bed can be covered when not towing. The front overhang on the 5er offers semi dry storage of stuff like bikes when it is raining.
- The high ceilings in the 5er give a feel of luxury and allow for more overhead storage. They also have more cubes so are harder to heat and cool. My television is high mounted so there is no obstruction when people walk by. The higher 5er platform also makes for a higher awning and in many cases renders it useless. Washing a 5er takes a longer brush and climbing on the roof is more intimidating due to the slope and higher roof. The tanks are mounted higher in a 5er and I feel they dump more efficiently. The stairs don't bother me but do many. I feel the 5er has more movement when walking around than the TT but could specific to my models. The ceiling is higher in the bathroom and I fit height wise in the shower better.
- You have to mitigate chucking issues with the 5er and you have to mitigate weight distribution and sway with the TT. The 5er tows better on the open road but the TT tracks the TV better in turns and is easier to back into a site. You have to look up when towing a 5er. The fifth wheel will be heavier from the outset and there is more opportunity to load it with more stuff.
- My guess is a truck will squat more with 1,000# mounted on a lever 5 ft. back from the axle (TT) than 2,000# mounted over the axle (5er). Your truck bed will be available to you with a TT and if your 5er hitch is heavy it is most likely parked in the back of the truck all season (like mine) taking up bed space.
- 5er storage is large and is more easily accessed from multiple doors rather than having to climb over a tailgate and dig out stuff under a canopy 8 ft. back. With a tri-fold cover on an 8 ft. bed the front third will tow dry and the bed can be covered when not towing. The front overhang on the 5er offers semi dry storage of stuff like bikes when it is raining.
- The high ceilings in the 5er give a feel of luxury and allow for more overhead storage. They also have more cubes so are harder to heat and cool. My television is high mounted so there is no obstruction when people walk by. The higher 5er platform also makes for a higher awning and in many cases renders it useless. Washing a 5er takes a longer brush and climbing on the roof is more intimidating due to the slope and higher roof. The tanks are mounted higher in a 5er and I feel they dump more efficiently. The stairs don't bother me but do many. I feel the 5er has more movement when walking around than the TT but could specific to my models. The ceiling is higher in the bathroom and I fit height wise in the shower better.
