Opinion needed if you've owned a TT and a FW

Two pop ups, two FW's and two TT. liked them all but a TT is our favorite for us.

We've had 2 5er's and we just went to a TT this spring. The TT is about the same overall length as our old 5er (~33'). I got the bed of my truck back, it tows just fine with my truck (see sig), I get a little bit better mpg (the TT is over 2k lbs lighter), I don't have to worry about bridge height ... as much and it fit's next to my house better than the 5er did. There's not as much storage in the TT but it's ok as I carried too much "stuff" anyway. It is harder to hitch up but that's such an extremely small portion of my camping experience that I don't worry about it.

As other's have said ... buy what fits your needs and have fun!

A used TT (less $) with a Hensly Arrow or a PP Hitch. This leaves the pickup bed empty to store items or as a "tent" (with a sleeping bag) for a day or two back country camping.

However, there are more 5th on the road and therefore you maybe able to purchase a used one at a better price that a TT

Op asked price of hitch and value of TT:

Depends on hitch. New/installed anywhere from $1500 - $2500. As far as trailer, Depends on how good a deal you got on it. For a dealer trade, You'll probably get at least what you paid, BUT, you'll pay list for the 5vr. It all boils down to the difference and what you are willing to pay. My best guess is, you should get a new 5vr for 30% off list, but your trade will lose that 30% as well.

Weeluvdis wrote:

96bounder wrote:
FW hands down winner in towing and handling,as has been mentioned backing up can be a little hard at first but it quickly becomes second nature.

I would recommend at least at 250/2500 series truck for a smaller Fw and go with a dually on the larger ones.

We have a ford f250 power stroke 6. 0. Gvwr 9600 I think, doesn't give us much with FW but if we trade TT don't want to also take a loss on truck, I'm sure there is something out there though.

the only important opinion in answer to your question of 5er or TT is, which best meets your wants/needs .... as a general rule, hooking up a 5er is quicker and easier than a TT .... your truck would be fine for towing some 5ers like the Rockwood Signatures and Jayco's Eagle HT or lighter units in their Eagle lines .... 5ers usually have more storage and until recently more slide-outs .... TT's are lower profile and with modern hitching like the ProPride 3 can be every bit as stable as a 5er .... I'd suggest looking for floor plans and finding the one you like best .... after that, look for in in both TT's and 5ers ... after doing so you will get a feel for the direction you wish to go .... I do feel it is important to realize that the quality of construction of all campers isn't equal .... don't let glitz keep you from look at guts

Jim

Does anyone know how much a FW hitch costs and how much of a hit we will take if we trade in the TT? We bought it new in 2013 and it's a 2014 Keystone Hideout.

We've had everything from a 30' TT to a 45' 5th wheel toy hauler.

As for towing, I think both are fine. Today's WD hithces make towing big TTs a breeze if you know what you're doing. In all honesty, I can actually back a TT into a tighter spot than a FW.

To me, I'd get which one you like the best. Not based on 5er or TT but based on what floorplan, amenities, etc. they come with.

We have had a pop-up,mh,TT,& now 5er.its a 5er hands down for us.

Weeluvdis wrote:

96bounder wrote:
FW hands down winner in towing and handling,as has been mentioned backing up can be a little hard at first but it quickly becomes second nature.

I would recommend at least at 250/2500 series truck for a smaller Fw and go with a dually on the larger ones.

We have a ford f250 power stroke 6. 0. Gvwr 9600 I think, doesn't give us much with FW but if we trade TT don't want to also take a loss on truck, I'm sure there is something out there though.

Lots of people tow with that. You should be able to find a good rig for that.

MTPockets1 wrote:
5th wheel hands down... Handling is what you get used to. It took a while to get good at backing the 5th wheel, but like the trailer, that did too at the beginning. My 5th wheel is much heavier than the trailer, but It seems to be a simpler process than the trailer ball hook up and stabilizers. We also prefer the higher ceiling in the 5vr. Trailers are generally shorter and lighter, but it's what you prefer that counts.

What he said. Also, I towed the new fiver through PA in the pouring rain through construction. I was not "beat" or wore out when it cleared up like I have been with a TT. Heck, my mileage went up about .8 mpg to 1 mpg more towing the fiver and it is probably 2000 lbs heavier. From 7.8 mpg to 8.8 (and even 9 mpg at some points) is a big difference.

No sway when towing even when trucks pass....no clunkign or popping when backing up or turning. Set upa nd breaking down camp go fater too.