Forum Discussion

dieseldan723's avatar
dieseldan723
Explorer
Aug 13, 2013

Towing BP vs. 5th Wheel

I have always had a 5th wheel and feel comfortable towing them. The two I had were 37 ft and 40 ft. I always used a PullRite Superglide hitch.

I am currently looking at a 34 ft BP trailer. Several people (including on this site) have said that I am CRAZY for "going backwards". I don't really want to start an argument about what trailer I need because we have decided to go the way of a BP trailer for now. What I am looking for advice and input on is the difference in towing a BP vs. a 5th wheel.

If I am set up properly with a WD hitch will I notice any significant difference from my 40 ft 5th wheel to the 34 ft BP? What should I be mindful of?

TIA
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    dieseldan723 wrote:
    Great feedback. I was looking into the Reese Straight Line system. It looks nice but is expensive.

    I will also need to upgrade the receiver on my truck. The stock receiver appears to be a Class IV with a WD tongue rating of 800 lbs. The brochure for the new trailer says the tongue weight is 1,495 lbs! WOW!


    Areed, but you have to buy it once. No ongoing expenses.
  • babies_dadeo's avatar
    babies_dadeo
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    I pull The combo in my signature with no issues at all. My personal feeling is that in this day and age, it is more about what type of equipment that suits your needs more then anything.

    Happy Camping
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Aug 14, 2013
    If you like the trailer, go for it. The Reese is a fine system and don't skimp on the hitch.
  • dieseldan723's avatar
    dieseldan723
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    Great feedback. I was looking into the Reese Straight Line system. It looks nice but is expensive.

    I will also need to upgrade the receiver on my truck. The stock receiver appears to be a Class IV with a WD tongue rating of 800 lbs. The brochure for the new trailer says the tongue weight is 1,495 lbs! WOW!
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    An Adequate Tow vehicle.

    Then spend you money on a GOOD hitch. We use a Reese Dual cam and are very happy with the built in sway control. It goes down the road as solid as a rock.
  • TomG2's avatar
    TomG2
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    Given that you have an adequate tow vehicle, you will be good to go. That eliminates the biggest problem people have towing travel trailers. Enjoy.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    I went from a 40 ft Mobile Suites to a 34 ft Open Range Roamer TT. With a proper WDH and sway control it tows as steady as the 5er. I find the TT actually easier to back into a tight spot and since the pivot point is behind the truck it tracks almost perfectly behind the truck on turns. The 5er tracks outside the truck since the pivot point is ahead or above the axle. I sure enjoyed getting the bed of my truck back. No real difference in hook up or tear down time/effort in my opinion. You are not CRAZY at all and you are not going backwards just changing equipment.

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