Hi everyoneNew forum member here with a odd ball can you have your cake and eat it too question? I'm about 3 years out from retirement and in the planning stages of putting together a rig that can meet all my needs.Some background on me I have owned a couple Class A RV's over the years for both full time and part time use as well as tent camping in my younger years. My next camping adventures will combine ATV's on a occasional basis and several trips to the South/Mid West.I'm drawn to TC's for their simplicity and compactness but the truck payload weight limits gets eaten up quickly going up in size than adding cargo. I'm not looking to drag 30' plus foot of equipment behind my truck so trailers, 5'ers and Toy Haulers are a non starter with me. Everything seems to start in the 27' range for entry level RV's that seem to me anyway to be cheaply built.So I said if you can't find it just build it. How about a custom built 22' (floor length) trailer with a 5th wheel hookup. I can place a 10-11' TC on the front and have 11' left on the back for a ATV or Side by Side or Golf Cart. I know the Rock Crawler guys do this with 40' equipment trailers so it should be doable.I'm not talking something thrown together but a well thought out project that is custom built around a TC I choose. The smaller footprint trailer still gives me access to a lot of campgrounds and I have more flexibility for dry camping.My tow vehicle is a 2019 Silverado Dully Duramax.What are your thought on that setup?ThanksDennis

I,d go TC ,and a pull trailer for toys.

There was a thread about this not too long ago, complete with pics. Seems it was someone "up north" as there was an issue about getting the TC secured before winter.It would be a way for quick getaways. Just hook up to the truck and go. I think it would be easy to do on a readily available gooseneck rather than a custom 5th wheel.

Sounds like you have a solution that fits your needs. I have seen various set-ups like you describe. It is a good way to get a large TC and some other toys without the need for a dually. If you go this route I would like to see your build if you document it.

I have a jeepin' buddy over near Scottsboro with a Bigfoot TC on a gooseneck that he can also haul a Suzuki 4x4 on.On thing to remember is that once you load the vehicle on the trailer behind the TC, there may not be room to open the TC door without rolling the vehicle back.We were up at Windrock a couple of weeks ago and saw 3 or 4 gooseneck trailer with TCs set up to haul various off road rigs.Bankston had a used 9' 10" Lance last week; it would be perfect for that.https://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/30-tow-rigs-trailers/

I've seen pictures of rigs like that, so I know it can be done. I do have a question about the weight math, though.5th wheels are supposed to put 25% of their weight in the truck (pin weight) and carry 75% on the trailer axles. You didn't say which tc you might be interested in, or how much it might weigh, but if it's parked all the way forward on the trailer, I wonder if far more than 25% of the weight might be going into the truck. Particularly if you chose to take it out WITHOUT the toys on the back of the trailer sometimes?Anyway, if you're going to buy a new tc, consider buying one designed for a flatbed instead of a normal truck body. Probably be more stable (wider base) on a trailer and they always have more internal space.

Can you have your cake and eat it too? | Good Sam Community

Brooklynwler
Explorer
Dec 25, 2024
Hi Dennis,
First off, sounds like you’re putting a lot of thought into your setup—great to hear you're going the custom-built route! The combination of a truck camper and trailer setup sounds like it could offer the perfect balance of mobility and flexibility, especially if you're planning to travel and camp in different places. It's a smart way to maximize your payload while keeping your options open for off-roading adventures.
On a different note, if you're thinking about any celebrations during your trips (maybe for a milestone or just a fun treat), I recently came across some stunning cake toppers from a brand called Camp Hollow. They have these beautiful, intricately designed toppers that would be great for making any occasion feel extra special, whether you're camping or just hosting friends at home. The quality is amazing, and I think they’re the perfect way to add a personal touch to celebrations. The "Queen Bee" topper especially caught my eye—perfect for a nature-themed event or just something fun to bring along for a camp gathering.
Best of luck with your project! It sounds like it's going to be an amazing rig when it’s finished.
monkey44
Nomad II
Jan 28, 2019
We own a 2500HD truck, and Lance 845, and a 6x10 cargo trailer. Can get nearly anywhere we want to go. We most often travel w/truck and TC, and only take trailer when we need it (dirt bikes, etc)

If you do that, it eliminates the LOOOOOONG trailer, plus truck length, and when and if you want to leave the trailer for a couple days, you still have your "Camping Condo" to go short trips or overnights. Otherwise, you leave your bed on the trailer and not on the truck where you really need it.

Even traveling cross-country, we can alway find a storage yard for the trailer if we choose back-country for a few days or a week, then come back and get it, continue on. Really works well...
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2019
TC are way more complex than any TT.
I counted 4 exterior lights on my Lance (not counting automotive lights) and about 20 interior lights.
That's way more than average 3bdrm/2 baths house will have.
Have been observing fellow camper trying to get stuff from his TT storage at night.
The trailer had no lights at all and poor guy was chewing on his flashlight while moving the stuff around.
Than if you consider towing, fellow camper let me inside her new TT.
The 28' unit had 3 slides and double slide rear opened to 2 recliners on the sides of fireplace, kitchen island, big, I mean big screen TV and lot of other stuff. My jaw dropped.
TT have strong floor frame, so upper structural integrity is not crucial, meaning they have 3 foot slides, while my TC has 18"
Bedlam
Moderator
Jan 28, 2019
I would be more apt to put a small travel trailer on a large deck rather than a TC if I was building a redneck toy hauler and did not have a RV yet. The price for square footage of living space would be much better. I could see a use for an open deck if you have an oversized vehicle or vehicle that gets excessively dirty when used, but otherwise prefer my enclosed trailer. My combination is over 50' long but swivels in the middle allowing me to still get into many tight locations or parks - If I put everything on one platform (enclosed or open), I wouldn't have the turning radius needed to visit some of my desired spots.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jan 28, 2019
Dennis, I can’t speak personally to the quality of toy haulers, but I find it difficult to believe they are much different than than TCs or TTs for quality.
Just don’t think a guy is gaining much doing the GN/TC combo unless both happen to be laying around and already paid for/ depreciated out.
JMO, but a TC in the bed and a bumper pull trailer still seem more versatile
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jan 28, 2019
^ But our property taxes are 3x as much and sales tax is like adding a healthy “tip” onto every purchase for the Home Depot waitress, I mean cashier!
Bedlam
Moderator
Jan 28, 2019
My Ram 5500 is $189/yr for 18K lb and $206/year for 20K lb GVWR registration.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2019
That confirms my observation that all states charge some kind of commercial fee on pickups.
When I moved from CA to NV, it was nice at first that NV doesn't have "commercial" registration like CA does.
But the registration fees are almost the same, when in CA I had separate "weigh fee" NV adds some kind of tax.
But if you are using truck for camper carrying only, at least in some states you can register it as RV and avoid the high fees.
Still remember buying used motorhome in Maryland over 10 years ago. All fees and 2 years tags totaled $68
EDIT the high fees I listed in NV apply to Clark Co (Las Vegas) what is separate country in the state. You go to different county and it is whole different World, including much lower electricity prices.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jan 28, 2019
Dennis58 wrote:
Dennis58 wrote:

Update ---> Alabama tags for my new 2019 3500HD Duramax was $68.00

My bad ----> Alabama tags for my new 2019 3500HD Duramax for the next FULL tag year will be $725.00

OUCH!!!!!!!!

LOL. My 2012 RAM still costs that much to register.
Dennis58
Explorer
Jan 28, 2019
Dennis58 wrote:

Update ---> Alabama tags for my new 2019 3500HD Duramax was $68.00

My bad ----> Alabama tags for my new 2019 3500HD Duramax for the next FULL tag year will be $725.00

OUCH!!!!!!!!

Forum Discussion

Can you have your cake and eat it too?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Demon Cake

Tomato Cake

Zucchini Cakes

Jam Pecan Cake

Keto Texas Sheet Cake