Challenges with a long(er) trailer?
Have to replace our 30' fifth wheel due to damage. My TV was pretty well maxed out, and more recent versions are just enough heavier that I'll be exceeding payload. So, looking very close at going t...
Forum Discussion
I'm in 30 tt and have had 5th wheels before. You'll be taking more shots to get in places. Also if overhang from axle to rear bumper has changed, you'll have to take that into account.
With a 5th wheel you can jack RV much more than TT. Which means more shots to get backed into places with TT. Nothing earth shattering, just take few more shots backing up, being you can't turn as sharp.
When you get TT first thing I would do is measure how sharp you can turn. The "pinch" point will most likely be TV rear fender and corner of TT. And if you do clear the TT corners then the "A" frame hitch probably be next. And sometimes an inch longer ball mount make a big difference, especially U turns. And of course the difference of towing a TT and a 5th in the wind is also different and you'll be able to notice.
Having said all that and this sounds strange... but at work (now retired) we had more backing accidents per miles driven with 40 and 45 foot trailers then 53 foot trailers. Most of us felt that the longer the trailer was, the more cautious the driver was or had to be.
But it doesn't take much time to get used to and just think...no more trimming the overhead trees and now you can use of pick up bed, and don't have to spend $$$ to replace tow vehicle.
Now, what are you going to do with holes in your pick up bed?
With a 5th wheel you can jack RV much more than TT. Which means more shots to get backed into places with TT. Nothing earth shattering, just take few more shots backing up, being you can't turn as sharp.
When you get TT first thing I would do is measure how sharp you can turn. The "pinch" point will most likely be TV rear fender and corner of TT. And if you do clear the TT corners then the "A" frame hitch probably be next. And sometimes an inch longer ball mount make a big difference, especially U turns. And of course the difference of towing a TT and a 5th in the wind is also different and you'll be able to notice.
Having said all that and this sounds strange... but at work (now retired) we had more backing accidents per miles driven with 40 and 45 foot trailers then 53 foot trailers. Most of us felt that the longer the trailer was, the more cautious the driver was or had to be.
But it doesn't take much time to get used to and just think...no more trimming the overhead trees and now you can use of pick up bed, and don't have to spend $$$ to replace tow vehicle.
Now, what are you going to do with holes in your pick up bed?
