Bumper Tow or Fifth Wheel

[ThruTraffic]

Newbie First Post

I'm doing my homework and I thought a good starting place would be what type of rig would best fit my current vehicle:

2011 Ford Super Duty F-250
Crew Cab 6-3/4' Ft Box
Four Wheel Drive
Gas/Ethanol V8
6.2L/379hp
Trans Type 6, Automatic
3.73 axle ratio
Trailer tow pkg
GVWR 9600/4355
Front GAWR 4800
Rear GAWR 6100
Max GCWR 19000

Would be interested in hearing from the experienced on what their opinions are and what other first off questions I should consider in deciding on 5th wheel or bumper tow with this specific vehicle.

TIA

[Racine96]

Big1, if your DW is having problems with stairs, the steps on a FW would not be helpful.

[Big1]

We just bought a TT but the DW wanted a 5'er so I begin to see if we can trade up to a 5'er, so we couldn't work that out because we just bought the TT, we will be losing a lot of money but was willing to get what we wanted.

We are going to keep the TT for now since the DW is having problem with the stairs from time to time. There are pro's and con's but for us a TT is working great.

[BarneyS]

Lantley wrote:
IF the wind issue bothers you with a TT I will reiterate the premium hitches will eliminate this issue. You will no longer feel the push of the passing 18 wheelers. You will not feel the push of wind gust.
THe HA and PP hitches are expensive but they do deliver. BTDT

So are good 5th wheel hitches. I think it is a wash and a non issue concerning cost. 🙂
Barney

[Lantley]

IF the wind issue bothers you with a TT I will reiterate the premium hitches will eliminate this issue. You will no longer feel the push of the passing 18 wheelers. You will not feel the push of wind gust.
THe HA and PP hitches are expensive but they do deliver. BTDT

[WolfFox]

I've owned both. The 5th wheel is easier and more comfortable to tow IMHO. You won't have the sway you have with a TT. Just make sure you purchase one know your tow ratings. Pin weight , Axle weight and GVWR. I've your buying from a dealer, remember they will tell you anything, so do your homework.

[Lantley]

goducks10 wrote:

Racine96 wrote:
OP... please keep in mind that a 2500 has limitations regarding the size and weight of the FW because your payload limitations. I know I learned it the hard way.

For me the biggest difference was backing into sites. I like the way my TT used to move vs. my FW.

Can't argue that. But we tow for way longer than we back in. I'd rather have a 1, 2 or even 8 hour good tow, and then only have to deal with maybe 5-8 mins of backing up over towing a TT all day. JMHO

Backing a 5'er vs. a TT is different. But neither is superior to the other. You can become proficient at either with practice.

[goducks10]

Racine96 wrote:
OP... please keep in mind that a 2500 has limitations regarding the size and weight of the FW because your payload limitations. I know I learned it the hard way.

For me the biggest difference was backing into sites. I like the way my TT used to move vs. my FW.

Can't argue that. But we tow for way longer than we back in. I'd rather have a 1, 2 or even 8 hour good tow, and then only have to deal with maybe 5-8 mins of backing up over towing a TT all day. JMHO

[Racine96]

OP... please keep in mind that a 2500 has limitations regarding the size and weight of the FW because your payload limitations. I know I learned it the hard way.

For me the biggest difference was backing into sites. I like the way my TT used to move vs. my FW.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

jerem0621 wrote:
I tend to lean towards a TT. I like the flat floor, generally less entry steps. Lighter hitch that doesn't require holes being drilled in the bed (factory 5th wheel prep or not).

I like being able to use the bed of my truck while towing (not just 3/4 of it)

TT's tend to be lighter...I.e. The biggest TT 's generally gross around 12k...fivers can start at 12k lbs but there are becoming more and more lightweight fifth wheel options. I like the weight distribution hitchs. A properly adjusted weight distribution hitch with a properly loaded travel trailer and a properly loaded truck will have a great experience. The hitches generally come apart in three pieces, two spring bars and one hitch head.

I did leave off that if you want a really high end product then a fiver is the way to go because it's hard if not impossible to find a really high end TT other than an Airstream. There are some really nice TT's made today but not a whole lot at the Mobile Suites or Jayco Pennicle type levels.

They sell a lot of TT because the barrier to entry is much much lower financially.

Oh, I also forgot...there are more vehicles that can tow a TT...so if you get in a tight spot and need to pull the TT with a Full Size SUV or Van you can. With a fiver you have to have a truck with a fifth wheel hitch. Just something to think about.

Either will serve you well...it's whatever strikes your fancy.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Good and valid "pro-TT" comments!

The pickup bed space is a more pronounced issue with a SB truck.
(Had both - no more LBs or duallys for me)
*If* you bring "toys" along now - or wish to.....better consider Toy Hauler 5th wheels!

Had several TT's over the years, and now a 5th.
Considering going back - not because I don't like the 5th, but due to
the DWs health issues (need the flat floor, & less steps).

IMO the most favorable benefit of the 5th is stability (as compared to TTs). Towing "ease" (not affected by wind or 18 wheelers passing) is night and day compared to TTs!

Suggestion:
Find and purchase a clean, used TT in the 24 to 28 ft range and see how it works out.
Should you decide to sell - re-sale is usually a slam dunk.

~

[goducks10]

sk734 wrote:
Whatever works. I just felt every time a semi went by me I was being sucked into it. My equalizer hitch did nothing for that.How expensive are Hensley hitches anyway?

About $2000-2500.00 new. I bought a used HA for $950. Used it one season before going the 5th wheel route. Sold it the next summer for $900.00. I've seen them for much less used. They're easily rebuild-able. I took it apart and inspected the bearings. They were fine. Just put new seals in and greased everything up. Biggest issue buying used is being able to get the right stinger drop.
If I ever went back to a larger (32'-35') TT I'd look for another used Pro Pride Or HA.
I towed a 31' 7300 lb TT with a 2010 F150 145" WB with my used HA and the TT towed just as good as my current 5th wheel and 2500 tow. It's really amazing how they work. When I used to over take semis on the freeway I would always get the push pull effect. Two hands on the steering wheel doing corrections the whole time. With the HA it was a one handed affair. Very relaxed towing experience.

[sk734]

Whatever works. I just felt every time a semi went by me I was being sucked into it. My equalizer hitch did nothing for that.How expensive are Hensley hitches anyway?

[colliehauler]

I own both and prefer the TT for the ability to haul a motorcycle in the back of the truck. I have never had a issue with either but I use a proper hitch and heavy tow vehicle for both. I can hitch and set up in about the same amount of time, neither is difficult. It boils down to what works best for you.

[Lantley]

BarneyS wrote:
No need to worry about stability or sway with a travel trailer. You can purchase a hitch that will eliminate the possibility and make the trailer tow as well as a 5th wheel.
Hensley "Arrow" hitch
Barney

I cannot stress Barneys post enough. A PP or HA hitch will make a TT tow just as well as a 5'er.
My last 39' 11k GVW TT towed just as well as my current fiver.
Maybe I was spoiled by my HA but I saw very little difference in towing performance with my current rig vs. my old TT

[sk734]

Owned 2 5vers downsized to TT. Dumped it-did not like how it towed.Get the 5ver you will be happy you did-good luck.