Forum Discussion

rowekmr's avatar
rowekmr
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015

FIrst Excperience Towing 5th compared to TT

I have been towing my travel trailer for 8 years and other small trailers a little longer. I am really accustomed to hitching and unhitching by myself and travelling long distances with it. After towing a 5th wheel I am really impressed with the simpler and more robust hitching process (that you can see from cab) and the stability is like night and day. Not that I ever had my TT dangerously swaying down the highway but it never tracked as solid as the few 5th wheels I have towed. One thing I happily miss is hooking up WD and sway bars and that loud creaking noise from the WD when driving through a quiet campground while turning.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 27, 2015
    Glad you are enjoying the FW experience Joe!

    After having two TTs, I started towing FWs in 95. I never had sway from the TTs, not enough to bother me anyway, but I sure don't miss the hookup/disconnect process.

    I do miss the use of the truck bed.

    Jerry
  • Dman1's avatar
    Dman1
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    I'll be joining you this summer. After over ten years with tent trailers and hybrids, I am in the process of moving up to a 40' fifth wheel. We ordered our Sabre 34 TBOK a few weeks ago.
  • Grandpere's avatar
    Grandpere
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    Glad that it is going so well, can't wait for part 2 "First Experience Backing a 5th compared to TT".
  • i5trucker's avatar
    i5trucker
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    Part 3, first experience jack knifing a 5th wheel. LOL, just joking, hope it never happens.
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    rowekmr wrote:
    I have been towing my travel trailer for 8 years and other small trailers a little longer. I am really accustomed to hitching and unhitching by myself and travelling long distances with it. After towing a 5th wheel I am really impressed with the simpler and more robust hitching process (that you can see from cab) and the stability is like night and day. Not that I ever had my TT dangerously swaying down the highway but it never tracked as solid as the few 5th wheels I have towed. One thing I happily miss is hooking up WD and sway bars and that loud creaking noise from the WD when driving through a quiet campground while turning.


    Just made the switch myself after 47,000 miles and 10 years of towing a TT. only towed the 5'er a couple of times, but I have the same thoughts as you. I Really like the 5'er
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    With the wheels further back they have a different pivot point than I am used to but am getting used to it. Actually hauling different trailers from 25' to 37' so learning a lot.

    Grandpere wrote:
    Glad that it is going so well, can't wait for part 2 "First Experience Backing a 5th compared to TT".
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    Hope it never happens...you and me both since these trailers aren't mine and any damage I pay for lol

    I have made some sharp turns without any problems but one day want to go to a large lot and turn to the limit both in forward and reverse so I can see how sharp I can turn.

    i5trucker wrote:
    Part 3, first experience jack knifing a 5th wheel. LOL, just joking, hope it never happens.
  • RedJeep's avatar
    RedJeep
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    I just switched from a dually with 40' fifth wheel to a class A gas. I sure miss the stability of the fifth.

    Enjoy!
  • Bamaman11's avatar
    Bamaman11
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    Just don't forget to drop the tailgate before backing the truck under the trailer. And drop the tailgate when unhitching. (Don't ask how I know.)
  • brett_robin's avatar
    brett_robin
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    A little trick I like to use while hooking up by myself is using a telescopic magnet. Get a strong one and place it on the top of your ball. Back your truck up, tailgate down, when it tips off you are lined up over your ball. Of course that is if you are using a goose hitch.

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