Going from bumper pull to fifth wheel
I currently have the shockwave in my signature, which actually is 23 feet box with almost 28 feet from tongue to back. I like the brand, well built and everything but the bedroom meets my needs. I just got off an 8 day camping trip and the small bedroom is getting to us. So I have a few questions and I'm curious on your insight.
(Please no weight police in this discussion, I know the fifth wheel would be overweight for my 3/4 ton in pin weight, I'll deal with that and a new pickup as there's no way I'd go more than a few miles with 2,500 pounds in my bed)
1) I'm looking at the sandstorm/shockwave 28 fifth wheel. Also looking at the eclipse, both links are below. They are almost the same exact setup and can get roughly the same options. I'm curious if anyone has experience with eclipse to know if it's a good brand. Looking online, prices are within a few thousand dollars so that's not really a concern. The eclipse is about 900 pounds lighter, which is a factor to me.
http://www.eclipservmfg.com/Attitude#./AttitudeWideLite5thWheels
http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=181&Image=5075&ModelID=3583#Main
2) This one has been discussed and I don't really see a good answer on it anywhere. But I got 11.5 mpg coming home Saturday at 66 mph (net downhill, probably would have been 10.5 the other direction). Going 71 I get around 10 (10.5 on the net downhill, 9.5 on the net uphill part of the drive). My current toy hauler is 5,200 dry. Assume I have all the exact same stuff, the eclipse is 9,000 dry after options I'd add. Will the increased weight be more of a factor than the better aerodynamics of the fifth wheel? In other words, would my mileage go down significantly? I'm less worried about cost, more worried about distance between gas stations on my route through Montana and eastern Oregon. I just hear too many stories of "I get 12 mpg at 70 mph with my fifth wheel".
3) The 28 models of each is about the same length off the bumper that I am now. The 32/33 models of these are 4 feet longer. I'm debating which one to get, the wifey wants the extra 4 feet. I'm debating it, as I like the maneuverability of the smaller you hauler. My last one was over 30 feet long bumper pull 27 foot box and I hated pulling that anywhere. No matter the pickup I was in. I'm also concerned just going that much bigger overall as I frequently drive 9 hours in one sitting. The setup I have now is already great for long trips.
Please let me know your thoughts as I struggle with the decision.
(Please no weight police in this discussion, I know the fifth wheel would be overweight for my 3/4 ton in pin weight, I'll deal with that and a new pickup as there's no way I'd go more than a few miles with 2,500 pounds in my bed)
1) I'm looking at the sandstorm/shockwave 28 fifth wheel. Also looking at the eclipse, both links are below. They are almost the same exact setup and can get roughly the same options. I'm curious if anyone has experience with eclipse to know if it's a good brand. Looking online, prices are within a few thousand dollars so that's not really a concern. The eclipse is about 900 pounds lighter, which is a factor to me.
http://www.eclipservmfg.com/Attitude#./AttitudeWideLite5thWheels
http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=181&Image=5075&ModelID=3583#Main
2) This one has been discussed and I don't really see a good answer on it anywhere. But I got 11.5 mpg coming home Saturday at 66 mph (net downhill, probably would have been 10.5 the other direction). Going 71 I get around 10 (10.5 on the net downhill, 9.5 on the net uphill part of the drive). My current toy hauler is 5,200 dry. Assume I have all the exact same stuff, the eclipse is 9,000 dry after options I'd add. Will the increased weight be more of a factor than the better aerodynamics of the fifth wheel? In other words, would my mileage go down significantly? I'm less worried about cost, more worried about distance between gas stations on my route through Montana and eastern Oregon. I just hear too many stories of "I get 12 mpg at 70 mph with my fifth wheel".
3) The 28 models of each is about the same length off the bumper that I am now. The 32/33 models of these are 4 feet longer. I'm debating which one to get, the wifey wants the extra 4 feet. I'm debating it, as I like the maneuverability of the smaller you hauler. My last one was over 30 feet long bumper pull 27 foot box and I hated pulling that anywhere. No matter the pickup I was in. I'm also concerned just going that much bigger overall as I frequently drive 9 hours in one sitting. The setup I have now is already great for long trips.
Please let me know your thoughts as I struggle with the decision.
