Possible First Fifth Wheel

[4x4crazy]

So I have had a 24 foot travel trailer in the past. I am thinking of my first fifth wheel. I was looking at travel trailers because they leave my bed open for other toys but I keep going back to the fifth wheels for floor plan and open space. I am probably looking at an older used fifth wheel like early 2000's. My philosophy is I want to see how much I like this before investing in something new. So, I have a tone of questions:

1) What type of hitch do I need? My truck is a 2017 Ford F-250 Platinum diesel with the 5th wheel hitch prep that has the wiring and puck holes in the bed. Its a short bed so I guess it needs a slider.

2) Besides a hitch, what do I need to budget for?

3) I have been looking at older 27-30 foot trailers. Are there certain brands to run away from? Fiberglass siding or Aluminum. I get so confused looking at these.

4) Besides the better floor plans, what am I gaining with the fifth wheel over the travel trailer. I know they pull better by the hitch over the axels. anything else?

5) convenient features: around what time did auto leveling jacks come into play? I like the idea from the new ones I've seen but the older ones don't seem to have it.

I plan on mainly using this as weekend warrior type camping with an occasional 1-2 week trip. For starting its mostly going to be full hookup campgrounds around here in California but the girlfriend likes the idea of boondocking.

[4x4crazy]

I think the 27-30 foot trailers are on the smaller side for fifth wheels from what I have seen? Why go with a lite model? I think my truck is rated to tow pretty descent weights. I tend to find the "lite" models to be lower quality than a lot of the regular weight models.

Looking through complaints, it seemed like Keystone was a maker that many people say to stay away from. Although I do like the cougars.

My reference to cargo was comparing a travel trailer to fifth wheel. It seems any fifth wheel takes up nearly the entire bed of the truck

[donn0128]

Point 3 your right on. With a 250/2500 series you will be really surprised how little real cargo carrying capacity you have.
Northwood makes good but heavy fivers. I think if I were you I would start looking at shorter, lighter models from Forest River and Keystone. Models like Cougar are quite popular.
Point 2. Basicslly the exact same things you would need for a TT.
Point 1. Slider would be best, but depending on trailer choice you may or may not actually need one. Many newer fivers are cut specifically for short bed trucks. But dont hold your breath. Just get a slider hitch.
Point 4, shorter overall down the road length is the biggie.
Point 5, tou probsbly wont find auto leveling on any short fivers that will fit your size requirements. Besides, its no big deal as long as your reasonavly healthy to lower the stabilizers using a cordless drill.