The ride compared to truck camper

[billy1davis]

So for those of you that have been in the past carrying around a 3700lb camper and now are pulling a fifth wheel how does the ride...comfort compare ?

[ol_Bombero-JC]

JIMNLIN wrote:
Its rare anyone complains about freeway hop problems carrying a truck camper.

I've carried and towed both and found depending on the truck/trailer....or truck/truck camper combination each can be quite different or the difference in the truck and suspension. One size don't fit all.

Well said.

"Back when" I was looking for an 8 1/2 or 9 1/2 camper as my *second* option to my (then) TT.

Found a 10 1/2 one year old Lance at an unbelievable price - so much so, I ran it's numbers at the PD. All was OK, so I bought it.

My 1T Ferd SRW crew cab diesel long bed pickup handled it just fine......
except for Ferd's "progressive" (factory) leaf spring/s set-up.

Sat down in the rear like an old sick cow!
Several other of my cronies had the same problems.
Had to re-do the spring packs to the tune of (as IIRC) about $750.
So much for Ferd's - "Better Idea".

Decided my original plan was a good one (short camper) and sold the
Lance at a $3K *profit* - to the first guy that looked at it.
First (and only) time I profited on the sale of *any* RV!..:C

Never did get that "second" RV (slide in camper) - but can say I've had TTs, MHs, and 5th wheel.

Of course, *ALL* of the above had/have more creature comforts than the slide-in camper......but not all will fit your immediate or long-term needs.

Bottom line - whatever works best for your camping situation/s..:C

[Corky12]

We have had several of each. The ride is not much different as long as one has the right vehicle but we find the wind is much less worrisome with a 5th wheel. That is a big consideration in the West.

[TxGearhead]

The ride itself is not a lot different. I can feel that the camper has a higher center of gravity. The truck feels more planted to the highway with the 5th.
The biggest advantage to me is that the camper is a whole lot less stressful. Im not worrying about Chinese bearings, questionable brakes, and tires. With the camper I can refuel almost anywhere. I can stop and eat almost anywhere. I don't worry about driving into a "dead end" street. I can drive to wherever I'm fishing or sightseeing and have a restroom handy.
I like my camper, the wife....the 5th. But she's not worrying about anything.

[danrclem]

I have a 5th wheel right now and have had truck campers in the past. I don't have any complaints about the way either one of them ride but both can be a compromise depending on what you want. But like JIMNLIN said you need the right truck for either.

The slide in took longer to load and had less room but was great for touring long distance areas. You can maneuver smaller parking lots and keep your camper with you at all times. It's also easier to tow a boat or other small trailer behind a slide in.

The 5th wheel has more room and is better if your going to tour from one area. You can park it at a campsite and come back whenever.

It really depends on what you want it for and the compromises you're willing to deal with.

[JIMNLIN]

Its rare anyone complains about freeway hop problems carrying a truck camper.

I've carried and towed both and found depending on the truck/trailer....or truck/truck camper combination each can be quite different or the difference in the truck and suspension. One size don't fit all.

[FlatBroke]

Had both, ride about the same. Sure do miss my Snowriver for convenience.

[Jack_Spratt]

We have both also, the truck camper is my first choice for ride and convenience

[billyray50]

byronlj wrote:
I still have both. On the open road I love towing the fifth wheel. In town or tight spaces, give me the truck camper.
Dave

X2

[byronlj]

I still have both. On the open road I love towing the fifth wheel. In town or tight spaces, give me the truck camper.
Dave