Travel Trailer vs 5th Wheel

[dslc6487]

We are beginner rvers and are looking at both tag along travel trailers and 5th wheels. We do not want anything too big. I am retired and 70 years old. My wife is 60. We don't have a tow vehicle yet, waiting on what we decide for a RV. We do want one with "all season" with adequate insulation and heated tanks for winter use. We will mostly be camping in the north Georgia, Tennessee area, but may be up there sometimes in the winter. I know there is probably a post on here somewhere that makes a comparison, but I don't know where it is. Probably want to stay less than 30 ft. Due to my age and some Vietnam combat injuries, I would like to have something with electric levelers and as easy a set up as possible.. Adequate storage and good name brand. I am not a millionaire, but I don't want to go cheap on our selection of RV and ruin our experience. Comments? Recommendations? Any help will be appreciated. Be mostly just me and my wife. May be an occasional grandson. I know that I have not given you much info to go on, but please offer any and all advice.

Thank you

[2gypsies1]

For ease in driving and minimal steps, I'd recommend looking at Class C's motorhomes. The car you have now might even be towable which is a big help in siteseeing.

Regarding a travel trailer vs. a 5th wheel, consider that a travel trailer is harder to hook up.

We've had all three types in our RVing and the motorhome was the best in our opinion.

[fla-gypsy]

A TT with all power accessories would seem to be a nice fit coupled with a good integrated WD/sway control system.

[et2]

We've had them all and now our MH. Went from a travel trailer to a fiver to get more room and storage space. A travel trailer can be matched to most pick ups up to a 3/4 ton. Don't know if these have auto levelers now but I'm sure things have come a long way. They are a bit more harder to line up to hookup getting the ball in the right spot.

Fivers can be bought that have as much space and storage as you want. But then the tow vehicle has to be considered very carefully. They're relatively easy to hook up compared to a TT. However you mentioned you're 70. I was one never to consider a MH as thought fivers had it all. But my back started giving me problems and climbing around the truck to hook things up was becoming bothersome. We had a 1 ton dually and a huge fiver. Loved it!

But now we have a MH and no more problems to worry about. Toad is easy to attach and I don't have to climb around to do it or get on my knees. Leveling is as easy as pushing a button inside after stopping. I'll never go back to the other two.

[kmbelt]

valhalla360 wrote:
I wouldn't put too much emphasis on steps as a deciding factor. Most newer travel trailers are 3 steps to get in and out, so if you have a real issue with steps you need to reconsider the RV lifestyle first.

That said, it's mostly trade offs. The biggest difference is a 5th wheel setup will typically be a bit more expensive but will tow much nicer. Not that a TT is dangerous or difficult to tow or anything.

Steps can matter when it comes to the difference in a 5er vs tt obviously. My 5er has 3 for entry and 3 for bedroom inside.

[valhalla360]

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on steps as a deciding factor. Most newer travel trailers are 3 steps to get in and out, so if you have a real issue with steps you need to reconsider the RV lifestyle first.

That said, it's mostly trade offs. The biggest difference is a 5th wheel setup will typically be a bit more expensive but will tow much nicer. Not that a TT is dangerous or difficult to tow or anything.

[watt100]

We are picking up a grand design 303rls 5th wheel next week, it has a floor plan we like. Being on the elderly side also no turning of head to watch tv if that is a consideration for you. It is what they call a mid profile so weights apx 9400 pounds emty. It is 32'11" long. There are a lot of nice 5Ths out there, this is our 3rd rv since we retired I thinkn we got it right this time.
Good luck with your choice , former air force here so good luck to all us vets.

[Veebyes]

I am in the do the research, only look at well respected quality builders, list a very few possibilities, buy a lightly used, of one of those models, make your first purchase the last purchase.

Most important is DO THE RESEARCH. The rest knda falls into place after that.

[kmbelt]

Terryallan wrote:
first. thank you for stepping up when so many others ran. You sir are a real American.

so I don't know what your injuries are. But think about this. The 5ers are much higher than TTs, and have more steps to enter. also once inside. You will be climbing up, and down stairs constantly, Go to bed, go to the bathroom, get out of bed go outside. You are looking at a unit that is really hard on your knees, and back. however. they do have more storage, but need larger TVs.

Travel Trailers on the other hand. Do have less storage. But they are closer to the ground. Most have only 2 steps up and in. and once in. they are flat. Not nearly as hard on your body. And many can be towed with full size SUVs, or F150s, or 1500 GMs, and Rams

I agree fully. A TT would be the best bet if steps are an issue.

Another thing to consider though is a 5er is typically easier to hook up as you don't have to bend over to hook up chains and weight-distribution bars. Again, not knowing your injuries on this.

Have you considered a Class B or C motorhome. They would require absolutely no hooking up or disconnecting from a tow vehicle, but obviously to go places, you would have to unhook power/water/etc unless you have a car/truck towed behind it.

Best bet is to go visit a show or dealer and go in everything you can and weigh your options.

[Bumpyroad]

with a 5er you will be climbing up steps all the time to the bath and bedroom. is that an issue for you?
bumpy

[csamayfield55x]

I just went from a 33 foot TT to a 35 foot 5th wheel. Here are some things I have noticed.

1 Towing is SOOOO much more enjoyable with my 5th wheel. I have towed many trailer many thousands of miles and my new trailer is by far the nicest to I have ever had.

2 truck bed. I have a flat bed and even with the goofy looking hitch I have I lost a TON of in bed space going to the 5er. I didn't think it would be a big deal till I packed all my coolers, fuel tanks, generator and tables for a week long hunting trip in the boonies. That 1/2 a bed filled up fast!!

3 living space. This is not really comparing apples to apple because I went from a 1 slide TT to a triple slide wide body 5er but there is a lot more living space in a 5er! You just have to look at floor plans.

4 height, 5er's are TALL!!!! I didn't think it would be a big deal until we brought our new 5er home. I have a low wire in the back for my cable internet. It goes from a power poll to my house and was never an issue with my old TT. Now I have to have someone push it up to clear the TV antenna and AC unit's

Just a coupe of my observations

Chris

[pira114]

Problem I have with motor homes is if they break down, you're towing your home to the shop, then have to find/pay for lodging. Just something to consider.

I like 5th wheels for their storage. Rarely will you find a TT of the same length to have comparable storage.

But I choose TTs because I don't want to lose the storage in the bed of my truck. I bring stuff that won't fit in either a 5th wheelers or TTs storage compartments.

Initially, towing may be easier Ina. 5er, but once you're used to it, towing either is easy in my opinion.

I agree that the steps on a 5er could become problematic if you have knee injuries.

If you could borrow a capable truck, I'd say rent one of each first. Otherwise, the RV shows are the best way to see what you think you'll like.

[n7bsn]

I would also recommend buying a used rig the first time. Most people buy the wrong (for them) rig the first time around.
We didn't buy new until our fourth rig! Although our 2nd must of been "good" as we kept it for 10 years.

[DrewE]

I'll second what most everybody else says about checking out some RV shows. That's probably the best way to get a general feel for what is available and what the relative pros and cons are of the various types of RVs.

If you'll be moving around frequently, give a little thought as well to a class C or class A motorhome. Setup and tear down is generally faster for them than for any sort of trailer (less stuff to hook up), and there are some advantages to having your home already there while traveling—it's a lot easier to grab a cold drink from the fridge or make a quick potty stop when you don't have to get out and walk around and fumble with keys, etc. There are also disadvantages, of course.

I would suggest looking for a good used unit when actually buying. RVs depreciate in value quite quickly, often far more quickly than they wear out in the first several years.

[downtheroad]

Lots of good info already from previous posters.

I'll add...we picked a travel trailer because we still wanted the full use of the bed of our truck..bikes, etc.

But, both have their pros and cons (it's about compromise).

Go to an RV show and poke around....and keep researching, researching, and researching...just like you have started doing here.

[Terryallan]

first. thank you for stepping up when so many others ran. You sir are a real American.

so I don't know what your injuries are. But think about this. The 5ers are much higher than TTs, and have more steps to enter. also once inside. You will be climbing up, and down stairs constantly, Go to bed, go to the bathroom, get out of bed go outside. You are looking at a unit that is really hard on your knees, and back. however. they do have more storage, but need larger TVs.

Travel Trailers on the other hand. Do have less storage. But they are closer to the ground. Most have only 2 steps up and in. and once in. they are flat. Not nearly as hard on your body. And many can be towed with full size SUVs, or F150s, or 1500 GMs, and Rams