TT or 5th, best TV to go with them?

[05Biasca06]

I would like opinions & advice for our small military family.

We are wanting to purchase either a TT or 5th for being able to live out of it for a year or more fulltime. Meaning mostly likely staying in one location for about 7-9months and then 3-5 months in another. Mostly residing between Mountain & Pacific time zone areas.

It's just my husband, my pre-teen daughter, a mid-size dog, a cat and myself. However, my DH will be gone most of the time.

We have been looking at tons of floorplans for both.
We have agreed on what we would like most.
Would love input from other users

1) Exterior access to bathroom. Pros/Cons?

2) Full walk around master queen size bed. or dual entry sides?

3) Seperate sleeping quarters for daughter, looking into bunk room models, but only needing at least one bed maybe a second bed for sleep overs. Also wanting to provide personal space, sliding or swing door a must!

We have seen lots of floor plans with exterior cooking/ref/sink with some bunk models, Pros & Cons there??

4) Slide outs in main living/dining area, Pros & Cons of sliders especially with kitchen sliders?

We are newbies to RV living in general, but experienced with small living quarters, so we know what we can get around in. We have 2 bikes, and an adult tricycle, that we will be bringing along.

Lastly, a TV, What is most recommended for either???
We will be purchasing our TV only after we finalized on between getting a TT or 5th.

Last tid bit, we will have a second vehicle along too, a 90 YJ Jeep Wrangler.


Looking forward to hearing everyones feedback!!!

Thank You & Blessed Be!!!
~Angela~

[05Biasca06]

Thank You for these words of wisdom!!!

Just an update on narrowing our search decision.

DH & I have decided on a TT vs. a 5W:

Due to needing larger cargo space for other items that won't fit into TTs nor 5W. Such as mentioned bikes in my OP, as well as a large grill, plus other items.

That being said, What are the best TTs for Mountain & Pacific areas???

We are currently located in the TN/KY region and may end up purchasing locally here and towing westward. However, if the brands are better in the PAC/MNT regions vs our current location, we may consider them as well in our decisions.

Again a huge "Thanks!" for your words of advice in helping us make our final decisions!!!

Looking forward to our new way of life soon!!!!

Thank You & Blessed Be!!! 🙂

[NC_Hauler]

Tvov wrote:
If the camper is only going to be moved maybe 2 times (dealer to campground, then to another campground)... why not look into paying for having it towed to the campground? Otherwise you will be doing groceries for months in a 1 ton dually truck.

Wouldn't think a 1 ton dually would be required for a GVW 5er of 15,000#...but if he keeps his 13' 3/4 ton, which I figure the OP will, he just needs to match the right weight 5er to his truck.

[packpe89]

If traveling much in higher altitudes, remember gas motors will lose power with thinner air, would plan on going diesel. Also, if getting used, check history of motors, some have issues (Ford 6.0)
I would definitely want slides. Our 28' TT Bunkhouse does not have any. Ok for weekends, but on longer stays or bad weather, when we are all inside, it gets very cramped.

[2112]

4) Slide outs in main living/dining area, Pros & Cons of sliders especially with kitchen sliders?

I had my concerns with the kitchen slide but after 2 years without issue I'm less concerned. I was concerned with the gas line and the fact that the top vent for the fridge is different than a non-slide mounted fridge. So far it has been a non issue.

[Tvov]

If the camper is only going to be moved maybe 2 times (dealer to campground, then to another campground)... why not look into paying for having it towed to the campground? Otherwise you will be doing groceries for months in a 1 ton dually truck.

[NC_Hauler]

having owned both and towed both TT and 5er with and without kids, then with grandkids, the wife and I prefer a 5th wheel over a TT...FAR more storage area in the 5er than in a TT. More room inside. A few things...I like only one entrance to the RV..just me, but feel it's more secure.. No issues with slideouts, no matter where...I've had no slides to 4 slides. hydraulic or electric, doesn't matter, never had issues with either...kitchen slides? I've had several 5the wheels with kitchen slides and never had an issue with electric power or propane lines to the slides..

One thing, you can tow TT easier with smaller truck, (ie, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton). When you start talking 5er's, you start talking "bigger trucks", 1/2 ton's limited up to certain weights, 3/4 tons can handle more, but can be limited if you go very heavy...1 ton SRW have gotten to where they can handle much more than they could just 3 years ago and for much heavier and longer..may be looking at dually territory..Also, any of the GM/Chevy, Ford or Ram trucks would all be good choices, all offer all one needs when towing..just match the proper truck with whatever it is you're going to tow:)


Do yourself a favor right out of the gate...IGNORE "empty" or "dry" weights when it comes to matching a tow vehicle to what you buy..Use the units GVW, it's more practical....Also, if looking at a 5th. wheel, forget "empty" or "dry" pin weight...again, not practical...Look at 5th. wheels GVW and take 20% of that and figure that will be a much closer "ballpark" on what your actual pin weight will be (weight you will put in the bed of the truck onto your 5er hitch)...An example, if GVW of 5er you're looking at is 15,000#, good chance pin weight could be 3,000# or there abouts.

Lot's of decisions, lot's of questions...Look real hard at cost of both TT and 5er as well as what you plan on towing with....once you use a little common sense and do some simple math, I guarantee if you do your homework, you will end up having a much more enjoyable towing experience.

Again, If you go with a 5er, just make sure you buy "enough truck" for what you're going to tow.

[donn0128]

Check out crowder campers blog. Military family two kids two large dogs in a fifth wheel