TT or 5W

[ScottMMO]

We are planning for our RV experience starting next year; our goal is to be about 80% full time, with a couple months around holidays being spent at home. We keep going back and forth on what kind of RV we should get, and we've narrowed it down to a TT or 5th, but we can't settle on one.

We have read that TT's get tossed about the highway by high winds or by getting passed by a Tractor Trailer; right this minute, that is my DW's big concern, does the lighter weight of the TT become a big issue? Our plan is to be in warm climes all year round, so south for the winter and north only in summer, to avoid cold weather issues, and we can always get wind conditions from weather forecasts and so forth, but you can't do anything about the big trucks so, can anyone here speak to the issue of TT's and wind?

Thank you for your replies.

[bid_time]

I have a TT, and my next one will be a TT also. Mainly because I carry stuff in the bed of my truck that I don't want inside a 5th wheel. Things like firewood, gas cans, muddy boots, etc. Also one thing to consider, most 5er's are much higher profile than a TT. More chance to hit branches and more frontal area to create drag. But to each his own. You need to decide for yourself what suits you best.

[rwjejits]

If you have a TV that is capable, 5th wheel would be my choice.

[ScottMMO]

Thank you all for your replies, this has been very helpful. And also the two other threads which someone linked for me, I appreciate that very much.

[wintersun]

Any trailer is going to be affected by strong cross winds and a 5th-wheel trailer that sticks another 5 or 6 feet higher is going to be affected a lot more by head winds and generate more air drag that is going to reduce fuel economy.

The people I know that recently sold their 5th-wheel trailers all disliked the steps up to the base level and then the additional step up to the sleeping area. All had problems with the 5th-wheel trailer motion being telegraphed to the cab of the truck to the point where drinking a cup of coffee while underway was not possible. They all added a Trailair type of dampener to correct the problem. Sway control bars are designed to dampen movement of a travel trailer and they work well if setup properly.

When you get past a certain trailer weight the use of a kingpin instead of a trailer ball is required so you are forced into a 5th wheel trailer for something that has a loaded weight over 10,000 lbs. gross weight.

With a travel trailer the entire bed of the pickup is available for gear and makes it easy to haul small boats or bicycle or other items.

Basement storage space is greater with a 5th wheel though some of the travel trailers, like some Keystone models have space that is accessible from the outside that is designed for large items like bicycles.

It may be an overly broad generalization but with 5th-wheel trailers the focus of the manufacturers is on having as high end a look and feel, even to the point of marble counter tops, while with the travel trailers there has been more effort put into reducing their overall weight so that they can be pulled by smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

[ReneeG]

mileshuff wrote:

Similar floor plan TT's and length are close to the same weight at least in the models I was looking at.

You are correct. Our last TT was a Komfort 282TS, 32' and weighed in at 11k loaded for a trip.

[mileshuff]

After 20 years of towing various TT's we went with a new 5'er. Easy to notice the difference. While each of our TT's towed fine theres no comparison to how the 5'er tows. Moderate winds, semi's passing etc. are no longer noticed at all. So much more relaxing.

With a TT similar experiences maybe possible with a hitch such as the Hensley Arrow but I'd rather have the added benefits of a 5'er. Most 5'ers have far more outside storage over the same floor plan in a TT. Love the storage!

TT's are not lighter than 5'ers by default. Similar floor plan TT's and length are close to the same weight at least in the models I was looking at.

[Terryallan]

I would only advise you to think of your knees. IF you have no problems with your knees, than a 5er may be for you. But IF you have some knee aches. You will want to check out TT. They are flat, no steps inside, and fewer steps to get into.
For me. A 5er is out of the question, as my knees do not like steps.

[Merrykalia]

We have had all of the different camping equipment, starting with a tent, then popup, on to a hybrid, then a 35' bumper pull TT, and now a 35' 5'er. We are a family of 4 and we full-time from the end of April until Labor Day, or about 100 days per year.

We LOVE our 5'er and will keep it until we can purchase a 45' DP with bunks.

I much prefer to pull the 5'er and it's with the same truck. We had a wonderful hitch setup with sway and all that other stuff, but the 5'er is still my pick.

[robsouth]

I've had both types of trailers and I prefer the Travel Trailer for a couple of reasons. One, there are no steps inside. I don't like steps. Two, the bed of the truck is available for carrying many things that I like to carry sometimes. Never really noticed much difference in the way they tow. (Each trailer was in the 35 foot range.)

[Bill___Kate]

With an adequate tow vehicle, proper equipment, and proper hitch, I don't think there is a significant difference in handling either way. They are different, but once you get used to your rig, I think they are about the same.

I think it mostly depends on your RVing lifestyle and what you like to do and your budget.

Fivers have more storage space, fancy floor plans, and interior headroom. On the downside, they cost more, you have to climb a lot more steps, and they are generally heavier, higher off the ground, and taller so they require a bigger truck and sometimes limit the campsites you can get into. As mentioned, they also limit the use of the bed of the truck - both with and without the trailer hooked up because the hitch remains in the bed. A bigger truck - usually a dually - is a little more difficult to find parking spaces for than a single rear well vehicle.

We spend a lot of time surf fishing, and like the van because we can securely store our 12' surf rods in the van without taking them apart. The van also has lots of room for the dogs, grandkids, and whoever else may come along.

As someone else said - think of what you might like to do while traveling, and go look at lots of different floor plans of both types of trailers. You will probably know when you find something that fits, then you can match it with an appropriate tow vehicle.

[DutchmenSport]

Me again. Putting aside towing ability and all that. If you plan on using your camper during cold weather, you'll need heat! Now, consider the inside space that has to be heated. The more slides out, the more space. The higher the ceiling, the more space. If heating exclusively off your camper furnace in 20 degree or colder weather, you're going to go through a lot of propane. A lot of us carry ceramic, or space heaters, or oil filled heaters as supplements. I do know in 20 degree weather, my Outback furnace runs pretty much steady. That's burning a lot of propane in a short while... Like I said, it's just something to think about!

[Bumpyroad]

for a 5er you will need a dually, see thread "Hit and run! - Dully owners". if you can get by with a more reasonable truck with a TT I'd go that route myself. could still have some carrying capacity in the bed.
bumpy

[pawatt]

We have had both, I like the 5th wheel best, more room, more storage, tows better but you will need at least a 3/4 ton pickup unless you have a very small 5er.

[johnrbd]

Find the travel trailer or 5th wheel you like best for you needs.

Bring the GVWR or the trailer/5th wheel and the weight ratings of possible tow vehicle.

You do not want to be at or above ratings.
Give yourself safety cushion which also allows you to upgrade trailer if needed with upgrading tow vehicle.

Come back to this forum and we came assist you, if you so desire.