Towing BP vs. 5th Wheel

[dieseldan723]

I have always had a 5th wheel and feel comfortable towing them. The two I had were 37 ft and 40 ft. I always used a PullRite Superglide hitch.

I am currently looking at a 34 ft BP trailer. Several people (including on this site) have said that I am CRAZY for "going backwards". I don't really want to start an argument about what trailer I need because we have decided to go the way of a BP trailer for now. What I am looking for advice and input on is the difference in towing a BP vs. a 5th wheel.

If I am set up properly with a WD hitch will I notice any significant difference from my 40 ft 5th wheel to the 34 ft BP? What should I be mindful of?

TIA

[TomG2]

I went back to a TT from a Fifth wheel. Got rid of the "chucking" and gained a little wiggle from the semis. Neither was/is a big problem.

[BurbMan]

If budget allows, look at either the Hensley Arrow hitch or the ProPride hitch. Both use a unique 4-bar linkage design that uses geometry to move the pivot point of the hitch to a point above the rear axle of the truck. This gives you the same or better towing stability towing a travel trailer as you had with the 5er. Even though you have a HD truck, I would still recommend for a 34' trailer.

Second choice would be the Reese Straight Line (dual cam) hitch, but the weight and balance of the trailer is more critical for a smooth sway-resistant towing experience.

We chose a TT over a 5er because we find the Suburban more useful for non-towing duty than a pickup truck.

[Its4mykids]

Had a 27' TT that I pulled with a F250 4x4 extended cab long bed for several years. Used Reese Dual Cam. It pulled good and generally tracked fine. Never had a "nail biter", but I did find myself anticipating trucks passing me. The fiver, for me, tows much better. Yes, I setup the DC correctly. Being an engineer, I studied it greatly. Not saying the TT was bad, but if I went much bigger or towed a lot more, I would look at a different hitch such as the HA. The one thing I miss about the TT is backing up. I could put that thing anywhere I wanted to on the first try. The fiver does take some getting used to. As other have said, the reaction time is slower, which means you have to anticipate what will happen and react before it happens. I like the floorplans of the fivers, hence own that now.

[GeoBoy]

Put a Torklift Super Hitch on and then get the WDH of your choice. I use Equalizer but tow a much shorter TT.
Good luck.

[goducks10]

Airstreamer67 wrote:
The main benefit of a bumper pull for me is all that space in the back of the pickup. I always put a cap on the bed of the truck, and the amount of "necessities" that fit in that space is wonderful. With a fifth wheeler, that big space is largely wasted.

Actually if you have an 8' bed you still have close to 4' in front of the hitch on a 5'er. Also a 5'er has way more storage in the basement part. If you're hauling an ATV or something like that then yes it won't work with a 5'er. I found that at least on mine anyway that I have most all the stuff I would put in the bed stored in the front of the 5'er. Only thing I put in the bed is my 4' ladder, small gas can and fire wood. All the other stuff fits in the 5'er. Bikes on the rear of the 5'er also. Some larger(32-35') 5'ers have even more storage than mine. I've done both and prefer having the 5'er storage since I can leave more things in the 5'er that I would have to unpack from the truck when I got home. Did the canopy thing also and it is nice to have things covered and outta sight, but I get the same thing with the 5'er basement.

[Airstreamer67]

The main benefit of a bumper pull for me is all that space in the back of the pickup. I always put a cap on the bed of the truck, and the amount of "necessities" that fit in that space is wonderful. With a fifth wheeler, that big space is largely wasted.

[Longtrace]

I have pulled both. The differences are mostly subtle. The differences I most notice all relate to the fact the hitch point is well behind the tow vehicle axle. This changes the geometry a bit.

• The trailer has more leverage and therefore more influence on the movement of the tow vehicle
• The trailer "steers" faster when backing
• Watch the nose of the trailer when you make a sharp turn pulling out. It swings out a bit in the direction opposite the turn.

I prefer a fifth-wheel, but I currently pull with a Suburban so that's not an option. 🙂

[tluxon]

There's nothing crazy about going from a FW to a TT. I know a couple who have done it for the lower profile and getting the bed of their truck back and several others who are considering it. Another reason some consider going 'back down' to a TT is to help their knees by getting rid of the additional steps to the bed/bath.

Of course it takes a little more effort to hook up a TT for towing each time, simply because you're hanging the tongue weight some 5 or 6 feet behind the rear axle, which has the teeter-totter affect of removing some weight from the front axle and gives a side-to-side lever through which a TT can try to turn the truck. These are easily addressed by a number of effective weight distribution and sway control hitch systems, but they ARE an addition that is not even on the table with a FW.

There are some nice attributes to towing a TT as opposed to a FW. I personally like the lower profile of a TT when height clearances can be a factor and I find backing a little less sensitive to slight 'misses' of the steering angle, allowing me to back faster if helpful. As was mentioned, in turns a TT tracks behind the tow vehicle a little more closely, but I don't know if it negates the extra overall length of a similarly sized trailer.

[carringb]

My bumper-pull Weekend Warrior was 41' long total (custom build) and weighed 11,000 bone dry, and about 14,000 ready for camping. It towed great. I've pulled fifth wheels too, and the Weekend Warrior did not feel any less safe. I started with a Hensley but the trailer was heavy enough it ripped the Hensley apart, so I switched to the Reese Dual Cam setup and I was just as happy with that.

[Yellermanx]

I went from a 39ft 5er toy hauler to a 24ft, 27ft over all bp toy hauler. It came with a Reese DC. I spent the time to understand how it works and get it set up absolutely correct. After pulling the 5er I wasn't satisfied with the way it pulled. I found a used Hensley on CL then sold the dc. Costed me about $300 difference. All is well now. No fear of wind or semis. Pulls like the 5er.


34ft is a long bp and if you don't have anything yet go straight to the Hensley or PP. The Hensley is much easier to hook up too. No dirty spring bars to carry or store.

[Dog_Folks]

dieseldan723 wrote:
Great feedback. I was looking into the Reese Straight Line system. It looks nice but is expensive.

I will also need to upgrade the receiver on my truck. The stock receiver appears to be a Class IV with a WD tongue rating of 800 lbs. The brochure for the new trailer says the tongue weight is 1,495 lbs! WOW!

Areed, but you have to buy it once. No ongoing expenses.

[babies_dadeo]

I pull The combo in my signature with no issues at all. My personal feeling is that in this day and age, it is more about what type of equipment that suits your needs more then anything.

Happy Camping

[Ron3rd]

If you like the trailer, go for it. The Reese is a fine system and don't skimp on the hitch.

[dieseldan723]

Great feedback. I was looking into the Reese Straight Line system. It looks nice but is expensive.

I will also need to upgrade the receiver on my truck. The stock receiver appears to be a Class IV with a WD tongue rating of 800 lbs. The brochure for the new trailer says the tongue weight is 1,495 lbs! WOW!