TT destroyed in fire, looking to replace, need opinions

[GRHTX]

This past Saturday night our 6 month old Outback 316RL was consumed by a fire set by a 19 year old arsonist, who was arrested and confessed. We stored our RV under a covered steel roof supported by heavy steel beams, along with about 40 other MH's, FW's, TT's,boats, cars, etc. When we were finally able to view the result of his work we were shocked. The roof had collapsed on all vehicles. All that remained of our TT were the two propane tanks up front and nothing behind them except for the steel frame. Total destruction.

So, starting to look for a replacement. We loved our Outback 316RL and I would not hesitate to replace it with a new one, but....thinking I might go with a FW. For those of you who started out with a TT and moved to a FW, are you glad you did? Would you go back? Pros/cons appreciated, and any brand preferences.

[B_O__Plenty]

Now that there are some TT floor plans with triple slides and the same layout as a fiver I'm thinking about going with one of them next time. I like the fact that it's closer to the ground and has no steps inside. Less storage on the outside but I don't use all that much. After you use it for a few years you pare things down and start leaving out stuff you don't use.

B.O.

[mileshuff]

Just made the switch from TT to 5th and love it!

5th tows much easier. No sway, smoother ride.
5th has considerably more outside storage in basement and front.
5th has higher ceilings.

Outside storage is the biggest difference for us. Hated having to load up the bed of the truck or floor of TT while traveling. No need for either anymore.

[Dave_H_M]

I am thinking that considering the way you were attracted to the one that you lost, it would be the best in the long run to replace it with a like model.

Just a thought.

[musicman54]

we went from tt to 5er would not go back we also had motor homr prefer 5er sry to hear about your loss good luck on your next one

[GRHTX]

Thanks to all of you who responded. I appreciate your comments and opinions. We're still dealing with the insurance company and hopefully will have resolution to this nightmare in a couple of weeks.

As with everything, there are pros and cons. We successfully pulled our TT on a month long Midwest/Mountain West trip this summer, as well as several long weekend trips. I have yet to find a TT floor plan better for our needs than the Outback 316RL. Island kitchen, generous pantry, roomy linen closet in BR, slide out wardrobe in the bedroom. Great for long trips. Loved it and may well buy the 2014 model. Still researching, but thanks for all your input.

Jerry

[tomkaren13]

We had a 5er and our one objection was the stairs. Bath area was down stairs and we were uncomfortable with that feature.

[Stefan]

Sorry about your situation, first off.

Just made the switch, I like the 'separation' you get with a 5th wheel for the front bedroom, as well as the added ceiling height in the coach area.

[Kittykath]

Sorry about your bad luck. Wow.

We recently moved from a TT to a 5th. Can't comment on the towing, but holy cow is the spacious feeling awesome! Higher ceilings and a ridiculous amount of storage took away any hint of clautrophobia we might have had.

[Jack_Diane_Free]

Had 4 TTs then went to 5er and now back to 35ft TT. For me I am just more comfortable with the TT and like to have the full use of the pickup bed. We have an Open Range Roamer 316 RLS that has identical floor plans in the 5th and TT so we went with the TT. Just personal preference.

[69_Avion]

FW and TT are both nice and have their positive and negative points. In my family we have both. If setup properly, a FW is going to tow better without any WDH issues. For me, I need the PU truck bed so a TT is the only choice I have. A well built and properly set up TT will tow just fine.

Choices!!!

[campinginthewoo]

BTW there are floor plans out that are configured in the 5th wheel set up only they are Travel Trailers....I have seen them and they are exactly the way a 5th wheel would be but are travel trailers and I think Jayco is one of the MFG's that have this plan. Good Luck

[Dandy_Dan]

You have pros and cons in all of them. Motorhome is nice because you don't have to get out of the unit to go potty or get something to eat unless you want to. If you don't want to break camp, you will need to pull another vehicle to drive.

We have had 3 campers and now on our 2nd 5er. The camper may be a little harder to get parked in an area vs. a same length 5er. Depending on size, you have to consider the storage. You have bed of truck free for other things if towing with a truck.

5er for us is what we are most happy with. Towing it is easier (for me) than was the TT. I can't compare to a motorhome as we have never owned one. I like the 5er because it seems to have more room than the TT and for the same length unit overall length is shorter due to the hitch setup being over axle. I don't think that the 5er is affected by wind as bad as a TT.

These are all just from my point of view. You are going to have to make the final decision depending on your own situation. What ever that is my you have Safe and Happy Camping.

[the_bear_II]

Went from an 18ft TT to a 23ft TT to a 38ft 5th wheel.

Due to the extra room the 38 footer provides it is a lot more comfortable than either TT. With the TTs we spent a lot of time outside under the awning. The seating in the TT was basically bench/dinnette type seating. So our outdoor lounge chairs were a lot more comfortable. With the 5th wheel we spend more time inside in our Lazy Boy recliners.

If you compare like sized TT to a 5th wheel:
> Like others have said you will have full use of the truck bed with a TT.
> Towing will not be much different. 5th is a little more stable in wind and trucks passing by.
> The 5th wheel is a little easier to back in to tight spots, but how often do you run into tight spots. With practice there's not much difference between a TT and 5th wheel when backing up and turning.
> The 5th wheel will usually provide more outside storage.
> TT are usually lower cost.

No real big differences for like sized units whether TT or 5th wheel.

That being said I would only choose a 5th wheel if I'm buying 32 feet or longer. Just personal choice.

[donn0128]

Have had motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels. For our lifestyle right now the fifth wheel is ideal. That is not to say something else might not be more suited to our needs next year.