Camper and Fifth Wheel????

I don't have a fifth wheel, but have thought of getting one and as we travelled in the camper I thought how a fifth wheel would do in the places we like to travel. As we are on the move all the time exploring, a fifth wheel would be cumbersome.
My in laws had a fifth wheel for a few years and returned to a camper so they could travel with us.
I could see getting a fifth wheel if I spent more than 4 days in one spot.
Last summer we did Alaska and there is no way I would want to drag a fifth wheel on some of the roads we travelled.
Our children are grown and we now find the camper huge, but we spend very little time in it.

I guess you would have to come up with a easy way to get around having the fifth wheel hitch in the middle of the truck bed.

I guess the fifth wheel hitch can be removed without too much hassle.

I have actually seem some folks leave the fifth wheel still attached to the trailer and just pull the four pins holding the whole assy down to the truck bed.

Looks real dangerous hanging there still attached to the trailer haha... Those things are pretty heavy...

I always wanted a 4WD TRUCK CAMPER setup but with all the junk we carry with our setup that would be a big problem on where to stow things... And then there is a big problem how to go to the local towns to get more supplies or do some sightseeing... Still wish I had one however haha

We see alot of TRUCK CAMPERS in our OFF-ROAD travels off the beaten paths...

Roy Ken

That is a very heavy camper for a 2500 series truck. Even a fifth wheel will have to be a very light one - say under 10,000 pounds to avoid overloading the truck with to much pin weight.

You might want to stick to a travel trailer.

Fred.

I am not sure why you would want a 5th wheeler for long trips. Towing a big vehicle long distances seems like a downer and expensive. What more comfort are you looking to achieve? My camper has a great Queen sized foam mattress, heat, A/C, kitchen, frige/freezer and a wet bath. All I am missing is a big recliner and when the weather is decent I have the zero gravity chairs to make up for that.

I would stay with the travel trailer my friend bought A fifth wheel couple years back and decided it was just too much work.. too big of a hassle to take on long trips so they sold it went back to the travel trailer.

I am thinking of getting a bumper pull trailer around 23 feet. That will fit in the parking space I have.i love having a TC but we are getting older and I have knee and shoulder problems. That and we have three dogs from 30 to 60 pounds. After traveling in this TC for fifteen years we both want more room to sit down in comfort. TC's are great for traveling, eating and sleeping but not so much for hanging out in. A short toy hauler might fit my needs because I can equip it to my specs. Has to be a bumper pull so I can use my trailer tug to shoehorn it into a very tight space at home

caseyhoward wrote:
I would stay with the travel trailer my friend bought A fifth wheel couple years back and decided it was just too much work.. too big of a hassle to take on long trips so they sold it went back to the travel trailer.

Casey, the OP doesn't have a travel trailer...he has a camper. So many people use the word "camper" to include all types of rv's whereas they really are the units that fit in the back of a pickups bed.

OP... I too would be concerned of not only the weight of your current camper, but also any 5ver over 10,000 lbs. In addition, installing and removing the 5th wheel hitch would be real bothersome over time.

IMO, I would go with one or the other, but not both.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Ron

I have a 5th wheel and have been thinking of getting a TC for "little trips".

It's no big deal taking out the 5th wheel hitch but I wouldn't want to do it every day.

I have both a fifth wheel and a camper and use both regularly. The fifth wheel gets used with the family and the camper is pretty much mine for solo trips or to a place with the family that the fifth is just not feasible. Both setups are set to go on a moments notice. The only issue is dealing with the hitch in the bed. I can take mine out on my own when needed so its not a big deal but it is heavy. I know that's not for everyone. If I plan ahead knowing the camper is next to be used I do lift out the hitch leaving it attached to the pin on the trailer. Mine is an under mount hitch leaving just small pucks behind in the truck bed.

Unless you need the TC to get into the areas for hunting & fishing, I'd just stick with the 5'er. Upkeep, insurance etc. for two RV's doesn't make sense to me. JMO