For me a 5th wheel is more convenient. Most everything is stored in the front cargo holds. If we're not dry camping then the only thing that's in the truck bed is a 4' ladder and maybe firewood. Bikes are on the back of the 5th. All camping equipment is in the cargo holds. If we're dry camping then three 7 gal water jugs, firewood and a 2 gal gas can are in the truck bed. When I return from a camping trip I have to only get the ladder out of the truck. Unless its from a dry camping trip. You still have to unpack clothes and food in either so that's a wash.
Hitching and unhitching is easier with a 5th. Only one set of front landing gear on a 5th. No spring bars or WD to deal with. Doesn't matter if the sites uneven or not. Just lower the 5th in the front, back into the 5th hitch, close the handle, raise the front landing gear and done.
OAL is shorter. If I had a TT with the same sqft then it would be 31'+. Now add in my CC LB truck at 22' and I'm at 54' OAL. Need to figure a 1' for the WD. My 5th is 28' but overlaps the truck by 4' so now my OAL is 46'. 8' shorter than a comparable TT setup.
Is my 5th the best trailer for us? Most times. Would I like a TT better?. Sometimes. Biggest issue is heat. The upper bedroom tends to get a lot hotter than the lower living area. We don't have AC in the bedroom. So we rely on our fantastic fan to cool down at night. Most bedroom AC's are noisy unless you pay some big $$$ for the 5th. I don't think I'd like to hear an AC roaring being only 6-7' from me.
As far as the extra steps go, that's totally understandable. We don't get tired of them, but I could see how they might be a hindrance to some.
For us it boils down to what a 5th gives in a comparable length TT. More storage inside and out and a shorter OAL, coupled with easier hitching/unhitching.
