Lets Talk - TT Vs Fifth Wheel

TomG2 wrote:
I must be the only one who realizes that a test pull with a fifth wheel is a good idea. The smashed tailgates that I see can attest to that. Ho Ho HO.

I test pull, but just go from reverse to drive. With the style of hitch I have I don't have to get out and close it around the pin. No need for blocks either.

We don't use the truck for much but pulling the 5'ver. If I did then I can see where the TT could be a better option.

Late night in Raleigh August 2015, the local PD waved us off the road into a McDonalds parking lot. Due to squad cars, ambulance, and fire trucks we could not back out. We squeezed our TT through the drive through lane and out the only other exit. Luckily the steel pipe with the height sign barely missed the side of the AC unit. The only ding was a bad bend to the radio antenna.

A shorter TT comes in handy every once in a while.

I have no idea what he was "thinking", but I can read the question that he posed and can see which forum he posted it on. If he had asked, "Why did you choose a fifth wheel", I would have given him the positive side of that argument. I like all kinds of RV's and don't think that mine is the only good choice out there.

TomG2 wrote:
The OP asked, "Anyway.. why did you choose a TT over a Fiver?" Not, "Which requires a bedsaver?"

Many of us who have travel trailers have given our reasons. Lighter and cheaper per square foot, etc. etc. I assumed that they were looking for positive comments.

I think he was looking for all comments. Asking on the TT forum will get more pro TT responses. Asking on the 5'er forum will be pro 5'er

The OP asked, "Anyway.. why did you choose a TT over a Fiver?" Not, "Which requires a bedsaver?"

Many of us who have travel trailers have given our reasons. Lighter and cheaper per square foot, etc. etc. I assumed that they were looking for positive comments.

TomG2 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
...snip......
I also have a Blue OX bedsaver that will catch the fiver before it hits the tailgate and cause any damage.

Why?

I got it when I was a newbie. I wanted the peace of mind. Now that I have gained experience I've come to understand with the Holland Binkley hitch head I really don't need it.
Nevertheless it's installed now. So I left it in place.

A bedsaver is a simple static part that should probably be included with all 5'er hitches. It would eliminate drops altogether

BTW the big trucks also do a test pull. Don't want 50,000lb falling to the ground

I never did with my semi's..It's easy to tell if it is locked in..Never had any problems..Same situation..Back into the fifth wheel hitch and it snaps shut and locks.A simple walk by confirms.

TomG2 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
...snip......
I also have a Blue OX bedsaver that will catch the fiver before it hits the tailgate and cause any damage.

Why?

In case the latch don't catch / lock.

The big trucks latch, and lock automatically when the pin is shoved into the jaws. As I understand it. That is not the case with "some" 5th wheel campers. You have manually lock the pin into place. Some forget.

BTW the big trucks also do a test pull. Don't want 50,000lb falling to the ground

Lantley wrote:
...snip......
I also have a Blue OX bedsaver that will catch the fiver before it hits the tailgate and cause any damage.

Why?

TomG2 wrote:
I must be the only one who realizes that a test pull with a fifth wheel is a good idea. The smashed tailgates that I see can attest to that. Ho Ho HO.

By the way, a ten dollar mirror on the closed tailgate makes coupling a one time, don't get out of the truck, thing. I never said that everyone has it figured out or that I am the only one who knows everything about everything.

With a Holland Binkley head test pulls are unnecessary. B&W and others use Holland Binkley heads that latch securely. You can visually see the hitch is closed and the pin is secure. Pull test are not necessary.
I also have a Blue OX bedsaver that will catch the fiver before it hits the tailgate and cause any damage.

I also agree while the 5'er maybe easier to hook up the difference is negligible and certainly not a deal breaker or the deciding factor between going with a TT or 5'er.