trailer length?

[Abby_Normal]

Ok, I have received a lot of information on here that has helped us to decide if we want to try to pull a 5er with our 3/4 ton, and we have decided to stick with a TT for now. That brings up a new question. We really like the layouts that have a larger living and kitchen space, but the units end up being anywhere from 37' to 40' long. Does anyone have one of these units, and how difficult are they to tow? Sway, getting into campsites, stopping for gas or food, etc.? If you had it to do over again, would you purchase a shorter model? Thanks in advance.

[Abby_Normal]

Dog Trainer wrote:

Abby Normal wrote:

Dog Trainer wrote:
We have a 35' TT that we pull with our 3/4 ton truck. There are alot of reasons that people chose TT over 5ers. We spend 4 months as snowbirds and do a great deal of camping during the summer. I use a Blue Ox sway pro and have no issues with sway or even feeling much when a semi passes or I pass one. We are able to find fuel easily. I like our triple slide layout as it is all one floor so no up and down the steps. We have 14'X10' in the living room and with the full bedroom slide our bedroom is quite adequate. We have seen many nice layouts in TT over the last few years. I did change the TT tires when I got it and put Maxxum e rated tires on it. We tow at up to 70 MPH when conditions permit absolutely no sway. We just watch for places to eat that have large parking areas and many times we find places to eat that are close to large shopping centers we park in the open areas and walk a short distance to a restaurant. Once again many reasons to chose a TT and I haven't found a significant downside over the 5er.

What brand/model is your TT?

It is the one in my sig. A 2015 Flagstaff 831 RESS. We are well pleased with this TT.

Thanks! I guess I should have paid closer attention, lol.

[Dog_Trainer]

Abby Normal wrote:

Dog Trainer wrote:
We have a 35' TT that we pull with our 3/4 ton truck. There are alot of reasons that people chose TT over 5ers. We spend 4 months as snowbirds and do a great deal of camping during the summer. I use a Blue Ox sway pro and have no issues with sway or even feeling much when a semi passes or I pass one. We are able to find fuel easily. I like our triple slide layout as it is all one floor so no up and down the steps. We have 14'X10' in the living room and with the full bedroom slide our bedroom is quite adequate. We have seen many nice layouts in TT over the last few years. I did change the TT tires when I got it and put Maxxum e rated tires on it. We tow at up to 70 MPH when conditions permit absolutely no sway. We just watch for places to eat that have large parking areas and many times we find places to eat that are close to large shopping centers we park in the open areas and walk a short distance to a restaurant. Once again many reasons to chose a TT and I haven't found a significant downside over the 5er.

What brand/model is your TT?

It is the one in my sig. A 2015 Flagstaff 831 RESS. We are well pleased with this TT.

[4Kellys]

All good advice except for those who say it's ok to be a little overloaded and I have no problems going 70, imho!

[Abby_Normal]

Thank you all for sound advice. I have learned a lot that will help us when choosing our RV.

[Abby_Normal]

CampingN.C. wrote:
If you're starting out green with a trailer that size there could be a bit of a learning curve. Most of us with these size trailers have moved up to them over the years from smaller trailers.
As said, it does require a little more planning than someone towing a 20 footer.
When we do long trips I'll have the exact place I want to stop at planned using Google maps to see how it looks.
As far as campgrounds, camper always fits but sometimes I have issues parking the truck.

We had a 30' or 32' (can't remember which for sure) about 8 yrs ago. Didn't have much trouble, but problems we did encounter left us with good memories of what NOT to do, lol.

[Abby_Normal]

Dog Trainer wrote:
We have a 35' TT that we pull with our 3/4 ton truck. There are alot of reasons that people chose TT over 5ers. We spend 4 months as snowbirds and do a great deal of camping during the summer. I use a Blue Ox sway pro and have no issues with sway or even feeling much when a semi passes or I pass one. We are able to find fuel easily. I like our triple slide layout as it is all one floor so no up and down the steps. We have 14'X10' in the living room and with the full bedroom slide our bedroom is quite adequate. We have seen many nice layouts in TT over the last few years. I did change the TT tires when I got it and put Maxxum e rated tires on it. We tow at up to 70 MPH when conditions permit absolutely no sway. We just watch for places to eat that have large parking areas and many times we find places to eat that are close to large shopping centers we park in the open areas and walk a short distance to a restaurant. Once again many reasons to chose a TT and I haven't found a significant downside over the 5er.

What brand/model is your TT?

[SouthpawHD]

I tow a 34' with my 3/4 ton. It can get a little tight at gas stations, so careful planning when you pull in is a must. I've also hogged both lanes/pumps to help make sure I have some maneuverability should I need it.

As for camping sites, this is a definite too. I've been to campgrounds where the roads are narrow and the hosts clearly have never backed into a site with a long rig (I'm about 55' overall). So I take it slow and plan my route through the CG.

[Dog_Trainer]

We have a 35' TT that we pull with our 3/4 ton truck. There are alot of reasons that people chose TT over 5ers. We spend 4 months as snowbirds and do a great deal of camping during the summer. I use a Blue Ox sway pro and have no issues with sway or even feeling much when a semi passes or I pass one. We are able to find fuel easily. I like our triple slide layout as it is all one floor so no up and down the steps. We have 14'X10' in the living room and with the full bedroom slide our bedroom is quite adequate. We have seen many nice layouts in TT over the last few years. I did change the TT tires when I got it and put Maxxum e rated tires on it. We tow at up to 70 MPH when conditions permit absolutely no sway. We just watch for places to eat that have large parking areas and many times we find places to eat that are close to large shopping centers we park in the open areas and walk a short distance to a restaurant. Once again many reasons to chose a TT and I haven't found a significant downside over the 5er.

[CampingN_C_]

If you're starting out green with a trailer that size there could be a bit of a learning curve. Most of us with these size trailers have moved up to them over the years from smaller trailers.
As said, it does require a little more planning than someone towing a 20 footer.
When we do long trips I'll have the exact place I want to stop at planned using Google maps to see how it looks.
As far as campgrounds, camper always fits but sometimes I have issues parking the truck.

[Abby_Normal]

nohurry wrote:
Abby, check this 5er out- Click here Northwood makes very good quality RVs, and even though the Fox Mountain is considered their lightweight model, they are very well built, and have a good reputation. The pin weight on it is only 1375 lbs, and would be a great match for your truck.

I don't understand how manufacturers calculate pin weight. Everything I have read says that 20-25% of the total trailer weight (5er)transfers to the hitch, which is what the TV is carrying. When I try to do the math, the manufacturers pin weights are less than 20%. What am I missing?

[Abby_Normal]

camperforlife wrote:
I have a 35 footer and a 36 gallon fuel tank. The big tank gives me some flexibility about when I fill up. I've been known to get off an exit and decide to get right back on and go on down the road for a better station. I find that I have to be pickier about my campsites than I do gas stations.

If you had it to do over again, would you buy a smaller unit? What kind of TV do you have? My DH thinks a 38' would be fine, but I prefer nothing larger than 34'. Based on responses here, I think it would just take planning ahead.

[camperforlife]

I have a 35 footer and a 36 gallon fuel tank. The big tank gives me some flexibility about when I fill up. I've been known to get off an exit and decide to get right back on and go on down the road for a better station. I find that I have to be pickier about my campsites than I do gas stations.

[dwayneb236]

Started out with our travel trailer that was over 35' long. Got rid of it and now have a 41' fiver. Both long but honestly, towing the fiver is incredibly easy. No sway, rock solid. It is big sure, but just plan ahead and there should be no problems.

I have always found places to get gas and food. If one is too small just head to the next one. There is always a next one.

[Abby_Normal]

I've been trying to respond for a couple of days, but haven't been able to get posts to post. Thank you all for sharing your experiences.