Truck Camper & 5th Wheel

[usmcshepherd]

Our family has been considering full timing again (at least for a little while) and while we love our Lance 1172 and the flexibility and manuverability it provides it certainly isn't something we want to spend multiple weeks in when in one location. That said, we are considering getting a 5th wheel, but keeping our truck camper and using whichever RV is best for the situation. This seems like a good idea as the truck that hauls the truck camper is certainly capable of hauling a 5th wheel.

So my question is how many others do this or have a 5th wheel and a truck camper and if so how are you using them?

[Pete_k]

5th wheel rails are no issue. I hauled our Okanagan 811SL after I put the 5th wheel rails in the truck. Just took the 5th wheel out, cut 1" insulation board into parts that fit around the rails. Hauled the T/C on Issues at all. Wish I had not sold the T/C. As lots of trips I hate to hook up to a 41ft 5th wheel. Or I have to make 2 trips to get the boat there also.

Pete

[usmcshepherd]

Yeah I have the B&W turnover ball and had the companion hitch with our previous 5th wheel...would just go back to that again....all wiring is already in the truck for both. Would just require rolling up the rubber mat and setting in the companion hitch and away we go!

We actually just spent the day climbing through a new Jayco North Point 377 RLBH...it's perfect for a family and retains a lot of usability even down the road when the kids aren't along anymore (although that's a ways a way for us). While the price at Camping World was around $69k, it didn't have many of the options we would want so I priced one out on RVDirect, loaded it, including generator, heat pumps, G rated tires etc etc etc..and their price was an MSRP of $95k but their special RVDirect Price was only $60k!

[zb39]

I have both. Very easy to switch. B&W hitch drops onto the 5th wheel prep in the RAM. Pop it out and slide in the camper. Piece of cake.

[S_Davis]

I use the same truck for both, I haul a commercial canopy for work and then a tow 14,000GVW gooseneck to haul my wifes truck to the drag races. You could use a B&W gooseneck with the fifth wheel companion hitch that will leave the bed free for the TC. I am in the process of finding a TC.

[hbski]

Reddog1 wrote:

WVbassmistress wrote:

Jayhawk wrote:


Not sure how you could fit the TC in the truck with a 5th wheel hitch installed.

I was wondering the same thing.

Where does the OP of say they have the hitch installed in the truck with the TC on the truck?

Even an older truck without 5th wheel provisions can have low profile rails and removable hitch and then a spacer layer (plywood) in the bed or mounted on the bottom of the camper.

[Reddog1]

WVbassmistress wrote:

Jayhawk wrote:


Not sure how you could fit the TC in the truck with a 5th wheel hitch installed.

I was wondering the same thing.

Where does the OP of say they have the hitch installed in the truck with the TC on the truck?

[WVbassmistress]

Jayhawk wrote:


Not sure how you could fit the TC in the truck with a 5th wheel hitch installed.

I was wondering the same thing.

[Jayhawk]

OP wrote: This seems like a good idea as the truck that hauls the truck camper is certainly capable of hauling a 5th wheel.

Not sure how you could fit the TC in the truck with a 5th wheel hitch installed.

[Jack_Spratt]

We also have both.
The truck camper is more enjoyable when traveling.
We stop more often with the TC since it is so easy.
Scenic turnouts, small towns etc no longer are challenges.
We now primarily snowbird in the fifth wheel.
Fifth wheel...160 nights/year
Truck camper....30 nights/year

[Reddog1]

I have both. I purchased a 5th wheel about 4 months ago. We will use which ever suits our fancy. If we take the Samurai, we definitely take the TC. I do find the 5th wheel easier to hookup.

Wayne

[Joe417]

We have both. I prefer traveling in the TC, every thing you need is right behind you and we stop when and where we want with no planning.

The 5th W has more room but doesn't have a generator so we have to hunt for parking with power for the AC if it's hot. We don't rough it unless we have to.

We use the 5th W when entertaining the grand kid or probably if we were going to travel to one location and stay for an extended period. (we haven't done that since we bought the TC).

We use the TC for our traveling, visiting relatives, and short stays.

They both have a purpose for us. Can't see getting rid of either.

[ryoung]

I no longer have either the TC or the 5th wheel, but had them both at the same time for quite a few years. Used the TC for the long sightseeing trips such as Alaska and the west coast on multiple visits. Used the fifth wheel for wintering in Florida for 5 months and used it locally when camping with our camping club that we belonged to.
You are correct when you say:" using whichever RV is best for the situation." It worked for me. I even had an aux. 30 gallon across front of the bed fuel tank installed, which didn't affect hauling the TC nor the fifth wheel.

ryoung

I no long own the TC and truck in my signature.

[dave17352]

Check out my signature. I have both. Using the truck camper a lot more these days. But the 5th wheel is in the shop safe and sound. If we were going to stay out for a week or two at a location the 5th wheel would be the choice for sure. But when traveling a lot with just me and the wife the TC wins. You say the family how many people is that out of curiosity. If more than two a 5th wheel for sure.

[jimh406]

There are lots of people who go back and forth or own both. You could also tow a smaller trailer as the extra room.