Weight of TT v FW

[diver110]

Why do FW's foot for foot weigh more than TT's? I am a newbie and for various reasons lean to the Ford Ecoboost as a TV. It seems like it can handle much more TT than FW.

[Mickeyfan0805]

Doug33 wrote:
A FW of the same length as a TT will seem bigger, due to the vaulted ceilings in the lower portion. But IMO you get more floorplan options in TT. Most FW are designed for 2 people without kids, although recently I have seen some FW with bunks. In a FW, the bathroom is almost always on the upper level adjacent to the master bedroom.

While others have mentioned the additional cost of the higher frame of the FW, I also think that FW are set at a higher pricepoint because of the type of users they sell to.

There's also the question of what you consider 'equal length.' While model numbers can be comfusing, a TT with a real length of 34' will have roughly 30'-31' of house (the rest is the tongue). A 34' FW, on the other hand, has 34' of house. So, for 'equal length' trailers, you not only have the extra height, but a lot more length as well!

[Doug33]

A FW of the same length as a TT will seem bigger, due to the vaulted ceilings in the lower portion. But IMO you get more floorplan options in TT. Most FW are designed for 2 people without kids, although recently I have seen some FW with bunks. In a FW, the bathroom is almost always on the upper level adjacent to the master bedroom.

While others have mentioned the additional cost of the higher frame of the FW, I also think that FW are set at a higher pricepoint because of the type of users they sell to.

[fla-gypsy]

APT wrote:
I love the Ecoboost, but towing weight it not the problem for them, or any difference between a TT and 5er. Payload and pin/tongue weight is. I only recommend the F-150 with HD payload package for 5th wheel RVs.

8000 pounds loaded TT = ~1000 pounds of TW, of which about 800-900 is on the truck's axles against payload.

8000 pound 5th wheel is ~1600 pounds of pin weight plus a 200 pound receiver against payload. Very few half ton on the streets have 1800 pounds of payload, let alone another 500+ for people and cargo.

Plan your RV/TV together and carefully. Learn the compromises of 5er vs. TT, and generally <7k loaded RV and higher.

X2, This!

[APT]

I love the Ecoboost, but towing weight it not the problem for them, or any difference between a TT and 5er. Payload and pin/tongue weight is. I only recommend the F-150 with HD payload package for 5th wheel RVs.

8000 pounds loaded TT = ~1000 pounds of TW, of which about 800-900 is on the truck's axles against payload.

8000 pound 5th wheel is ~1600 pounds of pin weight plus a 200 pound receiver against payload. Very few half ton on the streets have 1800 pounds of payload, let alone another 500+ for people and cargo.

Plan your RV/TV together and carefully. Learn the compromises of 5er vs. TT, and generally <7k loaded RV and higher.

[TomG2]

diver110 wrote:
Why do FW's foot for foot weigh more than TT's? .....snip....

Look at the extra framing required to create the fifth wheel structure and it will be obvious why they weigh more per square foot than a TT. Part of the reason that Travel Trailers are a better buy. I did NOT say better trailer.

[Mickeyfan0805]

It doesn't really apply to the ecoboost (at least I don't think so), but do note that many HD trucks can haul more in FW weight than TT weight (assuming it can handle the payload). Many have a conventional tow rating and a FW tow rating. So, once you are out of the 1/2 ton range (which would be VERY limited in what FW's it could handle), the higher rating often compensates for the higher weight.

[therink]

As a general rule, fifth wheels are taller which equals more structure per foot. Another thing is that approximately 20% of the weight of a fiver is distributed to the pin whereas 10-15% of TT weight is distributed to the tongue.
Steve

[popupcamping]

? never noticed before if a 5 er weighs more than a TT.

What do you want?

if you want a 5er get one your tv of choice can handle and same with a TT