Forums59
Topics1,037,311
Posts13,926,078
Members144,132
|
Most Online39,925 Dec 30th, 2023
|
|
Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
#11050120
08/19/15 12:45 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452
UJC
OP
Extreme Angler
|
OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452 |
I am looking to purchase something for a lake getaway for fishing; probably Fork. I intend for the unit to stay on the property and not travel. I am thinking 30+ ft. in length. What are the cons/pros of the two? I know I want two or more slide outs. If I need to provide more info for a response, let me know.
Thanks, Jimmy
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11050320
08/19/15 02:50 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 437
Shadetree
Angler
|
Angler
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 437 |
One difference is the travel trailer can be moved with a suitable vehicle (truck) with a good hitch, 5th wheel would require a special hitch in the bed of a truck. 5th wheels usually have more outside storage space. With either you can get about any floor plan you choose. b
If I'm not fishing or hunting I'm hunting a place to fish or hunt.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11050598
08/19/15 12:24 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430
Samsonsworld
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430 |
Travel trailers have a lighter tongue weight, so less of a hit on your payload. It's usually a better option if you have a half ton. The major con, is you have more sway. You can get push around more by winds or passing semis.
A 5th wheel is easier to tow...period. More stable. Also, not only can you turn sharper by design but a portion of the trailer sits on the truck making the entire rig shorter for a given box length. It's more maneuverable and easier to back. 5th wheels usually have better storage...which is a good thing because you lose your truck bed. The hitch is a pain to remove so most opt to leave it in all the time. They also tend to be taller, so height may be a factor.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11050670
08/19/15 01:24 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485
redchevy
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485 |
Some things to consider.
How tall are you? Not all TT's have high roofs, if it weren't for the roof vent in the shower in ours I would have to bend over to shower. How many people staying in it?
5th wheels will typically have more headroom, and like others have said will likely tow better, have more storage etc. but they will cost more and be harder to tow.
Personally I have been driving a truck and trailer (bumper pull) since I was 12-13 years old. I find it way easier to back a bumper pull than a gooseneck/5th wheel.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11051258
08/19/15 05:39 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430
Samsonsworld
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430 |
Let's just say my 30' box extends over 35' past my bumper. A 30' 5th wheel will extend around 25'-26'. Plus you can cut sharper. It's easier to fit into a tight spot.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11051310
08/19/15 06:07 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 437
Shadetree
Angler
|
Angler
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 437 |
Also if you are buying new, you should consider park models. They are towable but you can get them with more appropriate appliances like 110v refrig, washer and dryer, 110v central heat etc., where true travel tralers have the multi power options for refrig and 12v heater controls. bg
If I'm not fishing or hunting I'm hunting a place to fish or hunt.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: redchevy]
#11051327
08/19/15 06:14 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485
redchevy
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485 |
Some things to consider.
How tall are you? Not all TT's have high roofs, if it weren't for the roof vent in the shower in ours I would have to bend over to shower. How many people staying in it?
5th wheels will typically have more headroom, and like others have said will likely tow better, have more storage etc. but they will cost more and be harder to tow.
Personally I have been driving a truck and trailer (bumper pull) since I was 12-13 years old. I find it way easier to back a bumper pull than a gooseneck/5th wheel. When I say harder to tow, I mean they will typically weigh more and have more demands on the tow vehicle as far as weight carrying capacity. Yes a 5th wheel will turn sharper etc. but to a person who is not used to backing a 5th wheel it is awkward. Tongue pulls seem much more responsive in backing to me.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11052540
08/20/15 03:17 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452
UJC
OP
Extreme Angler
|
OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452 |
Thanks for the help/comments/suggestions so far. I hadn't thought about height. I'm 6'. The plan is to lease at Fork and for the TT/5th to stay there so once moved on, I really shouldn't have to worry about trailering. I have 1/2 ton F150. I am looking for a used unit. I am in no hurry. To me, it is like buying a car. It's hurts the pocket book when you have to buy a car but if you can wait, you can always get a better deal.
I plan to use this mainly as a fishing camp during the week and a sometimes every other week getaway - something along those lines. I know I could get along with a much smaller unit but I don't like to feel claustrophobic and I expect to invite occasional guests. Of course, once the family hears about it, I will need to develop a web reservation site, lols.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11052833
08/20/15 12:47 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430
Samsonsworld
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430 |
Best advice I can give is go to an RV show or couple dealers and walk through some to find a floor plan you like, then search the net for a used one.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11052902
08/20/15 01:21 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150
DanD14
Outdoorsman
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150 |
I've used my 5th wheel as a fishing camp. They have a higher entry than a TT so figure an extra step or two every time you enter or exit. We built our deck higher and added a stoop to it to make it more friendly. If I were doing it again, I would stay with a 1/2 ton and a bumper pull since we don't travel with it.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11060999
08/24/15 07:44 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,703
gander
TFF Team Angler
|
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,703 |
Thanks for the help/comments/suggestions so far. I hadn't thought about height. I'm 6'. The plan is to lease at Fork and for the TT/5th to stay there so once moved on, I really shouldn't have to worry about trailering. I have 1/2 ton F150. I am looking for a used unit. I am in no hurry. To me, it is like buying a car. It's hurts the pocket book when you have to buy a car but if you can wait, you can always get a better deal.
I plan to use this mainly as a fishing camp during the week and a sometimes every other week getaway - something along those lines. I know I could get along with a much smaller unit but I don't like to feel claustrophobic and I expect to invite occasional guests. Of course, once the family hears about it, I will need to develop a web reservation site, lols. Most of the 5th wheels have a pin weight that puts you at or over the weight limits for a 1/2 ton truck,then add gear family etc and you are over or way over your capacity.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11061359
08/24/15 11:00 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,606
ChuChu1
TFF Team Angler
|
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,606 |
Decide for yourself...do you want the weight on your bumper or over your axle. I have owned both types and would buy a fifth wheel over a bumper pull any day. Much easier on the tow vehicle.
Snowflakes and entitled brats will be the doom of America!
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: ChuChu1]
#11061375
08/24/15 11:13 PM
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,181
Chris B
TFF Guru
|
TFF Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,181 |
I think the poster has made it VERY CLEAR that he has no plans of moving it more than once. With that said if you are looking used, the fifth wheel trailers will probably be more roomy. I have a friend that just got rid of his fifth wheel because he was tired of loosing the room in the bed of his truck while camping. He bought a new 38' bumper pull with triple slides an outdoor kitchen and a ceiling high enough it has ceiling fans. Most of the older bumper pulls will have a lower ceiling and generally more entry level equipment though. Just make sure to get at least one slide out what ever you do.
I hate photobucket.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: ChuChu1]
#11062324
08/25/15 02:02 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430
Samsonsworld
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,430 |
Decide for yourself...do you want the weight on your bumper or over your axle. I have owned both types and would buy a fifth wheel over a bumper pull any day. Much easier on the tow vehicle. It's not on the bumper with a weight distribution hitch.
|
|
Re: Difference between Travel Trailer and 5th Wheeler
[Re: UJC]
#11062767
08/25/15 04:49 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452
UJC
OP
Extreme Angler
|
OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,452 |
Regardless of what you prefer, bumper/5th, I appreciate all the input. Arming myself with info will only improve the final decision that works for me. I understand one size does not fit all, just like in the rest of life: house, vehicles, spouse (she better not read this!), boat, etc.
|
|
Moderated by banker-always fishing, chickenman, Derek 🐝, Duck_Hunter, Fish Killer, J-2, Jacob, Jons3825, JustWingem, Nocona Brian, Toon-Troller, Uncle Zeek, Weekender1
|