What is the benefits of a 5th wheel over a bumper pull and vice verca. I am about to buy a travel trailer and would like some input leaning toward bumper pull as can put the 4wheeler in the bed.
thanks,
jeff

I had a 5th wheel back in the 80's. Now I have what you see in my sig. As far as pulling, if the 5th wheel is loaded properly, you wouldn't know it's back there other than the fuel used. You're pushing a lot of air sticking up that high. My problem with the 5th wheel was AALLLL those steps going up to the bedroom after a couple of brewsky's at the campfire.

You get a good W/D hitch to pull off from the bumper, and there really shouldn't be that much difference in pulling. From some of the MPG's other people have posted here, there isn't a great deal of difference between the two types of travel trailers. I might be getting 1 or 2 MPG better than most, but that's because the Hi-Lo is 2 inches shorter than the cab when pulling. No air drag.... AND NO STEPS TO THE BEDROOM. ):h

I switched from travel to Fifth, interior space, ease of towing and 100% better backing radius especially at the race tracks. Each one is different, but I looked at 30+ travels and only took 10 fifths before I decided to trade up to a fifth wheel.

Rgds,
Jason

I pull at Forest River 38 ft Sandpiper toyhauler 5ver. I can put 3 quads in the back garage and it makes a great second bedroom. 15K loaded so you do know its back there and gas mileage is around 11-12 but it is stable..Jim

The 5er will be inherently more stable when towing, weigh more, cost more, and if it has three slides have more space inside. They also tend to have more storage space available. With the proper hitch system, though, you can neutralize the stability problem of a TT, and some of the newer versions have interiors very comparable to 5ers. I like having a flat floor (no steps to the bath or bedroom) and the bed of my truck free for stuff. I also like that a TT will follow more closely in the tracks of the TV, which is a factor when towing a large rig on narrow, twisty, mountain or coastal roads. Both types have their strong points. This same topic is frequently covered at RV.net. The members there, like those here, know their stuff. You might take a gander and find a lot of answers to your questions.

TC

As you can see we all have opinions and a@#$les but bottom line even if you have to wait for a little more cash make sure you get what you want don't settle. If you can afford it try to get one with as little wood if any in the construction and it will last as long as you want if you take care of it. Look for a while at as many brands you can before you choose, and never never pay asking price as dealers have more room to squirm than auto dealers, I know my best friend does it for a living. Good luck and enjoy.

Rgds
J

FW better stability and more room (inside and under). TT generally cheaper and you keep your bed for other things.

5th wheel hands down...a lot safer. I have 33 foot Weekend Warrior and I can't even tell it's back there.

I am active camper (have towed our 33' travel trailer over 29,000 miles during the last two years and we are getting ready to add 10,000 more when we leave June 1 and don't get back until Aug. 8th) and work in sales at a local RV dealership ... several years ago the stability difference between a 5er and travel trailer was considerable with the 5er being the most stable ... in recent years several companies have developed hitching systems that make this no longer the case and now days I wouldn't flip a coin for the difference in stability ... both styles of campers have advantages and both have disadvantages ... the bottom line is which best meets a person wants and needs ... must admit I get a kick out of folks who say I tow a XX foot monster camper and can't tell its back there, don't think I'd want to ride with them

Jim

I'm with JEBar. A properly set up travel trailer tows just fine. I tow a 30 ft Sunnybrook using a Hensly hitch, and there is no sway. There are pro's and con's to each, but as JEBar mentioned, not much difference in stability. Whatever you get, you'll always know its back there. Any kind of camper has enough mass that you're always aware that you are pulling something.

I disagree...I've seen tow behinds sway all over the highway as soon as a gust of wind hits.

I disagree...I've seen tow behinds sway all over the highway as soon as a gust of wind hits.

That's true if they are not set up correctly with a WD hitch.

I have both, 21 ft Toyhauler, & 32 ft Fifth wheel. Toyhauler has the stabilizer bars, which help alot, but that being said, the 5th wheel is more stable, harder to back up for sure, but even with the best sway controls on a TT, the 5th wheel wins hands down.

The answer to your questions is in JEBars response. Also check out www.RV.net and you find hundreds of opinions on this subject.

Good luck
Marco Polo

The only reason I stick with 5'ers today is that the overall length of trailer + tow vehicle is several feet shorter. Makes for easier backing into campground spaces. The tradeoff is that as an altitude advantaged person, I have to bend over quite a bit to walk around the "bedroom." If I were full timing, I'd probably switch to a conventional travel trailer.

I had a Travel Trailer a few years back and went to a 5th wheel much easier to tow I found. Plus the 5th wheels I found to be much nicer units than the Travel Trailer units.

We have a towing and trailer forum, have you tried over there?

I pull a 33 ft Jayco Designer 5er up and down the road. The dually dmax loves it.....LOL Have owned both bumper and 5er and it is a 5er handsdown. Better pulling, more room and all.

Have a great time shopping..

Have not looked at travel trailers lately but am in the market for a new 5er.One thing thats getting worse with most of the 5ers is overall height,pushing 13 ft. The reason of course is to get a flatter floor in the coach,more like a TT.Just an observation,take it as you will.

Don't forget that TT and FW are measured differently. Travel Trailers are measured from the ball hitch to the rear bumper of the trailer. Fifth wheels tend to be very conservative in their measurement. My 27' Sunnybrook for example is 27' 10" measured on the inside living space.

I tow I40 and I25 A LOT! here in New Mexico where the speed limit is 75 and the 65'-long trucks all run about 80 - 85. When they pass there is absolutely no movement of my 2500HD or the FW.

Hooking up to a FW is a one person operation. Just get the front height of FW set and back 'er in there with a resounding thunk and you're ready to go. Ball hitch: backup, stop, get out to check distance, back in vehicle, backup somemore, stop, get out to check distance, back in vehicle, backup and dent bumper by running into hitch. Or you get a pair of FRS radios and have your significant other yell "Whoa!" :)

one advatege is if you have kids put a canopy on and hual all the bikes and toys years ago we hualed a bumper for that reason now we haul a 4ver 30ft with two slides if nothing else get a smaller trailer with slides it makes a big differents in space