TT or 5th wheel?

time_traveler · June 12, 2019

I'm in the process of doing research in preparation for selling my 24' TT and upgrading to a larger trailer for our year on the road. There will be three of us on the road trip and I'm looking for more room for us. I'm going to upgrade to a 3/4 or one ton diesel truck. My plan is to see most of the US during our year on the road. I'm looking at a TT approx 34' and GVWR approx 10K or a 30' - 33' 5th wheel toy box with GVWR approx 13K. With the TT I will be carrying a 530lbs MC in the bed of the truck. With the 5th wheel the MC will be inside the toy box. I have never towed a 5th wheel my question is what would perform better on the road i.e. easier to tow? The longer lighter TT or the slightly shorter and heavier 5th wheel?

Thanks

rynosback · June 12, 2019

A 5th wheel tows better and with the sizes you are looking at, it should park easier to as the 5th wheel and your truck should be about 8’ shorter in overall length.

Edited June 12, 2019 by rynosback

trailertraveler · June 12, 2019

Some things to think about. For a fifth wheel, a dual rear wheel truck will provide the most stability towing which means you will be looking for a one ton truck. With a long travel trailer, the longer the tow vehicle wheelbase, the better it will tow. Here is an article about the relationship between wheelbase and towing stability. With a long travel trailer, you will want a good sway control hitch. The fifth wheel will be taller and have interior steps. With a toy hauler, your motorcycle will be out of the weather while towing. Depending on the floorplan, a toy hauler can provide a separate room. There are toy hauler travel trailers. You can put a cap on the pickup, but it may make it more difficult to load the motorcycle. Good luck finding the right RV for you!

Edited June 12, 2019 by trailertraveler

Kirk W · June 12, 2019

If it were me doing what you suggest, I would choose the fifth wheel. If I am reading your post correctly, you already have chosen what fifth wheel or travel trailer you want so make and model are not at issue?

NDBirdman · June 12, 2019

A won-ton dually is very stabil and worth it. Mine holds the road quite well when being passed by big trucks and with side/front/rear heavy winds. A 5th wheel RV is more stabil if moving/pulling a lot. I would not rule out a little bigger camper to get a toy hauler with separate garage, you can put a lot more back there than your motorcycle. Measure your motobike, you more than likely can get away with a garage of 10ft putting you down to a 37/38 foot camper and with it being a 5th wheel, it will pull like a shorter TT without the wind/tail wagging inherent with a TT.

Whatever you decide on, watch truck and RV weight limits. Some of these toy haulers are crazy heavy and surpass my 3500 DRW manufacturer weight limits. The real weight factor is what the wheels/tires are rated for and what the brakes are capable of handling. Just my 2-cents worth as I see you are experienced in hauling a TT.

IMHO

edit: With a toy hauler, you can get a drop down bed making it also a separate bedroom for that 3rd person, some have a toilet/sink for 2nd bathroom in the garage with washer/dryer connections.

Edited June 12, 2019 by NDBirdman

time_traveler · June 12, 2019

Thanks for all the info. Things to think about.

richfaa · June 12, 2019

We have had 4TT's and are now on our 2nd 5th wheel. We had TT's ranging from 22 feet to 30 feet when we were both working and primarily week end RV'ers with may be a week vacation. We pulled the TT's with a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton gas truck. We consider that low end use.

We both retired and our goal was to see the USA. By this time we had a feel for travel in a RV. We had taken a 3 week trip in out last TT , no slides and were constantly in one another's way and being blown around by the big trucks was no fun.

We purchase the biggest truck and 5th wheel Rv we could afford for our new travels. The truck was a one ton, Long bed, Crew cab,Dually diesel. The RV was a 40 foot, 4 slide @ 16K GVW 5th wheel. We are now on our second truck and second 5th wheel same configuration 14 years and over 130K of travel

For this kind of travel the dually diesel is a very good choice. We spend a lot of time in the 5th wheel so " as big as we could afford" was also a very good choice.

We normally do not exceed 300 miles a day travel and stability is very important. Backing is also easier with a 5th wheel.

Carlos · June 12, 2019

I wouldn't worry about it. For many years I towed a 12k trailer and occasionally a 16k trailer with a 2005 Ram diesel 2500. I loved it, zero stability issues. Recently a neighbor was shopping for trailers to tow with his 2016 Ram 2500, and was sure he "needed" a fifth wheel. I suggested that he consider both types, and base it on the deal/amenities. He found a great deal on a new TT that was perfect for his family, and not available as a fifth wheel, so he did it. He's 100% happy after well over 10k miles all over the country. I also wouldn't do a dually or full ton unless I was hauling a heavily loaded rig like a toy hauler.

Focus on getting what you want.