Question:
We will hopefully be purchasing an rv in the not too distant future. I'd
like some feed back on the pros and cons of 5th wheels vs. travel trailers.
I'll be using at least a half ton pickup as a tow vehicle. ( i've yet to buy
the tow vehicle as well)
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
Answer:
After 13 years towing a large Starcraft popup camper, we bought our first
travel trailer (not fiver) in May, 2000. We bought a travel trailer and NOT a
fifthwheel because our tow vehicle was an S10 pickup and the trailer was
within the tow rating of the small pickup.
I have been seriously considering upgrading, when the time comes, to yet
another travel trailer. If I do it will certainly be ONLY because I couldn't
part with the covered bed/box of my pickup.
After six camping seasons, however, I am tired of climbing in to and out of
the back of the pickup. I have every expectation that a FW would haul
everything that I now haul in the back of the pickup.
Virtually every fifthwheel owner with whom I have spoken was a previous travel
trailer owner. They ALL recommended a fiver due to improved towing
characteristics, among other purported superior features.
I'll be using at least a half ton pickup as a tow vehicle.
( i've yet to buy the tow vehicle as well)
If you plan to do any amount of "serious" RVing, you would do *WELL* to
purchase a "3/4-ton" pickup. Unless you get a particularly SMALL fifthwheel,
you'd better forget a wimpy half-ton truck altogether.
When I upgraded my from my tow vehicle (S10), I went from "wimpy" to overkill
for pulling for my current rig. (See sig below) Of course, this was done to
enable a wide selection of RV replacements when the time comes. In the
meantime, it's a GREAT towing experience!
I believe that, VERY generally speaking, the overall AVERAGE SIZE and CO$T of
fifthwheel use is somewhat higher than with a conventional TT. There can be
no denying the inherent larger frontal profile when towing a FW. (Implies
reduced fuel economy, whatever THAT is!)
