Post by: syoungs on August 08, 2019, 01:58:39 PM
The concern I have going to a 5th wheel is the size of them. most are a little over 30' (31 and 33 for the 2 were interested in at this point), and the loss of bed space while towing.
I have set myself a limit of size to 30' for a bumper pull, somewhat arbitrarily. I feel like anything over 30 starts to get to big to easily maneuver around when we go to actual campgrounds, and is still a manageable size to boondock when hunting/riding. In my mind (not speaking fully from experience) a 26' bumper pull, and a sled deck to put 2 quads on the truck, seems like the best route to go, but that seems to be a hard size to find.
If we were to choose one of these longer 5th wheels, is it going to be a real pain when going "off grid" and primitive camping? How much concern is there when getting off the beaten path for the 5th wheel making contact with the bed rails?
I have owned both types of trailers in the past, but have limited use with the 5th wheel. I have drug a 27' travel trailer through some pretty rough terrain getting back off the road.
Will be towing with a leveled 2015 F350 on 35" tires, which makes for proper bed rail clearance to be a challenge, but not impossible to deal with.
Id say 80% of our useage will be using at a toy hauler, bringing 2-3 Polaris sportsman's, and sometimes a Polaris trailblazer, with us to camp. Most of our riding is in the blues outside of pomeroy, and down at morrow county OHV at this point, but that will expand to new places next summer. The other 20% of the time we use it will be when making fishing trips to the coast, and camping without the quads.
would you consider a 5th wheel in this situation? Does the smaller (height and length) bumper pull make more sense? really confused on which way to proceed! Really wish we could double tow around Washington/Oregon. Would make this whole experience much easier!
Post by: Woodchuck on August 08, 2019, 02:09:42 PM
Post by: bearpaw on August 08, 2019, 02:32:47 PM
Post by: KopperBuck on August 08, 2019, 02:39:21 PM
Post by: Special T on August 08, 2019, 02:41:05 PM
5th wheels cut corners when turning which means you need to swing wide. Imo when on flat ground they are more maneuverable than bumper pull.
I second practice in a safe environment like a empty parking lot with some practice cones. Imo lifted rigs dont make very good tow rigs. They wear everything out quicker and you are accustomed to them going places that will likely wreck your trailer. 2c. I have a lot of experience towing trailers of all types with most on a gooseneck trailer.
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Post by: syoungs on August 08, 2019, 03:14:39 PM
one of my concerns with them is the height, most are significantly taller then bumper pulls, and don't know how that will handle in the woods.
Truck is a long box, and has the factory 5th wheel prep "pucks", even though it has a 2.5" leveling kit on the front, the rear suspension is stock. and the factory tires were 34.5" so its not a mile high, but 1 ton fords seem to be super tall anyways.
my 2nd biggest concern with a 5th wheel, after the size, is damaging the truck/camper by getting to off camber. I know some of the places we go it does get off camber pulling into the campsites. I guess I need to take the wife and look at some of the units to see if the benefits outweigh the cons or not. :dunno:
Post by: baker5150 on August 08, 2019, 03:19:45 PM
He has a goose neck flat bed and the flip over ball in his truck.
Easy conversion, we did it over a 12 pack on a Friday night.
I did hear, however, that it voids the RV's warranty, don't quote me on it though. Could be manufacturer specific.
Post by: birddogdad on August 08, 2019, 03:30:14 PM
too long - tracks way inside on turns
too tall - 13'3" height restricts some travel roads
3 axles - tool by wheels
i do love the space and my
"garage" works well for my dogs
my next one will be in the 30's though...and 2 axle goose neck all the way!
Post by: starbailey on August 08, 2019, 06:43:00 PM
Post by: syoungs on August 08, 2019, 08:48:08 PM
I have pulled a lot of miles with a 5th wheel trailer. Everything from 28 to 45 foot. I also have a 26 foot bumper pull. By far the 5th wheel setup is way more stable! Yes the they travel inside a turn more but the backing capabilities way outweigh that. The one thing I don’t like is how tall some of the 5th wheelers are and the bed rail height of your truck does matter as I’ve found out. I now pull my 40ft 5th wheel with a F450 with a Western Hauler conversation. (Fancy flat bed)Yeah those flatbeds are amazing!
Post by: bigsads on August 08, 2019, 10:14:36 PM