Ease of 5er vs. trailer

Boozecamp · 03-19-2013, 12:11 PM

I currently own a 28' TT (7,500 lbs) and pull it with F-250 6.7L Diesel. Wanting the new Jayco Eagle Premier 5'er 351 RLTS 38'-6" long. Question: I expect some adjustments in driving, and backing into campsites, but I'd like to know the pro's & con's from you that have made this transition. Your comments and any suggestions are greatly appreciated. This unit seems like a tall drink-of-water to back into some of the campground sites. Note: TV bed lgth 6.75'
Signed "a bit apprehensive".

3'senough · 03-19-2013, 12:41 PM

Welcome!

I did a similar change in going from 33' bumper pull to 40ft 5'er. The change was noticeable in a couple of places but all for the better IMHO. Keep in mind that your bumper pull vs the 5'er will not be that much of a change in length due to the way you are going to hitch. Now you will be in your bed over your rear tires where your bumper pull was behind your tail gate another 8-12 inches of the ball.

Handling is the most noticeable facet in that the "wagging" is gone with the 5'er. Hitching up is easier, since you can see everything lining up through your rear view and no getting in and out or listening to the wife yell back at you. One man job now!

Turning and backing up take a little practice but the movements are not as severe vs the bumper pull. You will need to swing wider and turn into your right turns later due to the pivot point but it's not that hard. I think it is also easier to keep straight backing up in this setup.

One thing that took the longest and still gets me, is height. I am always looking up and if you have a favorite spot that has any bridge or overpass below 12ft you will want to work on another route there.

Other than that it's a decision I don't regret or look back on. Good luck.

tinlizzie23 · 03-19-2013, 01:40 PM

I agree with 3'senough's advice. Like he says, just pull a little further beyond your turn, then make a sharp one, as the 5er cuts the corner much more than a TT. Just do it like a tractor trailer does. We made the transition with our current 33 foot Designer, and would never go back to a TT. Handling and road stability are much better, and we love the extra room with no additional road length. As stated before, most 5ers are a little taller than TTs, so you do have to watch what you go under (over passes and trees). But getting used to a 5er took me only about 2 camping trips, and it is well worth the extra learning. Those are my pros, and can't think of any cons. JMHO

Doug · 03-19-2013, 02:56 PM

Yep,
The commercial hauler on here says there is no comparison in pulling. The 5ers are much better than the bumper pulls.
If I ever trade up, I'll be going to a 5er.

JMHO,
Doug

**norty1** · 03-19-2013, 06:00 PM

I pull the same rig with a F350. I was apprehensive but have found that other than the length, makes some cg's harder to find sites that can handle the longer rig.

We moved up from a 31 to a 35' fifth wheel.

greenenvy1 · 03-19-2013, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougtoms01

Yep,
The commercial hauler on here says there is no comparison in pulling. The 5ers are much better than the bumper pulls.
If I ever trade up, I'll be going to a 5er.

JMHO,
Doug

Commercial hauler here......
just as the other have said it'. night and day difference. I would prefer 5er any day even against a small lightweight tt. They pull smoother and and biggest thing I find (not everyone has the fun of it) they tow better in the snow / ice /wind.

Denise · 03-19-2013, 10:31 PM

In the mid-90's we owned a 5'er before we stopped rv'ing for a few years. When we got back into rv'ing and x-country traveling, we went with the 1/2 ton and bumper pull. Works for now, but look forward to upgrading the tv and getting a new 5'er when we can as both of us prefer pulling a 5'er, especially out on the interstates

Rob_Fla · 03-20-2013, 05:04 AM

As other have said, we like pulling the 5er much better than the bumper pull TT's

Over the years we have owned 4 "Bumper Pull" Travel Trailers and 2 5th Wheels.

Much better towing the 5th Wheels but it did take some time to get comfortable backing the 5th Wheel as it is quite different than a Bumper Pull unit.
You just have to plan your turns a little more early due to the pivot point being over the rear axle instead of at the bumper.

Seann45 · 03-20-2013, 09:40 AM

My buddy and I both have Jayco's of the same weight.. I have a TT and he has a 5er.. we have similar trucks all I can tell you is I much prefer the ride with my TT on the back compared to the ride with his 5er on the back.. I just wish they would do as nice a floor plan with a TT as they do with 5ers

You may also like: