Anyone regret not getting a 5er instead of TT? - Page 2

ShawnR · 07-29-2016, 07:06 AM

I've had 5's for 20 years, but went with a TT in 2013. With a good WD hitch it will tow just fine. Not as nice as a 5th, but well enough. The longer wheel base takes some getting used to as the TT needs more space to maneuver and park. Picking a RV is more about the floor plan for us. I'm happy with what I've got.

Donedroolin · 07-29-2016, 07:29 AM

The only thing I can say is I love my travel trailer. But there is hardly any storage in it. Yes with a fifth wheel you loose the truck bed. However you gain all that extra storage of a fifth wheel where most of the stuff can be stored and left in place. We to are looking at some 5vers. Think my truck will be ok with a new North Point behind it. But there is allot to consider.

TWP723 · 07-29-2016, 07:38 AM

I'd love to have a fifth wheel but honestly, can't afford it. First off, you need the truck to tow it. I could tow one with my truck but I won't. If I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it right. So, I'd need a different truck..possibly a diesel. That's gonna run me some moolah. Then the 5'er itself. So...just for argument sake...

A different truck = To do it right..30k-40k (used)
A 5'er = what? 30K-50K??

Nah...don't regret my decision. My next move is a used Class A.

Doboy Dawg · 07-29-2016, 09:22 AM

I have the truck to tow the fifth wheel and do not regret buying a travel trailer. I'm not going to give up the bed of my truck to a hitch that only gets used a few times a year. I use my truck daily and enjoy having the camper top on it to keep my cargo dry.

If I was full timing it might be different because they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

bankr63 · 07-29-2016, 09:36 AM

I do have one regret about 5ers that I didn't mention. TWP's post reminded me.
Last year a local gent was advertising his one year old 5W and matching 1yo HD Pickup, obviously bought to match. Both were expensive units. His asking price was probably 1/2 what he paid a year earlier and the pictures looked like very little use (or meticulous maintenance). It was almost like "buy my truck and get the 5er for free" (or vice versa)! I'm guessing either they didn't like the lifestyle they had planned, or one of the couple hit a medical issue; either way, sad to see.
If I had been at a stage where we were ready to buy, I would have jumped all over that. Still hoping a deal like that will come along again when we are ready to full-time, but I don't think deals like that come along often.

cekkk · 07-29-2016, 11:37 PM

I have no regrets for having bought a TT. Our dually certainly could have handled a fiver but we looked at so many floor plans and when we found the perfect one for us, it was a TT. Like others brought up, I still have my truck bed to make up for lack of storage in the TT. We've lived in it a total of nearly two years now counting winters and regular camping. It looks like we may spend more time soon having sold our home before buying another.

But if I planned on keeping one for ten years, I'd be looking at the top line Jayco offers. Our Eagle has been nearly flawless for over five years now. Whatever you end up with, I hope you enjoy it as much as we have ours.

robkelly · 07-30-2016, 03:36 AM

We started with a TT before moving to the 5er and am glad we did. When we bought the TT we had no idea what we were doing, let alone if we'd like camping, so cost was certainly a factor.

We found that we needed a little more space but couldn't find a floor plan we liked in a TT, so ended up going 5er. I do miss the bed of the truck, but the ease of hitching and the better quality ride more than make up for that.

**norty1** · 07-30-2016, 04:40 AM

Wnen we started wanting more comfort camping we bought a used tt to see if we liked it. After a few years, we bought a used class a Winnebago to see if that was the way to go for us. It wasn't.

We then bought a used fifth wheel, liked it and then bought a new one and used it for 6 years, then in 2011 we purchased the Jayco.

Some may say that's the expensive way but it worked for us.

schiguy · 07-30-2016, 07:10 AM

I think it really comes down to personal preference. If you ask 50 people you will get 50 different answers. Go to an RV show, or visit several different dealers and walk through every kind and see what fits best for your family's comfort and your budget. Each has it's own pros and cons, and it truly comes down to what you want.

Bassdogs · 07-30-2016, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doboy Dawg

I have the truck to tow the fifth wheel and do not regret buying a travel trailer. I'm not going to give up the bed of my truck to a hitch that only gets used a few times a year. I use my truck daily and enjoy having the camper top on it to keep my cargo dry.

If I was full timing it might be different because they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Same here. Have the tow V now but very happy with the TT we purchased the year before when we just had a 1/2 ton. I don't dispute the advantages in towing a 5er, storage, etc, but I don't give up the bed of my truck when towing or not towing. Not full timers and the White hawk and its floorplan is perfect for us. If you want a 5er then get one.

ykcamom · 07-30-2016, 08:38 AM

I would love to have a 5th wheel and we seriously considered going that route earlier this year when we decided we wanted something larger than our 24FBS.

However, the payload limitations of our truck meant we would need to replace it, as well as the trailer. And even though our truck is a 2010, it has just 60KMs on it! The $$$ to replace the truck with a 3/4 or one ton in addition to the 5vr was simply cost prohibitive for our relatively casual usage of the the unit.

Never towed a 5th wheel, but I hear it's nicer than a TT. What I mostly like about 5th wheels is the additional storage they have underneath and a more separated bedroom with the stairs up to it.

If we were to ever go full time, or do some regular snow-birding, then we'd probably get a fifth wheel. But for now, our truck pulls the 27DSRL beautifully and it's more than enough room for the two of us and our Golden Retriever on the mostly short trips that we take.

Tone · 07-30-2016, 08:40 AM

Started out with heart set on a 5ver but ended up falling in love with the 338 rets. Got it, love it, and have never looked back.

JohnWedell · 07-31-2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone

Started out with heart set on a 5ver but ended up falling in love with the 338 rets. Got it, love it, and have never looked back.

Same here but since the DW has problems climbing stairs the TT is perfect for us. Plus the 338 has more room than most 5ers. They all have good points and bad points, none are perfect.

richie t · 07-31-2016, 01:00 PM

We went from a Jayco X23B hybrid to a Jayco Eagle Ht 28.5 RSTS. No regrets. We could sleep more people in the hybrid , but I love the roominess of the Eagle. Sure you lose truck bed space, but I have a Dodge Ram 2500 long bed, so I still have half my truck bed. Nothing like turning on the fireplace on a chilly evening. There are four of us plus our golden retriever.

Dondeb · 07-31-2016, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone

Started out with heart set on a 5ver but ended up falling in love with the 338 rets. Got it, love it, and have never looked back.

We agree, wholeheartedly! The 338RETS has storage galore, wide open living area and no stairs! Absolutely no regrets.

SkyBound · 07-31-2016, 05:14 PM

I really like having the full use of my truck bed, as stated. While I've been told 5ths tow a little nicer, with a good quality WDH dialed in perfectly the TT towing experience can be great too.

One downside is the sheer length of the total rig. The 5er and truck have a nice overlap that cancels out quite a bit of total length, making maneuverability better and also making things like ferry rides cheaper.

I'm 6'4 and many 5th wheel models don't have tall enough ceilings in the bedroom for me to stand up in. This is a deal breaker for me. There are also fewer bunkhouse floor plans available in 5th wheels which is also necessary for me as a family man.

I am perfectly happy with our current set up, and I consider myself very lucky to be able to provide a camping experience like this for my young family. That being said, if I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd have a North Point 377RLBH hooked on to a F-450 the same day I won!

Paintinfool3 · 07-31-2016, 05:20 PM

We chose the 338 rets for 2 reasons. 1 because we leave the camper 3 miles from the campground during the summer months and take our stuff down in the bed of truck. 2 because it was lighter for the length and cheaper than the fifth wheels. I can assume from comments the 5th wheels tow nicer but knowing no different I am fine with the tt

ALJO · 07-31-2016, 05:36 PM

Went in '97 to a fifth wheel with one ton srw and towed level. Before I have had different TT's. Towing experience has been for both good when properly equipped. Are back in a 30 ft. plus because a half ton truck can pull it. This season we are full timing and probably over the winter. We are with the two of us and travel light.

5er or TT every one has their own reason for wanting one.

schrederman · 07-31-2016, 05:58 PM

I've towed both, and find a 5er only mildly better in towing than a properly set up TT. I have to have my bed space and a shell for my large models. We pick up out 3rd new TT on Wednesday and I'm really looking forward to it. I think you just get more bang for the buck with a TT. I can do a lot of camping for the price difference. I would have no problem paying for a 5er except I couldn't justify the extra cost in my own mind.

jamer · 08-06-2016, 09:24 AM

I just returned from a trip from Fl. back to PA. and saw two 5th wheels along the road with no TV attached? Why you ask? Mainly if you have a mechanical problem with your TV most towing companies will NOT tow your 5th wheel, only the TV. Would I purchase a 5th wheel? No, for this very reason. Plus I have not seen one that matches the layout of our TT 27 DSRL.

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