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We are in the process of starting to research buying an RV for our family. We first considered a class C. After seeing the price and considering that we would need to tow a Jeep or similar behind us for the family to use at our destination, we decided the investment was too much for that. So we are now thinking that buying a used truck and a tow behind is a better choice.
For the truck we are looking at either a used dually diesel for around 20k or a used dodge 2500 for around 20k.
We are considering either a travel trailer or a 5th wheel hoping to spend less than 20k for a used one. My husband is not a big fan of a higher mileage used class c since the truck is your RV and if the truck breaks your RV is useless. Also they are small. The used ones in our area are around 30-50k, 30k is a old old one. For 40k we can get a really nice towable RV and a decent truck.
My question is from a practical, towable and accessibility stand point, would you prefer a trailer or a 5th wheel. The usual travelers would be 2 adults, a young child, a Labrador and a JRT and sometimes teenagers. My must haves are a bunk house with a door and our bed in a separate area, if not completely closed off, at least have privacy.
Personally I like the lower overall height of a conventional trailer. The 5th wheel backs into places easier as far as pivoting, but the height makes it hard sometimes when there are overhead obstructions (like certain fuel stations), and it's much more of a wind sail in crosswinds.
In my case, I spent less on the truck and more on the trailer to get what I wanted.
Thats a beautiful trailer. Im looking at them now, I dont love the way they decorate the interiors of most of them, particularly the older ones so I will be making some changes anyway when we buy. Having a tiny private area on the other end of the trailer for my son will make traveling with him easier as he needs his bedtime and his quiet space. I dont like when they have bunks but they are right against the kitchen cabinets. Its really fun to see all the crazy options available though.
I have been hesitant with the 5th wheel just for height issues alone. that does seem to make it more complicated and limiting
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree not only with the height issue of the 5th wheel but the lack of storage in the truck bed due to it being attached there. We have a 25' travel trailer, and they are available new for not much more than 20k, and you won't need a dually diesel or 2500, a 1500 properly equipped will handle it. Our 2017 F150 5.0 V8, for example, can tow 9,000 lbs., but our trailer is only 6,000 loaded. This one is only $24,900 list price new, and probably available for less.
Yeah I feel like the trailer is the right way to go but wanted some opinions. Also with the dogs having the ability to put a cap on the truck for traveling might be better. hmm. So many options
The fifth wheels have a bunk in the part that goes over your tow vehicle. That gives you a bed that you must climb up into and be careful how you sit up so you don't hit your head. How agile are you?
Fifth wheels tend to be fancier and they are easier to back up and easier to see to hitch up to them.
I use a bumper tow and use the truck bed for carrying firewood, lawn chairs, and the dog crates. A fifth wheel pretty much takes up your pickup bed so you give up that carrying space for outdoor stuff.
Be honest about how fancy you need. The smaller the trailer is, the easier it is to tow and park. Don't buy a rolling condo unless you won't be happy without all that space and fancy finish.
The fifth wheels have a bunk in the part that goes over your tow vehicle. That gives you a bed that you must climb up into and be careful how you sit up so you don't hit your head. How agile are you?
Fifth wheels tend to be fancier and they are easier to back up and easier to see to hitch up to them.
I use a bumper tow and use the truck bed for carrying firewood, lawn chairs, and the dog crates. A fifth wheel pretty much takes up your pickup bed so you give up that carrying space for outdoor stuff.
Be honest about how fancy you need. The smaller the trailer is, the easier it is to tow and park. Don't buy a rolling condo unless you won't be happy without all that space and fancy finish.
I need a kitchen. I need bunk space, preferably a little private. I need a bedroom for me and my husband.
I do not need a dining table. I do not need extra recliners or any silliness.
I plan to spend as little time as possible in the RV. I plan to sit outside, eat outside, cook outside as much as possible, and even sleep outside when its nice out.
I would like to have the bed of the truck so I guess weighing that, it seems the trailer is definitely the better option. I was only thinking of what I had seen about the 5th wheel being easier to tow and park. But my husband can drive 18 wheelers so Im not overly worried.
"The fifth wheels have a bunk in the part that goes over your tow vehicle. That gives you a bed that you must climb up into and be careful how you sit up so you don't hit your head."
That could be said for early 5th wheels, but not now with the possible exception of very low end rigs. Even our '06 DRV had stand up room in the bedroom in the front. Finding a bunk room is going to be the stumbling block...not all manufacturers cater to that small slice of the business. Our first RV had a rear kitchen....one trip showed why that is a bad idea....go over a RR crossing a little too fast and all of the kitchen shelf contents are on the floor. Mid kitchen is much better.
A 5th wheel will be easier to tow. They pull easier. They are more stable. You do not have to mess with weight distribution hitches and sway bars. A 5th wheel is more stable by design. A bumper pull will have some sway.
Most 5th wheel hitches are removable from the bed of the pickup with 4 pins. The newer trucks will have a factory “puck system” where the hitch mounts to the frame is factory and hidden. The rails do not mess up bed space that much. Usually there is a bed over the pin box. If you want to stand up next to the bed up front, the trailer will be taller.
Mine isn’t set up that way. It is lower profile. Which is easier where I like to camp. Also, my 5th wheel hitch swivels side to side for uneven ground. I tow with a short box Ford Diesel and the hitch also slides back for maneuvering sharper turns.
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