Educate me on 5th Wheel campers and hitches

[Timmer]

Hello all,

We have a Reflection travel trailer and have been very happy with it. We've always had travel trailers because I hunt and a pickup topper has always been convenient for keeping equipment and a dog kennel out of the elements. I am nearing retirement and we always thought we would switch to a 5th wheel and travel more "someday." Well, our beloved hunting dog died 3 weeks ago and it sounds like our camper will be totaled after an accident on a trip to Texas last week. So, we find ourselves at a decision point. We are thinking about switching to a 5th wheel. What should I be aware of and consider in my purchasing decision? I can't have anything in the bed right behind the cab above truck side panel height, correct? Could I if I had a long box? From what little I know it sounds like not all 5th wheel hitches are created equal? And some replace the pin on the camper? If it matters for the discussion, we are looking pretty hard at the new Influence 3704BH. Your thoughts and wisdom are appreciated!

 

[Orrin]

If parking a long bed pickup is not a problem for you, I would get a long bed with a ball hitch and GenY goose neck pin box. We have a Ram 3500 mega-cab short box with a Demco auto-slider fifth wheel and GenY pin box. The Ram was what I could get at the time, and I use it as a personal driver.

 

[Timmer]

If parking a long bed pickup is not a problem for you, I would get a long bed with a ball hitch and GenY goose neck pin box. We have a Ram 3500 mega-cab short box with a Demco auto-slider fifth wheel and GenY pin box. The Ram was what I could get at the time, and I use it as a personal driver.

It would not be a daily driver back home, and I am ok with long walks across parking lots when necessary, so I am definitely open to a long bed. That purchase may not happen for a while. We just got a new F-350 regular bed. We doubled our miles on it from 5k to 10k on our trip to Arizona and Texas over the last 2 weeks. I'm sure I would lose my tail if I traded it in now. My motivation for the long bed would be for putting a dog kennel behind the cab. The ones I've looked at go above truck sidewall height so I'm assuming it wouldn't work with a short bed and 5th wheel?

 

[WhittleBurner]

I am nearing retirement and we always thought we would switch to a 5th wheel and travel more "someday." Well, our beloved hunting dog died 3 weeks ago and it sounds like our camper will be totaled after an accident on a trip to Texas last week.

So sorry you lost your dog.

So, we find ourselves at a decision point. We are thinking about switching to a 5th wheel. What should I be aware of and consider in my purchasing decision? Hitching up a 5th wheel is a breeze compared to a TT I can't have anything in the bed right behind the cab above truck side panel height, correct? correct

Could I if I had a long box? Nope, but you won't be sorry if you got a long box. We went from a short to a long and love the extra room back there

From what little I know it sounds like not all 5th wheel hitches are created equal? And some replace the pin on the camper? If it matters for the discussion, we are looking pretty hard at the new Influence 3704BH. Your thoughts and wisdom are appreciated! If you want more room for stuff the advice above is good, many have been happy with the Gen Y. We have an AirSafe hitch which uses more bed space but it makes the ride in the truck smoother and my back is happy, it also smooths things out in the trailer some. I can leave paper towel on the hutch and it's still in the same spot when we stop even on rough roads.

Over all we went from a TT to the 5th wheel and will never look back. You gain storage and comfort with an easier hitching process. If ordering new upgrade the axles for better carrying capacity. Also get the 2nd AC if it isn't standard. Some floorplans and options use up the CCC so don't forget to look at the stickers with that info. The Influence line has more CCC than the Solitude.

 

[trailrydr]

Hello all,

We have a Reflection travel trailer and have been very happy with it. We've always had travel trailers because I hunt and a pickup topper has always been convenient for keeping equipment and a dog kennel out of the elements. I am nearing retirement and we always thought we would switch to a 5th wheel and travel more "someday." Well, our beloved hunting dog died 3 weeks ago and it sounds like our camper will be totaled after an accident on a trip to Texas last week. So, we find ourselves at a decision point. We are thinking about switching to a 5th wheel. What should I be aware of and consider in my purchasing decision? I can't have anything in the bed right behind the cab above truck side panel height, correct? Could I if I had a long box? From what little I know it sounds like not all 5th wheel hitches are created equal? And some replace the pin on the camper? If it matters for the discussion, we are looking pretty hard at the new Influence 3704BH. Your thoughts and wisdom are appreciated!

When towing you are correct in that you have to have access to the 5er hitch in the bed. However, once disconnected, a bed cover can be pulled over the bed and keep personals from being exposed. A long bed will give you more storage oportunities (around the hitch area) than a short bed, but IMO also creates more issues when parking in tight spots.

They make some good quality sliders (like Demco) that can pull a fairly heavy 5er. We have the 18k version in our F250 SB and it works great, alliows us to keep our truck bed short, easy to maintain and hookup/disconnect too - even at a slight angle due to the hitch face head being able to pivot some. It only moves back/forth about a 1' from the starting point giving us plenty of room store stuff in the bed. However, we do store most of our gear over the axles of our 5er when towing and only keep a few things in the bed if anything at all.

Having a 5er that can have the pinbox replaced is a bonus. Unfortunately, because we went light with a Reflection 150 model, our 5er doesnt offer much than the oem pinbox. Good luck and happy trails!

 

[Gpo1958]

With a fifth wheel, it's important to remember that it's not what you pull, it's what you carry. I would expect that fully loaded for that "someday" extended trip the 3704BH is going to be putting in excess of 3200 lbs. of load on the pin. Your short bed, single axle Ford probably has a capacity of around 3600 lbs. (check the yellow door sticker), which needs to include you, the DW, the dogs and anything else you elect to put in the truck......including the hitch. If using a conventional hitch, you should really go with a slider (well over 100 lbs.) in a short bed truck with either the Influence and/or Solitude due to their extra width. The goose neck will save you significant weight, but that's still a lot of 5er for a single axle short bed F-350.

 

[WhittleBurner]

We have had a lb for 9 years now and wouldn't go back to a short bed. A lb will carry so much more. Parking isn't as bad as a lot of people say. If you back in it makes all the difference and pulling out is easy then too. Parking back a little isn't that bad a little exercise is a good thing.

 

[MtnGuy]

That trailer needs to be pulled by a Dually. Currently, the only dually short bed is made by RAM.

The RAM dually short bed may need a sliding hitch.

I think all the big 3 auto makers have puck systems for 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches. That makes installing a hitch easy.

B&W makes an awesome hitch, and made in the USA.

 

[ajg617]

Is the Gen Y pin box now approved by GD and LCI? When we purchased it was not - only the Reese Goosebox was approved which is what we went with simply because we didn't want to void the warranty. Very comfortable with the Long Bed and the increase in payload it gives me. Turning radius isn't as good, but I've gotten used to it.

Edit: Attached the LCI approved Pin Box list from March 2024.

 

[Captcolour]

My motivation for the long bed would be for putting a dog kennel behind the cab. The ones I've looked at go above truck sidewall height so I'm assuming it wouldn't work with a short bed and 5th wheel?

What about a fold down kennel? That would likely fit in front of the 5th wheel hitch in a long bed. I currently have my dog fencing in that area in front of the hitch. Use a ratchet strap to keep it from moving.

I have a TrailerSaver BD5 5th wheel hitch which is great for the ride. You won't be taking it in and out of the bed however without a hoist.

 

[Jomani]

There are some great responses here regarding towing and bed space. I have towed both, and the difference between 5th wheel and a travel trailer is night and day, especially on a windy day. I could never imagine going back to a travel trailer, BUT…

Now that my wife and I are getting older, we are both starting to recognize just how much taller a 5th wheel is than a travel trailer. She has had two hip replacements and one knee. My doctor keeps telling me it’s time for my knees (probably do the first one this fall). All of those steps in our Reflection (outside and bedroom) look taller every time I see them. Just pointing out that all of that added cargo space and weight capacity does come with a price.

 

[COGrandDes]

I've pulled both TT and Fivers and would never go back to the TT. Too many benefits for hauling, space, stability, and etc. I've also always had long bed trucks. I don't want any part of a slider hitch and use my truck to haul all kinds of other things including the camper. The extra room is a must-have for me. I don't keep my bed covered as it's in-use hauling all the time---it's a truck! As far as the parking in tight spaces---I don't desire to park in tight spaces----I park out further to avoid door dings and damage anyway. In my opinion, I'd rather have the extra hauling space and not need the slider hitch so I keep buying long bed trucks. Good luck and keep the weight ratings and CCC numbers in mind before you buy.

 

[Najataagihe]

Some thoughts on unasked questions:

(For background, we started with a 36 ft 5th wheel, went to a 36 ft Class A, and are now hauling a 38 ft TT.)


Points to Ponder, Travel Trailer Edition:

You are nearing retirement, which means you are not too far behind me in age.

As you get older, one or the other of you may develop mobility problems.

One of the biggest blessings of our current rig is that my wife does not have to climb up and down steps every time she wants to go to the bathroom.

As it is, it is all she can do to climb in to the trailer.

Once in, she isn't moving!

A 5th wheel or tall entrance Class A is no longer possible.


You hear a lot of folks expressing that a 5th wheel is far easier to hook up than a travel trailer.

To quote "Porgy and Bess", "It Ain't Necessarily So".

We use a Hensley hitch (ProPride progenitor) and it is LESS trouble to hook up than my 5th Wheel with a Reese 16K hitch was.

There is, also, no way to destroy the tailgate or bed sides by forgetting to lower the tailgate or having the pin come loose and having the trailer slam down on top of the bed.

(No, I never had those issues, but I am meticulous and lucky.)


There is no sway with a Hensley/ProPride.

Occasionally, my fiver would wag the dog, but it had to be a STIFF wind.


I no longer worry about bridge heights.

With the fiver and Class A, overhanging trees became a headache.

(Savannah, Georgia, I am looking at you!)

Some cities' streets have power poles that lean over the road, at the top.

You HAVE to travel in the middle of the road, to avoid them, thereby annoying everyone else on the road.


Points To Ponder, 5th Wheel Edition:

Storage.

There is far more room to put "stuff" in a fiver.

Plus, your outside stuff can stay out of the rain, under the hitch pin.


Headroom.

I can't reach the ceiling in the lower part of a fiver.

This may or may not be a factor, for you, but I can reach all the lights, vents, smoke alarms, routers, etc. without a ladder in my TT.

I am getting to old to be comfortable off the ground and I hear balance issues get worse, as we age.

On the other hand, you can get a really good morning stretch in a fiver that is just not possible in my TT.

Higher ceilings help prevent any feeling of claustrophobia, too.


All of these points may seem minor, now, but they are in your future.

Little things add up and whatever makes the trip more comfortable should be considered.


Whatever route you take, have fun!

 

[Timmer]

What about a fold down kennel? That would likely fit in front of the 5th wheel hitch in a long bed. I currently have my dog fencing in that area in front of the hitch. Use a ratchet strap to keep it from moving.

I married a farm girl and we have a hobby farm. She's got a strict "no animals in the house or vehicles" rule that has been passed down through the generations. So as far as kennels go, I'm looking for something that can keep out the elements to a degree. That rules out your standard portable dog crate type options. Our dogs have always been used to the weather to a large degree, given they have freedom to run and roam on the farm all day long and they do it year around. We do, however, have an inside kennel run in our heated garage which is set to 45 with an insulated dog house inside of that that they have always used at night in the winter. So, I'm looking for something that has covered vents to keep out the rain, and would have insulation for any cold travel. I was hoping to put something right behind the cab on a long box if I was able to fit it. My son is a welder and we have done some rough thinking about building an aluminum box. It would be shaped somewhat like this example, but depth would need to be considered - Dog box example .

 

[trailrydr]

I married a farm girl and we have a hobby farm. She's got a strict "no animals in the house or vehicles" rule that has been passed down through the generations. So as far as kennels go, I'm looking for something that can keep out the elements to a degree. That rules out your standard portable dog crate type options. Our dogs have always been used to the weather to a large degree, given they have freedom to run and roam on the farm all day long and they do it year around. They do, however, have an inside kennel run in our heated garage which is set to 45 with an insulated dog house inside of that that they use every night in the winter. So, I'm looking for something that has covered vents to keep out the rain, and would have insulation for any cold travel. I was hoping to put something right behind the cab on a long box if I was able to fit it. My son is a welder and we have done some rough thinking about building an aluminum box. It would be shaped somewhat like this example, but depth would need to be considered - Dog box example .

Yeah.... my mom was a German farm girl who also had a no indoor dog rule. She was so anal you could eat off her floors - atleast she thought so and I never tested her resolve!

My wife is the exact opposite, always had dogs in the house. Was hard for me to adapt to that. So I Know a little about you and yours situation. Dog fur, accidents, and all the other fun things of indoor pet ownership. I did however put my foot down on sharing my bed with any dogs.... that was definitely "verboten in meinen bett!".

 

[MtnGuy]

@Najataagihe, great review on the pros and cons of 5th vs bumper pull trailers.

We recently went from a 36’ Reflection 5th wheel to a 26’ Imagine travel trailer, for some of the reasons you and others have mentioned. We really liked the 5th wheel, but it was time to move on to something smaller.

And somebody mentioned that they thought a travel trailer was easier to hook up and unhook than a 5th wheel. I am in that mind set also, but just barely. Both have their drawbacks. But I do miss the automatic leveling system on the 5th wheel.

 

[ajg617]

Yeah.... my mom was a German farm girl who also had a no indoor dog rule. She was so anal you could eat off her floors - atleast she thought so and I never tested her resolve!

My wife is the exact opposite, always had dogs in the house. Was hard for me to adapt to that. So I Know a little about you and yours situation. Dog fur, accidents, and all the other fun things of indoor pet ownership. I did however put my foot down on sharing my bed with any dogs.... that was definitely "verboten in meinen bett!".

Same here - German mother - no dogs allowed (Snoopy) - err unless it was below zero but even then the dog didn't want to be inside.

And DW just the opposite and is now visiting daughter and new granddaughter in North Carolina. Where do you think the dog is sleeping? On me in bed and he's close to 50lbs
DW-trained!

 

[trailrydr]

Same here - German mother - no dogs allowed (Snoopy) - err unless it was below zero but even then the dog didn't want to be inside.

And DW just the opposite and is now visiting daughter and new granddaughter in North Carolina. Where do you think the dog is sleeping? On me in bed and he's close to 50lbs
DW-trained!

YOWSERS..... LOL!

When I was dating my then girlfriend now wife, her poodle used to sleep above her head on her pillow. That dog earned its "Air Jordan" Nike wings the first time I slept over.... Sparked an interesting conversation that night I can tell you.

 

[Vagabonder74]

We have had a couple of tt’s and upgraded to a Reflection 337RLS. Pulling it with a F350 SRW Extended cab long bed. 21ft bumper to bumper. I have a tool box in the bed that fits under the tonneau cover. Curt A16 hitch. Love my set up.

 

[Deb-n-Vic]

Timmer, as you can see from all the dross, everyone has their favorite. Mine is a long bed SRW F350 Platinum with a B&W hitch and after market lifts. I really can't tell the difference when we're towing my 310GK-R (except the mileage!). Like you, I don't use it too much unless towing and don't mind the parking lot walk.
Think about what you'll carry and where. Comfort is number one, capacity is a must, as is reliability. In the end, it isn't what others find is best, it's what you do.