Cyclone Tom
Advanced Member
Lots of reply’s so mine may be redundant but here goes..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!
5th wheel is so much easier to hook up, pull, park, maneuver, etc. Very glad we switched years ago.
I’m a huge fan of my B&W Companion hitch that fits in my trucks puck system. Super easy in and out in two pieces. That said I have heard a ton of very positive comments on the Reese Goose box. No personal experience with one though. I pulled with a short box F350 for years and the B&W is adjustable to allow a couple extra inches which really helped with clearance.
As far as trucks - get more truck than you will need from the get go. As you know from TT pulling being underpowered isn’t a good idea.
I pull a Solitude 382WB with a F450 with an under bed cover tool box up against the cab. Zero worries about turning etc. long box I can turn very tight and the 450 turning radius is absolutely unreal, tighter than my F150 daily driver.
You won’t be disappointed moving to a 5th wheel - so many advantages.
Best of luck!