5th Wheel vs Bumper Pull

Bansh88

Bansh88

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We will be seriously looking at a toyhauler in the new year.  22-30' +/-. 

The wife and I are debating between 5th wheel and bumper pull.   We now have a 2500 Diesel.  Truck has the 5th wheel puck system setup. 

Wife insists on a front sleeper as this will be used for events other than Glamis.

I prefer the thought of a bumper pull to keep the bed free for "stuff".  But I know there are towing benefits of a 5th wheel.  

Opinions?  Pros, Cons?

 
Same boat for same reasons. Wife is suddenly anti our motorhome. She almost had me buy a 30’ 5er toyhauler a neighbor was sellin. Im all about simplicity she wants a front bedroom. Everyone tells me once you go 5er you wont go back. I have a line on a 2006 26’ toyhauler at a good price but not front sleeper. Would ideally like to sell my motorhome first. Have a trip in two weeks then im listing it. 2005 35’ A two big slides 8.1/allison only has 12k miles

 
If you guys go bumper pull make sure your front bed is a walk around bed. Having to climb over someone to get to the bathroom at 2am sucks. I've never seen a 5th wheel without a walk around bed.

The 5th wheel tows significantly better. You don't have to really worry about sway. Backing them up is a little different, but nothing that you won't get used to. If you've got a short bed truck then watching the window when backing is another concern. I've got a sliding hitch but have never been in a position where I had to use it.

 
Bansh88 said:
We will be seriously looking at a toyhauler in the new year.  22-30' +/-. 

The wife and I are debating between 5th wheel and bumper pull.   We now have a 2500 Diesel.  Truck has the 5th wheel puck system setup. 

Wife insists on a front sleeper as this will be used for events other than Glamis.

I prefer the thought of a bumper pull to keep the bed free for "stuff".  But I know there are towing benefits of a 5th wheel.  

Opinions?  Pros, Cons?
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I have owned 2 bumps and 2  5ths,  I feel the bumper pull is just to get buy, and really does not feel comfortable, having a 5th wheel to me feels more like home, has a full bedroom with a slideout closet, sometimes it is just nice to have the extra room to get ready or relax,  the bathroom is twice the size of our pull model, 

I get if you have a 36-foot bumper pull but at the point unless you are not putting two quads in the back of the truck then i feel you can do a car and still put quads in the kitchen, 

Depending on the truck, mine is a long bed, so i have a goose neck hitch, with a turn over ball in the bed,  it is like hooking up a bumper pull, 

The trailer we have now has a side bathroom with dual entry doors, i can take a shower and walk into the bedroom without scarring anyone lol 

 
What about gooseneck adapters?  Is that a solid option?

 
5th wheel hands down. especially since you already have the puck system.

you will lose the bed space when towing but you won’t care since you have the garage/cargo space in the toy hauler.

 
5th Wheel:

-Feels much larger due to the height of the walls 
-Better maneuverability
-Dedicated bedroom area (more so that bumper pulls typically)
-Shorter overall length when compared to equally length bumper pull when on the truck
-You can still fit items like firewood, tools, etc in truck

My buddy had a 45 foot weekend warrior with the gooseneck adapter...I thought he was crazy, but it was rated for it and he had no issues....His trailer prob weighed 23kish.  It makes it a lot easier to hook up, especially when on uneven ground.

 
D00d said:
Reese goosebox seems to be the one to get that will not void the frame warranty from what I've read.  
Click to expand...
^^This and the Anderson Ultimate hitch. I used the Anderson for over 40k miles towing and never had an issue. My last 5th was 42' and about 16.5k loaded.

 
5th wheel, no even close!

Pros:

Pulls nicer loaded and empty

A lot less sway in the wind

Usually a slide out in the bedroom (if it doesn't have one, don't get it).

Centers the weight over the rear axle

Navigating is much nicer in tighter spaces. You can make much tighter turns in reverse assuming you get a slide hitch or have a long bed

bigger front bedroom in most cases

Cons:

Maybe more money

Loose some bed space in the truck 

cost of as 5th wheel hitch

After having numerous bumper, 5th and Moho's, I think the second best option is a 5th wheel.  I prefer the Moho and so does the wife.  We've went back and forth a few times. :ez:

 
I drive an old 7.3. I prefer bumper pull..  Alot easier to find a buddy to tug my pumper pull when the damn Ford has issues....

 
I've only driven bumper pull. Heard the 5th wheel is the way to go! I'm like you, I want truck bed space. Peace 

 
We

ve had 2 tags and 1 5er, would buy my 5er back in a hot sec but not interested in any other tags

 
I've only had Gas Trucks, If I had diesel it would be no-brainer - go 5th because you now can..

 
Your truck is brand new Chevy correct?

The bedsides on the new body style are very high....if you go 5th wheel make sure to flip the axles and raise up the trailer a bit.

When camping in places like glamis, dumont, or any place off road that will NOT have even roads, pulling into parking lots with a raised apron, etc..., you can squish the bed sides easily.

Just my worthless $.02

 
I have had a dual slide bumper pull 37’ long 10,800 empty. Had everything a 5th had except large outside storage. 
Pulled great with a long bed 6.4Hemi. 
 

5th wheels you have to deal with the heavy hitch when you want to use your bed. The front cap will catch more head wind and cleaning the bugs off that tall SOB sucks. 
 

Like everything in life it depends on what is most important to you. 

 
After having both throughout the years, I would rather have a 5th wheel for every reason mentioned above.  Night and Day towing.

 
5th wheel no question.. will never have a large bumper pull trailer again if i can help it.

 
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