Ron AKA

I would suggest the towing stability advantage of a 5th wheel is there even in the shorter lengths. The total towing length is reduced by the same amount for a short trailer as a long trailer. The % reduction in length is higher for the short trailer. The reason I suggested a 5th wheel with the F150 is that no matter how you cut it, you are going to be towing near the max capacity by not going to the F250. For that reason I think the 5th wheel makes more sense.


Also keep in mind that they play little games with the length of trailers. Regular travel trailers count the length of the hitch. Sleeping on the hitch is not all that comfortable! On a 5th wheel the hitch on modern ones typically only sticks out a few inches and adds insignificant length to the overall trailer. In other words you can comfortably sleep on the hitch. In older 5th wheel trailers, like the one I have now, you can't stand up in the part over the hitch, which is a limitation. However in most of these high new ones, you can stand up beside the bed. My thoughts are that you get more useable space out of a 5th wheel compared to a travel trailer of the same overall length. But, I've pulled a 5th wheel for 24 years now, and probably am a bit bias. I would only look at a travel trailer if I was going to pull it with a Suburban or Navigator. With a truck the 5th wheel seems like the obvious choice.

brulaz

So I guess my 28' bumper pull has about the same cabin length as that 24.5' fiver. And yes, the new fivers are really tall in front giving more height in the bedroom. That could be an issue at some campsites and off-road. We already have to be careful with the height our bumper-pull in some places.

Haven't towed a fiver so really can't compare the stability, but I've never had problems towing the 7500-8000# 28' bumper pull with the F150 in all sorts of conditions even without a fancy hitch. Half the time I get lazy and leave the friction sway bar off. I think the high 1130# (15%) trailer tongue weight is what makes the tow so steady.

But I guess the real reason we haven't looked much at fivers is the kayaks. Couldn't put them behind or on top of the trailer and didn't want them hanging over the front of the truck. Parked on top of the Leer Cap, with the bikes and lawn furniture inside, seems the easiest way to go.

Cover Dog

Warren owns Forest River which includes Flagstaff & Puma. Cougar is made by Keystone and don't think that is a Birkshire-Hathaway company.

Ron AKA

Yes, lets say for an approximate 24' trailer effective length, a TT will be 3.5' longer, and the 5th wheel style will overlap the truck by about 5'. So you reduce overall towing length by about 8.5 feet. For a 24' trailer by 30% or so.


Yes, you do give up most of the box especially for large items. Still I used to carry 3 dog kennels, water, propane, BBQ, lawn chairs, and other smaller items in the box.


Height on the new ones can be a problem. I have heard of cases where the overhead roof at some gas stations is too low to get under. Trees in camp sites is always a problem. I managed to "customize" my awning on my current trailer, which is exceptionally low. You would have to watch especially in campgrounds which are older.

zx12-iowa

Or just deal with it like most people and hook,up and go. If she squats too much add a helper spring or bags. at the weight you are proposing, it would not concern me one bit to order the truck as you proposed, hook and go.

king nothing

I agree. 3 or 400 pounds over is no big deal. I'm sure the weight police wouldn't agree though.