This is a question RV owners have been asking for generations. The answer depends on your needs and what you want to do. A travel trailer, or tongue pull trailer, is towed by an SUV or a pickup truck attached by a receiver hitch at the rear of your vehicle. The weight of the trailer rests on that hitch so it is important to have the right size hitch and a weight distribution system for the RV you are towing. A 5th wheel is attached by a hitch bolted to the bed of a pickup truck. The weight of this trailer is carried by the truck itself and is designed to be mated to the truck. With a tongue pull maneuverability can be an issue in tight spaces as the turning radius is limited and there is less control under difficult road conditions. 5th Wheels have much better control under all road conditions and the maneuverability is much easier because of a shorter turning radius.
Another factor that comes into play is the comfort factor. Travel trailers, for the most part are made for camping. They are sturdy and durable but most are not designed to be used more than a few days at a time. There are luxury travel trailers available and they are extremely nice but living in one for any length of time is difficult. Most 5th Wheel trailers on the other hand are designed to be lived in with all season insulation and features that are more like a house than a trailer. The furnishings are usually better and more luxurious. 5th wheels are made to be set up like a home away from home with all the comforts of home carried with you on the road. There are 5th wheels that give you all the safety and control while towing that are designed for families with children. These have bunk beds, are built for camping and are usually less expensive.
This brings us to the last comparison, affordability. I will be discussing new trailers only because used trailers can be all over the place as far as pricing is concerned. New travel trailers will range around $16,000 for an 18ft super-lite up to more than $45,000 for a luxury 34ft coach. Smaller trailers can be pulled by a min-van or a small SUV. However, when you get above the 27ft range you really need to three quarter ton SUV or pickup to tow your trailer safely and maintain maximum control under all road conditions. 5th Wheels will start around $25,000 up to $80,000 to even $100,000 for luxury coaches with all the amenities of the fanciest homes including fireplaces and 60in flat screen TVs. You will need at least a three quarter ton truck to pull one safely with the larger ones requiring a 1 ton truck.
Whatever you want to do outdoors away from home, an RV is what you need to do it with. They even have Toy Haulers where you can take your motorcycle or ATV with you in the attached garage area. Think about getting an RV and go camping with your family. You will build togetherness and memories that will last a lifetime and beyond. “GO RVing,” you will not be disappointed.
September 3rd, 2010 by 12oclock in Uncategorized | No Comments