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Turn Key · 02-20-2008, 07:55 AM

Thought I'd add a bit more to my post in the hopes of make your choice easier.

Having pulled both types of trailers I will state that I much prefer towing a "5th". They hitch easier with far less "mechanics" to mess with. You can forget about "sway" and the need for sway control equipment. Also, the total length of your towed rig is shorter then with a "tag-along" as part of your trailer is over the bed of the truck and there is no need for the extended hitch assembly. The only disadvantes to a "5th" is the need for a truck to pull it (and this is a disadvantge how

???) and the room in the bed taken by the hitch assembly. Please don't get the idea that you can get around the hitch in the bed by "converting" to a gooseneck rig. This has been done and some 5th wheel manufactures say that you can do this. Many don't and won't warrant damage done by doing this. It adds tremendous strain tn the hitch pin assembly.

"Slides" have become pretty much ubiguitous on all trailers. Even pop-ups have had them now for a number of years. Finding a "5th" without at least one slide would probably mean special ordering your rig. I wouldn't worry about it much and I can't see us owning a "5th" without at least one slide. The really big rigs have up 4 now though I'd see this as a bit of over-kill unless we were full-timers. One large slide in the main living area will serve you well though two in that area if you have a "rear-living" model would probably be better. Just make sure you keep the slide mechanism clean and lubed and you'll have no problems. Also, I know of no trailer manufacturer who recommends the use of external slide suports. There may still be some out there but most say NOT to use them and will not warrant damage done by them. One "rule of thumb" to keep in mind; each slde=1000 pounds.

Two more things about "5ths". I find them to be more spacious then the same size "tag-along". This is due mainly to the higher ceilings. Also, I sure do love my "basement"

!!!

Hope this has been of some help, along with the PM I sent. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have either through the 'board or by PM. Until then and always,

Happy Camping!

02-20-2008, 07:55 AM	#6
Turn Key Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 511	Re: what's the best choice???? Thought I'd add a bit more to my post in the hopes of make your choice easier. Having pulled both types of trailers I will state that I much prefer towing a "5th". They hitch easier with far less "mechanics" to mess with. You can forget about "sway" and the need for sway control equipment. Also, the total length of your towed rig is shorter then with a "tag-along" as part of your trailer is over the bed of the truck and there is no need for the extended hitch assembly. The only disadvantes to a "5th" is the need for a truck to pull it (and this is a disadvantge how???) and the room in the bed taken by the hitch assembly. Please don't get the idea that you can get around the hitch in the bed by "converting" to a gooseneck rig. This has been done and some 5th wheel manufactures say that you can do this. Many don't and won't warrant damage done by doing this. It adds tremendous strain tn the hitch pin assembly. "Slides" have become pretty much ubiguitous on all trailers. Even pop-ups have had them now for a number of years. Finding a "5th" without at least one slide would probably mean special ordering your rig. I wouldn't worry about it much and I can't see us owning a "5th" without at least one slide. The really big rigs have up 4 now though I'd see this as a bit of over-kill unless we were full-timers. One large slide in the main living area will serve you well though two in that area if you have a "rear-living" model would probably be better. Just make sure you keep the slide mechanism clean and lubed and you'll have no problems. Also, I know of no trailer manufacturer who recommends the use of external slide suports. There may still be some out there but most say NOT to use them and will not warrant damage done by them. One "rule of thumb" to keep in mind; each slde=1000 pounds. Two more things about "5ths". I find them to be more spacious then the same size "tag-along". This is due mainly to the higher ceilings. Also, I sure do love my "basement"!!! Hope this has been of some help, along with the PM I sent. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have either through the 'board or by PM. Until then and always, Happy Camping! __________________ Turn Key, DW & Tilly, The Camping Boston Terrier '03 Chevy 2500HD, 4X4, X-Cab, Long Bed '04 K-Z "Durango", 275RK ("Sunday Haus II") Twin Kayaks, "The Ride" by Wilderness Systems North Central Texas, Where The West Begins!