Any trailer towing expert out there?

stumpfield · Jun 7, 2006

We are thinking of getting a RV as a temporary living quarter while building at our mountain property. Parts of the road leading to the property is very narrow with a few very sharp turns. I'm talking about a huge rock sticking out on the right side and a cliff going down a couple hundred feet on the left-side. So, not much we can do to change the road.

Here's the big question....We want to get the longest trailer possible providing we can tow it there without getting stuck. Should we get a Travel Trailer or a Fifth wheel trailer? Which is better for towing on rough dirt road and be able to make sharp turns?

Here what we know:
1. A neighbor was able to bring a 27' travel trailer there. She said it was barely able to make it. She wouldn't try anything bigger. Not even an inch longer.
2. Our grading contractor was able to drive his 31' flat bed truck carrying his tractor/smaller dozer there.
3. Our neighbor is building a house. Ready-mix concrete trucks was able to go in and out all day long. I've seen building material delivery truck in the 30ft range went in there.
4. A big semi-truck deliver the big dozer was NOT able to get in. He has to drop it off and drive the big dozer in.

Fifth wheel trailers are much better quality, taller with higher clearance for the dirt road and homier. So, we prefer a fifth wheel. However, someone explained to us that if only a 27' travel trailer can get there, then a 27' fifth wheel will NOT due to the way fifth wheel trailer tracks after the tow vehicle.

What do you think? Can we get a 27' or may be a little longer fifth wheel there? My logic was that the total length (tow vehicle plus trailer) is much shorter for a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. A 27' travel trailer is really 30'+ behind the tow vehicle while a 27' fifth wheel is only about 23' behind the tow vehicle.

Is there a formula or some sort of guideline I can measure to make sure I get it there? It's going to be a one time deal. I don't plan to bring it back out anytime soon.

Thanks for your help....

stumpfield · Jun 7, 2006

We are thinking of getting a RV as a temporary living quarter while building at our mountain property. Parts of the road leading to the property is very narrow with a few very sharp turns. I'm talking about a huge rock sticking out on the right side and a cliff going down a couple hundred feet on the left-side. So, not much we can do to change the road.

Here's the big question....We want to get the longest trailer possible providing we can tow it there without getting stuck. Should we get a Travel Trailer or a Fifth wheel trailer? Which is better for towing on rough dirt road and be able to make sharp turns?

Here what we know:
1. A neighbor was able to bring a 27' travel trailer there. She said it was barely able to make it. She wouldn't try anything bigger. Not even an inch longer.
2. Our grading contractor was able to drive his 31' flat bed truck carrying his tractor/smaller dozer there.
3. Our neighbor is building a house. Ready-mix concrete trucks was able to go in and out all day long. I've seen building material delivery truck in the 30ft range went in there.
4. A big semi-truck deliver the big dozer was NOT able to get in. He has to drop it off and drive the big dozer in.

Fifth wheel trailers are much better quality, taller with higher clearance for the dirt road and homier. So, we prefer a fifth wheel. However, someone explained to us that if only a 27' travel trailer can get there, then a 27' fifth wheel will NOT due to the way fifth wheel trailer tracks after the tow vehicle.

What do you think? Can we get a 27' or may be a little longer fifth wheel there? My logic was that the total length (tow vehicle plus trailer) is much shorter for a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. A 27' travel trailer is really 30'+ behind the tow vehicle while a 27' fifth wheel is only about 23' behind the tow vehicle.

Is there a formula or some sort of guideline I can measure to make sure I get it there? It's going to be a one time deal. I don't plan to bring it back out anytime soon.

Thanks for your help....

George2615 · Jun 7, 2006

I agree with your statement that "My logic was that the total length (tow vehicle plus trailer) is much shorter for a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. A 27' travel trailer is really 30'+ behind the tow vehicle while a 27' fifth wheel is only about 23' behind the tow vehicle". Plus for manueverability you'll be able to get a fifth wheel around easier. Another plus is the fifth wheel puts more traction weight over the rear axle. The tag along could only help if you used a weight distribution hitch. If your neighbor got a 27' er in you should be able to do at least a 30' 5th wheel. Just my opinion.
George

George2615 · Jun 7, 2006

I agree with your statement that "My logic was that the total length (tow vehicle plus trailer) is much shorter for a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. A 27' travel trailer is really 30'+ behind the tow vehicle while a 27' fifth wheel is only about 23' behind the tow vehicle". Plus for manueverability you'll be able to get a fifth wheel around easier. Another plus is the fifth wheel puts more traction weight over the rear axle. The tag along could only help if you used a weight distribution hitch. If your neighbor got a 27' er in you should be able to do at least a 30' 5th wheel. Just my opinion.
George

RobertN · Jun 7, 2006

Am not sure on the trailer. But, consider the truck you tow with too. A standard cab truck will manuever in there better than a long bed xcab or crew cab.

RobertN · Jun 7, 2006

Am not sure on the trailer. But, consider the truck you tow with too. A standard cab truck will manuever in there better than a long bed xcab or crew cab.

Bird · Jun 7, 2006

( However, someone explained to us that if only a 27' travel trailer can get there, then a 27' fifth wheel will NOT due to the way fifth wheel trailer tracks after the tow vehicle. ) /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Sure sounds to me like there's some misunderstanding about travel trailers. George has it right. My first travel trailer was called a 24 but actually measured just over 25'. That's measuring from the front end of the hitch to the back end of the rear bumper. Approximately 4' (sometimes just a little bit less) is the trailer tongue. Many people have noticed that fifth-wheel trailers cost more than the same length conventional trailers, but if you figure it on a square foot of living area basis, they're close to the same. A 27' conventional trailer has about 23' of living space, plus the tongue, and extends 27' behind the tow vehicle. A 27' fifth-wheel has 27' of living space and at least 4', probably 5', is over the bed of the truck so it only extends behind the truck 22 to 23'. NOTE: You may have slightly less living space than I just said because the length measurement includes the back bumper. Now I have no idea why they do it, but when you go to buy one, take your tape measure along, or at least read all the specs, because frequently RVs are up to a foot and a half different actual length than what they are called. Of course, the fifth-wheel can be turned more sharply, but the pivot point is definitely very different.

Now I'm not going to tell you what you can or can't do without actually seeing the terrain and the trailer, but I'd be hard pressed to imagine any place anyone could take a 27' conventional trailer that I couldn't take the 32' fifth-wheel we used to have.

Bird · Jun 7, 2006

( However, someone explained to us that if only a 27' travel trailer can get there, then a 27' fifth wheel will NOT due to the way fifth wheel trailer tracks after the tow vehicle. ) /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Sure sounds to me like there's some misunderstanding about travel trailers. George has it right. My first travel trailer was called a 24 but actually measured just over 25'. That's measuring from the front end of the hitch to the back end of the rear bumper. Approximately 4' (sometimes just a little bit less) is the trailer tongue. Many people have noticed that fifth-wheel trailers cost more than the same length conventional trailers, but if you figure it on a square foot of living area basis, they're close to the same. A 27' conventional trailer has about 23' of living space, plus the tongue, and extends 27' behind the tow vehicle. A 27' fifth-wheel has 27' of living space and at least 4', probably 5', is over the bed of the truck so it only extends behind the truck 22 to 23'. NOTE: You may have slightly less living space than I just said because the length measurement includes the back bumper. Now I have no idea why they do it, but when you go to buy one, take your tape measure along, or at least read all the specs, because frequently RVs are up to a foot and a half different actual length than what they are called. Of course, the fifth-wheel can be turned more sharply, but the pivot point is definitely very different.

Now I'm not going to tell you what you can or can't do without actually seeing the terrain and the trailer, but I'd be hard pressed to imagine any place anyone could take a 27' conventional trailer that I couldn't take the 32' fifth-wheel we used to have.

Highbeam · Jun 7, 2006

I agree with Bird on most points and will add that the RV manufacturers all measure differently. Some are just the box, some the tongue included, some the tongue and the bumper. Just bring your tape.

While I agree that a fifth wheel is better when going down the road I will add that they are not much fun to maneuver into a spot. Especially difficult to back up down a long skinny road because to turn the trailer requires moving the center of the bed of the truck a good ways to one side. They aren't as sensitive to steering adjustments.

That said, the high ceilings and spaciousness are hard to beat.

Highbeam · Jun 7, 2006

I agree with Bird on most points and will add that the RV manufacturers all measure differently. Some are just the box, some the tongue included, some the tongue and the bumper. Just bring your tape.

While I agree that a fifth wheel is better when going down the road I will add that they are not much fun to maneuver into a spot. Especially difficult to back up down a long skinny road because to turn the trailer requires moving the center of the bed of the truck a good ways to one side. They aren't as sensitive to steering adjustments.

That said, the high ceilings and spaciousness are hard to beat.

CurlyDave · Jun 7, 2006

Unless you already have a fifth wheel towing setup in your pickup truck, the most cost effective way to get a trailer there is to have it delivered to the property by a towing service.

Any good towing service will be able to tell you the maximum size they would be willing to tow up your road.

I know this because I had a similar need -- wanted to relocate an old single wide mobile home to the land while we built. We had a guy who would give us a used one free if we would move it off his property. The towing guy came out & looked at the road. Then he said "no way", so we are in our motorhome which is a lot smaller.

CurlyDave · Jun 7, 2006

Unless you already have a fifth wheel towing setup in your pickup truck, the most cost effective way to get a trailer there is to have it delivered to the property by a towing service.

Any good towing service will be able to tell you the maximum size they would be willing to tow up your road.

I know this because I had a similar need -- wanted to relocate an old single wide mobile home to the land while we built. We had a guy who would give us a used one free if we would move it off his property. The towing guy came out & looked at the road. Then he said "no way", so we are in our motorhome which is a lot smaller.

Pilot · Jun 7, 2006

Who owns the rock?

I wonder what it would cost to remove or blast the rock? Seems to me you will be dealing with it for as long as you live there, so if you could get rid of the problem now, you will feel it was money well spent 5 years from now.

Pilot · Jun 7, 2006

Who owns the rock?

I wonder what it would cost to remove or blast the rock? Seems to me you will be dealing with it for as long as you live there, so if you could get rid of the problem now, you will feel it was money well spent 5 years from now.

wushaw · Jun 7, 2006

A fifthwheel will turn inside more than a travel trailer so if your corners are very tight then a travel trailer will follow the tow vehicle better.
As far as better quality with a fifthwheel over a travel trailer, that can be debated till the cows come home...for example,
I have a 31yo Airstream, if anybody can find a 31yo fifthwheel in the same condition I would be extremely suprised.
You are in need of living quarters that will not be moved for a long period of time I wouldn't be very picky on what kind of trailer but what will fit.
Like someone already mentioned about length in tow vehicles you maybe able to get a longer travel trailer than your neighbor if she was using a real long truck.

wushaw · Jun 7, 2006

A fifthwheel will turn inside more than a travel trailer so if your corners are very tight then a travel trailer will follow the tow vehicle better.
As far as better quality with a fifthwheel over a travel trailer, that can be debated till the cows come home...for example,
I have a 31yo Airstream, if anybody can find a 31yo fifthwheel in the same condition I would be extremely suprised.
You are in need of living quarters that will not be moved for a long period of time I wouldn't be very picky on what kind of trailer but what will fit.
Like someone already mentioned about length in tow vehicles you maybe able to get a longer travel trailer than your neighbor if she was using a real long truck.

Bird · Jun 7, 2006

Joe, it's like lots of other things; just depends on what you're accustomed to it and experience. I consider the fifth-wheel to be easier to maneuver into tight spots, or to back in a straight line. You're right about them not being as sensitive to steering adjustment, which I think makes them easier to maneuver; you don't over correct as often. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The only problem I ever had with maneuvering that 32' fifth-wheel was trying to back it into tight RV sites during the hours of darkness. That was because the backup lights on the truck reflected off the white front of the trailer so I couldn't see down the side of the trailer in my mirrors. And I learned a great way to solve that from one of the RV magazines. The truck had a good CB radio and I bought a cheap kid's walkie-talkie from Radio Shack that worked on Channel 11. My wife didn't drive the truck pulling the trailer, but if it had to go into a tight spot at night, I put her behind the wheel, told her she could shut her eyes if she wanted to and listen to the CB. I'd go behind and tell her which way to turn the steering wheel and how much, to go forward or back, and when to stop. Almost never had to stop and pull forward and try again.

Did you ever watch those folks who go to the back of the trailer and try to yell instructions to the driver and wave their arms around? Usually they're yelling the direction they want the back end of the trailer to go, and only confuse the driver. I've helped dozens of RVers simply by walking along beside the driver's door and telling them which way to turn the steering wheel and how much; real simple.

Bird · Jun 7, 2006

Joe, it's like lots of other things; just depends on what you're accustomed to it and experience. I consider the fifth-wheel to be easier to maneuver into tight spots, or to back in a straight line. You're right about them not being as sensitive to steering adjustment, which I think makes them easier to maneuver; you don't over correct as often. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The only problem I ever had with maneuvering that 32' fifth-wheel was trying to back it into tight RV sites during the hours of darkness. That was because the backup lights on the truck reflected off the white front of the trailer so I couldn't see down the side of the trailer in my mirrors. And I learned a great way to solve that from one of the RV magazines. The truck had a good CB radio and I bought a cheap kid's walkie-talkie from Radio Shack that worked on Channel 11. My wife didn't drive the truck pulling the trailer, but if it had to go into a tight spot at night, I put her behind the wheel, told her she could shut her eyes if she wanted to and listen to the CB. I'd go behind and tell her which way to turn the steering wheel and how much, to go forward or back, and when to stop. Almost never had to stop and pull forward and try again.

Did you ever watch those folks who go to the back of the trailer and try to yell instructions to the driver and wave their arms around? Usually they're yelling the direction they want the back end of the trailer to go, and only confuse the driver. I've helped dozens of RVers simply by walking along beside the driver's door and telling them which way to turn the steering wheel and how much; real simple.

jwstewar · Jun 7, 2006

That is exactly how Dad and I used to do it. Didn't matter which one of us was in the truck, we told the other which way to turn the wheel. Made it much simpler. Did the same thing when it was time to hook up (travel trailer). I always laugh when people talk about I can't see the ball or I can't back that well so I get close and move the trailer by hand. That doesn't work with a camper that weighs over 6k empty. You've got to be dead on or at least within' an inch. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I also laugh when my F-I-L brings his little utility trailer to our house. Can't back it up the driveway so he always has to drive through the yard. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Keep telling him to move over and watch me back it out. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jwstewar · Jun 7, 2006

That is exactly how Dad and I used to do it. Didn't matter which one of us was in the truck, we told the other which way to turn the wheel. Made it much simpler. Did the same thing when it was time to hook up (travel trailer). I always laugh when people talk about I can't see the ball or I can't back that well so I get close and move the trailer by hand. That doesn't work with a camper that weighs over 6k empty. You've got to be dead on or at least within' an inch. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I also laugh when my F-I-L brings his little utility trailer to our house. Can't back it up the driveway so he always has to drive through the yard. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Keep telling him to move over and watch me back it out. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif