5th wheel - how big is too big?

[Bigbore500r]

I have a 40 ft. Toy hauler!! Perfect size for camping

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I knew by asking this question on RDP I would find the rationalization I wanted lol

You guys are enablers!

 

[Bowtiepower00]

That 40cr is a bad bitch, and you have the truck to tow it. If storage and size limitations in national parks are not issues I would give a serious look if the price is right. I would scale it if weight is a concern, 13 empty and 17 loaded seem a little light based on real world weights I've seen.

Good friend of mine has a 37gs-xl and it is huge. 33ck and 36ck are on my short list for my next hauler when I upgrade in a few years. Rowley white is great to deal with if you're shopping new.

 

[rivermobster]

Now that my TH is almost 20 years old...

I can honestly say I wish I would have just rented one when I needed one!

Woulda cost a lot less money in the long run. But, we have some great memories that's for sure. Hard to put a price on that.

My take is the same as everyone else's, bigger is better in the desert. Camp grounds, not so much.

 

[Singleton]

Go as big as you can.
We have a 35’ convensional TH, 17’ to fist cabinet. We are running out of room already. Between the CanAm that my wife says we can get in January and my daughters 170 she gets from Santa, we don’t have enough room. Not sure WTF we are going to do.

 

[Meaney77]

Go as big as you can.
We have a 35’ convensional TH, 17’ to fist cabinet. We are running out of room already. Between the CanAm that my wife says we can get in January and my daughters 170 she gets from Santa, we don’t have enough room. Not sure WTF we are going to do.

Pusher and enclosed

 

[Terry G]

Our Voltage 3970 (44’) @ Carlsbad SB few weeks ago. Great campground with several long spots for big trailers. Sold our 25’WW years ago, love the room in the Voltage. Just make sure the garage holds all of your toys.

 

[JayBreww]

Go as big as you can.
We have a 35’ convensional TH, 17’ to fist cabinet. We are running out of room already. Between the CanAm that my wife says we can get in January and my daughters 170 she gets from Santa, we don’t have enough room. Not sure WTF we are going to do.

Seen one over the weekend that had a rack on the back of the TH with a 170 on it.


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[dirtyduner]

That 40cr is a bad bitch, and you have the truck to tow it. If storage and size limitations in national parks are not issues I would give a serious look if the price is right. I would scale it if weight is a concern, 13 empty and 17 loaded seem a little light based on real world weights I've seen.

Good friend of mine has a 37gs-xl and it is huge. 33ck and 36ck are on my short list for my next hauler when I upgrade in a few years. Rowley white is great to deal with if you're shopping new.

Those guys are jokers over there

 

[welldigger00]

What ever you do, don't deal with Mike Thompsons.

Boy ain’t that the truth... I had them do a mandatory replacement of my transfer switch for warranty, and when I went to pick it up after work, they said it would be parked in the ready line. Nope. It was in the very back, and placed with a fork lift. I had to break down and re couple three times, and back it blind side all the way out. No one was around to help because it was after hours. And they didn’t do half the shit on my list, even though they said they did. Fuck that place.


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[Paul65k]

Pusher and enclosed

Yup.......that's the best overall solution IMO. We just moved up from a 34' 5th wheel that we hauled all over the western USA and it was great for campgrounds but set-up and breakdown was a lot more work and we didn't have our toys only the truck for getting around.

With the new pusher we can simply trail the Jeep when we go camping and this lets us get into most parks with our 36'er or take the enclosed trailer with toys for desert or even take the Mini Cooper with the Harley....all depends where we're going and our mission at the time!!

 

[NicPaus]

Here is a good deal on one.

 

[Meaney77]

Yup.......that's the best overall solution IMO. We just moved up from a 34' 5th wheel that we hauled all over the western USA and it was great for campgrounds but set-up and breakdown was a lot more work and we didn't have our toys only the truck for getting around.

That was also a challenge for us with the toy haulers- often times we would arrive to our destination late and kids would be asleep in the truck. My wife and I would have to get everything set up- unload the toys and she would be rolling rugs out and setting up beds and then we would have to transport kids from the truck to their beds and they would wake up and be up all night. Same goes for when we were ready to leave. Kids were awake but had to hang out in the bedroom upfront while i loaded buggy and toys. Overall just kind of a pain point. Its definitely a lot smoother now that they are a little older but having the enclosed is awesome- I can start packing most of it up the night before and getting on the road in the morning is a breeze.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Did a test fit over the weekend, borrowed the trailer i'm look at buying from the owner (a buddy) and took it for a test tow. Wanted to see what handling / parking a big 5'er is like. That 40CR is a big bitch! Measures 41 and change to be exact. Easy to tow though, and honestly not much harder to park than my 27' bumper tow. Squeezes in front of the garage and behind the gate, but it's tight. Would extend the concrete and pull it next to the garage anyhow (where the '65 is sitting in this pic) so it's not blocking the main driveway to the garage. It also makes for an amazing wall...no need for a taller fence on that side honey!

I can see some ultimate white trash parties happening with this baby all hooked up in the back. Casita what?

 

[River Runnin]

Who said it best?

Go Big or go home! Wish now we got the 45', garage, second restroom, and porch!

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 716836

Who said it best?

Go Big or go home! Wish now we got the 45', garage, second restroom, and porch!

Well shit look at your truck! Lol
Just go 53' and be done with it!

 

[milkmoney]

View attachment 716836

Who said it best?

Go Big or go home! Wish now we got the 45', garage, second restroom, and porch!

Baller showed up ....[emoji39][emoji106][emoji202]

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[River Runnin]

Baller showed up ....[emoji39][emoji106][emoji202]

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HaHa! No Baller!...Just good deal! lol

 

[milkmoney]

HaHa! No Baller!...Just good deal! lol

I looked at those 5th wheels. Seems like good price on used ones...but still expensive [emoji202]

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[River Runnin]

Now for much better ride, long hauls, convenience! ... we still have the first RV and tow'd rig!

 

[Bigbore500r]

Now for much better ride, long hauls, convenience! ... we still have the first RV and tow'd rig!

View attachment 716852 View attachment 716853

So you have both, and like the Moho better? Your situation looks a little different than mine though, we are hauling 18' trailer's worth full of offroad stuff. So if i go the moho route, it'll be with a 20' enclosed in tow

 

[River Runnin]

I looked at those 5th wheels. Seems like good price on used ones...but still expensive [emoji202]

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Since Thor took it over I can't vouch for them! Or any units after 16!

 

[rush1]

With the kids growing, and the offroad toys multiplying, we have the itch to get a bigger RV.

Currently have a 27' bumper pull TH, big cargo (17' to first cabinet) but no front bedroom. Has a nice big front bathroom which is good, but having to climb up into a bunk bed sucks balls, and there is no privacy from the kids to get dressed / "etc"

In order to get a seperate front bedroom, and keep big cargo, that leaves us with a massive bumper pull (no thank you...) or a 5th wheel. Thought about getting another Moho and an enclosed cargo trailer, but now were talking a 30' coach and a 20' trailer, another vehicle to maintain....etc. Thinking 5th wheel is the way to go for what were doing, and i can keep the toys stored in the trailer as I do now.

Have a friend selling a 2 year old Genesis 40cr 5th wheel, real nice trailer. 41' overall, 13k empty / 17k loaded. It's a big ass trailer. My first reaction is that it's too big, but....is it? I know the truck can handle it without issue, being a 3500 DRW diesel. RV access can handle it. Any drawbacks to towing a 40' fifth wheel? When measured against my current truck / trailer combo - it's only 5' longer when hitched up to the truck due to it being a 5th wheel. Of course it is heavier, and 2' taller as well.....

How big is too big in your book?

Ask your wife ,honey does this 40' fith wheel make my butt look to big ?
Hell no go for it you can always flip it if you don't like dealing with it

 

[River Runnin]

So you have both, and like the Moho better? Your situation looks a little different than mine though, we are hauling 18' trailer's worth full of offroad stuff. So if i go the moho route, it'll be with a 20' enclosed in tow

Still have the old 24' also!

Run traction tires for years, off road'd, run in snow storms, and about every condition with no problems! ... I do like the MoHo better for travel!

 

[Meaney77]

My program doesn't reflect my manhood by any means.....

40' and 24' of toys behind it. I have had trailers and 5th wheels and the motorhome and enclosed set up works the best for us. She is a big bitch and I am over the limit but I am rolling the dice and playing dumb if I ever get stopped.

 

[4Waters]

View attachment 716888 My program doesn't reflect my manhood by any means.....

40' and 24' of toys behind it. I have had trailers and 5th wheels and the motorhome and enclosed set up works the best for us. She is a big bitch and I am over the limit but I am rolling the dice and playing dumb if I ever get stopped.

California limit is 65ft so you should be 1 foot under unless your MH measures over 41. Enclosed utility trailers are usually spot on in length, at least mine and my buddies Pace Shadows were.

 

[Meaney77]

California limit is 65ft so you should be 1 foot under unless your MH measures over 41. Enclosed utility trailers are usually spot on in length, at least mine and my buddies Pace Shadows were.

My MH is a 40X but overall length is 42'. My trailer has 24' box and 4' tongue- I am pushing the limits... I guess if the cop wanted to pull out a tape and measure it all off I would be over.

 

[4Waters]

My MH is a 40X but overall length is 42'. My trailer has 24' box and 4' tongue- I am pushing the limits... I guess if the cop wanted to pull out a tape and measure it all off I would be over.

Ok so your trailer is a 28' I thought it was a 20' box with 4' tongue, yeah your way over, you're at least 70'.

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 716888 My program doesn't reflect my manhood by any means.....

40' and 24' of toys behind it. I have had trailers and 5th wheels and the motorhome and enclosed set up works the best for us. She is a big bitch and I am over the limit but I am rolling the dice and playing dumb if I ever get stopped.

That's a bad ass setup!

 

[rush1]

Still have the old 24' also!

View attachment 716856

Run traction tires for years, off road'd, run in snow storms, and about every condition with no problems! ... I do like the MoHo better for travel!

Whats not to like about an H.R. Imperial , Nice coaches.

 

[River Lynchmob]

We finally picked our new 5th yesterday 42'6". 19,000 GVWR. 150 gals of fresh, 50 or grey and black 80 gals of fuel. Its amazing how much better a 5th tows than a bumper pull. Heading out to KOH Wed AM and then Ocotillo for Pres Day.

 

[Bigbore500r]

We finally picked our new 5th yesterday 42'6". 19,000 GVWR. 150 gals of fresh, 50 or grey and black 80 gals of fuel. Its amazing how much better a 5th tows than a bumper pull. Heading out to KOH Wed AM and then Ocotillo for Pres Day. View attachment 724575 View attachment 724576 View attachment 724577 View attachment 724578 View attachment 724579 View attachment 724580

Looking good! Love the colors inside that trailer

 

[River Lynchmob]

Looking good! Love the colors inside that trailer

Thank you. When my wife and I saw it at the show we both said thats what we want. I was so much brighter inside and with a 2 and 4 year old it will help with dirt showing, dust, finger prints etc.

 

[dirtyduner]

Thank you. When my wife and I saw it at the show we both said thats what we want. I was so much brighter inside and with a 2 and 4 year old it will help with dirt showing, dust, finger prints etc.

The New Eclipse interior is super fresh, and of course always loved the 35gsg+3. That Can-Am looks dangerously close to the cabinet, any issues with hitting with body roll?

 

[fmo24]

Go diesel and a trailer. Your wife has the Jeep to drag behind when you go without sand toys

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The New Eclipse interior is super fresh, and of course always loved the 35gsg+3. That Can-Am looks dangerously close to the cabinet, any issues with hitting with body roll?

Sounds like they will find out in a couple days

 

[River Lynchmob]

The New Eclipse interior is super fresh, and of course always loved the 35gsg+3. That Can-Am looks dangerously close to the cabinet, any issues with hitting with body roll?

Thank you it's a bit misleading visually. I have about 2" or so on the cabinate side and about 3" from the slide to the passenger door. I figured out where it needed to go on my 3016.

 

[Emac]

Go diesel and a trailer. Your wife has the Jeep to drag behind when you go without sand toys

THIS

 

[Bigbore500r]

Go diesel and a trailer. Your wife has the Jeep to drag behind when you go without sand toys

We ended up going the motorhome route, but not diesel. Baby steps . Looking for a towbar setup to tow our JKU, any recommendations? Want to keep the stock front bumper, but don't want some huge brackets hanging off the front

 

[Meaney77]

We ended up going the motorhome route, but not diesel. Baby steps . Looking for a towbar setup to tow our JKU, any recommendations? Want to keep the stock front bumper, but don't want some huge brackets hanging off the front

Look on Craigslist for a blue ox set up. There is always people selling this stuff....

 

[BajaMike]

With the kids growing, and the offroad toys multiplying, we have the itch to get a bigger RV.

Currently have a 27' bumper pull TH, big cargo (17' to first cabinet) but no front bedroom. Has a nice big front bathroom which is good, but having to climb up into a bunk bed sucks balls, and there is no privacy from the kids to get dressed / "etc"

In order to get a seperate front bedroom, and keep big cargo, that leaves us with a massive bumper pull (no thank you...) or a 5th wheel. Thought about getting another Moho and an enclosed cargo trailer, but now were talking a 30' coach and a 20' trailer, another vehicle to maintain....etc. Thinking 5th wheel is the way to go for what were doing, and i can keep the toys stored in the trailer as I do now.

Have a friend selling a 2 year old Genesis 40cr 5th wheel, real nice trailer. 41' overall, 13k empty / 17k loaded. It's a big ass trailer. My first reaction is that it's too big, but....is it? I know the truck can handle it without issue, being a 3500 DRW diesel. RV access can handle it. Any drawbacks to towing a 40' fifth wheel? When measured against my current truck / trailer combo - it's only 5' longer when hitched up to the truck due to it being a 5th wheel. Of course it is heavier, and 2' taller as well.....

How big is too big in your book?

Bigger is not always better, it will greatly limit where you can go, and get gas and camp.

 

[Done-it-again]

We finally picked our new 5th yesterday 42'6". 19,000 GVWR. 150 gals of fresh, 50 or grey and black 80 gals of fuel. Its amazing how much better a 5th tows than a bumper pull. Heading out to KOH Wed AM and then Ocotillo for Pres Day.

Wow that’s super nice. Need one just like that, but as short as I can get and fit a 4 seat can am. Did the 42’ already and it’s great, just sux for state parks/beach.

Enjoy.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Wow that’s super nice. Need one just like that, but as short as I can get and fit a 4 seat can am. Did the 42’ already and it’s great, just sux for state parks/beach.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

I would look at Genesis and Attitude and I would go through Rawley White. The drive to AZ would be worth it. They both have between 34 and 38 that will fit a 4 seater. I would also really consider a Cyclone.

 

[Hammer]

We finally picked our new 5th yesterday 42'6". 19,000 GVWR. 150 gals of fresh, 50 or grey and black 80 gals of fuel. Its amazing how much better a 5th tows than a bumper pull. Heading out to KOH Wed AM and then Ocotillo for Pres Day. View attachment 724575 View attachment 724576 View attachment 724577 View attachment 724578 View attachment 724579 View attachment 724580

Can you fit the kids quads(eventually)in there? Seems the can am is Giotto take up all the space. Congrats Lynch. Nice set up [emoji106]


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[fmo24]

We ended up going the motorhome route, but not diesel. Baby steps . Looking for a towbar setup to tow our JKU, any recommendations? Want to keep the stock front bumper, but don't want some huge brackets hanging off the front

Ready Brute Elite with a Currie Ent base plate. The base plate replaces the plastic piece below the front bumper. The tow bar has a built in surge brake system. You just run a cable from front of jeep to brake pedal of Jeep. It is a very simple but effective system.

 

[fmo24]

Here is mine installed

 

[River Lynchmob]

Can you fit the kids quads(eventually)in there? Seems the can am is Giotto take up all the space. Congrats Lynch. Nice set up [emoji106]


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The boys have PW50s and they fit zero problems. there is 17'6" of storage and the Can Am is 14' exactly. Thanks Hammer!

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 724771 Here is mine installed

Looks good, that's what i need! Thanks

 

[rrrr]

This is where the motorhome / enclosed trailer setup would be better. Leave the dirt toys at home and be able to squeeze into "normal" camping places, like the beach or state parks

This is an unlikely scenario, but worth considering. The motorhome and 20' trailer combo puts your valuable toys in a bumper pull trailer that's susceptible to theft. It's been proven time and again on RDP that trailers get stolen and emptied.

If you purchase a 5th wheel toy hauler, that reduces the criminal field to someone with a compatible hitch, a 3/4 or 1 ton dually, and the skill to pull it.

The 20 footer looks just like every other white box trailer on the road, and blends in. The 5th wheel, not so much. You can leave the 5th wheel at a park campsite all hooked up with electricity, water and sewer, chairs and a table out. People are going to notice an attempt to steal it.

If you leave the 20' trailer at the same place and drive away in the motor home for the evening, it's a perfect opportunity to steal it. It takes a couple of minutes to defeat chains and locks. The trailer can also be swiped at your house or any other place by anyone with a pickup or SUV.

It's unlikely a trailer would be ripped off as I described, if you take reasonable precautions and stick to them. I have a friend that installed a high end auto theft alarm on his trailer. A rooftop solar panel recharges the battery. If anyone tries to pinch the trailer, the alarm goes off. He put door switches on all of the openings too.

He also bought a parking boot and puts it on one of the wheels whenever the trailer is unhooked.

Just some things to consider.

 

[Done-it-again]

Thank you.

I would look at Genesis and Attitude and I would go through Rawley White. The drive to AZ would be worth it. They both have between 34 and 38 that will fit a 4 seater. I would also really consider a Cyclone.

I look on that site all the time. Just need to reach out and see what models would fit the can am. Our last rig was a 4012 cyclone. Those are built trailers, heavy as all hell.

 

[rrrr]

We got rid of our 37' Attitude bumper pull and ordered a new Attitude 5th wheel 35GSG +3. 42.5' overall length with 17' for toys. We will have this for a while. We got it with the off the grid package which will run the entire coach off of a battery bank that is charged by a roof full of solar panels. We should be getting it in the next 2 to 3 weeks. We don't plan on doing national parks etc. If we do there will be way around it. This is identical to what we ordered as far as options and colors. It also has the Onan 7KW generator to run all 3 ACs at once.

Just like with a gun safe, go bigger than you think you need. View attachment 708679 View attachment 708680 View attachment 708681 View attachment 708682

I love the interior, shown in your photo taken from the front of the trailer. That's awesome.

Having three A/C units and a 7 kW generator is one of the best setups a wife could think of.