Trailer vs 5th Wheel

[chumleys_mom]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I can't find it in the Archives: I've had experience driving a 26' motorhome, but am considering full timing and want to do it in a trailer. It's been recommended that I get a 5th Wheel--which I understand are rare as hen's teeth in Air Streams--because I'm told 5th's are easier to maneuver, MUCH easier to hitch up and less likely to have "typical" trailer problems while driving down the hwy (sway, etc.,).

That said, I'm still very drawn to the quality of Air Streams, especially the "vintage" models.

So please tell me the pros and cons for a single woman being able to hitch up, pull (with a 1 ton diesel pickup) and control a 29' (or so) Air Stream on the highway.

thanks,
JD

[Barbara Peerenboom]

Welcome to the forum!
Yes, women can go it alone with an Airstream.
Check out Hunter Hampton's web site;
http://members.aol.com/airstm2268/excella.htm

You go girl!

Barb

[eubank]

Originally Posted by chumleys_mom

I'm told 5th's are easier to maneuver

This seems a little odd. Fifth-wheels and travel trailers maneuver differently, but one would be hard pressed to find absolute superiority in either.

, MUCH easier to hitch up

Again, this is a matter of observing differences between the two, not of superiority. Neither is very hard to hitch/unhitch, but they're a lot different from one another.

and less likely to have "typical" trailer problems while driving down the hwy (sway, etc.,).

Yes, I will give it to the fifth-wheel that it is generally less prone to sway on the highway when compared to a travel trailer that is pulled only with a simple ball. However, without a great deal of expense or difficulty, you can find more specialized hitching devices for the travel trailer that make it a great deal more stable.


Lynn

[Barbara Peerenboom]

Just noticed that there is a fifth wheel up for auction on EBay.

[chumleys_mom]

Does anyone here have an AS 5th wheel? Did you have a regular AS trailer before; if so, how do the two compare? What's the layout?....is the living room larger or are there just two bedrooms?

[LTD30]

You could buy/install a Pullrite hitch.No sway,works like a 5th wheel hitch.

[overlander64]

Greetings JD!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by chumleys_mom

That said, I'm still very drawn to the quality of Air Streams, especially the "vintage" models.

So please tell me the pros and cons for a single woman being able to hitch up, pull (with a 1 ton diesel pickup) and control a 29' (or so) Air Stream on the highway.

thanks,
JD

Don't let the fact that you are single (Free Wheeler in WBCCI terminology) deter you from considering a trailer. There are a number of devices that make hitching a trailer a cinch even for those of us towing solo. To make hitching easy - - there are at least two hook-up mirrors that make the hitching process VERY EASY. The one that I use is:

The Hitch Spotter - - Trailer Hook-Up Mirror

If I were purchasing a new mirror and had only one coach, I would be very likely to purchase:

One-Shot - - Trailer Hook-Up Mirror

There are also a number of other devices that can be very useful to the Free Wheeler, and the WBCCI Free Wheelers Intra-Club is a good source of this information.

I can't add much in regard to the fifth-wheel vs. travel trailer as I eliminated fifth wheels from consideration when I realized that I hated driving my first and only pickup - - a 1995 Chevrolet Z71 Pickup purchased new with the heavy duty trailer towing package to tow my '64 Overlander International.

Good luck with your research!

Kevin

[GStephens]

I had a discussion with mtrailink2 on chat night 2-3 weeks ago. At that time he was considering selling his Airstream 5th wheel. Then about a week or so ago, he posted pics of his trailer and posted that he had decided to sell the trailer. You can find photos at the folowing link: http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...when=&whenterm=

I think I remember he wanted $25,000 for the unit. In any case, I understand that these trailers were only made in 1989. They are very rare. There are only a very, very few of these units out there and this one looks to be in great condition. I understand that mtrailink2 and the trailer are in Montana right now. mtrailink2 has just finished building a summer home there.

Do a search on mtrailink2.

GStephens