Towing question

[tandersoAB]

Is there any difference, from a towing perspective, towing a 5500lb 25 ft trailer vs a 5500 28 ft trailer?

[Bill M.]

Maybe a little. The 28 will probably have more rear overhang and thus less ground clearance. The 28 will be easier to back. The 28 might be a little more subject to truck bow waves and to sway. I have never pulled a 28. I have pulled a 25 and a 32 of the same year and model and my observations above were true. I had to run heavier WD bars on the 32 but it weighed more than the 25 so not exactly the same as your question of them with the same weight.

[s1000pre]

You’ll need 3 more feet when parallel parking!

[Hans627]

I've noticed no appreciable difference between a 25' and 27' (which actually measures almost 28').

[Daquenzer]

I have a friend that tows a 25’ SOB. I tow a 28’. We both have basically the same pickups. He does not have a good hitch set up and gets a lot of sway. I have a good hitch set up and get no sway. I tell him he needs to get a better hitch set up. And he realizes that, but has to spend the money. Honestly it is all about how that thing is hitched and dialed in. Maybe the single most important thing is the hitch. If you scimp on the hitch it will be miserable with both. If you get a good hitch set up you will not notice the difference accept in backing up.

[mpsgolf]

Ive owned a 25’ (7000 gw) now a 28’ (7600 gw). I can tell little difference.
Im sure turning radius is a little less but its never given me issues.
I cant tell a difference backing even though its longer.
If someone didn’t tell you which was back there I doubt you’d be able to determine which it was.
19 to 28 may be a different story but 25 to 28 little if any.

[MMCMRET]

Originally Posted by tandersoAB

Is there any difference, from a towing perspective, towing a 5500lb 25 ft trailer vs a 5500 28 ft trailer?

My previous AS was a 28'. I now have a 25' The differences I have noticed are: (a) I don't need to turn as wide; (b) Easier to change lanes in traffic; and (c) Backing into spots was a little different for the first few times. Really not much of a difference.

I hope this helped.

[BayouBiker]

Yes there is a difference. The longer trailer will have greater inertial moment for the same tongue weight. In other words, the Center of Gravity of the trailer will be 12% further forward of the axles. The resulting inertia (~12%) must be managed by the tow vehicle rear axle on corners. So, the longer trailer puts about 12% more lateral force on the rear tires. If the tow vehicle is large enough and heavy enough, it can handle the extra demand. If it is not, the trailer will push the rear of the tow vehicle out and the combination will now be unstable in sway and will also be at risk of oversteer and jackknife resulting in rollover.

[Daquenzer]

Don’t over think this. If you do you’ll be too scared to tow anything.

[wulfraat]

No perceived difference if weight is the same. Airstreams tow great with a low center of gravity.

And I agree don’t over think this.