Any buyers remorse. Pain to own or pull

Jas1234on · 11-05-2016, 12:23 PM

I am deciding between a keystone carbon 357 or similar size fifth wheel toy hauler. This will be my biggest camper. I have a 2016 3500 8ft box crew cab srw duramax. 4000 payload 17,200 fith wheel capacity

The intent is to take long weekend trips. They could consist of Atv trips or just camping in random state parks.

Does anyone feel after they purchased....it's to much of a pain to hook up and go? Or to stressful to travel with?

Any advise would be great!! Thanks

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GaryWT · 11-05-2016, 04:02 PM

We have a 35 foot TT. I love towing it. Easy to hookup. We do 2 night or 3 night weekends for the most part. Also did 2 different weeks this year. We were out every weekend but 2 from May 1 to mid Oct. never a problem getting on the road.

roadglide · 11-05-2016, 04:27 PM

There big and some what hard to get into many state parks , I do it all the time pushing my luck. The up side you can go place where most class A would never go. Im looking at Class A but something small ,rommy diesel with some ground clearance with no luck.

m&m · 11-05-2016, 04:44 PM

We camped for years with a TT 27', 36' ( towed great )and now have a 40' 5th. The larger the toy the fewer the sites. Wife wanted more room for the loooooooog trips. Only regrets is loosing some of our old parks. Had to buy a Truck to pull this thing. Looking at 5-6 months out at a time. Loving life with the new toys.
MHO do it and enjoy.

**JRTJH** · 11-05-2016, 05:21 PM

We have had trailers or motorhomes since the early 70's. About 1994 we decided that we wanted to try a different vacation lifestyle, so we sold the motorhome and started flying to vacation sites, staying a week at a time in hotels/resorts and flying back home. It was "different" for a while, but we found that we missed being able to pop a bag of popcorn, fix a late night snack, sleep in our own bed and not listen to the drunks in the hallway at 2AM, so after a year or so of that kind of "leisure activity" we bought another trailer and probably won't give it up until the kids (or the court) make us also give up our driver's license.

So, as for "buyer's remorse", ours wasn't when buying an RV, but when we sold it and realized what we were missing.

gearhead · 11-05-2016, 05:26 PM

Yeah, I have spoiled my wife with all the room for storage and the comfort. I'm not a fan of RV parks at all. State Parks, COE parks, or national parks are my idea of "camping". Some state parks and national parks have very few spots that I fit.
I wish I had a smaller 5th with higher quality. I've looked at Northwoods on their website, but not sure they are any better. Smaller and high quality don't seem to go together.
I really like my recently acquired cabover but the DW is not fond of it.

**sourdough** · 11-05-2016, 06:23 PM

You have another post inquiring about your truck vs the 357. THAT will be the issue about not having fun towing....if you overload yourself.

We've had various RVs for the last 37 years. Took time off from them to do the condo, hotel route to do away with what we thought was the "work" of doing the RV. We are now back to the RV and love it. As John mentioned, there are lots of downsides to going places without your own "house". We always loved going to the San Luis resort in Galveston. Always stayed on the VIP floor at the top, until....took the grandgirls with us and going into our room you would choke on the smell of weed. I complained to the front desk and was told....it IS the VIP level. I've not been back since....and bought a new RV.

Regrets? None. Fit your truck to your RV, pay attention to details and do your maintenance. After that it's just....have fun!

Jas1234on · 11-05-2016, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

You have another post inquiring about your truck vs the 357. THAT will be the issue about not having fun towing....if you overload yourself.

We've had various RVs for the last 37 years. Took time off from them to do the condo, hotel route to do away with what we thought was the "work" of doing the RV. We are now back to the RV and love it. As John mentioned, there are lots of downsides to going places without your own "house". We always loved going to the San Luis resort in Galveston. Always stayed on the VIP floor at the top, until....took the grandgirls with us and going into our room you would choke on the smell of weed. I complained to the front desk and was told....it IS the VIP level. I've not been back since....and bought a new RV.

Regrets? None. Fit your truck to your RV, pay attention to details and do your maintenance. After that it's just....have fun!

Agree. I need to find a manufacturer that has a fifth wheel toy hauler that I can accommodate. Does not look like much out there. Will keep looking. Glad to hear all the great experiences. Thanks everyone for the feedback!!

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busterbrown · 11-05-2016, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas1234on

They could consist of Atv trips or just camping in random state parks.

Does anyone feel after they purchased....it's to much of a pain to hook up and go? Or to stressful to travel with?

As big as these TH 5th wheels can get, you might have regrets when traveling into many (if not most) state parks. The parks are just not set up for towering, extended length trailers.

As first time buyers, this was our first RV season ever. A 2 slide, 35 foot travel trailer was required for our growing family. We could have gone bigger, higher, heavier, etc, etc. In rectrospect, I'm glad we didn't. Most of the camping that we like to do are at Michigan state parks for long weekends.

Moving a 15K lb, 40 foot, 13' tall TH in and out of camping sites within parks along the western coast of Michigan would take some crafty maneuvering and blessings from above. I couldn't even fathom backing into a site in Ludington SP, one of Michigan's splendid parks. Our short height (10'8") trailer took some encouragement to park it successful, like 30 minutes worth. We saw a few 5th wheels, but none longer than ours. Remember, on top of the RV's length, its height can be just as prohibited.

Good luck in your new trailer purchase. Just be aware that state parks are not as friendly to those large units as private RV properties may be. Just depends what your objectives are.

Jas1234on · 11-05-2016, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busterbrown

As big as these TH 5th wheels can get, you might have regrets when traveling into many (if not most) state parks. The parks are just not set up for towering, extended length trailers.

As first time buyers, this was our first RV season ever. A 2 slide, 35 foot travel trailer was required for our growing family. We could have gone bigger, higher, heavier, etc, etc. In rectrospect, I'm glad we didn't. Most of the camping that we like to do are at Michigan state parks for long weekends.

Moving a 15K lb, 40 foot, 13' tall TH in and out of camping sites within parks along the western coast of Michigan would take some crafty maneuvering and blessings from above. I couldn't even fathom backing into a site in Ludington SP, one of Michigan's splendid parks. Our short height (10'8") trailer took some encouragement to park it successful, like 30 minutes worth. We saw a few 5th wheels, but none longer than ours. Remember, on top of the RV's length, its height can be just as prohibited.

Good luck in your new trailer purchase. Just be aware that state parks are not as friendly to those large units as private RV properties may be. Just depends what your objectives are.

Good info! I just wanted to get fifth wheel considering how well they tow. Would like a toy hauler for our side by side. The combination of the 2 = big heavy. Lol. I will keep searching.

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roadglide · 11-05-2016, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas1234on

Good info! I just wanted to get fifth wheel considering how well they tow. Would like a toy hauler for our side by side. The combination of the 2 = big heavy. Lol. I will keep searching.

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At the time I got the smallest TH fifver Keystone made . I seen where they make a quality 28 ft toy hauler.

mfifield01 · 11-06-2016, 06:23 AM

I think the size depends on where you camp. I agree with an earlier statement about RV parks, I prefer state parks. I find that I just barely fit into sites. I'm just under 32'. Most of the time I hang the back off over the grass/parking block. I would like a smaller TT, but my family wouldn't fit.

2Savages · 11-06-2016, 07:59 AM

I have a 40ft Fiver as a first timer from a smaller motorhome. I spend considerable time trying to preview campgrounds to get into. I had 3 sites at a KOA before I could park and will not try to go to National Parks because of low clearances for bridges or no way to turn around. I've had a run in with a tree scraping my decals and had to reconnect to get enough room to open slides between trees. A 40ft rig is more a full time adventure and not so much for the weekend and short vacations. A lot of expense to tow and come back for short trips. Probably could handle 32 to 36 footer better for what we do.

Jas1234on · 11-06-2016, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Savages

I have a 40ft Fiver as a first timer from a smaller motorhome. I spend considerable time trying to preview campgrounds to get into. I had 3 sites at a KOA before I could park and will not try to go to National Parks because of low clearances for bridges or no way to turn around. I've had a run in with a tree scraping my decals and had to reconnect to get enough room to open slides between trees. A 40ft rig is more a full time adventure and not so much for the weekend and short vacations. A lot of expense to tow and come back for short trips. Probably could handle 32 to 36 footer better for what we do.

So if NP and ST is where we look to go then bumper pull is better. Lower / smaller. Say a 32-35 footer? Only issue I a very worried about is easy of tow. Sway and other. Fiver seems easier.

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ctbruce · 11-06-2016, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas1234on

So if NP and ST is where we look to go then bumper pull is better. Lower / smaller. Say a 32-35 footer? Only issue I a very worried about is easy of tow. Sway and other. Fiver seems easier.

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I have a 36 foot Impact bumper pull. We like it a lot and have not had an issue with length at the state parks we have been in. We like full hook ups, so we didn't even consider a NP when we went to Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore this summer. This was a good fit for us and has a 12 foot garage area. I've been pleased with how it tows. I don't have experience with a 5th wheel yet to give you a comparison. Tour truck would be enough for the truck you have. A bumper pull is not necessarily a downgrade or harder. You'd have to decide that for yourself.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2015 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ
WELL....THAT WAS FUN!

mfifield01 · 11-06-2016, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas1234on

So if NP and ST is where we look to go then bumper pull is better. Lower / smaller. Say a 32-35 footer? Only issue I a very worried about is easy of tow. Sway and other. Fiver seems easier.

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I would go with 30' or less for NP and SP.

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busterbrown · 11-06-2016, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas1234on

Only issue I a very worried about is easy of tow. Sway and other. Fiver seems easier.

Take a look at the Propride and Hensley Arrow hitches. These hitches "eliminate" trailer sway by the inherent design, unlike all other sway control hitches that just "react to" or "reduce" sway. Both are substantially more expensive than the Equalizer's, Blue Ox's, Reese's Dual Cam, and Husky's. But what you get is a trailer that pulls like a 5th wheel. If you pair it with a tow hauler in the form factor of a pull behind (check out the Impact line-up), your 1 ton will pull it like it wasn't even there.

rnkburg · 11-06-2016, 11:16 AM

I have the 300mp raptor. It's 36 ft. Yes you have to be aware of the campsites you choose. It if you are going to the same ones over an over then you know which to get and which to stay away from. I would also be aware of the garage size with a sxs. My raptor has a 10ft garage and certain sxs won't fit in there even the two seat ones. Make sure you load the sxs before you buy!

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**sourdough** · 11-06-2016, 04:04 PM

With a good hitch your 1 ton will tow a bumper pull without any issues at all. If you are wanting to stay in NP and SP, smaller is better.

Pick out some/all of the parks you think you want to visit and pull up their websites or call them to see what fits. 35' can get really tight and 30-32' would probably be better. Then again, you have to be able to fit the family and have the amenities you want as well. All of it, truck/trailer/camping is a balancing act.

Jas1234on · 11-06-2016, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busterbrown

Take a look at the Propride and Hensley Arrow hitches. These hitches "eliminate" trailer sway by the inherent design, unlike all other sway control hitches that just "react to" or "reduce" sway. Both are substantially more expensive than the Equalizer's, Blue Ox's, Reese's Dual Cam, and Husky's. But what you get is a trailer that pulls like a 5th wheel. If you pair it with a tow hauler in the form factor of a pull behind (check out the Impact line-up), your 1 ton will pull it like it wasn't even there.

Thanks I have seen these. No experience on how good...but I can't stand trailer sway. Not fun at all.

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