5th Wheels and slides

Yesterday it was brought to my attention that I had neglected 5th Wheels as a RVing choice.

I haven't entirely ruled out 5th Wheels its just that small 5th Wheels are hard to find and quality ones that are affordable, even harder to find.

The advantage of a Fifth Wheel is they are less susceptible to jack-knifing and sway as a trailer because the hitch is in the truck bed and for this reason also, they are not as long going down the road.
They are generally easier to back up.
They are more expensive than a Trailer but more popular because they generally have more room.
Most should be pulled with Medium Duty Trucks (MDTs) or Heavy Duty Trucks (HDTs).

Because I want to stay with a 1/2 ton truck and I wanted something smaller I decided against the Fifth Wheel unless its a 19ft Scamp 5th wheel, which can be pulled with a 1/2 ton truck

There are some very good hitches for TTs that all but eliminate sway and jack knifing problems, Reese dual cam and Hensley among them.

There is some good information on the pros and cons of each type of RV, Class A, Class C, Fifth wheels and TTs here http://www.rv-dreams.com/type-of-rv.html

Ok now about slides

I have stated I don't want a slide
Why?

The disadvantages are:
1. Safety. To make a slide you need to cut a big old hole in the RV. I think this has a impact on the integrity of the coach or camper.
2. Mechanical part(s)that can be a problem. I have heard of campers who had their slide stuck open and had to drive that way to get it fixed!
3. Some older campgrounds may not be able to accommodate the additional space to have your slide out
4. More weight to your axles, chassis, and tow vehicle. You may also give up some basement storage room.

Now just to be "fair and balanced" the pros of a slide

1. The obvious, more interior space
2. More interior space

Some of the newer rigs have 3 or 4 slides!

However a word of *CAUTION* here. Before you buy, make sure that you know the brand and if the chassis can safely accommodate multiple slides.

Also have the RV salesman or owner operate the slide for you.
Pay attention to where the slide is located
Will it be hard to access storage, light switches etc when slide is in or out?

Slides are very popular now so everyone jumps on the bandwagon. So be sure that if you want a slide, its where a slide should be to be comfortable, livable and that the size and chassis of your coach or camper can safely handle one

Joanie
RV Wanna-be
Maddie the Wonderdog

"See the USA in your Chevrolet!"
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/tv/dinah-shore.htm


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