How to Choose Between a Bumper Hitch or Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer

If you're shopping for a travel trailer you may be wondering what the pros and cons of a bumper hitch vs. a fifth wheel trailer are.

Instructions

1

"Fifth Wheel" trailers refer to ones that have a goose neck shaped front that connects to a fifth wheel or turntable type hitch in the middle of a pickup bed. Bumper hitch models connect to a ball on your truck's bumper.
Your current bumper may not be strong enough so check with your trailer dealer and see if its rating is high enough for the amount of tongue weight you are considering towing. Also, for either kind of hitch make sure your vehicle is rated to tow that weight.

2

Fifth wheels are the choice of most serious RV'ers because of better turning radius, the fact that weight is more evenly distributed on your vehicle rather than all on the back (providing better stability) and for smoother towing.
The swiveling hitch used by fifth wheel trailers absorbs some of the shock from bumps and prolongs trailer frame life.

3

Bumper hitch models are popular with lighter trailers that are used less often. The ease of hooking one up, combined with the fact that you do not loose any space in the back of your bed as well as the shorter length of a bumper hitch trailer make them a popular choice.
For serious, or full time RV life in a trailer over 30 feet long the choice is clear, a Fifth Wheel type model is much more practical and you will be able to get out of situations in tight parking lots where a bumper hitch model could not.
Many people recommend having a full sized pickup bed (8 feet) this allows for a simpler setup with a larger turning radius. Shorter beds may require a "super slider" for tight spots that permits the fifth wheel to be temporarily moved up or back in the bed for a tighter turn.
When choosing either type make sure you have a professional dealer install the hitch and check all bolts after the first few uses since they tend to loosen.
Some fifth wheel users have opted to convert their fifth wheel trailers to a "gooseneck" hitch which is typically used with work and livestock hauling trailers. The advantage of this hitch is that it has one simple button type ball in the middle of the bed that does not take up much room and in some cases can be reversed or removed easily when not in use.
There are many opinions about whether gooseneck hitches are suitable for RV's with concern by some about stress on the frame. Other users claim they have used them for years with no adverse effects so do your own research before choosing to convert a fifth wheel to a gooseneck.