Help a noob out guys

[DFurman]

Looking at campers. Its down to a 1999 27.5 Prowler fifth wheel with slide out or a 2002 Coachman Spirit Of America 24' Travel Trailer (no slide out). Im leaning twords the fifth wheel since they are both the same cost and the fifth wheel boast room for my little youngins playpen and whatnot. I have a 2004 F-350 4x4 SRW. I have no clue what i need on the truck for towing this bugger. I know i need a hitch, my truck is a short bed with a toolbox in the front. The guy says it comes with a hitch that goes in on the tracks. Ill get the info and post it for those of you whom might know which model he is talking about. Also Do I need to have a plug installed in the bed or can i just run the harness down and plug it under my bumper. I allready have elec. brake booster installed in truck. Thanks much fellows.

Doug

[Logan]

Doug, get the 5er. I think you will be happier with it in the long run. It will pull better and be a little easier to get around with. Also, more room is always a plus. You can use the plug you already have. A sliding hitch maybe what you want since you have a short bed and it may get a little tight on those short radius turns if it is close to the cab. Good luck with it buddy.

[pipelayerjdh]

I'd go with the 5th wheel also, because of the slide. You will always want more room. Get the sliding hitch and have fun!

[sea71]

I have to remove my toolbox when I hook up to my fiver cause the box and the camper are the same height above the bedrails, and will touch in a turn. If the camper has an extended pinbox, you wont need a slider unless its personal preference. I dont run one and have had mine rather tight in turns with no problems. Also, when we got our camper from the previous owner, he gave us a fifth wheel hitch that had the slide in tracks. Do yourself a favor when ya can, and go ahead and get a newer style hitch with the new style rails. MUCH LESS HEADACHE!! Congrats on the camper. Have fun with it!!

[Strõkër~X]

more room is a def a plus, just like the ol' crew cab!

[dieseldan2005]

I'd get the 5th cause if you have toys and like to trailer them around you can always pull doubles. You can pull a boat or atv trailer behind your camper, but only if you have a 5th wheel. At least thats how it is in MN. Plus i think the biggest 5th you can get would be a 28ft if you want to tow doubles in the state of MN. Just my Good luck

[DFurman]

guy says it comes with standard reese 18k fifth wheel hitch.

[cptpablo]

Go with the fifth wheel. This is my third. and on The weekends in cali I can blast by the guys with trailers, and alot more powerful rigs than mine.
but when I pass them doing 75+ they get all white nuckled and start swaying.
Also I dont need my pretty wifes help to hook up.
I can hook up and pull out of the driveway in 5 min flat.
P.M. me if you need wiring help.
Pablo

[kab716]

Go with the 5er. It is much easier to tow and you can have more weight inside with the 5er vs TT. I have a 30' TT and have to make sure that we don't over pack for a mountain run in North GA. Check your state laws b/c double tow is illegal in GA. I would bet AL is the same.

Good call someone on the sliding hitch. It also makes things easier to park with the slider. But, even without it, 5er is easier to manipulate than a TT.

Have fun camping. My fam loves it and we go 1-2/month average.

Make sure you check for roof leaks!!!!

[Blue01F250]

I would just have the person that installs the 5th wheel hitch in the bed to also install a plug in the bed. its a pain to drape the trailers plug down over the tailgate and keep it from dragging on the ground. My f150 pulled the 5er okay, but now the f250 pulls it GREAT and the round plug in the bed is awesome!

Oh, and get the 5th wheel - you will want one with a slide if you end up going with one without!!! And you shouldn't need a sliding hitch with a short bed - I don't have one, but my trailer has the pin box extension on it..