5th Wheel Trailer / Caravan - Pros and Cons ?

5th Wheel Trailer / Caravan - Pros and Cons ?

Author
Discussion

GreatGranny

9,128 posts

226 months

Monday 21st November 2011
quotequote all
redgriff500 said:
A signwritten work van is precisely what many won't accept.

BUT I went to a campsite with a lake near Twekesbury and they allowed vans on.

Have to say there were no problems.

Most van drivers are like most car drivers.
Thats why. Seriously alot of people in the trade (ie. using vans) also fish and its an ideal way to go on your hols and get some fishing done.

Some caravan club sites have length and width limts but this is just because of space limitations and the nature of the roads on approach to the site and the entrance.

Won't there be a problem fitting 4 kids in the crewcab as well as you and the wife?

Just checked the DVLA site the max. width is now 2.55m and 7m length if towed with vehicle less than 3.5t.

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Monday 21st November 2011
quotequote all
GreatGranny said:
Just checked the DVLA site the max. width is now 2.55m and 7m length if towed with vehicle less than 3.5t.
Yes I'm not sure about the length limits.

I called a seller of 5th wheel units and he said the length doesn't apply to 5th wheel units only drawbars.

I haven't been able to confirm this.

icepop

1,177 posts

207 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
My neighbour has a 2004 Navara, and he used that, legally, to tow his 23ft, 5th wheel, it has a towing capacity of 2.5 tonne. He has changed to the 27ft rig, and is looking to upgrade the Navara to something that will legally tow the 27ft rig, at 3 tonne, something like the newer Mitsubishi.

No issue, re 5th wheel, MOT time time, don't know where that info has come from, but disregard it. If imported then obviously all work to comply, whatever that is, will have been carried out. Why would you buy one without that assurance ? !!! It's from a reputable dealer.

He has had no problems, whatsoever, camping where ever he has gone, around the country, so there is no issue there. In fact I wouldn't give anyone a second look if they objected, plenty of other more accomodating places around.

Forget the mega-expensive Motorhome route, especially if you need room. The BIG caravan route is also fraught with problems. Go with the 4 cab/5th wheel option, far beter equipped, far better value, and far better to drive/park. Electric extensions/electric self levelling feet, luxury. Just need, in most cases, to get along with using a 4 cab as your everyday car. Unless you are lucky enough to be able to afford two motors. If so, no-brainer.

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
Ok - some of you convinced me.

Bought it.


16v stretch

976 posts

157 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
Word of advice, join the caravan club and get the mayday breakdown cover.

After dealing with a navara/fifth wheel combo breakdown in Scotland, I'd hate to have to pay for that!

Greg_D

6,542 posts

246 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
ding a ling ding ding ding ding ding ding

Did you buy a rocking chair and a shotgun to go with that!!!! wink

in all seriousness, you get a lot of space for your money, would it be too vulgar to enquire as to how much something like that would go for?

if you need to camp away, you may as well be comfortable, does it have pop out sides?

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
That is good advice it had concerned me but I saw on various forums that the AA / RAC are equipped to deal with them (although I guess there aren't many vehicles in their fleets)

Greg I'll tell you at one of the MX5 nights, you'll be wanting one with a garage for your track meets !

Greg_D

6,542 posts

246 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
Bloody hell, hello mark. Had no idea you were on here

i haven't seen you for a couple of months, you keeping alright?

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
Greg_D said:
Bloody hell, hello mark. Had no idea you were on here

i haven't seen you for a couple of months, you keeping alright?
Yes you did - you'd just forgotten.

Trying to get my house built and failing miserably as I keep posting on here and buying things I don't really need !

wink


Big Rod

6,199 posts

216 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
That's awesome! I've fancied one of these for a looooong time.

If you don't mind, could you give me a ballpark of what that little lot set you back?

Jem0911

4,415 posts

201 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
The American 5th wheel option appeals to me based on layout options.
I really want a fixed double bed and fixed bunks.
No UK caravan offers me that.

OP please keep us informed on the "useability" of the rig?

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
Basically I only bought it as it was cheap.

I wasn't actually looking for one but stumbled across the ad.

From what I've seen 5th wheel trailers start at £5k then later / UK ones £10-15k and new ones are £22-50k.

Greg D will no doubt buy a £50k one with a £20k truck to pull it.

I looked at caravans but they didn't offer the space my tent does and they are more likely to get stolen.






Shaw Tarse

31,543 posts

203 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all

How long is the rig?

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
28ft long 8'4" wide plus it has a "slide out" lounge .

I've only towed a car trailer before...

How hard can it be ?















Actually I'm a bit worried that it could be a very steep learning curve.

Greg_D

6,542 posts

246 months

Tuesday 22nd November 2011
quotequote all
don't worry about it, at the most you will need someone to guide you into a pitch @ the campsite, other than that, you will just drag it like you would any other trailer.

you'll be fine

Big Rod

6,199 posts

216 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2011
quotequote all
I reckon it'll be considerably easier and more stable to tow than a caravan.

I'll look forward to your updates on how you get on with it.

redgriff500

Original Poster:

26,870 posts

263 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2011
quotequote all
Well I'm collecting it Saturday and am intending to overnight in it Sat night.

So if there's a For Sale Post on Sunday you'll know I didn't like it !


GreatGranny

9,128 posts

226 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2011
quotequote all
Can't see the picture due to dam work restrictions, have you a link?

28ft is a big rig and being over 8' wide will mean that some sites can't accommodate you but there are pleanty that can.

What is the actual length out the back? Must be 20'?

I've towed a 18.5ft caravan for the last 8 years and it does take a bit of getting used to.

Just take your time, leave plenty of room especially on turns and fit a set of towing mirrors. Get these before you pick it up. Don't get too cocky, thats when you come a cropper.

Oh and it will drink juice like its going out of fashion.

Definately join the caravan club together with their breakdown cover. Their facilities are very good and the back up is worthwhile if you have any difficulties.

Also get it insured. Caravan Club are expensive so shop around.

If you go this weekend I hope its got decent heating!

Garlick

40,601 posts

240 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2011
quotequote all
redgriff500 said:
Ok - some of you convinced me.

Bought it.

Love it. Congratulations smile

gtdc

4,259 posts

283 months

Thursday 24th November 2011
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Have had one for 5 years. Never had a problem and wouldn't change it for anything else. Great bits of kit.