Is my motivation for the 5.0 correct?

[breeves2245]

I have put about 10k+ miles on two different travel trailers in the past few years, so I have some experience to draw upon. One a 27', the other 21'.

Very familiar with proper weight distribution, weight distribution hitches, etc.

Tow vehicle for the 27' trailer at 6,200 GVWR a Ram 2500 w/ 4,100 payload and 17k towing capacity. TV for the 21' at 4,900 GVWR , a Ram 1500 with 1,881 payload, 8,500 towing. So well below both TV capacities. That's the way I like it.

Those trailers have been sold. Next up is the 5.0.

My first two decision filters among many for a new trailer are:
1) Towability
2) Interior layout

I really like the idea of 3-4' of the 5.0 length is in my truck bed so I'm effectively towing 17-18'. Plus from what I've read, the tongue weight being directly over the rear truck axles, makes for better towing.

I will be using my Ram 1500 for the 5.0.

The question I would like to get answered from this group that has towed both a travel trailer and the 5.0. Is the 5.0 substantially a more pleasant towing experience vs the travel trailer? I know, a lot of variables, but in general.

 

[occer]

5th wheel trailers track very well compared to a travel trailer. It’s easy to get going faster especially in the curves with a 5th wheel so you need to be careful not to get going to fast. But light weight travel trailer tow pretty well so all of the Escape trailers are a pleasure towing.

Another concern with a 5th wheel is clearance over the rail. You need to be careful when Entering and Exiting drive ways.

 

[GinoandLinda]

The short answer is a resounding YES! While I haven’t towed a 27’ trailer, I have towed 22’ and 21’ bumper pulls. The 5.0 is by far, easier to hook up and tow. Plus, by virtue of its fifth wheel design, easier to back up and wedge into smaller spaces. I tow with an F150 so your Ram 1500 should have no issue as long as payload capacity is there.

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Tow vehicle for the 27' trailer at 6,200 GVWR a Ram 2500 w/ 4,100 payload and 17k towing capacity. TV for the 21' at 4,900 GVWR , a Ram 1500 with 1,881 payload, 8,500 towing.

Just to ask, are you sure you are listing the GVWR's of your two vehicles? The GVWR for my F150 is 7,150 lbs is the reason I'm asking. I would quite surprised that my F150 has a higher GVWR than your Ram 2500 with a 4,100 lb payload capacity. My curb weight of my F150 is 5,400 lbs, which seems more in line with what you are listing for your GVWR. Is there any chance you are listing the Curb Weight rather than the GVWR?

GVWR = Payload + Curb weight

That would mean your Ram 2500 has a curb weight of 2,100 lbs. My F150 is twice that.

 

[breeves2245]

GVWR of the two travel trailers.

 

[DanandDaphne]

These are all the reasons that we chose the 5.0. Shorter total length of trailer and TV, more stable towing, and we like the floorplan with the permanent queen bed without the crawl over like the 19. It really is a fantastic tow, I have towed quite a few standard trailers but never another Escape so I don't have a direct comparison but it tows like a dream. For us the answer is definitely yes much better.

Your 1500s specs are great for the 5.0 1,881 pounds payload is really good for a half ton truck.

It's also a bit different backing but easy to get used to, and it cuts corners tighter so you have to be aware of that and swing a little bit wider than you would with a bumper pull of the same size.

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

GVWR of the two travel trailers.

What's that saying about opening your mouth and removing all doubt ... my sincerest apologies for misreading your post.

 

[SkipperClyde]

We owned a 17’ Casita. Now own a 5.0 with a new one on the way. The 5.0 and truck total length is shorter than the 17’. Much more maneuverable and easy to get in and out of gas station with tight pump space, like Murphy USA. While backing I can jackknife the 5.0 beyond 90 degrees and making U turns are a breeze. My wife does half the driving and the shorter length and maneuverability make towing easy for both of us.

 

[BritCanuck]

We owned a 17’ Casita. Now own a 5.0 with a new one on the way. The 5.0 and truck total length is shorter than the 17’. Much more maneuverable and easy to get in and out of gas station with tight pump space, like Murphy USA. While backing I can jackknife the 5.0 beyond 90 degrees and making U turns are a breeze. My wife does half the driving and the shorter length and maneuverability make towing easy for both of us.

Must admit I don't like jack knifing. I've done it a few times unintentionally. Usually means the trailers wheels aren't actually turning, you're just rotating the trailer on the spot and putting stress on the wheels/axle.

 

[SkipperClyde]

Must admit I don't like jack knifing. I've done it a few times unintentionally. Usually means the trailers wheels aren't actually turning, you're just rotating the trailer on the spot and putting stress on the wheels/axle.

Your correct. But when you have to do it, you can. It can get you in and out of some tricky situations.