Is there a difference between the weight of a 25' bumper pull trailer and a 25' 5th wheel.

Thanks

 

Typically yes - - the fiver will normally be heavier. Obviously you must be comparing apples to apples. The fiver is higher, usually has larger tanks, stores more "stuff" in the storage areas, plus heavier frame around the front. This usually results in a heavier unit, plus more GCWR to handle the increased liquids and storage.

Bob

 

But, I went from a 31ft TT to a 35ft 8in 5th wheel, and when Im towing I get right around the same MPG and the 5th wheel tows way nicer, and is a couple of thousand pounds heavier. But like 5verBob say equal length, equal slides, the 5th wheel will be heavier.

 

its where the weight is distributed that makes the difference when towing. 5th is in front of rear axle while bp is dragging the but down.

 

Also the trailer is closer to the truck, so the aerodynamics should be a little better even if the new trailer is taller.

 

You actually need to look at the manufacturer's specs for the unit you want but 5er's are usually heavier. The plus is that like others have said, they tow much better.

 

Wind resistance has a much greater effect on mileage than weight does.

I have a friend that used to tow a 35' 5er with an enclosed motorcycle trailer behind it, he got about 10.5 mpgs average. Same truck with an 18' TT and no 2nd trailer got about 10.5 mpgs average, and its about 1/3 the weight.

On level ground my 6K lb 18' TT takes more power to go 65 than a 15K lb dump trailer.

 

Yup im finding towing the 5th wheel better all the way around, less problems with head wind and less waggle with a side wind, mine is only a medium height, 12 ft not one of the real high monsters, so it is all good.

 

I have a 34 ft GN racecar trailer that weighs right at 11,800 fully loaded and 6000 empty. There is almost 0 difference in mpg on the hwy loaded or empty but in town or stop and go the mpg drops quite a bit loaded. I get 13-15 on the hwy.

I also have a tandem car trailer that weighs 2k unloaded. Loaded with a 4k mini van it drops mpg to about 17-18 hwy and again more in town.

I have pulled some heavy equipment on larger taqg trailers and the mpg drops significantly with the size of the load.

Aerodynamics plays a big part as well as traffic. I hardly ever go over 60 mph towing. Actually 58 is my target. This is right around 2000 rpm and the mighty Cummins just loves this.

 

I bp a 24' x 8.5' enclosed car hauler east to west coast and back with about 11k total in trailer and truck, 6.7, 6sp auto, hd ram 2500 4x4 quad cab, thunder rd package and get 17mpg unloaded doing 70 or more mph, and get 11 to 12+ towing doing whatever is safe, 60 or 70mph depending. I have just installed load leveling air bags on rear axle will try it end of Oct going west.

 

Trailer design has plenty to do with it. Light trailers are easier in stop-n-go, plus on long climbs (and descents). Aerodynamic means the most (rounded front and rear caps/edges plus a good radius on sides-to-roof).

Tall trailers are the real killer. I'd rather have longer or slightly heavier than taller.

From one type to another, the 5'er is heavier in a comparison for trailer capacity (cubic feet) due to hitch type.

As above, the 5'er can have some advantages due to following the truck closely. Less of an air gap between vehicles. But the tendency is to build them tall and wide, which tends to negate any possible advantages. Hopefully that will change.

The taller trailers with a high center of gravity and squared edges can't take much of a side wind load. An low COG aero trailer can keep on down the road in winds far higher.

It's all a set of trade-offs. If high mpg is important, the 5'er is at a disadvantage for the ones available in todays market.

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