These days, when you want to tow something behind your vehicle, you have two options. You can go with 5th wheel towing or conventional towing.
The problem is that when you end up choosing the wrong towing option, it can take a toll on your vehicle. Not only that, you can experience a breakdown midway as well. Both these situations are pretty problematic.
To choose between these two options, it is necessary to understand the differences between them.
Today, we will share with you our 5th wheel towing vs conventional towing comparison. Once you go through this comparison, it will become easier for you to decide which one you should choose.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution mechanism for the towing options is entirely different. When it comes to 5th wheel towing, the distribution is over the vehicle's entire rear axle. That is why there is no concentration of weight.
When you look at conventional towing, the distribution is not that spread out. It is on the rear axle of the truck. That is why the rear axle's wear and tear is on the higher side if you use the conventional towing method consistently.
Thus, 1st and foremost thing you need to look at is the weight distribution. In this department, 5th wheel towing certainly has an advantage.
Control
The level of control which both these towing mechanism is provided is entirely different.
The advantage of 5th wheel towing is that the trailer will feel like the part of the truck. That is why controlling it will undoubtedly become easy.
While 5th wheel towing might require a bit larger movement to make the turn, once you’re accustomed to that, the control you get is excellent. You will only face this issue on tighter turns.
When it comes to conventional towing, the towed object which you are towing tends to overreact. Even if you move the steering wheel in a minor fashion, the RV or the trailer might overreact. In that case, you will have to overcompensate to ensure that you can control the vehicle and the trailer accurately.
Another problem with conventional towing is that the weight is distributed over a smaller area. Most drivers will not have control over the rear axle. That is why taking a turn is not going to be an easy task.
With time, however, you can control the vehicle irrespective of the towing method which you use. However, at the start, 5th wheel towing is certainly more convenient.
In a nutshell, the control which 5th wheel towing provides is far superior.
Weight carrying capacity
Which towing method has the highest weight carrying capacity?
5th wheel towing is the answer. That is because the weight is spread over a larger area. The towing mechanism can handle more weight as well. Not only that, but your pickup truck can also handle more weight in that case.
When it comes to conventional towing, the entire weight is on the rear axle. The rear axle can only handle a limited amount of weight. That is why, if you’re carrying boats or other such small things, the conventional towing method can certainly help you out.
However, if you’re dealing with RVs or trailers, the 5th wheel towing mechanism is the only option which you have. It certainly provides you with a higher weight carrying capacity.
Compatibility
Not every truck or vehicle is compatible with every towing method.
If you want to go with the towing mechanism, which occupies as little space on your truck bed as possible, the conventional towing mechanism is the best option for you. That is because, in most cases, it will become occupy only the rear half of the truck bed.
The same is not true for the 5th wheel towing mechanism. The problem with this towing mechanism is that it takes up the entire truck bed. If you’re okay with that, you can certainly go ahead with it.
On the other hand, if you tow smaller items like bikes and boats, it is a good idea to go with conventional towing as that will free up the bulk of the truck bed for you.
It also means that if you have a smaller truck bed, you can go with conventional towing. Otherwise, you can certainly go with the 5th wheel towing.
Thus, not every vehicle is compatible with every towing mechanism.
Cost
The cost of both these towing mechanisms is different as well.
Needless to say, as 5th wheel towing can carry more weight, it is more expensive as well. On the other hand, conventional towing is much more affordable.
The reason for the same is that the connection mechanism of both and the installation mechanism of both are entirely different.
That is why, unless and until you actually need to 5th wheel towing, it is not a good idea to go for it due to the extremely high cost.
Ventilation
Both the towing mechanisms can generate heat. That is why ventilation is essential.
As a truck owner, you need not make a lot of arrangements for ventilation. However, the towing mechanism which produces more heat is undoubtedly at a disadvantage.
When you look at the composition of the 5th wheel towing, you will realize that it has a pretty tall ceiling. Not only that, it has multiple levels as well. Since it carries more weight, the amount of heat that it generates is also on the higher side.
The problem is that even with a proper ventilated design, the cooling is not even. That is why many times, you will have to make an extra effort or take a pause while using this towing mechanism.
Conventional towing might produce heat as well. However, cooling it is undoubtedly easy. In most cases, you will not notice the heat up.
In this department, conventional towing has an advantage.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to 5th wheel towing vs conventional towing, it is a mixed bag. While 5th wheel towing certainly has an advantage, but it is also more expensive. A lot depends on the type of truck which you have and what you usually tow as well. If you tow trailers and RVs, 5th wheel towing is the only option you have. Otherwise, you can go for conventional towing.
Leave a Reply