Towing Issues: Bumper tow, or 5th Wheel?, 5th wheel hitch, 5th wheel trailer

Question
Greetings, I have a 96 F350 4x4 crew-cab w/460 auto and long bed (lots of tow capacity) I am preparing to get a 5th wheel trailer, or a bumper tow camping trailer (will tow with the receiver hitch actually) question is, which choice is the best, and why? I can have a 5th wheel hitch installed, though I would have to remove or get rid of the painted to match shell, and full carpet kit, or get a bumper pull. I would like to get something in the 25-30 foot range. I hear opposing commentaries frequently, some like 5th wheels, and some prefer bumper pull. I like the idea of not having to discard/remove the shell each time I want to use it. With proper sway bars, and or leveling bars, would I feel as comfortable towing a bumper pull, as opposed to a 5th? I tow a bumper pull, trailer (25 feet) with an E350 van regularly for a living, so I am comfortable towing, and backing. Just looking for the majority vote, and reasons why if any. THANKS! -Mike

Answer
Mike,

Well, you certainly have enough truck to tow whatever you want.

I think you kind of answered your own question.  You like the truck as it is now with the topper and finished dry stowage space.  

You also are used to towing a bumper pull trailer about the size you are considering, and are having no problems with it.

That said....we have friends with horses and they bought a 4 horse fifth wheel trailer and love it.  They say it tows more stable, is easier to back and turn with, and much less sway in heavy traffic.  But they have a dedicated truck and the rig just sits there the majority of the time.  Sounds like you use your truck for more than just the planned trailer...right?

Even though you have a bunch of suspension on an F350, I would still get a load equalizing hitch from Reese or Draw Tite (just google those companies to read up on their setups, they are slightly different, I tend to favor the Reese setup since I have it, but I have friends with the Draw Tite setup and it works fine too)

A load equalizing hitch with sway adapters will make sure that long trailer stays put, and that you don't have your headlights aiming up in the sky.  It isn't about load capacity as much as just making sure the load is equally distributed between the front and rear axles.  Trust me, if you haven't towed with this type of setup, you will love it.  The extra cost is one time maybe $100-200 and the extra time to hook up is about a couple of minutes.  The safety factor and comfort factor is just plain worth it!

Don