A fight and confusion over Bumper Pull vs Fifth Wheel – which one is the best is age-old. The market is flooding with this debate. We believe that deciding on this is not easy and needs a lot of supportive statements. It is because each has its unique advantages.
If you are into business or travel a lot, you must know the importance of making a correct choice here. For this, evaluation of every little aspect and a proper comparison is crucial.
In today’s blog, we will evaluate minute factors of both. Along with that, we will make a proper comparison, too. It will help you to get the best idea about its capacity and choose the perfect one.
Let’s start!
What is a Bumper Pull Trailer?
The bumper Pull trailer is one of the most convenient and popular trailers. It is also known as a Tag along trailer. One of the reasons for its popularity is its easy usage. All you need to do is to connect the trailer with your vehicle, and it is good to go.
However, for many, the name of this trailer is pretty confusing. It is because the trailer does not get connected with the bumper of the vehicle. The trailer’s tongue fits over a ball hitch, and it gets connected to the rear of the vehicle’s frame.
For this unique feature, the trailer is able to get connected with many vehicles. Do not forget to check the requirements of your vehicle carefully before attaching it.
What is a Fifth Wheel Trailer?
As the answer to “What is 5th wheel trailer’, it can be stated that it is a U-shaped coupling mounted onto the cargo bed of the towing truck. It has similarities with devices that we see on the over-road tractors hauling commercial semi-trailers.
Sometimes, some trailers require Fifth Wheel configuration. It means the coupling needs to be attached to install in the bed of a truck for it to be able to tow. Although the installation part is a really tricky one, it helps to haul a heavy travel trailer.
As it helps to haul a heavy travel trailer, it increases the safety of the ride. The trailer is particularly popular for traveling. It provides a home-like feeling and comfort while on the road.
Advantages of Bumper Pull Trailer

Bumper Pull is one of the most famous towing methods across the globe. The trailer is popular among both novice and seasoned users. The reason behind this wide popularity is its usage convenience. Also, its lower necessity of other equipment requirements makes it ideal for every user.
The Bumper Pullers are often made with lightweight material. Thus, it gets attached to the vehicle, absorbs the shock, and protects it from potential damage. Here are some of its winning advantages:
Convenient Size
The debate of Bumper Pull vs Fifth Wheel can be started with one of its biggest advantages- its size. It is smaller in size. Thus, it is extremely convenient to use.
Easy to Use
The easy mechanism of Bumper Pull trailers helps novice users to understand and fix it effectively. Therefore, the users feel lesser intimidated by the trailer and easily handle it.
Normal Turn Radius
The Bumper Pull trailer comes with a normal turn radius. It helps the trailer to turn with the vehicle at every turn. It reduces the chances of accidents and helps the driver.
Maneuverability
Many novice users love the Bumper Pull trailer because of its maneuverability. As the tow vehicle drags the trailer only, it is easy to maneuver.
Low Cost
The Bumper Pull trailers are smaller in size and way more cost-effective. Due to the smaller size, it does not need a pickup truck in order to tow a bumper pull. It reduces the overall cost and makes it more user-friendly.
The shorter and lighter trailer is one of the most popular choices of the users. However, during installation, be careful about its place. It is supposed to be attached behind the rear bumper. If you attach it to the rear bumper, it will tear the bumper off within a few hours of travel. Thus, be mindful and leverage its advantages.
Advantages of Fifth-wheel Trailers
Typically, a Fifth Wheel trailer also connects a trailer with a vehicle. However, it is much more than a mere connector. The Fifth Wheel pulls the trailer through a sizable hitch mounted on the truck bed. It’s strong and reliable towing system helps large trailers in effortless moving. Take a look at its advantages for better understanding:
Higher Stability
The Fifth Wheel is excellent for any kind of road. It distributes the pressure in the center of the vehicle and offers great stability. It ensures a safe ride.
Bigger Space
Typically, the Fifth Wheel Trailers get built with more slide-outs than any other. It ensures a large interior space and greater indoor mobility for the users.
Compatible for High Speed
Due to its unique mechanism, the Fifth Wheel remains more stable in the corners. It helps to stay stable during high speed and enhances safety.
Higher Comfort
As stated, the Fifth Wheel trailer comes with more space. Therefore, many trailers have high ceilings and stairs that split the structure into two levels. It boosts the overall user convenience.
User Freedom
If you travel frequently to odd places, you might face issues with parking the trailer. However, if you use the Fifth Wheel, you will not face any issues. You can just unhook the tow vehicle from the main one, and keep it.
The mobility and weight distribution are the biggest advantage of the Fifth Wheel. It provides the users with a balanced, stable, and spacious trailer. However, it can seem intimidating initially; you will be habituated once you use it.
Fifth Wheel vs Bumper Pull: A Detailed Comparison

The debate on fifth wheel vs bumper pull is tricky. It is because the choice between the Fifth Wheel and Bumper Pull is tough. Let us inform you that both are great choices and hold the main vehicle quite strongly.
Both trailers are strong and offer superior towing capacity and stability. Compared to traditional ball hitches, they are way more convenient to use. Thus, a detailed comparison between the both is necessary for the final stage, and here is that much-needed discussion:
Maneuverability
Bumper Pull trailers have an easy mechanism. All the user needs to do is attach the ball under the bumper, and it is done. Therefore, even a first-time user can do it comfortably, and not feel intimidated. The easy mechanism also helps in easy handling and adds value to the user’s life.
Contrary, the Fifth Wheel trailers are mostly intimidating for the users. Its unique two-part coupling system confuses people about where to attach and how. Many times, they need someone else’s help to do this. Undoubtedly, it is not a very convenient idea if you are traveling or working solo.
Stability
The Bumper Pull trailers are not very stable. As they get attached to the behind-the-bumper with a ball only, it does not provide enough stability. Thus, it is not ideal for every type of usage.
The Fifth Wheel is just the opposite, it distributes the whole pressure and offers greater stability. Also, it does the same thing for the corners, it spreads the pressure. The weight distribution method makes the towing more easy for the user.
Towing Capacity
Due to this smaller size, the Bumper Pull trailer has a lower towing capacity. It is ideal for personal hauling, however, not ideal for commercial hauling at all.
On the other hand, due to its larger body, it has excellent towing capacity. Even, it is ideal for the 16,000 or 17,000 lbs truck. However, before choosing the model, check individual capacity.
Truck Bed Space
The Bumper Pull trailers are smaller in size. Thus, it does not have much space for living quarters and livestock. It limits its usage, user freedom, and trailer versatility.
The Fifth Wheel is significantly spacious. Many times, Fifth Wheels does contain many bedrooms, a full-size kitchen, and a different floor. It makes the trailer extremely user-convenient and allows a lot of freedom.
Cost
The Bumper Pulls are less expensive. A standard auto-connect system Bumper Pull comes within around $1,385 while an auto-connect system can cost around $1,942.
On the other hand, a Fifth Wheel is expensive. Commonly, a new fifth-wheel trailer can cost around $40,000 or more, while some models can cost over $100,000. Thus, it can put a significant financial strain on you.
Size
The Bumper Pull trailers are much smaller in size than the Fifth Wheel. Thus, a novice user can use it smoothly. Also, they can place it anywhere they want. It means it is ideal for any place or travel. Therefore, it adds some distinct benefits to the user and ensures the highest mobility.
On the other hand, the Fifth Wheel is larger than the Bumper Pull. It is not ideal for any place or parking. Hence, despite its larger inside space, it is convenient for any trip and has a significant disadvantage in the user’s life.
Turn Radius
The Bumper Pull comes with a normal turn radius. It helps the trailer to take turns at any point much more smoothly and ensures the best safety for the driver. It also reduces accident chances, too.
Well, now, this comparison can be a little bit tricky for you. It is because the Fifth Wheel is also great on this. As the hitch point stays closer to the truck’s rear axle, it allows for tighter turns smoothly. Therefore, the trailer is suitable for any kind of demographic area.
Consider all the factors before making the final experience. It will help you to choose the ideal one and experience safe towing.
Can a Fifth Wheel be converted to a Bumper Pull?
Are you planning for a comfortable and adventurous trip? Then you must take your Fifth Wheel with you. It will ensure a safe and comfy living on the roads. However, if you want user convenience and versatility, you might plan to convert your 5th wheel to bumper pull. Then you will not be confused between bumper pull or 5th wheel.
However, please note that in some of the areas, it can be illegal. Also, depending on the region, it might not be against the law. Thus, you must gather enough information before opting for it.
However, turning a Bumper Pull is much easier than the opposite. Updated technology and various automobile tools are helping to do this successfully. Also, you can convert one trailer to another according to your needs and wishes. For example, you can easily convert your Dump Trailers to Bumper Pull, or Bumper Pull to Fifth Wheel, too.
If you consider converting the Bumper Pull to the Fifth Wheel, the length of the trailer and the pulling power of the vehicle must considered. It is because the vehicle will pull it. For a Bumper Pull, pulling a Fifth Wheel is difficult.
Most Fifth Wheels weigh more than an SUV or a van. Only a heavy-duty track can handle this. An incorrect conversion can make turns and other maneuvers difficult.
To diminish all these issues, you need a safety hitch to convert the Bumper Pull to the Fifth Wheel. For this, you must go for a safety hitch that is dedicated to this. There are different bumper hitches that get attached to the body instead of the frame.
It may accommodate a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, or any other accessory, that is mounted to a hitch. These bumper hitches allow for modifications and offer a versatile towing experience.
Bumper Pull or 5th Wheel: Choosing the Right Fit
It can be safely noted that your travel experience gets controlled by the trailer you own. Thus, choosing one is a daunting task.
Here, we want to state one thing clearly that is the decision is fully personalized. It means depending on the needs and travel plan, it can differ. Thus, before making a decision plan, consider various aspects of your vehicle and travel plan to identify the right one. To make this process easier for you, here is a contrast, consider the factors, and pick the correct one.
Based on the above pointers, now we can safely say that your destination is the controller of your trailer. If you are going to a place that has harsh weather and dangerous turns, use a Fifth Wheel. Also, if you plan to stay for days, Fifth Wheel is the best. It is because you will get ample space to move.
On the other hand, if you are going to a place that is just like a regular place and doesn’t have much to carry, you can go for a Bumper Pull trailer. Its easy mechanism will help you to handle top-to-toe alone.
Choose the Right for the Best Experience Ever!
5th wheel or bumper pull- it is a long time of confusion among the users. Now, as we clarified the differences- it is clear that both are ideal for different situations. Depending on your requirements, choose the perfect one. Along with that, do not forget to check different quotes to get it at an affordable price.
It is crucial to mention that Bumper Pull trailers are mostly affordable. However, Fifth Wheels are not. Hence, do your research and check its capacity before purchasing it. You can also chat with the manufacturer to find out whether the trailer can fulfill your needs.
To gather knowledge on this topic, you can always connect to Top Shelf Trailers. They are one of the leading Dump Trailer manufacturers in the US. Along with robust Dump trailers, they sell towing equipment, including gooseneck trailers.
You can connect with their support staff for the required information, and they will guide you to the final step. Connect to experience the best towing feeling ever.