Well, I'm a newbie to posting anything on the web, and have just joined this site.  I have enjoyed reading some of the topics and replies, so I hope you can help.  My husband (Mr Negativity) wants to know how accessible are sites for 5th wheelers!  We currently have a 22foot van and I would like a 5th wheeler to head off in (as we too will be homeless shortly but have the benefit of living in a company house for a while).  How hard are they to manouver? What are the pitfalls? 

Is there anyone out there that travels with a cat?  We have our dogcat Rodney who loves caravanning (he  is a cat but behaves like a dog) - walks on a lead, loves people, visits other caravanners when he has done his houdinni act when we aren't quick enough! 

Heh Jo and welcome see posting is not hard. Just a suggestion, when posting a new topic, especially when new, do a hunt through the search engine, as this topic has been posted before. 5th wheelers are easier to manuvour than a caravan of equal lenght, due to the turning over the rear wheels of the prime mover. As for accessability, depends on the over length, but there are a lot of "big rig" sites being installed. So if your 5th wheeler overall length is no more than your current, there will be no change.

Hello Jo welcome to the nomads, you wont find a problem posting in here we seem to be a freindly bunch most of the time, just say whats on your mind 

5th wheelers versus caravans well I would prefer a 5th wheeler if I was that way inclined although you must watch the weight stipulation especially from imported ones, they state a lower weight than they actually are in order to get them through easier 

also must watch the build quality some overseas ones are not good and their regulations are not as stringent as ours, ask to see all relevent formworks and australian standard documentation requirements they are easier to tow and easier to back in, 

although if you fall in to the pitfall of going bigger then you will have trouble, 

there is a new kind of "hitch" for these things now, I'll see if I can find it for you but it works in two planes instead of just one

there is a fair bit of info on fifth wheelers here

http://www.fivestarfifthwheelers.com.au/why_fifth_wheel.htm

-- Edited by dave06 on Monday 13th of April 2009 04:46:40 PM

The versatility of a 5th Wheeler wins hands down and if you can back a van then a wheeler is easier. Next unit I get will be one for sure. I'm surprised they haven't taken off more here in OZ. There are heaps of local manufacturers as well as importers who will put a unit together to suit your needs from all out singing and dancing right down to the shell for the DIY hobbyist. Found the local built ones a little more basic in fit out but stronger for OZ conditions.