As you shop for your first (or next) home on wheels, it’s good to collect as much information as you can. In the past several posts, I have covered the pros and cons of motorized RVs, with a look at each class — A, B, and C. Now, I’m moving on to towable units, starting with the largest — fifth-wheel travel trailers.
Fifth-wheels are so named because of the circular hitch plate installed in the box, or bed, of the towing vehicle. This hitch is a smaller version of the large discs seen on highway tractors (commonly known as “semis”). Their large, round appearance makes them look like an actual wheel, hence the name “fifth wheel.” The number “five” simply refers to the fact that the vehicle has four actual wheel positions, and the hitch makes the fifth one. Except for being smaller, fifth-wheel RVs incorporate the same type of attachment used for tractor-trailer units, with the pin on the trailer engaging with the hitch plate on the towing vehicle.
The main reason for using this type of hitch is that it is more stable. It optimizes the capacity of the towing vehicle and more efficiently distributes the weight of the trailer just ahead of the towing vehicle’s rear axle. In addition, fifth-wheel hitches usually can be adjusted forward and backward to further aid in weight distribution or to allow for trailer swing clearance. Therefore, fifth-wheel units are more efficient to tow than a standard trailer. This type of hitch also allows for a tighter turning radius versus a similar-size travel trailer, which enables easier handling and backing.
How much does a fifth-wheel cost?
Fifth-wheel trailers range in price from about $40,000 for a very small unit to more than $150,000. They range in size from about 25 to 45 feet.
Investigating fifth-wheel floor plan options
The bi-level layout common to fifth-wheel units allows for a wide range of floor plans, arguably the most varied of any RV type. The most common general floor plan for fifth-wheel units places the main bedroom at the front on the top level, the kitchen in the middle, and a large living area in the rear. Shopping around will yield many alternatives to this, however. Some models have a kitchen or den in the upper living space. Many floor plans incorporate separate rooms with bunks for kids, TV rooms, or office areas. Fifth-wheels rival large Class A motorhomes, and not having the cab area allows for a great deal of versatility in the layout. The standard front-bedroom fifth-wheels tend to offer the most privacy of any RV type since the main bedroom is “upstairs” and isolated from the rest of the living area, generally with a bathroom in between.
Due to their construction and gooseneck (raised front end) design, fifth-wheel units provide significant storage, including large basement areas. More square footage tends to be dedicated to this purpose than what is offered in standard travel trailers.
All the above makes the fifth-wheel travel trailer one of the most popular RV types. Let’s run through the pros and cons.
Pros of fifth-wheel travel trailers
- Larger fifth-wheel trailers provide spacious living areas, accommodating even large families, and a wide array of floor plans are available, including toy-hauler units. Toy-haulers are RVs that have a garage area and large cargo door at the rear to allow for the transportation, storage, and service of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, small cars, etc. Many fifth-wheels also include rear patios that may be part of the toy hauler cargo door.
- Due to the inherent “gooseneck” design, all fifth-wheel units have a bi-level living space, with steps near the front leading to the upper level. This provides a great deal of privacy for the front section, which often houses the main bedroom.
- Fifth-wheel units generally offer plenty of storage space, including sizable basement compartments.
- While at first, it may seem daunting to tow and handle fifth-wheels, they are actually easier to tow than standard travel trailers, as fifth-wheels have much better weight distribution and stability. Practice turning and backing the vehicle, which will help you develop a comfort level when maneuvering the vehicle.
- Traveling with a towable unit, including a fifth-wheel, means you’ll always have a commuter vehicle available to you after setting up camp and unhooking the trailer.
- Many fifth-wheel units feature high-quality construction, which means that with regular maintenance, they can last a long time and better withstand long-term use, including full-timing.
Cons of fifth-wheel travel trailers
- Fifth-wheel units need a pickup truck for towing, with larger units requiring bigger trucks. Many people invest in a diesel truck for added towing capability. Travel trailers can be towed with any vehicle capable of hauling the trailer’s weight, and this can be anything from a large pickup truck to a small SUV or a large sedan. A fifth-wheel may not be for you if you aren’t a truck person. Also, this requirement adds significant cost of ownership to a fifth-wheel purchase if you don’t already have a suitable truck.
- Fifth-wheels are the most expensive type of towable RV to purchase, especially if you also have to invest in a truck of suitable towing capacity, and they may be out of your price range.
- As is true of other towable RVs, you must leave the towing vehicle to enter the living space of the fifth-wheel. This makes quick stops for lunch or to use the bathroom while en route different from traveling in a motorhome. And some people feel safer being able to start a motorhome and drive away from a situation if needed.
Next month, we will discuss regular travel trailers.
View more blog posts from Steve Froese in the RV type series
- Deciding on a Class A Motorhome? Pros, Cons, & Tips for Buyers
- Class B Motorhomes: Pros, Cons, and Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Class C Motorhomes for New RVers: What You Need to Know
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Steve Froese is a longtime member of Family RV Association, a nonprofit organization for owners of recreational vehicles, and writes the “Tech Talk” column for Family RVing magazine. He is an experienced RV owner and a certified RV technician in both the United States and Canada. Steve is also a licensed professional engineer in British Columbia and a busy professional musician. |
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