AT A GLANCE:
- Because towable RVs don’t incorporate an engine, drivetrain, and the complexity that goes into a self-propelled motorhome, travel trailers and fifth wheels are usually much more affordable than motorized RVs
- Travel trailers and fifth wheels both offer a full range of camping comforts and conveniences
- A travel trailer can be towed by a car, truck, or SUV, a fifth wheel requires a pick up truck
TRAVEL TRAILERS
Travel trailers are the most popular type of RV. Travel trailers come in all sizes, including tiny jellybean-shaped models with a chuckwagon kitchen to the massive “house-on-wheels” with picture windows and sliding glass patio door.
Sometimes called a “bumper-pull” camper (when this style of RV became popular in the early ‘50s, they were attached to the bumper of a car), the modern travel trailer employs a hitch secured to the frame of your tow vehicle along with specialized hardware to make towing safe and easy.
Travel Trailer PROS
- A wide variety of models that fit virtually every budget
- “Ranch-style,” single-level living, ideal for campers who would prefer not to climb stairs
- Options that can be towed by many cars and trucks may eliminate the need to purchase a dedicated tow vehicle
- Many shorter, national park friendly models
- Solid walls and locking doors for security
- Models with multiple slide-outs offer wide-open living spaces
- A wide range of floorplans offers sizes and room layouts tailored to your specific preferences
- Two-bedroom (or more) floorplans provide privacy
- More bunkhouse floorplans offered than in fifth wheels
- Once you unhitch at the campsite, you can use your vehicle to get around
- Open truck bed (no fifth wheel hitch) gives you additional space to carry gear and firewood
Travel Trailer CONS
- Due to the location of the hitch point at the rear of the tow vehicle, a travel trailer is more susceptible to sway caused by crosswinds and buffeting from passing vehicle
- Exterior storage may be limited
- Single-level floorplan offers less privacy than a “two-story” fifth wheel
- Total rig length (length of the tow vehicle, hitch, and trailer) can be longer as compared to a fifth wheel where about 5' of the RV's length is located over the truck bed
Stats
Length: typically 20 to 40 feet
Sleeps: from 2 to 10
Cost: MSRPs starting around $13,500
FIFTH WHEELS
Affectionately nicknamed a “fiver,” the fifth wheel is a favorite of many, especially those taking extended trips or traveling full time in their RV. The prominent overhang resting above the tow truck bed is frequently used as a bedroom suite, or, more recently, a living room or even a kitchen.
The “fifth wheel” in the name refers to the U-shaped coupling mounted onto the cargo bed of the tow truck. A pin box on the front of the fifth wheel camping trailer locks onto the fifth wheel coupling on the truck. It’s similar to the device found on commerical over-the-road tractors that haul semi-trailers.
Fifth Wheel RV PROS
- Exceptional amount of storage for large, bulky items, especially in the basement “pass-thru” area
- Because with the tow hitch centers much of the weight of the RV is directly over the rear axle of the tow truck, fifth wheels are very stable to tow
- Typically equipped with an auto-leveling system for super-easy setup
- Split-level design creates separate living spaces and added privacy
- Multiple slide-outs for kitchen, living area, bedroom and wardrobes
- Variety of floorplan layouts, from one-bedroom coaches, to bunkhouses, and models with dedicated office/hobby space
- Higher ceilings for more headspace and storage cabinets
- If you already own a pickup truck, you may be able to tow a fifth wheel
- Once unhitched at the campsite, you are free to use your vehicle for side trips
Fifth Wheel RV CONS
- Requires a pickup truck and fifth wheel hitch for towing
- Fewer choices available under 30' in length
- For those who find it difficult to climb steps, the split-level interior design can be a disadvantage
- With exterior height usually between 12' and 13', driving a fifth wheel RVrequires a greater awareness of low branches and other overhead obstacles
- Generally, more expensive to purchase than a travel trailer
Stats
Length: typically 25 to 40 feet
Sleeps: up to 9
Cost: MSRPs starting around $32,000
