I recently purchased a 25′ Rockwood travel trailer, and the decision between that and a 5th wheel wasn’t easy. In this post, I’ll share the factors that helped me arrive at my choice.
Before diving in, here’s a quick insight: 5th wheels tend to excel with larger trailers, usually 28′ or more in length. In contrast, travel trailers have their advantages, particularly for trailers of 28′ or less. Why the distinction? 5th wheels tow more smoothly, offer multiple levels, and higher ceilings—ideal for larger setups. Meanwhile, travel trailers are more cost-effective, provide greater storage, and offer compatibility with a wider range of towing vehicles..
Compatibility with Towing Vehicles for Larger Families
The primary factor to think about initially is whether your towing vehicle can accommodate a 5th wheel. For us, having three kids makes using a truck less feasible. It would occupy all 5 seats in the truck, and if we have another child, we’d need both a car and a truck/5th wheel combination just to reach the campsite. That setup isn’t ideal for our needs!
Ease of Towing
The 5th wheel takes the lead here. Its design strategically places more weight between the axles of the towing vehicle and shifts the center of mass forward on the towed vehicle. This setup significantly enhances the stability and security of towing a 5th wheel.
Truck Bed Utilization
An aspect to consider with a 5th wheel is its full occupancy of the truck bed. While some small items might squeeze in, overall truck storage is sacrificed. Should you desire to transport larger items like an ATV or bikes, alternative arrangements are necessary.
We aimed for an RV solution that offered adaptability, accommodating items like a canoe or potentially expanding hobbies such as owning an ATV. Hence, the choice of a travel trailer aligned better with our requirements.
Pricing Comparison
5th wheel trailers come with a hefty price tag! Personally, I’m uncertain about what exactly justifies the significant price hike of a 5th wheel over a travel trailer.
Length Dynamics
Thanks to the significant overhang over the truck bed, a 5th wheel extends less behind the vehicle but boasts a notably larger living space. This feature simplifies access to smaller camping sites and maneuvering within urban settings while ensuring an expansive interior living area.
Undercarriage Storage
“The exterior storage beneath the living area in a 5th wheel is frequently spacious. It commonly features a large open cavity, ideal for accommodating sizable items. This generous storage area owes its existence to the multi-level design of a 5th wheel, creating ample space underneath.
Impact on Fuel Efficiency
Given their considerable weight and increased height, 5th wheel trailers often impact the fuel efficiency of the towing vehicle.
Interior Ceiling Heights
5th wheels typically boast notably taller ceilings compared to travel trailers. For taller individuals or those feeling confined in a travel trailer, ample ceiling height can provide added comfort. However, it’s essential to note that while the living area ceiling height in a 5th wheel is higher, the bedroom ceiling is lower, making it a balanced consideration rather than a clear winner.
Lavish Amenities
Travel trailers often face limitations on what can be included due to weight restrictions. In contrast, certain 5th wheels, particularly the larger ones, boast an extensive array of features that rival luxurious motorhomes. If you’re seeking an ultra-high-end option resembling a luxury apartment hitched to your truck, the 5th wheel might be your choice.
While it’s challenging to find travel trailers reaching the $150,000 to $300,000 price range, such luxurious offerings do exist within the realm of 5th wheels.
Trailer Weight Considerations
5th wheel trailers typically weigh significantly more than comparable travel trailers. It’s crucial to ensure that your tow vehicle can handle both the hitch weight and the overall weight of a 5th wheel before making a purchase. Often, vehicles like an F-250 or a Ram 2500 might not suffice to manage a larger 5th wheel.
Off-Road and Boondocking Considerations
Travel trailers take the lead when it comes to off-roading and boondocking adventures. Managing a hefty 12,000-pound 5th wheel on a decline, whether it’s a dirt or icy road, becomes a considerable concern.
Moreover, the towering height of 5th wheels poses a challenge in many boondocking sites, often resulting in collisions with tree branches. I encountered a similar issue when I inadvertently drove my pontoon boat along a tree-lined street, causing significant damage when the boat collided with a tree branch while parking alongside the curb. Height remains a crucial factor when exploring remote camping spots.
Hitching Process
Opinions vary on whether 5th wheels are easier to connect than travel trailers. In my experience, while there’s a general notion favoring 5th wheels, personally, I haven’t faced considerable difficulty hooking up my travel trailer. With practice, it’s become a swift, two-minute procedure for me.
Carrying ATVs and Dirt Bikes
Choosing a 5th wheel means forgoing the option to bring along an ATV. Travel trailers, on the other hand, offer the possibility of accommodating an ATV, bikes, or dirt bikes in the truck bed. With a 5th wheel, the only feasible way to transport these items is by opting for a toy hauler 5th wheel.
Integrated Generators
While not a standard feature, certain 5th wheels come equipped with built-in generators. This not only eliminates the need for an extra purchase but also offers added convenience and quieter operation. In my experience, travel trailers typically don’t include built-in generators.
Towing Additional Trailers
When considering towing a small trailer with an ATV or a boat behind your RV, a 5th wheel is a superior option for extensive hauls. Additionally, in certain states, towing behind a trailer is only permissible if the primary trailer is a 5th wheel.
Passenger Regulations during Towing
In several states, it’s legally permissible to ride inside a 5th wheel while it’s being towed. Conversely, riding inside a travel trailer during towing is never allowed. However, it’s crucial to note that regardless of legality, riding unrestrained in a towed vehicle is inherently unsafe. It’s strongly advised against doing so as it poses significant risks and can lead to accidents. The regulations emphasize this aspect, outlining safety measures for towed trailer coaches, yet the fundamental safety concern remains.
Temperature Control
Numerous 5th wheel owners often report issues with uneven temperature control compared to travel trailers. Despite similar lengths behind the tow vehicle, 5th wheels have additional space over the truck bed and significantly taller ceilings. Moreover, the presence of levels and stairs within 5th wheels complicates temperature regulation.
The expanded space coupled with segmented areas poses significant challenges for heating and cooling. While this doesn’t apply universally to all 5th wheels—some don’t face this issue—many owners frequently express concerns about excessively high temperatures in the upper-level bedroom area.
Reversing Challenges
Deciding whether backing up a 5th wheel or a travel trailer is easier remains subjective, as they behave differently, and preferences vary among individuals. However, there’s no clear standout winner in this comparison.
The distinction lies in how each responds to steering movements. A towed travel trailer tends to be more sensitive to minor steering adjustments, leading to potentially erratic angles during the learning phase. On the other hand, a 5th wheel demands larger wheel movements to turn, occasionally causing the truck end to sway excessively and affecting the angle.
In essence, it’s a matter of personal preference and adapting to the distinct handling traits of each.
Expansion Features
5th wheels often offer 3, 4, or even 5 slide-outs, significantly enhancing the spaciousness of the rig. In contrast, travel trailers commonly feature only one or two slide-outs. The limitation in the number of slide-outs for travel trailers is due to the substantial weight each slide-out adds—around 800 pounds. This extra weight complicates towing, particularly for heavier travel trailers.
5th Wheel Tow Hitch
A 5th wheel not only occupies space in your truck bed during towing but also when not in use. The 5th wheel tow receiver is a massive and weighty steel component. You’re faced with the choice of either undertaking significant effort to remove it from the truck bed after each trip or resigning most of your truck bed space to accommodate the hitch, permanently.
In contrast, the hitch for a travel trailer doesn’t take up any space at all (as expected).
Storage Options
Opting for a covered storage unit for your rig might present pricier and more restricted choices due to the increased height of a 5th wheel. Travel trailers, being lower in height, generally fit under a wider range of commercial storage units.
Dual Bathrooms
Numerous 5th wheels come equipped with two full bathrooms or a setup featuring one and a half baths. For families, particularly with girls, having dual bathrooms is a highly appreciated feature. While there might be travel trailers offering this, they’re not as common.
Try Before Purchase
Before making a significant investment in an RV or camper, I highly recommend renting one to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Campers represent substantial investments, and purchasing the wrong one could lead to costly regrets. RVShare offers an excellent platform to find and rent RVs and campers in your local vicinity.