Whether you’re looking for a luxurious weekend RV or one with enough space for full-time living, fifth-wheel RVs are a great option.
Fifth-wheel campers are typically taller, longer, and more spacious than traditional travel trailers, allowing for more amenities and living space.
While all fifth-wheel share the same general concept of having an extended gooseneck front, there are many different syles and layouts to choose from. It’s important to choose the right type of fifth wheel to accommodate your needs (on and off the road).
What is a 5th Wheel RV?
Fifth-wheel RVs, also known as 5th wheel RVs or fifth-wheels, are a type of towable RV. Unlike traditional travel trailers, which feature a bumper hitch similar to that of a utility trailer, fifth-wheel RVs have a type of gooseneck hitch.
This gives fifth-wheel RVs a unique shape compared to travel trailers. Yet another distinction is the front living area on top of where the hitch connects to the tow vehicle, which a standard travel trailer doesn’t have.
Because of their shape and hitch type, you can only tow fifth-wheel RVs with an open-bed pickup truck.
Unique Fifth-Wheel Features
In addition to their unique shape, fifth-wheel RVs also tend to be taller and longer than travel trailers. Fifth-wheels can be up to 50 feet long and over 20,000 pounds heavy, whereas most travel trailers max out at 37 feet long and 12,000 pounds.
In spite of being taller, longer, and heavier than travel trailers, fifth-wheels are actually easier to tow compared to their trailer counterparts. This is partially because their unique shape makes them more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.
This frictionless towing experience can also be attributed to the fact that fifth-wheel trailers sit on the bed of their tow vehicle rather than on the bumper or hitch. Because of the way the fifth-wheel is positioned on the truck, there is less stress exerted on the rear axles, making the fifth wheel easier to tow. Therefore, although the best 5th wheels are large and luxurious, they’re also easy to tow and maneuver.
The Best 5th-Wheel RVs: By Category
Now that you know more about what a fifth wheel is and how it’s unique from other towable campers, let’s check out the top fifth wheels of 2024!
Best Family-Friendly Fifth Wheels
In general, most fifth-wheels are family-friendly to a certain extent, simply because of how large they are. However, fifth-wheels that are particularly family-friendly will have additional bunk rooms and extra space for storage. Fifth wheels intended more for couples or tiny families, will have larger living spaces and floor plans designed for relaxation rather than functionality.
Family-friendly fifth-wheels also have multiple full bathrooms, functional kitchens, and smaller living rooms to make space for more sleeping accommodations. They have many of the standard features of traditional fifth wheels but are designed for functional camping rather than luxury camping.
Family-friendly fifth wheels tend to be more budget-friendly than toy haulers or luxurious rigs and cost anywhere from $75,000 to $125,000.
Best Fifth-Wheels For Off-Roading
Traditionally speaking, fifth-wheel campers aren’t designed for off-road use. However, because of how popular boondocking has become, there are several fifth-wheels that can accommodate living off the grid.
When choosing an off-roading fifth wheel, it’s important to consider the trailer’s weight and size, as well as how much clearance there is between the ground and the bottom of the trailer.
In general, you should avoid traditional large fifth wheels and opt for smaller rigs if off-roading is in your travel itinerary.
While you might have to sacrifice some living space and amenities, smaller fifth-wheels will still have a full bath, a queen bed, and a full kitchen. They will also have enough living space to house up to three or four people comfortably.
Best Luxury Fifth Wheel RVs
If you’re looking for a fifth-wheel camper with all the bells and whistles, there are plenty of luxurious options to choose from. Luxury fifth-wheel campers are preferred by retirees and full-timers (with plenty of expendable income) who want to live life on the go but do not have to sacrifice the comforts of home.
Luxury fifth-wheels are typically a minimum of 40 feet long and require a tow vehicle with a minimum towing capacity of 16,000 to 22,000 pounds. These types of fifth wheels are extra heavy because they include amenities like granite countertops, hardwood cabinets, residential refrigerators, heat pumps, and more.
Luxury fifth-wheels often don’t have much sleeping space, but of the sleeping spaces they do have, they’ll typically feature king-size beds, luxurious amenities, and a walk-in closet space.
These rigs can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000, depending on how many amenities and features you want.
Best Toy Hauler Fifth-Wheels
Toy haulers are the latest craze in the RVing community. Toy hauler fifth-wheel campers are designed with a rear garage space capable of housing bikes, tools, motorcycles, or even a small car.
Recently toy haulers have claimed a name as one of the best fifth-wheel RVs for families because you can repurpose the garage area into a large bedroom or playroom.
Toy haulers are typically among the largest and heaviest RVs in the industry (meaning you’ll need a heavy-duty truck to pull one) These rigs sometimes sacrifice living space for garage storage but typically hold anywhere from four to eight people.
While they sometimes sacrifice overall living space, toy haulers typically have a primary bedroom with a king-size bed, full bathrooms and kitchens, and multiple slide-outs. Most toy hauler trailers also have large holding tanks and off-road capabilities.
For these amenities, you can expect to pay anywhere from $125,000 to $200,000.
Best Mini Fifth-Wheel Campers
When most people think of a fifth-wheel RV, they picture massive trailers capable of holding entire families. However, there is an entire class of smaller fifth-wheels that are perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small families of four or fewer people.
While mini fifth-wheel campers have much less living space, storage capabilities, and luxury amenities than their large counterparts, they are lightweight and maneuverable. As such, you can tow them with small pickup trucks and spend less money on fuel.
Mini fifth-wheels also have more off-roading potential than large fifth-wheels and typically require less vehicle maintenance.
Most of these benefits stem from its lighter weight, streamlined shape, and smaller overall size, which puts less stress on the trailer frame and towing vehicle. Mini fifth-wheels are also more affordable than traditional fifth-wheels and typically cost less than $50,000.
Best Budget-Friendly Fifth-Wheel Campers
Most fifth-wheels are more expensive than tow-behind travel trailers, and not everyone can afford them. However, there are several RV makers that create affordable classes of fifth wheels. These campers tend to be slightly smaller and have fewer exceptional features than their more expensive counterparts while still having the fifth-wheel look and design.
The main difference between budget-friendly fifth-wheels and expensive ones is in the front fifth-wheel section of the camper. Budget-friendly rigs typically only serve as a sleeping area. Conversely, the fifth-wheel section on expensive and luxurious rigs serves as a living area.
While I don’t own a fifth-wheel Palomino Puma, I do own a Puma travel trailer and can vouch for the quality of their products. These rigs, and others like them, feature a powerful propane furnace, an electric fireplace, and optional dual air conditioners and are great for full-time RVers.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a 5th Wheel
As you can see, there are many different types and sizes of fifth-wheel RVs.
If you’re on the fence about which type to purchase, let’s look at X factors to consider when buying a 5th wheel RV.
Factor #1: Budget
As with all things RV-related, your budget will play a significant role in which fifth wheel you choose. Fifth wheels come with a wide range of price tags, ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 and beyond.
Pro tip: It’s important to choose a rig that’s in your budget so that you have some camping money left over for the adventures that lie ahead!
Factor #2: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
It’s important to consider the gross vehicle weight (GVWR) rating of both your truck and the RV you’re considering.
GVWR refers to how much weight your vehicles are designed to carry at a time.
With your tow vehicle, the GVWR equals the total weight of your fifth wheel, all of its contents, plus you and everything and everyone else in your truck. With your fifth wheel, the GVWR refers to the total weight of everything inside the rig.
We advise that you don’t exceed the maximum recommended GVWR of both of your vehicles. Doing so could result in damage to either vehicle.
Factor #3: Access to Service Centers
Because fifth-wheels are larger than traditional travel trailers and some motorhomes, they may require special service centers. If you don’t have a service center capable of working with fifth wheels near you, you may have to tow your rig to the manufacturer’s facility.
That could mean hundreds of miles of towing just for professional repairs or maintenance. If you don’t like the sound of that, you should opt for a small fifth wheel or switch to a travel trailer or smaller Class C RV.
Factor #4: Hitching Time and Difficulty
If you are concerned about hitching, unhitching, and setting up your RV at a campsite, you should carefully consider which fifth-wheel you choose.
Smaller fifth wheels tend to be easier to hitch/unhitch than larger ones. This step is a common pain point for people who are elderly or new to RVing.
That is, of course, unless you invest in a new luxury fifth wheel produced within the last several years. Many of these modern fifth-wheels have self-leveling devices, meaning you can hook up to and unhook from them using your phone as a remote control. While these fifth wheels are the most expensive options, they’re also the most user-friendly, regardless of their size.
Factor #5: How You Plan to Use Your RV
How you intend to use your fifth wheel will also affect which rig you choose. If you only plan to go on occasional weekend excursions and short trips, you don’t necessarily need a luxurious fifth wheel with all the bells and whistles.
However, if you plan to live in your RV or take it on extended road trips, luxury and amenities are a bit more important. In that case, you may want to invest in a fifth-wheel that feels more like a home than settling for the bare minimum.
Whether or not you plan to take your fifth-wheel boondocking is a whole other issue to consider. If you would like the option to go boondocking, make sure to choose a fifth wheel with:
- Decent ground clearance
- Large water-holding tanks
- A large black tank
- Solar panel capabilities
- A generator
Factor #6: Where You Plan to Use Your RV
In addition to how you plan to use your RV, it’s also important to consider where you plan to use it.
Note that some campgrounds have length and height restrictions. These restrictions are especially common at state and national park campgrounds.
Therefore, if you plan to take your rig to these types of facilities, it’s important to choose one that isn’t too long or tall. Otherwise, you will be restricted as to which campgrounds you can use and where you can go.
Final Thoughts
Once you purchase your brand-new (or new to you) fifth wheel, you’ll need a safe and secure place to store it. Unfortunately, because fifth-wheel campers are so tall, wide, and long, very few people have a good place to store them unless they designed their property with fifth-wheel storage in mind.
That means most people have to settle for expensive RV storage facilities. If you don’t like that option and prefer somewhere more affordable, consider using Neighbor to find RV storage near you. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace offering safe, affordable, and convenient RV storage options throughout the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Brand of Fifth-Wheel Trailer?
If you’re looking for luxury fifth wheels, Luxe, DRV, and Alliance are the best brands for you. However, for family-friendly fifth-wheel trailers, Keystone, Grand Design, and Coachmen are a few of the top brands.
How Long Do Fifth Wheels Last?
Fifth-wheel trailers can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, depending on how often you use them and how well they’re maintained. However, as with a new car or truck, they start to lose their value the moment you drive them off the lot.
What Is the Most Popular 5th Wheel Size?
Fifth wheels come in a wide range of lengths and sizes. The most popular size for a fifth wheel is between 35 and 40 feet long.
What Makes a Fifth Wheel Family-Friendly?
While most fifth wheels are large and spacious, not all are family-friendly. Family-friendly fifth wheel models will have multiple bedrooms, bunk rooms, and smaller living spaces than those of fifth wheels designed for pleasure and luxury.
