Despite their stately size and spacious interiors that can reach up to 40 feet in length, you don’t have to worry about getting a special endorsement on your license to operate a fifth wheel. This RV type is a great option for those looking to transition to full-time RVing without sacrificing the comforts of a traditional home.
With the luxurious amenities and quality built, buying a fifth wheel is a big investment (luxury fifth wheels can reach up to $210,000+)–which is exactly why you’re doing your research to find the best fifth wheel brands out there.
Here we’re reviewing the top 5 fifth wheel brands based on the following criteria points:
- Durability
- Comfort
- Usability
- Model selection
First, What Defines a Fifth Wheel?
Fifth wheels are a unique breed of RVs that use a gooseneck hitch inside the truck bed of the tow vehicle. With the weight of the fifth wheel absorbed by the axle of the truck, you’ll experience a more secure tow as compared to traditional travel trailers. The stability of a fifth wheel is particularly beneficial when navigating through challenging terrains or windy conditions.
Because you can also tow heavier loads with a gooseneck hitch–the hitch type used when towing a fifth wheel–you can pack on features (without worry about the additional weight you’re packing on).
But those added features still mean that fifth wheels – especially the toy hauler fifth wheels – need larger trucks to pull them.
Fifth-wheels offer larger floor plans and luxurious interiors, which is why they are favored by families and full-time RV users. Other amenities that define the fifth wheel include:
- Full-scale entertainment systems
- Patios
- Garages (for toy haulers)
- Full-sized appliances
- Laundry rooms
Top Fifth Wheel Brands for 2024
As we step into 2024, the market for fifth wheels continues to evolve, offering more advanced features and greater comfort. From luxury fifth wheels to versatile toy haulers, the brands will give you a run for your money.
1. Forest River
Known for its blend of luxury and ruggedness, Forest River’s Riverstone series is a standout in the world of fifth wheels. Their spacious floor plans make them ideal for families and full-time RVers. This one even has a hidden office behind the fireplace, so you can work from anywhere. How cool is that?
Keystone offers a wide selection of fifth wheels, from shorter fifth wheels for empty nesters looking to go full-time to longer fifth wheels full of amenities.
The Cedar Creek series, in particular, transforms these fifth wheels into a true home-away-from-home. With features like kitchen islands and master bed slide-outs, every corner of these RVs enhances comfort and convenience.
Whether you prefer a front living, rear living, bunkhouse, or rear kitchen layout, Forest River has a layout to match your needs.
Budget-friendly:
- Arcadia Select 27SBH
- MSRP: $47,198
Smart Buy:
- XLR Nitro 36G15
- MSRP: $108,564
Luxury Buy:
- Riverstone 425FO
- MSRP: $191,513
2. Grand Design
When it comes to luxury fifth wheels, the Grand Design Solitude series sets a high bar. The kitchens in the Solitude models are a home chef’s dream, featuring stainless steel appliances and an oversized pantry. The premium roller shades and hardwood cabinet doors add a sense of permanence that’s lost in most RVs where weight dictates the materials used.
But Grand Design also includes integrations that make your RV life easier, like…
- Compass Connect: Connect to your camper to adjust stabilizers or slide-outs. You can also monitor your RV battery levels and set up maintenance reminders from the app.
- Solar is now standard on Grand Design models. That means you can go further without worrying about power.
- Arctic Four Season Protection keeps you warm or cool even in extreme temperatures – now that’s luxury.
The living area of the Grand Design Solitude 380FL is designed for ultimate relaxation, with an LED Smart TV, a fireplace, and dual opposing tri-fold sofas. This setup ensures that whether you’re parked at a campsite or in the middle of nowhere, you can enjoy a cozy and entertaining environment. There’s no sacrificing convenience here.
Budget-friendly:
- Reflection 100 Series 22RK
- MSRP: $50,987
Smart Buy:
- Reflection 303RLS
- MSRP: $78,154
Luxury Buy:
- Solitude 380FL
- MSRP: $140,336
3. New Horizons
New Horizons is a brand that understands the value of customizability. With this fifth wheel, you can customize your finishes to your taste, starting with the wood cabinetry of your choice. The brand offers a wide selection of layouts for each of its models, so you can find one that fits your family size.
The Majestic models, in particular, make full-time RV living a breeze with their tailored designs. This commitment to quality has consistently earned New Horizons the highest 5-star rating from the RV Consumer Group.
The brand’s reputation for craftsmanship and the ability to customize every aspect of your RV ensures that you wake up feeling like you’re at home – not jin some rented RV.
“Budget-friendly”:
- Majestic M35IK3S
- MSRP: $260,518 (Or find a used one.)
Smart Buy:
- Majestic M37IK3S
- MSRP: $260,518
Luxury Buy:
- Majestic M47IKT6S
- MSRP: $317,250
4. Keystone Montana
Keystone Montana is special because it’s the best-selling fifth-wheel brand in America. And you don’t have to look far to see why.
The living area in the 2024 Keystone Montana is a perfect example. It features adjustable dining tables, a fireplace, and electric-powered theater recliner seats. It’s the perfect place to entertain guests or fit your whole family.
The kitchen options are equally impressive. You’ll have the choice of an 18-cubic-foot residential fridge or a 20-cubic-foot 12-volt fridge. To sweeten the deal, you’re also in for an extra-large pantry and maximized counter space.
But don’t forget about the bedroom with a king-sized bed and a full-size closet that can accommodate a stackable washer and dryer. Insider tip: Not having to pay for laundry machines is a huge luxury for full-time RVers.
Budget-friendly:
- Montana High Country 295RL
- MSRP: $47,198
Smart Buy:
- Montana High Country 381TB
- MSRP: $108,840
Luxury Buy:
- Montana High Country 385BR
- MSRP: $113,130
5. Luxe Fifth Wheel
In the RV world, the Luxe Fifth Wheel is a direct-to-customer brand that’s become synonymous with luxury and state-of-the-art technology. With features like built-in WiFi and satellite connectivity, meaning you stay connected wherever you go. The high-end kitchen appliances, including residential refrigerators and ovens, make meal preparation a breeze, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite meals while on the move.
They also have a bespoke service to tailor your luxury fifth wheel to your needs.
Budget-friendly:
- Luxe Elegante 33EFS
- MSRP: $47,198
Smart Buy:
- Luxe Gold 38GFB
- MSRP: $211,880
Luxury Buy:
- Luxe Toy Hauler 46FB
- MSRP: $221,489
Summary
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the durability and extra amenities that come with a high-end fifth wheel also come with an extra cost. So once you officially buy that brand-new fifth wheel that’ll serve as your home on wheels for years to come, make sure you protect your investment.
But where to start? First, protect it from sun and storm damage by storing it undercover–not just under a plastic cover but under a structure that protects it from falling branches. Now, because a fifth wheel won’t fit in a standard-sized, two-car garage, you need to find another option.
If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on RV storage space every month, you’re not alone. Many of your neighbors are choosing a new way to store their RVs.
They’re storing their RVs with Neighbor.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace that offers RV storage up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options.
With Neighbor, you can find RV storage options in all 50 states. You may even find storage spaces in your very own neighborhood. Find listings from pre-screened hosts nearest you!
