Fifth-wheel RVs are one of the most popular types of RVs on the market. They are instantly recognizable by their unique shape and hitch type–featuring an elongated front end with a gooseneck-style hitch.
Fifth wheels come in a wide range of lengths, styles, and layouts. Some fifth-wheel models are lauded for their high-tech features and luxury accents, while other models are practical, affordable, and able to accommodate large families on a budget. But all fifth wheels have one thing in common: the hitch of a fifth wheel sits on the rear of the towing vehicle’s truck bed rather than on a bumper hitch.
But what is the biggest difference from one 5th-wheel model to another? The answer will almost always be price. When shopping for a large rig like a fifth wheel, expect a wide price range that varies depending on the type, style, and brand of camper you choose.
Factors That Affect Fifth-Wheel Cost
Before digging into the costs of fifth-wheel campers, let’s look at the six main things that affect pricing.
Brand
Brand is one of the biggest factors when it comes to fifth-wheel price differentials. Certain brands, such as Grand Design, Jayco, and Alliance, have a reputation for building high-quality and durable fifth wheels, which means they come at a higher price.
Other fifth-wheel brands, such as Cherokee, Dutchmen, and Coleman, are considered more affordable brands in the RV industry.
Size
Although there are exceptions, bigger almost always means more expensive in the RV industry. The same rule applies to fifth wheels, as the longer and taller your fifth wheel is, the more it’s going to cost.
In addition to more living and sleeping space, larger fifth-wheel RVs also have bigger kitchens and bathrooms, along with more storage space than smaller fifth wheels.
Toy Hauler Vs. Non-Toy Hauler
As a general rule, fifth-wheel toy haulers cost quite a bit more than a fifth-wheel that isn’t a toy hauler. Toy haulers typically cost more because they allow you to bring your toys with you on your adventures, whereas a standard fifth wheel doesn’t. Additionally, people view the rear garage area of a toy hauler as a good option for an extra bedroom, weight room, or playroom, further increasing the value.
Floor Plan/Layout
The floor plan or layout of a fifth wheel also affects its price. Layout refers to how many rooms are featured in a fifth wheel, where they’re located, and the general flow of the RV. It also refers to the total square footage of your rig and how much living and storage space it will have. It’s important to choose a fifth wheel with a layout that you like and can accommodate your needs.
Custom Vs. Stock Model
As with the housing industry, a custom RV built from scratch will nearly always cost more than a stock or model RV. Custom rigs simply take longer to build, require different materials, and often feature more elaborate layouts and tech than stock models (which are more difficult to construct/install).
Luxury and Amenities
Last but not least, the amount of luxurious amenities a fifth wheel has will make a big difference in pricing. Certain fifth-wheel brands, such as Luxe and DRV Luxury Suites, are stocked with features like granite countertops, hardwood cabinets and floors, and more.
Other fifth wheels are built with more affordable materials and feature fewer amenities/luxuries. As such, they cost less to build and come at a lower price range.
Typical Fifth Wheel Price Ranges
Next, let’s look at the various price ranges that fifth wheels are available within.
It’s important to note that there are many other fifth-wheel brands and models that fit into each of these categories. However, we’re only going to include the three most popular for each pricing tier.
Budget Friendly
Budget-Friendly Fifth Wheel Price Range – $35,000 – $75,000
Although the average fifth wheel will almost always be more expensive than a comparable travel trailer, affordable fifth wheels do exist! In general, budget-friendly or entry-level fifth wheels will be smaller and have less storage than their more expensive counterparts. Additionally, they will also be built with cheaper materials, which means they aren’t quite as durable or high-quality.
Entry-level fifth wheels are a good option for families with small children and teenagers who will (most likely) be responsible for their fair share of routine wear and tear. They’re also a good option for couples or families who only plan to use their camper occasionally on weekends or short excursions. More use means a greater likelihood of damage, so infrequent road-trippers can get away with a cheaper model.
Here are some of the top entry-level fifth-wheel brands and models:
Mid-Level
Mid-Level Fifth Wheel Price Range – $75,000 – $175,000
If you want to move a step up in the fifth wheel game, there are plenty of great mid-level options to choose from. Mid-level fifth wheels can cost anywhere from $75,000 to $175,000 and are a happy medium between fifth wheels with the bare minimum and those built for luxury.
Mid-level fifth wheels are a good option for larger families or families with older kids because they have the most living and sleeping space of any towable camper. They’re also popular among retired couples who want to travel comfortably without feeling like they’re sacrificing the comforts of home.
Additionally, if you’re considering living in an RV full-time, mid-level fifth wheels are a great option. They offer all the comforts of home and a decent amount of living space but will ring up at a fraction of the cost of a standard family home.
Here are some of the top mid-level fifth wheels on the market:
Luxury
Luxury Fifth Wheel Price Range – $200,000 – $400,000
If you’ve got plenty of room in your budget and money isn’t a concern, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable RV than a luxury-level fifth-wheel. Luxury-level fifth wheels are essentially like tiny houses on wheels and are completely customizable.
With luxury fifth wheels, amenities like granite countertops, builder-grade hardwood, jacuzzi tubs, custom cabinets, ultra-high-strength steel frames, (and more) are within reach.
Luxury-level fifth wheels are built with the highest quality materials in the industry. As such, they have more durable roofs, thicker walls, and sturdier frames, which means they’re less likely to require repairs or maintenance down the road. The catch, of course, is that they cost nearly as much as a house, so don’t purchase one willy-nilly.
Here are our top luxury fifth-wheel picks:
Cost Comparison Between Fifth Wheels and Other RVs
When it comes to towable trailers, fifth wheels are easily the most expensive option. The only exceptions to this rule are luxury travel trailer brands, such as Bowlus and Living Vehicle, that engineer travel trailer models that far exceed the cost of the average fifth wheel.
Compared to driveable RVs (motorhomes), however, fifth wheels are often the cheaper option. Across the board, budget-friendly, mid-level, and luxury motorhomes typically cost more than fifth wheels in the same category. Luxury Class A motorhomes, for instance, can cost in excess of $1 million, while budget-friendly motorhomes can still easily cost over $100,000.
Other Cost Factors to Consider When Owning a Fifth-Wheel
In addition to what you will pay for the fifth wheel, there are other costs to consider with owning one.
Insurance
RV insurance is an important investment if you own a fifth-wheel RV. RV insurance will protect you against damage to your camper due to storms, accidents, and other mishaps resulting in damage. In general, the more expensive and valuable your RV is, the higher your insurance premium will be.
Tow Vehicle
Another thing to think about is the fact that the bigger your fifth wheel is, the bigger your tow vehicle will have to be. In the same way that bigger campers cost more than small ones, trucks with larger engines and more towing capacity typically cost more than smaller trucks.
Fuel Efficiency
The size of your fifth wheel will also affect its fuel efficiency. The bigger, taller, and heavier your RV is, the lower the efficiency will be. Additionally, you’ll also need a tow vehicle with a bigger motor, which often translates to even lower miles per gallon.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what type of fifth wheel you purchase and how much it costs, you’ll want to protect your investment. While proper maintenance and winterization are vital, an equally crucial element is choosing how and where you will store your fifth wheel for the off-season.
Fifth wheels take up more space than the average RV, which means you may not have a good place to store it on your property. If that’s the case and you require safe and affordable RV storage near you, consider turning to Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with hundreds of RV storage options throughout the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Cheap to Live in a Fifth Wheel?
While the average fifth wheel costs less than a house, you also need to consider campground fees, electricity, and other living essentials. In general, however, it’s cheaper to live in a fifth wheel than it is to own a home.
What Is the Lifespan of a Fifth Wheel?
A fifth wheel’s lifespan will depend on the brand and quality of the build. On average, they can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years.
Do Fifth Wheels Hold Their Value?
Like all vehicles, fifth-wheel RVs depreciate in value. However, the higher the quality of a fifth-wheel, the more it will retain its value over time.
