As you’re determining the RV that will best suit your next adventure, you may want to consider a 5th wheel trailer. Many people choose 5th wheel trailers because they are affordable, they handle well on the road, and they offer plenty of storage, but many 5th wheels are quite large, something not everyone needs. This is where the smallest 5th wheels come into play.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the smallest 5th wheel RVs out there.
What are the Smallest 5th Wheel RVs?
Here are a few small 5th wheel trailers that still pack a big punch. Choose from this list and you can’t go wrong.
- Keystone Montana 3123RL
- Sleeps 4
- Weight: 12,881 lbs
- Length: 35 ft
- Vehicle req: 3/4 ton truck
- Forest River Rockwood Signature 290SFK
- Sleeps 3-4
- Weight: 10,898 lbs
- Length: 29 ft, 10 in
- Vehicle req: 3/4 ton truck
- Dutchmen Astoria 230ML
- Sleeps 4-6
- Weight: 7,514 lbs
- Length: 28 ft, 3 in
- Vehicle req: 3/4 ton truck
- Winnebago Minnie Plus 25RKS
- Sleeps 4
- Weight: 9,995 lbs
- Length: 27 ft, 3 in
- Vehicle req: 3/4 ton truck
- Scamp 19 Fifth Wheel
- Sleeps 4-6
- Weight: 3,500 lbs
- Length: 19 ft.
- Vehicle req: 1/2 ton truck
What to Consider When Looking for Small Fifth Wheels
Here are some factors to consider before securing yourself a small lightweight fifth wheel camper.
Tow Vehicle Capacity
You’ll want to make sure that once you have your small 5th wheel trailer, you have a way to actually tow it around. Make sure to take note of the truck you plan to use so you can check that your 5th wheel trailer is compatible. While some smaller fifth wheels can be towed by a 1/2 ton truck, it’s more common for a 5th wheel trailer to require a 3/4 ton truck for towing. You can usually check how much weight your vehicle is capable of towing by checking your owner’s manual, then compare that to the weight of the trailer you’re considering.
Tow Hitch
You need a 5th wheel towing hitch to tow a fifth wheel trailer. Check to see if your vehicle already has a 5th wheel tow hitch – you may not need to purchase one. However, if your vehicle does not have one you’ll need to purchase and install that before you can use your small 5th wheel trailer.
Price
As with most purchases, the more you pay, the better the quality and more features you can have. A reliable brand of small 5th wheel trailers is going to be more expensive than one with a lower quality product. One way to test out various small 5th wheels is to rent one from RVshare and take it out for a trip to see how you like it!
Drivability
Smaller 5th wheel trailers are great for new RVers, because their smaller size means they’re easier to handle on the road. If you’re not used to towing a lot, this could be the perfect solution for your camping needs! It also helps to check reviews and talk to RV dealers to see how easily the trailer you’re interested in handles on the road. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions about how to maneuver the 5th wheel and how easy (or hard!) it is for drivers to tow.
Reliability
Check reviews on the trailer you like to see if people have problems with repairs, or breakdowns in any part of the 5th wheel trailer. As we mentioned, reliable trailer brands may cost more, but that initial cost could be offset by the number of repairs you could have to pay for on a lower-quality trailer, and by the lifespan of your trailer. A more expensive trailer could end up being cheaper in the long run.
In many cases, a small 5th wheel is the way to go. If you think it might be the best pick for you, consider renting one and going on a test trip. We’re betting you’ll fall in love!
