The biggest RV class on the market is the fifth wheel trailer. Fifth wheels, or 5th wheels, are one of the most common types of RVs you see on the road, and for good reason. They offer a great balance of luxury, affordability, and space. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about fifth wheel trailers. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What You Need to Know
- Fifth Wheel Trailer Amenities
- Fifth Wheel Manufacturers
- Renting a Fifth Wheel Trailer
- Tips for Camping With a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth Wheel Trailers: What You Need to Know
A fifth wheel travel trailer is a large trailer that requires a fifth wheel hitch to tow. Fifth wheels are heavy, and require a full-size, one-ton truck to tow them. Their unique hitch has the coupling in the bed of the truck.
Given their super-duty hitches, fifth wheels can safely be a lot heavier. This means they have more available room and allowable weight for luxury amenities and sleeping space. Most fifth wheels today also come with multiple slide-outs. This means the living space can be expanded even further once you’ve set up camp.
Let’s take a closer look at the “5th wheel” part of the fifth wheel trailer. Why is it called that and how, exactly, does a fifth wheel work?
Why is it called a fifth wheel?
Horse-drawn carriages in the 1800s actually had a fifth wheel, which sat horizontally and allowed the front axle to pivot. And while the fifth wheel setup may have changed, the name stuck around.
Today’s fifth wheels operate using a sturdy fifth wheel hitch. This kind of hitch is heavy-duty enough to pull weightier loads. The hitch is a U-shaped fitting, which sits in the bed of a pickup truck, and is connected via the trailer’s “kingpin.”
Fifth wheel hitches tend to feel much stabler than traditional ball hitches, from the tower’s perspective. They also help cut back on trailer sway.
Fifth Wheel Trailer Amenities
Fifth wheel travel trailers are great because they offer the flexibility of a towable vehicle and the comfort and luxury of super-sized RVs. These trailers often have multiple slideouts and extremely large interiors. They can offer up to a whopping 500 square feet of living space. There are definitely urban apartments with less room than that!
Fifth wheel trailers can feature luxury fixtures and amenities, and there’s plenty of room for all of those perks. You can find generously sized living rooms with sofas, recliners, large TVs, and even fireplaces. They often have bathrooms with toilets and showers – sometimes more than one. They have kitchens with full-sized appliances, cabinets, and counters. Some fifth wheels will also have a washer and dryer inside the rig.
They can also have generators, making things easier when you camp off-grid.
| Category | Fifth Wheel Trailers |
| Size | 25 – 45 feet |
| Weight | 7,000 – 20,000 pounds |
| Storage | Moderate to extensive |
| Sleeping Capability | 4 – 10 adults |
| Extra Amenities | Spacious living areas, multiple slide-outs, full kitchens, residential-style furniture, entertainment systems, washer/dryer hookups, large storage spaces, sometimes with separate master bedroom and bathrooms |
| Price Range | $25,000-$150,000+ new |
Fifth Wheel Manufacturers
There is a huge range of fifth wheel trailers available at different amenity levels and price points. The right one for you and your family will depend on your needs and intended usage. For example, if you’re looking to spend just a few days in the woods each year, a lower-cost fifth wheel is a great way to take advantage of your downtime. If it’s just you and your spouse, or if you’re a solo traveler, a smaller rig might make more sense than a great big 40-footer.
But no matter which end of the spectrum you and your camping party fall into, there are a few specific, well-known manufacturers to consider.
Coachmen
Coachmen is one of the best-known RV manufacturers on the market. They offer vehicles across a range of types and styles, including towables and self-driving models. Despite their low cost, these RVs offer impressive quality. They are reliable rigs that are accessible campers buying their first RV. Their fifth wheel brand names include the Chaparral and the Brookstone, and they come in a variety of different floor plans and sizes. You can explore their products and customize your own Coachmen fifth wheel trailer directly from the manufacturer.
Forest River RV
Forest River RV is another manufacturer which crafts rigs in a wide range of styles. These fifth wheels also represent a large spectrum of price points, making them accessible to shoppers no matter their budgets. Check out the full range of Forest River RV fifth wheels.
Highland Ridge RV
Open Range fifth wheel trailers are a line made by Highland Ridge RV and are particularly well-known and sought after. These towable rigs combine spacious interiors with surprisingly low tow weights. They feature wide-body construction, which means you’ve already got more room to roam, as well as outsized slide-outs of a whopping 42 inches. Their amenities are chosen for both form and function, with style and reliability in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and elsewhere.
This is just a small sample of the huge number of fifth wheel trailers available on the market from a number of manufacturers. You can see our more comprehensive list of RV manufacturers creating fifth wheels and other types of motorhomes and trailers.
Online research can certainly help you narrow down your choices. However, the very best way to figure out which type of travel trailer is right for you is to travel in one.
Renting a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Renting a fifth wheel trailer is a great way to try out RVing for yourself! RVshare has a variety of fifth wheels for customers to rent. And renting through RVshare is often cheaper than a nationwide dealership, because you’re not paying for the staff and facilities that those larger companies are.
It’s simple to rent an RV for the first time with RVshare, and your personalized walkthrough means you’ll get a good feel for your trailer before you drive off.
One thing you will need to consider when renting a trailer is that you’ll need a vehicle large enough to tow it. If you want to have the fun of camping in a fifth wheel without the hassle of driving it, you can also look for owners who offer dropoff. They will set your trailer up at your campsite with you for an extra fee.
Tips for Camping With a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Camping with a fifth wheel trailer can be a challenge, but with a few tips you can be well-prepared for your trip. Let’s look at a few things to know before you camp.
- How to install a 5th wheel hitch
- Driving a large trailer isn’t as scary as you might think
- Plan your route
- Be sure to perform regular maintenance
- Allow yourself extra time to set up
How to install a 5th wheel hitch
When you’re ready to tow a fifth wheel trailer, you’re going to need to install a hitch to tow it. Here’s how to do that. You’ll first need a vehicle capable of towing the weight of the trailer that accommodates the hitch. In just about every case, this means a full-size, one-ton truck, like a Ford F350. However, it’s always important to review the tow capacity figures of your tow vehicle as well as the weight ratings (like the GVWR) of your rig before you commit to either purchase.
Once you’re sure you’ve got the right set of vehicles — and a high-quality fifth wheel hitch — installation isn’t too difficult.
Here are the basic steps
- Remove the spare tire, which likely sits under the bed of the truck.
- Position the front base rail of the fifth wheel hitch. Mark the first drill location, and drill a pilot hole to help guide you through the rest of the installation. Be sure to check the positioning of the pilot hole under the bed of the truck before continuing to drill the rest of the holes. You may need to enlarge the bolt holes already present.
- Bolt in the under-bed brackets to start securing the fifth wheel hitch to the truck bed.
- Bolt down the front of the fifth wheel rail.
- Measure the 5th wheel hitch height, attach the 5th wheel legs, and position the 5th wheel rear rail. Repeat the drilling and bolting process for the rear rail and install any remaining bolts.
- Torque all hardware and ensure the bolts are secure and tight before using the hitch to tow a trailer.
Driving a large trailer isn’t as scary as you might think
It can feel like a lot to take on to drive such a large vehicle. Especially when you have to deal with that pesky brake in the middle, thanks to the tow hitch. As many benefits as towable rigs bring to the table, there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to figuring out how to drive them … even if you’re already comfortable with other types of large vehicles like moving vans and motorhomes.
But although it might take some practice to master, fifth wheel towing isn’t really any more difficult than other types of driving. You’ll need to develop a keen awareness of your size and pay attention to the other drivers and road obstacles around you. And, of course, deal with the regular challenges of towing, like learning which way to turn the wheel when it’s time to back up.
You may want to practice driving and backing up in an empty parking lot before you have the pressure of doing it at a campsite for the first time.
Plan your route
Planning your trip ahead of time is especially important if you have a larger fifth wheel trailer. You’ll want to know your trailer’s dimensions, and you’ll want to consider those measurements when you plan your drive. Some roads may have restrictions on larger trailers, especially narrow mountain roads or those with bridges and overpasses. Check ahead of time to make sure you can drive the roads to your destination.
You’ll also want to make sure your chosen campground allows trailers of your size. Some campgrounds have restrictions on the campsites themselves, while others have restrictions simply because of the challenges to get there.
Be sure to perform regular maintenance
All RVs require general maintenance and upkeep, and fifth wheels are no exception. They also have some specific requirements in order to ensure the hitch stays in proper working order.
One of the most pressing examples is that the fifth wheel hitch must be lubricated regularly. This should be done with a specifically designed 5th wheel slider lubricant.
While you’re lubing up your fifth wheel, it’s a good opportunity to check it over for rust or other damage. Keep in mind that the hitch is the only thing securing your rig to your truck, so you really want to be sure it’s in proper working order!
You’ll want to wipe away any old or existing grease that can build up on the fifth wheel fittings. It can attract dirt and debris that can shorten the lifespan of the hitch. It’s especially important to ensure all that grease is wiped from the lock jaw, throat, and pivot points before winter comes. This can cause it to freeze and keep the mechanisms from operating properly.
Allow yourself extra time to set up
Fifth wheels do take a little bit longer to set up than their motorhome cousins. You’ll need to level your trailer, unhitch it, and attach all the hookups. And parking the trailer in the first place can take some time, especially if you need to back up at all.
But that works out well if you don’t move sites often or are mostly looking for a full-time home. Once you have it leveled and the slide-outs out, your RV is a nice enough home you might even forget it’s on wheels!
Fifth wheel trailers can be a great choice for many travelers. If you’re RVing with a family or large group, or you simply like having plenty of room, a fifth wheel is a great option. You’ll also have your vehicle right with you – once you unhook your truck from your trailer, you can use the truck to sightsee in the area. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the advantages of travel trailers. You can browse the travel trailers on RVshare to see for yourself what’s available.
