Choosing Between a Travel Trailer and a Fifth Wheel
One of the biggest decisions to make when buying a towable RV is whether to go with a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. Both of these styles have their own benefits and choosing the right one depends on your unique needs. That’s why we’ve broken down the similarities and differences between travel trailers and fifth wheels to help you make an informed decision. Find out what sets these two categories apart below, then stop by The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana, to see which RV is a better fit for you and your family.
Price
Cost is important to consider when buying a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Besides the sticker price, you’ll need to factor in the cost of registration, insurance, gas, repairs, and maintenance.
If you’re thinking about getting into the RV lifestyle but aren’t sure where to start, a travel trailer is a good option to start with as it’s highly affordable. In comparison, fifth wheels are more expensive because they are bigger in size and come with luxurious interiors. With their extra space and additional amenities, fifth wheels are ideal for those who have big families or those who prefer to spend more time inside their RV than outdoors.
You can always save money on either option by looking at used models for both travel trailers and fifth wheels.
Ease of towing
When it comes to towing a travel trailer, fifth wheels have the upper hand as they are easier to maneuver. Their special coupling and hitches are located higher, so you can easily hook up your fifth wheel to the truck bed making them more stable on the highway and reducing sway while you drive.
A travel trailer’s low hitch point means it’s more prone to swaying and your turning radius will be wider than in a fifth wheel. There are accessories such as towing chains you can buy to improve stability for travel trailers.
Another point to consider is the type of towing vehicle that’s required with each style. Travel trailers can be pulled by any type of vehicle rated to handle their total weight. But for towing a fifth wheel, you’ll need a large pickup or flatbed truck to which you can install the coupling. You’re good to go if you already own a truck capable of handling a fifth wheel but otherwise, the extra investment in a new towing vehicle means additional cost and you might want to stick with a travel trailer.
Size
In terms of size, it’s hard to beat fifth wheels. Even the smallest models have enough space to make you feel at home. The larger size means you can enjoy more amenities such as spacious living rooms, comfortable master bedrooms, plenty of storage, bigger kitchens, residential-style refrigerators, and entertainment systems. You'll also get more sleeping spaces, so it’s easier to accommodate the whole gang. Fifth wheels are taller, so you always have plenty of headroom and won’t feel cramped.
Travel trailers are much more compact, but you should be able to find a rig large enough for your family at an excellent value. You’ll love the multiple slide-out options which are great for increasing the interior space. In terms of features, you’ll be getting a lot of bang for your buck when you go with a travel trailer.
Both fifth wheels and travel trailers can make for delightful camping experiences. If you want a big recreational vehicle that maximizes space and amenities, a fifth wheel is the perfect choice. But if you want a smaller yet comfortable RV, a travel trailer is the best bet.
Now that you know more about travel trailers and fifth wheels, you can make a more informed decision. Ready to buy? Stop by The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana, to tour our amazing selection of RVs for sale. We also welcome those from Kalamazoo, Michigan.