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5th Wheel Campers Explained
When it comes to RV’s and campers, there are two main types; motorized and
towable. Class A, Class B, and Class C motor homes are all motorized. Fifth
Wheel campers are one of the types of towable campers, and one of the most
popular. But what is a 5th wheel camper?
The distinguishing feature of a 5th wheel camper, and the thing that makes it a
5th wheel camper, is its hitch and how it hooks up to its towing vehicle. A 5th
wheel camping has a gooseneck hitch that hooks into the truck bed of a heavy
duty truck (the towing vehicle). By hooking the camper into the bed of the
truck, there is better stability and a better center of gravity. Many travel
trailer owners complain of the swaying back and forth that their trailers do
when they are towing them. Fifth wheel owners don’t have this problem. Many say
they hardly realize they are towing a camper because the 5th wheel is so easy to
tow.
That stability and better center of gravity comes at a price though. The
gooseneck hitch requires a truck for towing, and the heavier weight of a 5th
wheel requires a heavier duty truck to do that towing. And, when you look at
towing capacities, try to stay under the recommended maximums for your vehicle.
Many people recommend this. It’s much easier on your truck’s transmission.
Either opt for a lighter 5th wheel than you originally planned or invest in a
heavier duty towing vehicle.
 Fifth wheel campers are the most luxurious of the towable campers. This also
makes them the most expensive. Some of the amenities that can be found on 5th
wheel campers (some standard and some optional depending on the manufacturer)
include:
• Full size appliances
• Solid wood cabinetry in woods such as maple
• Crown molding
• Solid surface countertops
• Leather recliners
• Slideout kitchen pantry
• Microwave
• Bay window
• Large LCD TV’s on a swivel base for multiple viewing areas
• DVD player
• Computer work station with data port hookups
• Surround sound entertainment systems
• Satellite radio
• Washer/Dryer
• King sized bed in the master bedroom
• Electric fireplace
• Built in safe
• Central Vac
• Full sized shower stall with glass doors
• Outside cooking grill
Size
Fifth wheel travel trailers are available in many different lengths starting at
22 feet and up to 40 feet. The most popular sizes are the 32, 34, and 36 foot
5th wheels. To gain additional interior space, most 5th wheels have optional
floor plans that include slideouts. Slideouts are most often used in the living
room and dining room area, but they are often utilized in the master bedroom
area as well. Multiple slideouts are becoming more common and more popular. I’ve
seen as many as five slideouts on one fifth wheel. Keep in mind though, that
slideouts add weight to a fifth wheel.
Cost
The cost of a new 5th wheel varies widely depending on the length you choose;
the number of slideouts, if any; and the extra amenities you purchase. Prices
start at $26,000 - $30,000 (not including the cost of the vehicle to tow it);
and can get close to $100,000 for high end models with all the optional
amenities.
How Many People Can I Get In It?
The number of people a 5th wheel will sleep comfortably will vary depending on
the size and the floor plan you choose. Most floor plans have only one bedroom
in them, the master bedroom. The additional sleeping areas are housed in the
sofas and in the dinette areas, depending on the model of 5th wheel. Typically,
a 5th wheel will sleep 4-8 people comfortably although the open floor space does
give you enough room to inflate an air mattress and offer sleeping space to a
few more people if you are really short on sleeping space.
Pros and Cons
As with any type and style of RV, camper, or travel trailer, a 5th wheel has its
advantages and disadvantages. Its main advantages are:
- Easy Towing because of the gooseneck hitch.
- Spacious and roomy inside. A 5th wheel has lots of room inside. If the weather
outside is inclement, there is plenty of room for everyone to be inside enjoying
the amenities.
- 5th wheel can be detached at destination which frees up the towing vehicle for
excursions and trips around the area.
The main disadvantages are:
- A towing vehicle, outfitted with a special package to house the gooseneck
hitch is needed. Because most 5th wheels are heavy, the towing vehicle needs to
be heavy duty. But, on the bright side, manufacturers have begun to introduce
lightweight 5th wheels that can be pulled by smaller trucks.
- The steps. Some people don’t like the bi-level design of a 5th wheel travel
trailer and don’t like having interior steps that lead to either the master
bedroom that is typically housed in the area of the trailer that sits over the
bed of the towing vehicle (although this area is also sometimes the living room
area). If interior steps are a problem, you may want to consider a travel
trailer or consider a motorized RV.
- The cost. Fifth wheel campers are the most expensive of the towable RV’s which
can make them too expensive for entry level buyers. If you really have your
heart set on a 5th wheel, consider purchasing a used 5th wheel. There are some
very good deals available on “previously road tested” 5th wheels.
Fifth wheel campers are my personal favorite type of towable camper because of
the ease of towing and the incredible interiors. If you haven’t looked inside a
5th wheel, go to your local 5th wheel dealer and ask to look at one. You’ll be
amazed at how nice and how spacious they are on the inside. One popular floor
plan, my sister-in-law’s favorite, has a master bedroom at one end of the camper
and a room with three bunk beds at the other which is perfect for her three
kids. My personal favorite floor plan has the master bedroom at one end with a
king size bed in it (and an optional washer dryer) and a living room area at the
other end with a large bay window and two leather recliners. I could see myself
stretching out in one of those recliners with a cold beverage at the end of a
long day hiking or biking the trails at one of my favorite campgrounds.
Another thing I love about 5th wheel campers is their awesome kitchens. They are
surprisingly room, with ample cabinet space, the availability of solid surface
countertops, the availability of stainless steel appliances in some models,
slide out pantries, microwave, kitchen islands (again, depending on the model
and manufacturer), and snack bar area.
Remember, when looking for a fifth wheel, first and foremost on your mind should
be the towing capacity of your vehicle unless you are buying a different towing
vehicle. Once the towing concerns are out of the way, you can concentrate on the
style, color, and amenities you want most in your new home away from home.
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