Most new RV campers could use a glossary of RV terms to speed up their learning curve. But if you’re still learning the different types of RVs, you may be unfamiliar with an RV called a “fifth wheel.” Your tow vehicle has four wheels, and this type of RV has at least two—and sometimes more. So why is a fifth wheel called a fifth wheel?
Let’s explore that question and learn more about this popular towable RV type.
Key Takeaways
- Why It’s Called a Fifth Wheel: The name comes from a historical “fifth wheel” mechanism used in 1800s carriages, which allowed the front axle to pivot. Modern fifth wheels use a U-shaped hitch mounted in a truck bed, similar to semi-truck hitches, for stability and heavy towing.
- Key Features & Benefits: Fifth wheels provide better towing stability, a secure hitch connection, and spacious interiors with luxury amenities like large appliances and extensive storage. Their drop-frame construction allows for multi-level layouts and large cargo capacities, making them ideal for extended travel or full-time RVing.
- Considerations Before Buying: While fifth wheels offer comfort and space, they require a heavy-duty truck, have campground size restrictions, and may be challenging for new RVers to tow. Buyers should assess their towing confidence, travel habits, and gear needs before choosing a fifth wheel.
Why Is a Fifth Wheel Called a Fifth Wheel?
Fifth wheels use a U-shaped hitch coupling that’s bolted or welded to the frame of your tow vehicle—usually a pickup truck—through the truck bed. The connection point, also known as a pin box, places the trailer’s weight directly over your tow vehicle’s rear axle.
While hitch technology has come a long way, this basic design is responsible for the fifth wheel name. Old carriages in the 1800s had a horizontal ‘5th wheel’ that allowed the front axle to pivot. The name’s use was continued with the modern-day design for the 5th wheel truck hitch.
It’s similar to the hitch used on semi-trucks, which means it’s safe, sturdy, and rated for heavy loads. At the front of the 5th wheel, there’s a “king pin” that locks into the U-shaped pin box in the bed of your truck, allowing you to safely pull the trailer.
Here’s more information on 5th wheel hitches:
- The Common Fifth Wheel Hitch Mistake New Owners Make
- RV Hitch and Tow Basics
- How To Hook Up a Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fifth Wheel Tow Hitch Buying Guide
- Downloadable Fifth Wheel Hitch Checklist
What Is a Fifth Wheel Trailer?
A fifth wheel is a type of towable RV that requires a full-size or heavy-duty truck for safe towing. Fifth wheels require larger tow vehicles for two reasons. First, they tend to be among the heaviest RVs, requiring a vehicle with a higher towing and payload capacity. Second, the fifth wheel hitch can only be installed in the bed of a truck, making other vehicle types incapable of fifth wheel towing.
Beyond the hitch, fifth wheels differ from other towable RVs by featuring split-level designs. An engineering feature called drop-frame construction allows for multi-level floor plans with raised kitchens, living areas, or bedrooms. That construction feature is also responsible for 5th wheels offering larger underneath storage compartments than other types of towable RVs.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Fifth Wheels?
Whether you’re looking for the perfect RV for weekend trips or full-time RV life, fifth wheels can’t be ignored. Let’s examine their advantages and disadvantages.
The Advantages of 5th Wheel RVs
- Added Stability When Towing. Fifth wheel hitches reduce trailer sway because the hitch weight is over the rear axle (the drive axle) of the tow vehicle, meaning the trailer’s weight is better distributed.
- More Secure Hitch Connection. This stronger connection and high level of stability mean most 5th wheel trailers can be built with strong, sturdy, heavier, and often more luxurious materials and features.
- Luxury Amenities. Many 5th wheels come with larger residential-style appliances, solid wood cabinetry, king-size beds, and other luxuries you won’t find in smaller campers, often because of their added weight.
- Expanded Cargo Capacity. Fifth wheels offer larger compartments and higher overall cargo capacities than other campers. For those bringing motorized toys or large recreation gear, 5th wheel toy haulers offer the versatility of a mobile living space and garage. You’ll have room for ATVs, dirt bikes, kayaks, or anything else you like to haul on your adventures.
The Downsides of Fifth Wheel Trailers
- Size. Fifth wheels are large and heavy, and someone inexperienced may find towing them overwhelming. But their hitch design still makes them easier to handle than a similarly sized travel trailer with a typical ball hitch. Still, fifth wheel RVs are a great family option because they generally offer a large living area and plenty of sleeping space.
- Campground Selection. When booking sites for your RV road trip, you must know campground length restrictions. This is the sacrifice you’ll make to get a trailer with more living space and storage capacity than most.
- Compatible Tow Vehicles. Even the smallest 5th wheel campers are often larger and heavier than most travel trailers, meaning you’ll need a more powerful truck. This also translates to a higher-priced truck, which can put fifth wheels out of reach for some RVers.
Should You Choose a 5th Wheel RV?
So, how do you balance the need for an RV with ample living space with the desire for maneuverability? A lot comes down to personal preference, but asking yourself these questions will help you decide:
- How many people will you travel with? Traveling with four or more people requires the kind of living space and sleeping capacity that only larger 5th wheels with bunkhouse floor plans can provide.
- How comfortable are you towing? While they’re generally more stable than traditional travel trailers, 5th wheels still require care when towing. There are plenty of resources to help you learn how to safely tow a trailer, but you need to ask yourself whether you’re comfortable navigating this type of RV before buying or renting a 5th wheel.
- How often will you relocate? 5th wheels are great for establishing a basecamp for longer stays. You’ll retain your tow vehicle for supply runs and to explore nearby attractions, but smaller class B RVs are better if you’re constantly on the move.
- How much gear do you pack? One final benefit of 5th wheel trailers is a healthy amount of storage space. Even if you don’t opt for a toy hauler model, most 5th wheels boast a generous pass through compartment for gear storage.
- What can your current vehicle tow? It’s important to match the trailer to the truck you own. If you’re shopping for an RV and a tow vehicle, find the best vehicle for towing a camper. If you already have a truck, use the guide below to determine how much you can safely tow.
Learning the definition of a 5th wheel is a great start! Use these additional resources to learn more about this RV type, its benefits, and the various floor plan options available:
- Best Luxury 5th Wheel
- Fifth Wheel with Loft
- Front Bunkhouse Fifth Wheel
- Rear Living 5th Wheel
- Front Living Fifth Wheel
What are your thoughts on fifth wheels? Would you want one? Leave a comment below.
Thank you for letting us know that fifth wheels have a U-shaped hitch coupling that is bolted to the frame of the pickup truck or any tow vehicle. I’m going camping with friends soon, so we need a fifth wheel to tow and use for our trailer. I’ll take note of this while I look for where we can get fifth wheels soon.
im looking for a wheel chair company that makes or sells 5th wheel trailers ,i have a f250 turbo deasil ford 3/4 ton ready to pull something big , like a toy hauler.so is there any takers.
Another downside of fifth-wheels is that for seniors developing mobility issues, it’s hard enough navigating one set of stairs into the rig without having to navigate another stairway inside the rig several times a night.
When we were shopping for our current rig, we did consider 5ers in the same size range because people told us they felt “roomier.” We never got that feeling, and having to navigate the extra “story” sent us back to bumper-pulls.
Whomever wrote this article has no clue what the hell they are talking about. 5ths are more stable, but not because of a lower center of gravity(these things are pushing the DOT limitations for height).
It’s becaus the tongue weight is directly over the drive axle of the truck and not behind the axle lifting weight off the truck’s front steer axle. Also, the higher tongue weight percentage makes the trailer stable because the weight of the trailer is more evanly distributed across the entire rig(truck and trailer)
Pay attention to where semi dry van trailer axles are? All the way back as far as possible, this gives the max tongue weight and most stability, it’s how a 16k lb day cab tractor can pull 80k load without issues of stability.
I am confused by the statement;
“It will likely not experience as much trailer sway if any at all. This is due to its lower center of gravity and stronger connection than with a typical ball hitch.”
How is a lower CG possible, when not only are 5th wheel trailers are taller, and the hitch point higher?
I read the article knowing what a fifth wheel was but not knowing why it was given that name. After reading an article titled “why are fifth wheel trailers called that”. I still don’t know. Please answer that.
Good article, one correction, a gooseneck hitch and a 5th wheel are not the same. (1) 5th wheel, reciever is identical to what semi trucks use to haul commercial trailers. A 5th wheel RV is the only towable trailer that (in California) you are allowed legally to have passengers ride in while in transit. (2) gooseneck trailers are normally used for livestock (horses, cows) and are not legally allowed to have passengers ride in them while in transit. This trailer hooks to a ball that is mounted in the back of your pickup truck over the rear axle.
The only resemblance between them is that instead of hooking up to the reciever under your rear bumper, they hook up to a receiver mounted in the bed of the truck. Other than that they are totally different.
Hi Ralph! You might find this article useful: https://www.rv.com/rv/6-wheelchair-accessible-motorhomes-travel-trailers/
Thanks, Henry! There are pros and cons to every RV, which is why it is always a good idea to test out a few to find the one that works best for your needs.
The extra stability is in part due to the connection being located over the rear axle. Trailer sway will effect the tow vehicle sway to a lesser extent.
Hi Joseph,
I’ve reworked the paragraph in question to help clarify any confusion. I hope that helps!
Hi Rob,
Thanks for pointing out the lack of clarity in the article. I’ve updated it to answer this question. Basically, back in the 1800s, some carriages had a horizontal wheel on the front axle that allowed it to pivot. As technology advanced, the name stuck and is now used to describe this type of pickup hitch.
Hi Gregg,
Appreciate the comment. I’ve removed the reference to gooseneck so the article is more accurate. Thanks for the clarification!
-Wade