Choosing Your RV: Fifth Wheel vs. Travel Trailer

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Nadia Bajuelo

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Nadia hit the road full-time in an RV with her husband, Jon, and their 2 dogs. She dreams of traveling the world, creating content that inspires, and hugging a koala bear. She’s been an educator and a marketer for a Fortune 500 company. These days, she works as a content creator and marketing strategist from the road. She writes for various blogs and magazines, also documenting her adventures with Jon at their blog RoamingRemodelers. Until she finds that koala to hug, she’s happy boondocking, visiting indie bookstores along the way, and drinking as much tea as possible.

Deciding to go with a towable RV is a huge step toward choosing the RV that’s right for you, but there’s still one more decision—fifth wheel vs. travel trailer?

First, let’s go over your vehicle’s towing capabilities. Knowing these numbers will help narrow down the choices, and with so many RVs out there to consider, from used towables to the customizable Happier Camper and everything in between, you’ll want a reason to slim down your options. Then let’s take a look at what fifth wheels and travel trailers have in common. We’ll finish up with a breakdown of how they’re different—the differences are ultimately what can help you decide what’s right for you.

Everyone’s needs and travel styles are different, but by the end of this article, you should have a clearer idea of what type of towable RV you’re looking for.

Your Vehicle’s Capability

Fifth Wheel vs. Travel Trailer

Choosing to go with a towable RV means you will need a vehicle to pull it. What vehicle do you already have? A truck, an SUV, a minivan? Can it tow an RV? Use Camping World’s towing guide to plug in your vehicle information and find out right now. If you don’t consider the tow limitations of your vehicle from the outset, you risk choosing an RV that your vehicle is able to tow. This is dangerous for everyone.

If you’ve decided you will be purchasing both a tow vehicle and an RV, you can look at all of the towable RV options. If you fall in love with an RV, you can then purchase the right vehicle to tow it. Though, some think it is easier to decide on your vehicle first and then further refine your RV search. For help regarding what your vehicle is rated to tow, take a look at our helpful towing guide.

Fifth Wheel vs. Travel Trailer: Similarities

With both fifth wheels and travel trailers you’ll be able to park your RV, detach your trailer, and drive away. The advantages here are ample.

Advantages to a towable

If you’re an avid fan of the outdoors you can explore with the added 4×4 capability many truck (or SUV’s) have. You’re free to explore backcountry roads without your RV holding you back. Even with your RV in tow, you will be able to reach more places than with the majority of motorized RVs.

If backcountry roads aren’t calling out to you, and you prefer RVing to explore cities, attend concerts, or sporting events, it’ll be easy to detach and explore the city in a regular-sized vehicle. This isn’t to say this is only possible with a towable RV, but in the majority of situations, being agile and nimble in crowded traffic is much easier than maneuvering a class A, class B, or class C motorhome.

Financially, towable are a sound option. Both fifth wheels and travel trailers offer many options that can get you in an RV and out adventuring at a relatively low price point. Typically, anything without a motor onboard will be cheaper.

Another advantage is the towables’ ability to sleep multiple people. Most travel trailers and fifth wheels are ideal choices for family travel or camping with guests. The majority of your options will sleep 4 or more people.

Fifth Wheel vs. Travel Trailer: Differences

Range in Sizes

Fifth Wheel vs. Travel Trailer - Size

Fifth wheels and travel trailers vary wildly when it comes to length. Fifth wheels generally range in length from 25-45 feet, so you’ll be committing to a fairly large rig. Due to their large size, they’ll require a more powerful truck to tow. Their size, plus the “upstairs” master bedroom or living area, allow for fifth wheels to feel very much like an apartment, making them ideal for full-time living. Fireplaces, washer/dryers, and dishwashers are not uncommon in fifth wheels. But what if you don’t have a truck? Or, are you worried about fitting in National Park campgrounds? Or maybe you just want to tow something smaller?

Travel trailers may be the option for you. They are available in a greater range of lengths—from 12-35 feet. You can get the same roomy feel of a fifth wheel with a large travel trailer, but you also have the option to go much smalle. The smaller options allow you to tow with a smaller vehicle, like an SUV. In other cases you may be able to tow with a mid-size truck rather than a full-size truck. Be sure not to choose a rig that’s GVWR is exactly at your vehicle’s max capacity though, you never want to push your limits.

Driveability

With the exception of small travel trailers, like teardrop campers, the consensus is that fifth wheels have the upper hand when it comes to driveability. A fifth wheel can be easier to maneuver and, in some cases, even safer to tow. Why? It has to do with where the hitch point is located. Fifth wheel hitches (located closer to the midline of your vehicle in the bed of your truck) provide a better turning radius, even weight distribution, and also reduces sway while you drive. A travel trailer’s low hitch point means the wind will throw you around a bit more, and your turning radius will be larger than in a fifth wheel.

There are accessories you can purchase to reduce sway and improve stability if you fall in love with a travel trailer. Of course, travel trailers that are very small are the easiest to tow and maneuver.

Total Rig Length

Fifth Wheel vs Travel Trailer - Driveability

If you are planning on taking your RV to nearby campgrounds most of the time, total rig length (the length of your rig plus your tow vehicle) may not be a concern. Any time you have a rig longer than 24 ft., you should definitely double-check that a campground can accommodate you. Being that both fifth wheels and travel trailers are on the longer side, this is something you should do no matter which RV you buy.

However, if you plan on taking longer trips with your RV, total rig length will be something to consider. When you take longer trips you will need to stop for gas, stop for food, and likely make overnight stops outside of campgrounds. With a fifth wheel you will always be able to have the same roominess as a travel trailer at a shorter total rig length. When your RV is attached, you will need more space to park a 28 foot travel trailer than you would for a comparable fifth wheel (due to the hitch points).

This difference in total rig length comes into play when you are trying to take up fewer parking spots as you stop for food. This makes a difference when you try to maneuver in and out of busy, often crowded gas stations along the way. Walmarts can nearly always accommodate even the longest total rig lengths overnight, but it does make life simpler if you can fit in just two parking spaces front to back, instead of five across. The same with stopping for snacks or food. Most rest stops and Cracker Barrels can accommodate even the longest total rig lengths. Still, if you’re more agile and nimble, travel will be easier.

Price

Finally, let’s look at how fifth wheels and travel trailers differ in price. Travel trailers have the upper hand here—they’re easily the least expensive way to start RVing.

Overall, travel trailers tend to be less expensive, partly because of the wider range in sizes available. Fifth wheels will usually require a full-size truck, and are generally heavier. Some travel trailers can be pulled by SUVs or mid-size trucks.

Enjoy the process of touring different fifth wheel and travel trailer floorplans. There are many to choose from and it can be fun to narrow down your choices as you begin to look at floorpans. Remember to always keep your vehicle’s tow capacity in mind no matter what. Overall, a fifth wheel will feel like being in an apartment, but you will sacrifice some maneuverability and some spontaneity. Travel Trailers at the small end of the spectrum can easily fit anywhere and will allow you more flexibility. If you decide to go big, fifth wheels do have some significant advantages when it comes to driveability and ease of towing.  Shop, whether buying a brand new RV or trading in your current rig and find your perfect travel trailer or fifth wheel at Camping World RV & Outdoors.

  • Comment (23)
  • Steve says:

    We have a 30 foot 5th wheel. Just read this thread now and agree that a 5th wheel may be a little harder to back into tight campsites because you don’t get the “leverage” of a trailer because to the pivot is over the truck’s axle. This tends to make the turning response a little slow as you begin to back in to a campsite compared to a trailer where the hitch at the back of the towing vehicle can swing the trailer’s tongue more quickly in the desired direction. Another consideration is the loss of space in the pickup bed for bikes or gear. If you have kayaks, you can’t mount them on top of the truck because the 5th wheel takes of the space over the truck bed. We went to inflatable boats for this reason. We love the space and towing stability of the 5th wheel.

  • Deni says:

    We currently have a 26-ft TT and use an anti-sway hitch which is very heavy and hard to lift at our advanced age. We want to keep camping but can’t handle the hitch. Would a 5th wheel make sense for us? Is there any “strength” needed to attach/detach a 5th wheel trailer?

  • Mike Noel says:

    Hey great article..we have a travel trailer 30.ft..considering a 5th wheel seems to be the way to be the way to go..

  • Angela K. says:

    I’m seriously considering a fifth wheel or travel trailer as a different option to buying a home. It’ll just be me, so my question is on ease of use. Which has the easiest to use hitch?

    • Gavin says:

      I am in the same boat. Considering a fifth wheel instead of buying a home as it is just me. I like them and am easier note. I plan to keep it stationary. Did you purchase one?

  • Fred says:

    Howdy, i am retiring here soon. Airstream has my attention to be bought. But size of a fifth wheel interests me, as I will be full timing it. My concern is I boondock alot. So offroad travel is a concern, dirt roads etc. my tow vehicle is a 2003 chevy diesel 2500 crew cab with suspension reworks, airbags, shocks, add-a-leafs. My question here would be, is a fifth wheel some thing I should consider? Or stay with a no slideout travel trailer? My concern is slideouts getting stuck while offroad.

  • Keith Jeffery says:

    I have notice that no one ever mentions that 5th wheels have stanard size queen and king size beds where as most of the Travel trailers have shorter beds it’s fine if you are 5’8″ and shorter.

  • robert Wilson says:

    I’m shopping for a fifth wheel in want to make sure that I purchase a size that is reasonable. Is there a trip planning app that allows me to filter for size limitations as I plan my trip?

  • Maryetta Falkenbury says:

    Nice article!

  • John Hopkins says:

    Haven’t bought either but have had them in the past and hopefully will own another when I retire.
    Seems to me if your purpose is to get away in the deep woods there’s always something else to carry. I’d rather carry canoe, small boat and motors, extra gas coolers deep cell batteries, etc in truck bed then to put all this gear in a toy hauler. Seems much safer to me plus you’re putting weight onto truck bed and not rear of a trailer. No doubt fifth wheel will tow better but you need to consider whether your supplies are going to be hazardous and heavy. I’m also confident first responders don’t want your camper full of nasty stuff if you’re involved in an accident. Just one mans opinion.

  • Forrest Kutyna says:

    Storage capacity is much greater in a 5th wheel

  • David Fields says:

    I want a mid-weight 5th wheel, grossing around 6500#, dry maybe at 4500#. With today’s mid-sized trucks, you shouldn’t have to go with something so ridiculously light as one dry at 2500#.

  • Jack Erickson says:

    Thor 2018 22ft

  • Chris Henry says:

    Hey Nadia, great article, just one point I’d add to- Fifth wheels are more towable and have less sway because the hitch point is over the rear axle of the tow vehicle, not because the hitch point is higher. You also have to be a little more careful when turning with a fifth wheel because the trailer kind of “cuts the corner, instead of following your tow vehicle more closely like a travel trailer does. We’ve own both and have experience with both- And the fifth wheels are taller and have more wind surface, but the hitch point has less leverage to move your tow vehicle around, better for long trips.

  • Hi Bob!

    A lot depends on the dimensions of your 5th wheel. Obviously, there’s more to look out for with longer and taller coaches. In general, the thing that many 5th wheel owners look out for is enough clearance between the truck cab and the front of the 5th wheel once you’re hitched up. On tight corners, you’ll want to be sure the front of the 5th wheel doesn’t contact the back of your truck’s cab. You may find this article useful.

    In addition, it’s also a good idea to double-check with campgrounds to inquire how easy/difficult it will be to maneuver to your spot. Just because they advertise the ability to fit your motorhome in their campsites, doesn’t always guarantee that getting there will be easy. A phone call to confirm is always nice to set your mind at ease. Hope this is helpful and let us know if you have other questions!

  • Bob Bauer says:

    Hi Fred, I’m wondering the same thing for myself as well. Last year my wife and I bought a new 30′ travel trailer with one slide. We camped all over the Northeast and then took a 5000 mile trip to Vegas and back. Now we’re looking to upgrade for just a little more room… maybe 30′ to 35′ with 2 or 3 slides. I’ve already upgraded my truck to a GMC Sierra 2500HD so I can go with either a travel trailer or 5th wheeler. I have a CDL (not that it’s needed) and can handle just about any type of trailer. The 5th wheeler tows better and is a little safer but it doesn’t follow your truck as well around the corners… need to be more careful there… also was wondering if the 5th wheel is harder to maneuver in the campgrounds.

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Hey Fred, that’s definitely up to personal preference. If you want to do a lot of tougher terrain, I’d suggest a smaller travel trailer but that’s just me. It really comes down to how comfortable you are towing and where you plan to be. Talk with a dealer rep and tell them where you plan to go and what you plan to do. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

  • Bob Bauer says:

    Hi Chris, I currently have a new 30′ travel trailer. We’ve been all over the Northeast and then took a 5000 mile trip to Vegas and back. I’ve just upgraded my truck to a GMC Sierra 2500HD and now looking at 5th wheelers. I was wondering what you meant about “the hitch point has less leverage to move your tow vehicle around.” I have no experience with 5th wheel trailers. Might it easier for travel trailers and harder for 5th wheel trailers to maneuver and park in the campgrounds?
    Still working

  • Becky says:

    Which do you prefer for towing purposes? We are more concerned with the driving than the living area

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Hey Angela, travel trailers have the standard ball hitch you’ll find on pretty much every truck out there. They’re typically easier to hitch up, but a fifth-wheel is going to tow a lot better. In terms of what’s better, it really depends on your preference. When it comes to ease of use, do you want it to be easy to hitch up or easy to tow the trailer? I’d talk with a representative at a Camping World dealership about your needs and how you plan to camp/live.

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Hi Kay, there are plenty of great small trailers, and Camping World would love to help you find a smaller option. Check out our locations to find the dealer closest to you. They will be able to help you find a trailer that would be perfect for you and your husband. Here’s a link to our dealer locator: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations

  • Kay says:

    My husband is having medical problems we have a 31ft fifth wheel that is to large for me to tow so I’m looking at smaller travel trailers that I could manage, we love the outdoors and hate to give it up, could you help with this?

  • Lisa says:

    Not always true about Travel Trailer beds. We have a new 2019 Forrest River. Nice king size bed.

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