Have you decided at long last that a towable recreational vehicle is what you need? Well, you are still far from being there. Is it a fifth wheel or a travel trailer that you need? If you are still not sure then you will have to experience this fifth wheel vs travel trailer battle to get everything right.
What are some of the similarities and differences between these two types of motorhomes? To help you decide on what to go for, we have decided to put this article together to act as your guide. What is it that you need to know about these two recreational vehicle models before you decide to buy one? And what are your needs and expectations?
Have you found one between the two that perfectly matches your preferences for a motorhome? Without wasting much of your time, let’s get straight to the point.
Read more: Fifth Wheel vs. Motorhome
The differences of 5th Wheel vs Travel Trailer
Price is a key factor that cuts across the two towable makes. The most affordable here is the Travel trailers, hence making it easy for you to begin your RV journey. Whereas getting a Fifth wheel needs a prior financial preparation, which might not be easily achieved, Travel trailers are available in a wide range of sizes, thereby giving them a generally less expensive nature.
Another great advantage of the Travel trailers is that they require mid-size trucks for pulling. The Fifth Wheel requires a full-size truck, giving it the expensive price.
Travel trailers are present in the wider range of lengths, right from 12 to 35 feet. You are able to get close to a Fifth wheel roomy feel when dealing with a larger travel trailer. It doesn’t mean that options of going smaller are closed; smaller picks give you an opportunity to tow with a small vehicle such as the SUV.
On the other side, you are likely to tow using a mid-size truck apart from the full-size truck. You have to be careful enough not to choose a rig that matches exactly the maximum capacity of your vehicle. Therefore, when in need of a compact and small thing, then the smaller travel trailer is the best towable option for you.
Generally, the Fifth wheel ranges between the lengths of 25 to 45 feet. From the look of things, this towable option requires a somehow large rig. Additionally, their incredibly large size calls for the use of a very powerful truck during the tow.
The fifth wheel gives you the superb apartment feel due to the upstairs master bedroom plus its large size. It is well equipped with the dishwashers, fireplaces and dryers. When you don’t have a truck, you are going to be worried on how to survive at the campgrounds.
The rig length depends on the duration of your journey. However, if you plan to visit some nearby campgrounds then worry less of the total rig length. But when having a rig longer than 24 feet, do a thorough double check to confirm whether the campground is able to accommodate you.
The double checking is mandatory no matter the option you go for since they are both on the longer side. On the contrary, when you plan to go for longer trips using your RV then you have to consider the total rig length. Examine both the tow vehicle and the rig.
The longer adventures mean you will have to make stops for food, gas and overnight stop out of the campgrounds. The fifth wheel will provide you with the similar roomy feel as that of the travel trailer with the shortest possible rig length.
Know that you will require a big space of parking a 28 feet travel trailer, unlike the same fifth wheel because of the hitch points. With a fifth wheel, you are able to manoeuvre around tight and busy gas stations on the way. Besides, in the event of stopping for food, you won’t be bothered with taking much space.
The fifth wheel takes it all when talking of the ability to drive. Why? It is an easy charm to manoeuvre as well as very safe to tow. The hitch point location in a fifth wheel makes it easy to control unlike in a travel trailer. The hitches in a fifth wheel are located a bit higher in the truck bed.
The good location point minimizes sway and provides a good turning radius while you are driving. In a travel trailer, the low hitch point will make the wind to throw you anyhow and make your turning radius larger than expected.
However, you can have a separate purchase of the accessories that reduce the sway. Therefore, your travel trailer will be more stable than before, but it means you will undergo extra charges. You should also know that smaller travel trailers are very easy to manoeuvre and tow.
Similarities of Travel Trailer vs 5th wheel
The number one similarity of both a fifth wheel and travel trailer is the capability of housing multiple RV campers. They are highly recommended for family camping or trips with guests. Most fifth wheels and travel trailers are capable of sleeping more than four people at ago.
With both the towable options, you will be able to detach and set down your recreational vehicle. The help of twofold and the 4 by 4 capability of your truck, you are likely to explore more during your outdoor trips. You will be free to visit backcountry roads smoothly with your RV.
You will be able to visit a number of places with your RV rather than the believed motorized RVs. If you are the type who doesn’t like adventuring backcountry, then there is a great option for you to enjoy your RV adventures on the city sides. When it comes to city trips, you will be able to attend concerts as well as sporting events.
Seemingly, it will be too easy to detach and proceed to explore the city using the regular sized vehicle. This should not mean that the case is only true with the towable RVs. No, the capability is felt at a somehow low price point as compared to that of a motorized RV.
Both travel trailer and fifth wheel offer a variety of options from which you can do your selection. After a hard task of soul searching and landing on these two options, you can get into the RV to your desired destination. They will serve you well especially when undergoing financial constraints, due to their relatively low price.
Conclusion
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The 5th wheel vs trailer battle is so ideal for an RV camper who plans to buy a new motorhome. As you have seen above, either of these will serve you better as long as it has all you need in a motorhome. What you also need to consider before you make your selection is the kind of vehicle that you will be using to tow the RV.
You shouldn’t buy a product that will just lie at your compound due to lack of a vehicle with the capability of towing it. Of the two RVs, there is no clear favourite as both have their own benefits and limitations. Your choice solely depends on your preferences and needs.
Are you now in a position to differentiate a Travel trailer from a Fifth wheel? Or are you still having some difficulties? Which one would you go for given you needed a recreational vehicle? Please talk to us.