Travel trailers and 5th wheels are vehicles for people who want to go on adventures without leaving their comforts behind. Both of these towables bring a high-end experience, there’s no denying it. Because of that, many people think they’re interchangeable when they are not.
There are significant differences between these types of RVs — differences that play into which vehicle is better suited for you and your family. Check out what sets these two RVs apart from each other so you invest in the right one.
Towing Ease and Safety
A 5th wheel is the first choice regarding ease of maneuverability and handling in general (thanks to its even weight distribution), but it only pairs with a pickup truck. If you don’t have a pickup truck and don’t plan on buying one, a 5th wheel is out of the question, but a travel trailer isn’t.
With the vehicle you already own, you can tow a travel trailer as long as its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating coincides with the camper you want to pull.
Living Space
Travel trailers and 5th wheels come in a variety of sizes. 5th wheels are the larger choice, ranging from 25-45 feet long, while travel trailers typically run between 12-35 feet.
It’s not that travel trailers are cramped, it’s that 5th wheels are ultra-roomy. Their floor plans include an upstairs (the part that sits over the truck bed) to be used as a bedroom or an open living room, depending on the layout of the specific vehicle. With two separate levels, you can automatically enjoy more storage space underneath.
5th wheels also have higher ceilings than travel trailers, which makes it possible to have a ceiling fan without worrying that it might shave your hair off.
Layout
Because 5th wheels are larger than travel trailers, they have the ability to carry more luxuries. They have big living rooms, sizable kitchens, fireplaces, and, most of the time, two bathrooms. They also boast 3-5 slide-outs that expand the living space even further. They often feel like an apartment or even a small house, especially when they include amenities that you’d find in a home like a dishwasher, washers and dryers, and residential refrigerators. For those who live in their RV full-time, there’s no better option.
Travel trailers don’t have as many luxuries, but that’s okay – they focus on necessities meant for campers and short-term travelers. They often have two slide-outs, one bathroom, a comfortable living room, and a private bedroom.
Price
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that travel trailers tend to be less expensive than 5th wheels. It only makes sense, since they’re the smaller option and they come with fewer add-ons.
The perk of travel trailers being less expensive is that you can spend less money up front and still upgrade to similar luxuries of a 5th wheel on your own time. It’s a great way to have the best of both worlds.
Drivability
Even though 5th wheels are considerably larger than travel trailers, the fact that the hitch sits over the rear axle of the truck gives you a bigger turning radius. It also makes the rig less likely to sway – all thanks to the pivot point that the hitch creates.
Travel trailers are more difficult to maneuver because of the hitch point on the bumper and the RV’s lightweight body. You can improve the drivability by adding sway bars to your vehicle, but it still won’t compare to the smoothness of a 5th wheel.
Fuel Economy and Aerodynamics
It’s not exactly easy to compare the fuel economy of the travel trailer to the 5th wheel because both RVs come in varying sizes. You’ll often find that travel trailers that fall on the larger side have about the same fuel economy as a 5th wheel.
If you want better fuel economy, stick with the lighter-weight travel trailers – not only do they come with less heft to haul, they don’t require a heavy-duty vehicle to tow them, either.
But while travel trailers are the option with better fuel economy, 5th wheels are the more aerodynamic choice. That fact might help a little with fuel usage, but it mostly just positively impacts the sway and drivability, making them easier to control on the road.
How To Choose
If you plan on living in your trailer full-time, the answer is simple: choose the 5th wheel. But if you don’t plan to use your RV as a permanent home, there are more variables to consider.
If you need seating that an SUV provides and you can’t fit your family into a pickup truck, there’s not really a way for you to enjoy a 5th wheel. In that case, you should invest in a nice travel trailer. Even if space isn’t an issue, but you already own an SUV and you don’t plan on purchasing a truck, the travel trailer is the way to go for you, too.
Travel trailers are for those who want to save money, remain flexible with their adventures, and keep things light. 5th wheels are for people with pickup trucks who aren’t working within a budget, and those who enjoy luxury living, private spaces, and a number of homey amenities.
Still need help choosing which RV is the best choice for you? Don’t hesitate to give RV Dynasty a call at 765-689-8815 — we’d love to talk things through and help you figure it out.
When you make your decision, we’re ready for you. Come check out our huge variety of travel trailers and 5th wheels!
