A towable RV can make any camping trip easy, convenient, and comfortable, but knowing which one is right for you is a bit more complicated. Two of the most popular options are a fifth wheel or travel trailer, but how do you decide? With our help! We here at Maple Grove RV know it can be frustrating to narrow down your options, so we’ve put together a brief comparison to give you a leg up. To learn more, or to see the fifth wheels and travel trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Everett, Washington, today!
Budget
As with any big purchase, you should have a firm budget in mind before you start hunting, including maintenance, insurance, gas, and repairs. When it comes to affordability, travel trailers have an advantage, since they cost less to buy and maintain. That said, a good RV will last you for years, so it might be worth it to buy the more pricey fifth wheel, since they come with more features.
Towing Experience
Both model types will require a fairly powerful tow vehicle, but fifth wheels tend to be a bit easier to transport. The overlap they have with a pickup truck bed creates a more stable joint, reducing trailer sway considerably. That joint also provides a better turn radius than a bumper-pull hitch.
Unfortunately, that advantage requires that your tow vehicle be a pickup truck. Fifth wheels are difficult, if not impossible, to tow with anything else. Travel trailers, however, can be towed by a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, cans, SUVs, and more, so long as the vehicle has the proper power.
Truck Bed Storage
If you are using a pickup truck, there’s still one advantage to a travel trailer over fifth wheel: bed storage. A fifth wheel’s hitch will require most or even all of the truck bed’s space, meaning you lose out on some storage. However, many fifth wheels use the overhang as storage, so depending on the model, this might be a negligible loss. So long as you aren’t relying on the truck bed to transport a smaller vehicle, you should be okay.
Space And Height
Generally speaking, fifth wheels have higher ceiling heights and a bit more head space. This is excellent for anyone who’s tall and/or claustrophobic. However, they also divide their space a bit differently, and often utilize stairs inside that you need to traverse to get to the primary bedroom and bathroom. If you have mobility issues, a travel trailer might be better despite the lower ceilings.
We hope this guide helps you determine which model type suits you best! If you have any questions, or you just want to start shopping, contact us at Maple Grove RV. We proudly serve the people of Bellevue and Seattle, Washington—let us serve you today!
