Fifth Wheel |
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A fifth-wheel trailer connects to the open cargo area of a pickup truck. This arrangements results in a two-level trailer, and the area that extends over the bed of the truck is usually a reasonably sized bedroom. Fifth-wheels are generally more stable than similarly-sized travel trailers, as the pickup-bed-mounted hitch reduces trailer sway and reduces the overall length of the truck and trailer. Lengths of fifth-wheel trailers vary from 20 to 40 feet and weights range from about 8,000 to more than 20,000 lbs. Fifth-wheels generally boast the most interior space and tallest interior height of any RV. Slideouts are a common and popular option to increase interior space. Many who travel extensively in RVs, and full-timers, find that a fifth-wheel and comfortable heavy-duty pickup are the best ways to travel. Advantages over a similarly equipped motor home is that your towing pickup truck can be used year round for other purposes when you are not RVing. You can also disconnect your trailer from the truck at a campground so you can drive to local attractions more easily. It’s generally easier to have a pickup serviced than an RV also. Many have large picture windows at the rear for panoramic views. Fifth-wheels can actually be roomier than a motorhome, and have similar amenities, including luxury features if that’s what you like. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that your passengers don’t have access to all of those amenities while you are under way, as they would in a motorhome. Nearly all fifth-wheel trailers built today offer at least one slideout. At the touch of a button, the slideout moves a portion of the RVs exterior wall outward as much as 3 1/2 feet to enlarge the living, dining, sleeping or even kitchen area. When extended, the slideout protrudes beyond the normal outside walls of the RV, like an addition on a conventional home.
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A fifth-wheel trailer requires a properly equipped and
compatible full-size pickup or a custom tow vehicle. It is important to
match the weight of the trailer to a tow vehicle which has the
necessary towing capacity (consult for specifications). New lightweight
fifth-wheel trailers have recently been introduced, designed
light enough to be towed by smaller trucks.
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