Category: RV Living

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – Which Is Best For You?

A discussion of 5th wheels vs travel trailers is a battle of the towable RVs.

So if you have decided that towing an RV is better for your needs than driving a motorhome, this article is for you.

Of course, towing an RV means that you have to match the RV with the right tow vehicle. But that is a discussion for a different time.

In this article we just want to provide the pros and cons of both 5th wheels and travel trailers. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can make the choice that fits you best.

Just keep in mind that there is no answer that fits the needs of all RVers. The right RV for you can depend on several factors and we will discuss that as we go along.

Watch my video about fifth wheels vs travel trailers

Table of Contents

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – What Are They?

First of all, let’s make sure that we can identify a fifth wheel or a travel trailer RV.

A fifth wheel RV is easily identified because it has a hitch that mounts in the tow vehicle bed, usually over the rear axle.

So a fifth wheel has a front section that juts out from the rest of the RV. And it looks like this:

A typical fifth wheel RV.

A travel trailer on the other hand attaches to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. So travel trailer RVs look more like a box than fifth wheel RVs, like this:

A typical travel trailer RV.

The Pros Of Travel Trailers

Now lets cover the pros or advantages of choosing travel trailer RVs.

  • They come in all sizes from 12 feet to 35 feet and everything in between. So you easily can find a size that fits your needs best.
  • They are usually less expensive to buy if you just want to try RVing out for a while. This is especially true with smaller travel trailers.
  • Many travel trailers can be pulled by SUVs and 1/2 ton pickups. This avoids the need for more expensive diesel engines in your tow vehicle.
  • Smaller travel trailers can fit in almost any size camping spot. This is great for national park campgrounds and boondocking spots.
  • Travel trailers allow for more storage space in the bed of the tow vehicle. Fifth wheels take up a huge amount of space in the pickup bed with the hitch alone.
  • Easy on and off highways while traveling. Also easier to get in and out of fuel stations and restaurants while traveling.

The Cons of Travel Trailers

Now here are the cons of travel trailer RVs.

  • They often have fewer slides than fifth wheels, so they can feel less roomy inside.
  • Travel trailers often have fewer and smaller appliances and luxury items to keep the towing weight as low as possible.
  • Towing travel trailers by the bumper can be more difficult as the center of gravity is moved to the bumper. But in fairness, much of this can be aided by weight distribution hitches and sway bars.
  • There is less storage area in the RV itself. The storage compartments are smaller and cargo capacity is often less than in a fifth wheel.
  • The build quality in travel trailers is often lower than what is found in fifth wheels. These RVs are usually designed for occasional weekend use, so the build quality only meets those needs. Of course, the exception to this is Airstreams, Olivers, and Casita travel trailers.

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – The Pros of Fifth Wheels

Having covered the pros and cons of travel trailer RVs, lets do the same with fifth wheels.

  • Fifth wheels often have lots of living space compared to travel trailers. Many people remark that they feel more like an apartment than a camper. This is often because of taller ceilings and more slide outs.
  • Fifth wheels also tend to have more amenities and luxury items as standard equipment.
  • They are also usually easier to tow because the center of gravity is moved to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. And the longer the RV, the more easy it is tow a fifth wheel compared to a travel trailer.
  • Fifth wheels also usually have larger storage compartments and can handle more cargo capacity.
  • They often come with an onboard generator, making boondocking easier. This is especially true of newer fifth wheels.
  • When compared to most travel trailers, fifth wheels usually boast better build quality and materials. This is because they are often designed for longer term living arrangements and camping options.
  • Fifth wheels have a shorter turning radius because of the hitch position. So that makes them easier for many to back them into a tight campsite.

The Cons of Fifth Wheels

So now here ae the cons of choosing a fifth wheel as your RV.

  • Fifth wheels usually are more expensive to buy when compared to the same size travel trailer. This extra cost can be difficult for newer campers just getting started.
  • There are less size options to choose from. Fifth wheels usually start around 30 feet long and max out around 45 feet.
  • Because of their size, fifth wheel RVs can be more challenging to fit into smaller campsites.
  • They are bigger and heavier than many travel trailers and therefore require larger tow vehicles to pull them safely. The vast majority of fifth wheel RVs will be best pulled by a tow vehicle equipped with a large diesel engine. This of course adds more overall cost to the rig.
  • There is less bed space for storage in a tow vehicle used for pulling a fifth wheel. This is because the hitch takes a lot of space and is difficult to remove and reinstall very often.
  • Fuel costs for RV travel with a fifth wheel are also higher because they are bigger. This added weight and size leads to poorer fuel economy than a smaller travel trailer.

Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailers – Which Is Best For You?

So having considered the overall pros and cons of these two major types of RVs, what conclusions can be drawn? Who best fits the use of a fifth wheel in their RV travels and camping? And who best fits travel trailers instead?

Well, generally speaking, travel trailers are a good fit for weekend RVers. After all, that is the kind of use that most travel trailers have been designed for.

They also are good for beginning RVers on a budget. Maybe you want to dip your toe in the RV world without committing too much hard earned cash. In that case, travel trailers can be a good choice.

But travel trailers are also a great solution for boondockers or those who like to camp in National Parks. In these cases, being small and nimble is a big asset. So there is plenty to choose from that will be perfectly suited for this type of camping.

On the other hand, fifth wheel RVs are a good choice for part-time or full-time RVers with a larger budget to spend. They are often built better and will stand up to more rigorous use on a prolonged basis.

But fifth wheels also are good for RVers who simply want more living space. For those who want more of an apartment feel and less of a camper feel while RVing.

And of course, some of us want more amenities and luxuries than others while RV camping too. In that case, fifth wheels often fit the bill a little better than most travel trailers.

Conclusion

The point of this article is to emphasize that both fifth wheels and travel trailers have advantages and disadvantages.

There are plenty of RVers who regularly use either of these type of RVs. And they are happy with what they have.

So the decision really is what kind of RV camper are you? Which of these RV types makes the most sense for your style of travel and camping, as well as your budget?

Just review the pros and cons as outlined above and decide whether a fifth wheel or a travel trailer fits your needs best.

Then find the RV you want and get out there making memories and having adventures as soon as possible!

The Best RV Accessories For Travel And Camping

It’s time for us to share some of the best RV accessories that we have found so far.

RV living is very unique and different from stationary, “sticks and bricks” life.

So it requires a whole different set of accessories and useful items to make RV life easier and more enjoyable.

So here is a list of some of our favorite RV accessories and gear that we use all the time.

Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means โ€“ at no additional cost to you โ€“ I earn a commission if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. I only link to products and companies I use and feel comfortable recommending. The income goes toward supporting the free content on this website

Best RV Accessories #1 – RV Water Softener

If you travel a lot in your RV, itโ€™s important to use a portable water softener. It can help protect your RV pipes, faucets and appliances.

This is because a lot of campgrounds have hard water. And hard water leaves harmful deposits that build up inside your pipes and appliances.

Over time, the buildup reduces their effectiveness and can eventually lead to potentially expensive repairs.

So using a portable water softener can minimize these issues. And it can even make your soaps, shampoos, and cleaning liquids more effective too!

Click here for my recommended RV water softener

Accessory #2 – 90 Degree Water Elbow

Many campgrounds have a water faucet that is located very low to the ground. And this can make it hard to attach a water hose to the faucet.

So the solution is a small metal 90 degree elbow that attaches to the faucet. Then your water hose can easily attach to the other end of the elbow.

This helps keep the hose nice and straight without kinking.

Click here for my recommended 90 degree water faucet elbow

Accessory #3 – Velcro Ties

Sometimes the simplest little items can make a huge difference in life. And velcro ties are definitely some of the best RV accessories that we have come across.

We use them all the time for various reasons. In fact, their use is only limited by your own imagination.

Sometimes we use them to organize power cords and computer cords. But I have also used them to keep my water hoses stored neatly.

We also use them in cabinet door handles to keep the doors shut as we travel down the road.

And we have used them to keep our awning tie downs from flapping in the breeze.

And if using just one is not long enough for your purpose, just add more!

There are so many ways that these simple little helpers can be useful in RV life.

Click here for my recommended RV velcro ties

Accessory #4 – Traffic Cones

Traffic cones are usually considered to be just a safety item. And it’s true that they should be in every RVers arsenal for that reason alone.

For instance, if your rig breaks down on the road, you can use them to warn oncoming traffic.

By spacing them out on the side of the road you are warning other drivers of the upcoming problem. This allows them to move over before reaching your rig.

But we have also found that traffic cones can be helpful for other purposes too.

One example is that some campgrounds allow you to choose your own campsite when you check in. So new arrivals are all driving around to claim their site, often at the same time. We like to do that in our car instead or our full rig.

So we often use a traffic cone to claim a site we want until we can get back and set up our rig. This makes sure that we don’t lose the site we want to someone else in the meantime.

But traffic cones are also great for anyplace where you park your rig and want to leave space to exit easily.

For instance, we have seen RVs parked at stores and places of business. Then other drivers unknowingly park too close to their rig and prevent them from leaving.

But using traffic cones, you can claim enough space around your RV to prevent that from happening.

Of course, there are other great uses for traffic cones in your RV travels too.

Click here for my recommended collapsible RV traffic cones

Best RV Accessories #5 – Water Pressure Regulator With Gauge

An unfortunate side effect of RV travel is the variations in water pressure that you encounter.

Some campgrounds have very low water pressure that only produces a trickle at your inside faucets.

Others have very high water pressure that can endanger the plumbing in your RV.

So a water pressure regulator is a necessity for RV travel. But most regulators you see don’t give you much information about the water pressure you are facing.

So how do you know whether the regulator is actually doing its job or not?

I prefer a water pressure regulator that has a gauge that is easy to read. And one that allows you to manually adjust the pressure up or down.

So if you have low water pressure, adjust it upward. If its high water pressure at the outside faucet, adjust it downward instead.

Click here for my recommended RV water pressure regulator with a gauge

Accessory #6 – RV Battery Maintenance

There are more choices available now when it comes to RV batteries than ever before.

But the good old wet cell lead acid battery is still the most popular choice among many RVers.

That’s because it really is proven technology that just works. And it comes at the lowest price of any RV battery type you could choose.

But the one thing you have to remember about lead acid batteries is that they require regular watering. And this is an area where some RVers are not sure about what to do.

But the whole battery watering process is made super easy with an RV battery water filler.

Just fill it with distilled water and put the nozzle in the open cell when the cap is removed. Then press down on the nozzle and it will automatically fill that cell with water up to the correct level.

Then just remove the nozzle and replace the cell cap. It really is that easy. I can usually water my battery bank of 4 wet cell batteries in just 10 minutes.

Click here for my recommended RV battery water filler

Accessory #7 – A Portable Screen Room

RVers that have smaller rigs often appreciate having a little more living space at the campsite.

But RVs only have so much room inside. And awnings are great, but they don’t protect you from bugs and insects. So what do you do?

Well, one way to get that extra space is to carry a portable screen room in your travels.

It will provide weather protection while also sealing out annoying bugs and insects if you are in a warm climate.

It essentially creates a comfortable living space outside your RV that can be set up and taken down as needed.

And they can fold down into a very small space for travel.

Click here for my recommended camping screen room

Accessory #8 – Walkie-Talkies

More damage is done to RVs while getting into and out of campsites than almost anything else.

And if you have a partner who can serve as a spotter for the driver, that’s a big help.

But how do you communicate well since the spotter can be several yards away from the driver?

Well, some RVers use a series of hand signals, and that can work well to a point. But the best way is to communicate by voice over walkie-talkies.

Some may use cell phones instead, but what happens when your cell service isn’t good?

The beauty of walkie-talkies for RVing is that they are always usable wherever you go.

And they are also great for hiking trips you may take while visiting an area in your RV.

Click here for my recommended RV walkie talkies

Accessory #9 – RV Shower Organizers

RV showers are notoriously small and cramped. And they often don’t have a lot of room for shower soaps and lotions either.

And if you have a family using the shower it can get difficult if everybody has their own favorite shower products. Where do you store all of those liquids and bottles?

Well, the good news is that there are shower organizers that easily dispense up to 3 separate soaps and lotions.

They easily mount securely to the RV shower wall and stay in place even while bouncing down the road.

And since they take up very little space, you can install more than one on the shower wall. This allows each person to have their own favorite shower products on hand when they shower.

When the liquids get low, just fill up the shower dispenser again. Easy, peasy!

Click here for my recommended shower organizer and dispenser

Best RV Accessories #10 – Earthquake Putty

Traveling down the road in an RV subjects your rig to small earthquake forces.

So all experienced RVers know that they have to store all their little knick-knacks and shelf items before they travel. Otherwise, they are probably going to have a mess when they they get to the campsite.

But there is another solution too, and that is something called earthquake putty.

It’s a flexible putty that you can place on the bottom of the small items in your rig. Then place them on a shelf or table and the putty will hold them securely in place as you travel.

This means that you don’t have to keep going through the cycle of storing them each time you travel.

Just put the earthquake putty on the item, secure it to a flat surface, and you’re done!

And if you want to remove that item or move it around just twist it and the putty releases its grip.

Click here for my recommended earthquake putty

Accessory #11 – Instant Pot

RVing is more enjoyable for many people when you keep things simple and uncomplicated. And the Instant Pot does just that.

If you like to be on the go while visiting an area in your RV, the Instant Pot is great for that.

Just prepare the ingredients before you leave for the day and toss them in when you get back. Because the Instant Pot uses high pressure for cooking, your delicious meal will be ready in no time.

And there are so many recipes on line that are quick and easy to make. Pinterest alone has an almost unending supply of great-tasting recipes.

It’s also small and compact and easily stows away when not in use. So it really fits in well with RV life.

Many full-time RVers we have met use the Instant Pot regularly. And I haven’t met anyone yet who was dissatisfied with it.

Click here to view the Instant Pot we recommend

Should You Buy A New Or Used RV? The Pros And Cons

Many RVers struggle with the idea of whether they should purchase a new or used RV.

And the truth is that there is no answer to that dilemma that works for everyone.

A lot depends on what your personal priorities are in an RV. For instance, cost of the RV, warranty coverage, better amenities, and more can come into play.

And what is a high priority for some, is low on the list for someone else.

So let’s lay out the overall pros and cons of whether you should buy a new or used RV. And then you can decide what are the most important issues for your needs.

Watch my video about new vs used RVs

Table of Contents

Buy A New Or Used RV – Pros Of Buying New

  1. One of the best reasons for buying new is that you can know the history of the RV from the first day. There is no guessing about how it was maintained because you have cared for it from day one.
  2. You usually get a factory warranty that is very extensive. These kind of warranties often last about a year from the date of purchase. But they typically cover almost everything on the RV. And that is a huge comfort, especially if you are a new RVer just getting used to having a rig.
  3. Oftentimes new RVs have the very latest technology and features built into them. If that kind of thing is important to you, a new rig could be just what you need. And it can save a lot of money and time by having all the modern items built in from the factory instead of being added later.
  4. If you are allergic to pets and smoking, you can make sure that you don’t have to deal with those issues if you buy new.
  5. Also if you are a long-term RV buyer, you will get more years of solid service simply because it is new. If you buy used, you already have lost some of the best service life of that rig.

Buy A New Or Used RV – Cons of New RVs

  1. If you are questioning what you should buy, consider this – new RVs cost more. An RV will never be more expensive to buy than when it is new.
  2. It’s pretty much like buying a car, the first owner takes the big depreciation hit. So there is an inherent financial penalty for buying a new rig. Very often the depreciation loss can be 20% – 30% or even more.
  3. It may take you a year or more to get all of the bugs worked out of a new rig. It’s sad, but true. Quality control is not the best at many RV manufacturers these days. So you may have a long list of issues that will have to be fixed over the course of the first year of ownership. This requires a lot of patience to see it through.
  4. Higher insurance costs. Of course, the higher the cost of the rig, in most cases the higher your insurance costs will be.
  5. RV dealers can be difficult to work with. Not all RV dealers are solely sales driven without a lot of thought for the customer. But far too many of them are similar to the old proverbial used car dealer in their tactics. Many people find this to be a difficult and tedious process and want to avoid RV dealers altogether.
  6. Newer RVs often are not constructed as well as older RVs. This is especially true of rigs made before 2008, or before the economic crash. RVs built before then often were made to a higher standard at the factory. But in recent years, cheaper parts and materials are being used to lower production costs. This can result in a lower quality product all around.

The Pros Of Buying A Used RV

  1. Save money on overall RV cost and depreciation loss. This is probably one of the biggest reasons many RVers buy a used rig. In fact, the savings alone can make the choice for you. Very often, many thousands of dollars can be saved by choosing an RV that is just a couple of years old.
  2. Most of the bugs should be worked out by the first owner. As mentioned above, the first year of RV ownership is often spent fixing things. If you buy the RV after that warranty period, most likely many of the quality control issues have been repaired.
  3. The previous owner may have added some nice upgrades that you can use. Upgrades are great if they are useful, but they seldom are cost effective at the time of resale. So you may have some really nifty additional comforts built into the RV that doesn’t come as standard equipment.
  4. There are lots more used RVs than new RVs. That simple fact means that you will have plenty more rigs to choose from if you buy used.
  5. You can often buy a higher quality used rig for the same cost as a lower quality new RV. Depending on how far back you are willing to go, you may even get an RV that was top of the line.
  6. Of course, if the cost of RV replacement is less, then the cost of RV insurance will usually be less too. So used RVs tend to carry lower insurance costs as well.

The Cons Of Buying Used RVs

  1. Probably the main reason people don’t want to buy used is their fear that they may be buying a problem RV. They are worried that there may be unseen problems that will only be found after the sale. Of course, having a good RV inspection by a certified inspector can help ease those fears.
  2. There is no factory warranty anymore, so anything that goes wrong is a cost for the new owner. Again, this can be resolved by getting an aftermarket used RV warranty. But a good warranty will cost quite a bit of money too.
  3. The farther you go back into the past to buy an RV, the more dated it will be. The furnishings, the colors, the older technology will be what was standard whenever the RV was new. To bring the RV up to modern standards and appearance may cost quite a bit.
  4. All appliances and mechanical components wear out over time, even if they are well maintained. So if the RV is quite a bit older, you may be faced with a spate of replacements you hadn’t counted on. And even if that’s not the case, the usable life of these RV items is diminished. They won’t last as long as the same items in a new rig.

Conclusion

Lots of RVers buy new rigs and lots of others buy used instead. And both can be very happy with their purchase.

This is because ultimately, the satisfaction of the buyer is what determines whether the transaction was good or not.

If your priorities lead you to buy a newer RV, that’s fine. Enjoy it!

But if your priorities lead to the purchase of a used rig instead, there is nothing wrong with that either.

Hopefully, the pros and cons I listed above can help you to decide what is most important to you in the buying process.

Have safe and happy travels my friends!

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