How Do Fifth Wheels Compare to Other RVs?

Are you considering buying a new RV or travel trailer? If so, you should definitely consider looking into fifth wheels. Compared to other types of RVs and trailers, fifth wheels provide numerous benefits that make them stand out. To learn more about fifth wheels, contact Mericle RV or visit our location in Fort Lupton, Colorado, also serving Denver and Aurora. 

What Is a Fifth Wheel RV?

Before getting into the comparisons, it is first important to understand what is meant by fifth wheel. The term refers to the type of trailer hitch these RVs use. Instead of hooking onto the vehicle using a trailer hitch on the vehicle’s bumper, fifth wheels use a large U-shaped hitch that is secured inside the bed of a pickup truck or on the back of a larger vehicle like a semi. 

Fifth Wheels Are Safer and Easier to Tow and Maneuver

Compared to bumper-pull trailers, fifth wheels have a far better safety record. This is because fifth wheels have a higher hitch point, which makes them less prone to swaying behind the vehicle and helps to better distribute the weight of the trailer. This type of hitch also makes fifth wheels much easier to turn and maneuver, which can be a huge bonus if you’re not very comfortable or experienced with towing. 

Fifth Wheels Use Less Gas than Other RVs

Compared to larger motorhomes, pulling a fifth wheel tends to be far more fuel efficient. Of course, this depends in part on the fuel efficiency of the truck you’ll be using to tow your fifth wheel. Nonetheless, most newer trucks should still be able to get far better gas mileage when towing a fifth wheel than you could ever hope for from a larger Class A motorhome. Typically, these large motorhomes only get 5 to 10 miles per gallon and often far less than this when going uphill or in windy or rougher conditions. 

Fifth Wheels Are Great for Both Small and Large Groups

You can find fifth wheels in a wide variety of styles and sizes ranging anywhere from 20 to 40 feet in length. These larger models can easily and comfortably accommodate groups of up to 10 people or more, ensuring that you have plenty of space for all of your family and friends. Alternatively, smaller fifth wheels can be perfect for couples and solo travelers, providing ample storage space and comfortable, spacious living and sleeping quarters. 

Whatever your needs are, you can find a wide range of fifth wheels that are sure to suit. Compared to drivable motorhomes, fifth wheels retain their resale value much better since there is no engine to worry about. For all of these reasons and more, fifth wheels are definitely something anyone in the market for a new RV should seriously consider. For more information, contact Mericle RV. We are located in Fort Lupton, Colorado, and we also serve the cities of Aurora and Denver.