Your Buying Guide to Fifth Wheels

Fifth wheel trailers are a type of RV that is towed by a towing vehicle, but their unique two-part hitch differentiates them from other towables. Additionally, the spaciousness and elaborate amenities of fifth wheels put them in a higher echelon of RVs, since they offer a more luxurious camping experience than a standard trailer. Here’s what to think about when shopping for the perfect fifth wheel.

Towing Vehicle

In order to transport a fifth wheel from place to place, you’ll need a towing vehicle that’s capable of having the hitch coupling installed in it. Typically, this means a pickup truck with the coupling installed in the bed. The long hitch of a fifth wheel trailer extends over the back of the truck bed to lock into the coupling unit from above, creating a very stable and secure connection that can support up to 10,000 pounds behind it.

If you don’t already own a pickup truck that’s suitable for this installation, then you’ll need to buy one, which means adding this expense to your overall budget. It’s important to make sure that your chosen truck is powerful enough to handle the weight of a fifth wheel and all of its cargo.

Amenities

Fifth wheels tends to come with a range of great amenities that make camping trips more pleasant for everyone. Slide-outs widen the interior space, while residential-style kitchen appliances make meal prep a breeze. Not every fifth wheel will have every type of amenity on it, though, so you'll want to prioritize. Think about whether you need multiple private rooms, entertainment centers, a bathtub, or a fireplace so you can select a model that has what you need.

Ready to browse fifth wheels for sale in Colorado? Stop by our Fort Lupton dealership location to view our full array of new and used fifth wheels for sale. Mericle RV serves our customers in greater Denver and Aurora, CO.