One of the most exciting things about full-time RVing is the possibility of growing or shrinking your rig based on your travels or needs. It’s an adventure that so many of us dream about. A lot of people ask me, ‘Are there any pros and cons to a travel trailer versus a 5th wheel?’

In this article, I will be going over the main differences between a travel trailer versus a 5th wheel.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are a great way to travel the country and expand your horizons. They are economical and easier to tow than most 5th wheels. Travel trailers can be towed by a variety of different trucks and SUVs that make it more accessible to those who don't have a full-size pickup truck. It is much easier to find parking for a travel trailer than a 5th wheel. You can even find parking at many Walmart stores! Some campgrounds have larger spaces available for 5th wheels but they usually also have plenty of space for smaller rigs as well.

5th Wheel Travel Trailers

5th wheels are luxurious, spacious, and moveable homes on wheels that offer all the comforts of home in an easy, towable package. When you arrive at your destination, simply unhitch from your truck and enjoy your life on wheels.

Advantages of a 5th wheel over a travel trailer

• There is no need for a truck bed for towing. This means that you can use a more powerful and stable truck, which will make your ride safer and smoother.
• The floor plans are usually better than in travel trailers. The reason for that is because the hitch is located over the truck’s rear axle, allowing for more space inside the RV.
• 5th wheels offer more storage space than travel trailers do. This is especially true if you compare towable vehicles of the same size. If you like to store your belongings in the vehicle, this might be an important feature to consider.
• It is easier to get around inside a 5th wheel than in a trailer or motorhome. This is due to the fact that they have two entry points, while motorhomes have only one and travel trailers have none.

Advantages of a travel trailer over a 5th wheel

• Can be towed with a 1/2 ton truck or SUV. This means you can use your existing vehicle/truck/SUV instead of investing in a new one that can handle the weight and size of a 5th wheel.
• Easier parking and maneuvering. Travel trailers are shorter, narrower and less top heavy than 5th wheels, which makes them easier to park, maneuver and back up. They also have better visibility while driving because they don't have the hitch-in-the-back problem that plagues 5th wheels (more on that later).
• The other advantage of travel trailers and 5th wheels is that they are self contained with their own kitchen and bathroom facilities so you don't need to use campground facilities if you choose not to do so.
• Also, many people prefer the "open floor plan" of the travel trailer where there is one large room instead of several smaller rooms like in a motorhome.
• Travel trailers are very easy to unhook from your vehicle once at your destination. This makes them convenient for day trips or shopping trips when you're not staying in your campsite. Just unhook your trailer and drive off with your vehicle! You're not limited to just driving around the trailer park or campground perimeter. You can go anywhere you want!
• Travel trailers have better access to storage underneath and behind the trailer compared to 5th wheels. This makes them great for storing outdoor gear like bicycles and kayaks during transit or while parked at a campsite.

The price tag

There is a much larger variety of travel trailers on the market because they have less components and are manufactured in higher number than their 5th wheel counterparts. This makes them more affordable for most families.

Travel trailers are usually less expensive than their counterpart fifth wheels. Because they are attached to a vehicle rather than a bed, they require a special hitch that needs to be installed in your vehicle. This can cost up to $1,000 depending on the size of your trailer and the model vehicle you drive. If you already own a truck with sufficient towing capacity, then this cost won’t be an issue for you. However, if you don’t own a truck and plan to buy one for your travels, then you need to add that into the cost of your travel trailer.

5th Wheels often cost more than a travel trailer. Buying either a travel trailer or 5th wheel will all depend on your needs and budget.

The higher upfront costs make 5th wheelers harder to justify for people who don't intend to full-time RV, so they're a much less common choice for families. They are popular among people who are looking for a home away from home, though, and they're particularly appealing to winter Texans (who are mostly retired couples) because they can house more amenities than smaller RVs can.

Fuel efficiency of travel trailers versus 5th wheels

Travel trailers are towed by your tow vehicle and can fit on most trucks or SUVs. This will mean that you can usually choose a vehicle that has a good gas mileage to tow these.

5th wheels will use more fuel as they are usually larger than travel trailers.

Maintenance and repairs

The biggest difference between a 5th wheel and a travel trailer is how they are attached to the tow vehicle. A travel trailer attaches to the tow vehicle at the bumper, while a 5th wheel attaches via a special hitch in the bed of the truck. Because of this design difference, there are some major differences in terms of cost and ease when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

Because of their lighter weight, travel trailers tend to be built with lighter materials like fiberglass. This means that they can't stand up to heavy use as well as a 5th wheel. They also aren't as sturdy when driving and towing over rough terrain.

Comfort and features

5th Wheels are insanely more comfortable than other forms of RVs. The beds, kitchen, bathroom and living area are all larger and more comfortable (in most cases) than those of an equivalent sized travel trailer or motorhome. They also have more storage space than some other types of RVs.

Travel Trailers are all about comfort and convenience. They're designed to be roomy, easy to drive, and offer great features you can use while on the road. 5th wheels, on the other hand, are typically more spacious but require a more powerful truck to tow them.

Travel trailers can be luxurious and feature-filled, but they don't offer the same comfort and space of a 5th wheel. There's no way around it: Travel trailers are less roomy than 5th wheels, motorhomes or RVs, but that's because they're smaller. Even a big travel trailer can usually be towed using a 1/2 ton vehicle and is much more maneuverable than a 5th wheel. And travel trailers offer more setup options: Many campgrounds prohibit 5th wheels, especially the high-end ones, which are taller than 13 feet.