Key Points:
There’s a lot of terminology and camping lingo in the RVing world, and if you’re new to camping, it’s easy to get confused! In this guide we will be covering one of these commonly asked questions: What is a fifth-wheel?
In the most basic sense, a fifth-wheel is simply a special type of RV trailer. The fifth-wheel has no engine (it must be towed), but gives RVers many of the same features as a motorhome. A fifth-wheel also has a different hitch than most RV trailers, and as such, a fifth-wheel typically requires a large truck to tow it.
To learn more about the types of RVs out there, check out our introductory article on RVing!
Since a fifth-wheel unit typically has only four wheels, many people find themselves confused as to why this type of trailer is actually called a “fifth-wheel.” However, the answer is quite simple, and believe it or not, has nothing to do with the actual wheels of the unit. The “fifth wheel” of a fifth-wheel is simply the hitch itself. Because the hitch of a fifth-wheel is called the “fifth-wheel,” the entire unit has come to be called by the same name.
A fifth-wheel hitch gets its name from its backward-facing u-shape; however, the origins of the name can be traced back to the hitch’s original design, which was used for horse-drawn carriages in the 19th century. The original hitch design (similar to the modern design) mounted on a horizontally pivoting wheel, allowing the entire contraption to turn right or left on its own. So, the hitch itself is like a horizontal “wheel.”
The modern design functions in a similar way. In the modern design, the trailer slides into the hitch and is secured by a “king pin”—a mechanism that locks the trailer into the hitch, but still allows the trailer to move right or left as you turn.
There are a few reasons you might want to consider a fifth-wheel over a regular, towed RV trailer:
The price on many fifth-wheels can vary greatly depending on make, model, and size. Certain amenities can also increase or decrease the cost of your fifth wheel camper. For standard models, prices usually range from $20,000 all the way up to $150,000. The cost of your unit is completely contingent on how plush you want your unit to be and your budget. That being said, the wide price range of the various types of fifth wheel RVs allow for many different layouts and added features.
Even with all its benefits, there are some downsides to a fifth-wheel:
But if you already have, or plan to purchase, a large pickup truck and you don’t mind the unit’s size, a fifth-wheel is a great option for travel!
Guide Continued Below
Join our newsletter and save $5 on your next order! Plus, get exclusive members-only discounts, access to our library of downloadable guides, and insider information on new products and promotions.
We hope that this brief guide has helped you to understand what a fifth-wheel is and why you might want to choose it over a traditional RV trailer.
Whether you choose a fifth wheel or some other type of RV (which you can learn about here), properly caring for it is also very important, which is why we've developed The Unique Method—our comprehensive guide for proper RV care—to help you avoid clogs and nasty odors on your camping trip! You can read more about The Unique Method by following the link above.
If you need further assistance or have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're, as always, more than happy to help!
You bought your RV so you could enjoy life and spend time with family and friends. The last thing you want to do is waste precious time and money on fixing wastewater holding tank problems. Keeping your tanks in peak operating condition doesn’t have to be hard, confusing, or expensive if you follow our proven process: The Unique Method.
The Unique Method is a comprehensive tank care plan that we developed after years of conversations with real customers facing real problems. The Unique Method provides you with simple, preventative steps to stop odors, clogs, and sensor problems before they start so you can spend less time worrying about your holding tanks and more time enjoying the freedom and adventure of RVing. Try it yourself and see why thousands of campers trust their RVs with The Unique Method every day.
If you need more help with anything covered in this guide or simply have a comment, we’re here to help you anytime!
