What Is A Fifth Wheel?

November 12, 2019

Key Points:

1. A fifth-wheel is a special type of RV trailer. It must be towed, so it requires a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck.
2. A fifth-wheel gets its name from the hitch itself, which allows the unit to easily pivot left and right.
3. Fifth-wheels are very safe and sturdy, they work best with heavier and larger loads, they are easy to maneuver, they can save you gas money, they are great for large groups, and they are often more luxurious.
4. All the same, the downsides of fifth-wheels are that they require a large truck to tow them, and some people may feel uncomfortable with the unit’s size, even though they are sturdier and easier to maneuver.

Admittedly, there’s quite a lot of terminology and camping lingo in the RVing world, and, especially if you’re new to camping, it’s easy to become confused! Today 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 it gives RVers many of the same amenities as a motorhome.  Moreover, a fifth-wheel 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!

Why is it Called a Fifth-Wheel?

Since a fifth-wheel unit typically has only four wheels, many people find themselves vexed by this question. However, the answer is quite simple (and it has nothing to do with the actual wheels of the unit!).

The “fifth wheel” of a fifth-wheel is just 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 design (similar to the modern design) mounted the hitch on a horizontally pivoting wheel, allowing the entire contraption to turn right or left on its own. So, it 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.

Why Choose a Fifth-Wheel?

There are a few reasons you might want to consider a fifth-wheel over a regular, towed RV trailer:

1. It is extremely safe and sturdy. Since part of the trailer itself is suspended over the bed of your truck, the weight of the trailer is more evenly dispersed, which means more safety and a smoother drive.
2. It works best for especially heavy or large loads. The fifth-wheel’s design is similar to the hitch that a semi-truck uses to connect to a tractor trailer; therefore, it can carry more weight than a traditional ball-hitch.
3. It is easier to maneuver. Because the unit is partially located over the bed of your pickup truck, it is often comparatively shorter and easier to maneuver than a traditional RV trailer.
4. It can save you gas money. When compared to a diesel-powered motorhome, you will likely end up saving gas if you use a fifth-wheel.
5. Fifth-wheels are normally larger than traditional RV trailers, meaning that they’re great for larger groups of people.
6. Because of a more secure connection, fifth-wheels are often more luxurious than traditional RV trailers. This is due to the fact that heavier, stronger materials can be used. For instance, many fifth-wheels will contain real hardwood, full-sized appliances, and king-sized beds, so if you’re looking for luxury, the fifth-wheel might be the direction you want to go!

How Much Does A fifth Wheel Cost?

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 fancy you really want to get and your budget (obviously). That being said, the large price range of the various types of fifth wheel RVs makes for tons of different layouts and added features.

Disadvantages of a Fifth-Wheel

Even with all its benefits, there are some downsides to a fifth-wheel:

1. Most fifth-wheels are very large and heavy, meaning that (like we said above) you will need a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck to tow it.
2. Because of its sheer size, many people can feel uncomfortable towing the unit, despite the fact that a fifth-wheel is normally more stable and easier to maneuver than a traditional RV trailer.

On the whole, however, if you already have or plan to purchase a large pickup truck (or you wish to rent one) and you don’t mind the unit’s size, a fifth-wheel might be just right for you! Regardless, 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 our customer support team. We're more than happy to help!

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