Deciding Between a Fifth Wheel and a Travel Trailer
Once you decide to get an RV, you have to decide which category of recreational vehicle you want. Two extremely common styles are fifth wheels and travel trailers. Both options are towable and offer the space and features needed to bring the comfort of home on the road. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, don’t worry. At Cedar City RV, we have the knowledge needed to help you make the best choice!
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two trailers. Then, give us a call at one of our locations in Lebanon, Tennessee. We are happy to serve those in Smithville and Murfreesboro too. We’ll get you ready for your next outdoor adventure!
FACTOR IN YOUR BUDGET
A good place to start when narrowing down your search is budget. Think about how much you can invest in a camper. Keep in mind that the costs go beyond the sticker price. Factor in maintenance, gas, insurance, and repairs.
Travel trailers are generally more budget-friendly. They tend to cost less upfront and have lower upkeep costs. If you have a smaller budget, a travel trailer is an excellent choice! Remember that RVs can last several years when well-maintained.
Some people may find it worthwhile to buy a fifth wheel model with more room and features. This is more of a long term investment that can pay off in the future. The increased comfort may increase your chances of traveling which would mean you’re getting more out of your rig!
THINK ABOUT TOWING
Both fifth wheels and travel trailers need to be towed by another vehicle. Most find fifth wheels to be easier to tow. Travel trailers tend to sway more often and you’ll also need to use towing chains in case the hitch fails. Fifth wheels, on the other hand, have a hitch style that leads to more stable towing. If you are new to towing large campers or simply want an easier experience, you should opt for a fifth wheel.
Another important consideration to make about towing is the tow vehicle. Travel trailers are able to be transported by a wide variety of vehicles, so long as they fall within the weight restrictions. You can use a commuter car, a van, and much more. Meanwhile, fifth wheels can only be towed by a vehicle with a truck bed. You’ll need some sort of truck to tow this kind of rig. Depending on your commuter vehicle, you may need to choose a travel trailer.
LIVING SPACE
Finally, it’s time to think about the interior space of your future RV. Maybe you’re heading out on a solo camping trip or bringing along a single passenger. In this case, you’ll probably be comfortable in a compact camper. If you’re bringing along the whole family, you’ll want plenty of room to keep all your passengers from feeling cramped.
Fifth wheels will offer the most room. These rigs weigh more and are wider and longer than a travel trailer. There are large living areas, spacious kitchen, master bedrooms, storage, and more in a fifth wheel. Some travel trailers come with slide-outs which can maximize interior space, but they are going to be smaller than a fifth wheel.
We hope this guide was helpful! We know you have a big decision ahead of you. Give us a call if you have any questions. Our staff at Cedar City RV will be happy to help you in any way. We have two locations in Lebanon, Tennessee. From Smithville to Murfreesboro, we are here to find you the RV that transforms your next camping experience!