Towing an RV is a popular way to travel, as it offers the benefit of only needing a single large vehicle instead of a motorized RV and your family car, truck, or SUV. Two types of towed RVs are the fifth-wheel travel trailer and bumper-pull travel trailer. There are similarities and differences between the two, so let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Why would you Choose a Towable RV over a Motorized RV?
Why might you choose an RV you can tow versus one you can just drive? Simply put, some people prefer the added advantage of being able to drop off the RV and then drive the truck or SUV to the store to get food, or what have you, all while the RV is safely in a spot waiting for you to return. Or, say you have kids, and they don’t want to go with you. Fine, they can stay in the camper while you go run errands. Towing an RV also means you generally have more overall interior space to live in and enjoy. A drivable RV’s engine and two front seats take up nearly a third of some RVs, which equates to wasted living space.
Some of the Main Similarities and Differences
Before going too deep into the pros and cons lists, what are some of the differences and similarities between the two types of trailers? While both are towed by a vehicle, a fifth-wheel camper means you are attaching the RV to a hitch in the bed of the truck. It rotates from closer to the center of the towing vehicle, which means weight is more evenly distributed. A conventional travel trailer is towed traditionally via a rear-bumper hitch. This type of travel trailer places the weight on the rear bumper and behind the towing vehicle.
The Pros of a Fifth-Wheel RV
It makes sense why some people would prefer a fifth-wheel RV, especially if they already own a 2500 or 3500 heavy-duty truck.
- Larger overall – A fifth-wheel trailer typically has more interior volume and allows for more expansive living spaces, bedrooms, and kitchen to cook in. If you are traveling with more than two people, this can be a huge advantage. Plus, they are typically taller inside, too. Some fifth-wheel options can feel like a New York City penthouse with high-end luxurious features and amenities.
- More easily towed – Using a fifth-wheel in general means that the weight of the trailer is more evenly distributed from front to rear, making it easier when towing in windy conditions, reversing, and making tighter turns.
- Shorter in overall length – While a fifth-wheel can be generally longer than a travel trailer, because the front of the trailer is attached to the center of the truck bed, the whole of your vehicle with the trailer can be shorter overall than when pulling a traditional travel trailer.
- More useful storage – Overall, fifth-wheel RVs are taller, allowing for more exterior storage space, including the front cap area where the batteries are located. There can also be more storage in the rear.
- More features – If you are intending on using your fifth-wheel RV as a living space for longer-term or full-time, you will love the fact that it can have hookups for a washer and dryer, more and bigger areas for sleeping, full-size appliances, an island in the kitchen, and more.
Some Cons of a Fifth-Wheel RV
However, there are some reasons why you might not want to tow a fifth-wheel.
- Overall larger – While it’s a pro to have more living space, it’s also a con since you will need a specific type of vehicle to tow your RV. You can’t use an SUV, half-ton truck, or van; fifth-wheel options force you into buying and using expensively beautiful heavy-duty diesel trucks. Don’t forget, because of the extra height, you really need to be careful of low bridges.
- Pricier – Buyers should expect to pay a premium for fifth-wheel RVs, as they are larger and typically have more features. However, you can buy some that have fewer features for a slight discount, but they may also offer less space overall.
- Most of the truck bed is taken up – Utilizing a fifth-wheel may be beneficial for weight transfer and distribution, but it ultimately comes at the cost of having a truck bed that’s mostly used up when a trailer is attached. And even without anything attached, you still lose quite a bit of functional space in the center of the truck bed.
- A fifth-wheel hitch is more complicated – Fifth-wheels have to be installed by qualified professionals, and that means an extra out-of-pocket cost as well.
- Not as easy to just grab-and-go – Hooking up a fifth-wheel trailer or RV means you need to take your time. The RVs are larger, and that can also mean less access to certain types of campgrounds. Don’t forget, the larger size also means you have to be more careful where you drive, and they aren’t rated for off-road use. So, again, some places are just off limits.
The Pros of a Travel Trailer
A travel trailer RV has some worthy advantages.
- Rather light – Because of a travel trailer’s typically smaller overall size, it’s usually lighter and more easily towed behind a wider range of vehicles—SUVs, vans, trucks (mid-size, half-ton, and heavy-duty) and even some cars.
- Smaller overall – A travel trailer RV is typically smaller in comparison to a fifth-wheel option, and this means it is more easily towed into more places, such as small towns with low-height bridges. This also increases the number of campgrounds you can travel to and park in.
- More storage in the truck bed – Because you are pulling a travel trailer behind the vehicle, if you have a truck then the bed is completely free for storage. You can have a camper top or just a regular tonneau cover, too, to protect your stuff.
- Trucks already have hitches installed – If you have a truck, then you already have a tow hitch attached most likely. The same goes for many SUVs, too. And if you need one attached, it’s not very expensive to get one compared to having a professional cut through your truck bed and install a fifth-wheel hitch.
- Less expensive – Since travel trailers are smaller and usually sleeker, most are rather budget friendly. This is why they are the most popular RV purchase; a less expensive way to get into the lifestyle is always appreciated.
Cons of a Travel Trailer
While there is a long list of pros, the cons of owning a travel trailer are still something to take the time to understand.
- More cumbersome to tow – Since you are towing a trailer behind the vehicle, it can be a little more frustrating to tow, especially in windy and inclement weather conditions, around tight corners and back roads, and such. It’s always recommended to install a weight distribution hitch to ensure that you aren’t overloading the tongue weight of the vehicle. It’s important to control where the weight sits when towing your trailer.
- Overall smaller – While a smaller trailer makes it easier to tow by more vehicles, this can be a con for some as it means less interior space when you are talking about bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, and storage.
- Fewer features – Some travel trailers will have fewer high-end and luxurious features than fifth-wheel trailers will have. This is what helps to keep them affordable, but also means they are typically not as customizable as fifth-wheel RVs.
Stop on by to Ask Questions and Get Answers
While there are more things to consider when buying an RV of any type, these are some of the best reasons to get one type over the other, or some of the best reasons why you may not want either, instead opting for a motorized RV. No matter what your needs are, the salespeople at Valley RV Supercenter can assist you in every way imaginable to help you make the best decision. Stop on by or call and make an appointment to learn more.
Why Choose Valley RV Supercenter
At Valley RV Supercenter, we offer the best prices and services to everyone. Whether you are looking for a new or used RV, we have what you are looking for. Our amazing staff will always work hard to provide you with the best experience imaginable, and our finance department can assist you in finding the best rates on all RVs. When it’s time, our service department is second to none and will take care of your vehicle as if it were their own, providing you with peace of mind. For those looking to rent an RV for a weekend or an extended period of time, we offer the perfect options for your traveling needs.
And if you are looking for a vehicle to pull your RV, we have a truck center where you can find the best vehicle for your needs.
We look forward to helping you.
