5th Wheel Vs Travel Trailer: Pros and Cons

There are two different types of towable RVs: 5th wheels and travel trailers. The best choice for you depends on where you plan to camp, how much space you need, the amenities you need, the type of vehicle you drive, your vehicle’s towing capacity, and your personal preference. To help you decide, this guide explains the difference and lists the pros and cons of camping in a 5th wheel vs travel trailer. I’ll cover size, ease of towing, tow vehicles, amenities, cost, storage space, and more.

5th wheels are larger, more spacious, and more luxurious. They come with all of the amenities you could need. They are also easier to tow and maneuver. Travel trailers are smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more efficient. They can be towed with a wider range of vehicles.

Generally, a 5th wheel is the better choice for RV living, families and large groups, those who want some luxury, and those who already own a heavy-duty pickup. Travel trailers are better for beginner RVers, solo travelers and small families, those on a tight budget, and off-road adventures.

Over the past 10 years, I have spent hundreds of nights camping in both 5th wheels and travel trailers. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.

What is the Difference Between a Travel Trailer and a Fifth Wheel?

5th wheels and travel trailers are both trailers that are towed behind a vehicle. The main difference between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel is the hitch design.

Travel trailers attach to a standard ball hitch or bumper hitch. The ball hitch mounts to the tow vehicle’s frame and extends out from the rear bumper. The trailer has a coupler that fits over the ball. They are called bumper pull trailers.

A fifth wheel connects to a pickup truck with a special hitch called a fifth wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch. This is a large steel hitch that is bolted into the bed of the pickup truck. It has kind of a U-shape. There is a kingpin on the trailer that locks into the 5th wheel hitch.

Another difference is the type of tow vehicles that can be used. You need a heavy-duty pickup truck to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. Travel trailers can be towed with other types of vehicles, such as SUVs, vans, pickups, and even some sedans.

Another difference is the size. 5th wheel trailers are larger than travel trailers. They are longer and taller. They offer more living space. 5th wheels usually have more amenities as well. In addition, fifth wheels are generally more luxurious. They have higher-end fittings and fixtures. Travel trailers are smaller and are usually built fitted with slightly lower-end materials.

There are a number of different kinds of travel trailers including teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, off-road trailers, and toy haulers. Travel trailers are also known as caravans or campers. 5th wheels are also available in toy hauler options.

5th Wheels Vs Travel Trailers

Ease of Towing

5th wheels are easier to tow than travel trailers. There are a few reasons for this. The main reason is their gooseneck hitch design. A 5th wheel hitch bolts into the bed of a pickup truck. The hitch location moves the weight of the trailer forward into the truck’s bed. This allows for better weight distribution across both of the truck’s axles. This hitch location increases stability while driving.

Travel trailers use a traditional ball hitch. These are a little less stable. Trailer sway can be an issue. Particularly in windy conditions or when turning. A sway bar can help stabilize the trailer and reduce sway.

Another advantage of the 5th wheel hitch design is that it improves maneuverability. The hitch’s location in the truck bed allows you to turn tighter. The turning radius is smaller with a fifth wheel. This makes it easier to navigate tight spaces, such as forest roads, campgrounds, or parking lots. Travel trailers tend to have a larger turning radius. This can make maneuvering a little more challenging. Particularly if the trailer is long.

One potential drawback to towing a 5th wheel is that the trailer cuts the corner when you’re turning. This can take some getting used to. You really have to pay attention to where the trailer is going when you turn so you don’t hit another vehicle or run over a curb. Travel trailers follow the tow vehicle through corners. This makes them a bit more intuitive to tow.

In addition, fifth wheels are taller than travel trailers. They have more surface area that can catch the wind. You can get blown around on a windy day. Travel trailers don’t get blown around quite as much because they’re shorter.

Sometimes travel trailers are easier to tow. Tiny trailers such as teardrop trailers and pop-up campers are easier to tow than large 5th wheels due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

Winner: 5th wheels are easier to tow than travel trailers.

Tow Vehicle Options

Fifth wheels give you fewer tow vehicle options than travel trailers due to their size and hitch design. You need a heavy-duty 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup truck to tow a fifth wheel. Most 5th wheels are too heavy to tow with a half ton truck. Because fifth wheels are large and heavy, you’ll need a truck with a higher towing capacity. Due to the hitch design, a pickup is the only type of vehicle that you can use to tow a fifth wheel.

Full-size, heavy-duty trucks such as the Ford F-250 or F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD or 3500HD, and Ram 2500 or 3500 are popular choices for towing fifth wheels. They offer enough power and payload capacity to handle the weight of a 5th wheel.

Travel trailers give you a wider range of tow vehicle options to choose from because they use a traditional ball hitch. Larger travel trailer models can be towed with a pickup truck, large SUV, or even a full-size van. Vehicles like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon are popular choices.

Smaller and lighter travel trailers, such as teardrop trailers and pop-up trailers, can be towed by smaller vehicles, such as compact SUVs or even sedans, as long as they have enough towing capacity. Examples of smaller tow vehicles include the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V. These vehicles are capable of towing trailers in the 2500-3500 lb. range.

Another important consideration when choosing a tow vehicle is how many people you plan to camp with. Most heavy-duty pickups can seat 5-6 people. SUVs often have third-row seating and can seat up to 8 people. It is usually illegal for people to ride in a trailer.

Winner: Travel trailers give you more tow vehicle options than 5th wheels.

RV Size (Length, Width, and Height)

Fifth wheels are generally larger than travel trailers. On average fifth wheels range in length from 22 to 45 feet. They measure about 8-8.5 feet wide and 12-13.5 feet tall.

Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes from 10 feet all the way to 45 feet long. They measure 8-8.5 feet wide and 8-12 feet tall.

Smaller travel trailers, such as teardrop trailers and pop-up trailers, measure just 10-12 feet long. There are also large travel trailers in the 40 foot range. These are as large as fifth wheels.

Winner: There’s not really a winner here. It depends on what you’re looking for. 5th wheels are usually larger than travel trailers. Small trailers are available.

Total Rig Length

It’s important to consider the total length of your rig (the total length of your trailer and tow vehicle). Some campgrounds can’t accommodate large RVs. If your rig is longer than around 28 feet, you should check with the campground first to make sure they can accommodate you. This is important because both fifth wheels and travel trailers tend to be on the longer side.

Fifth wheels have an advantage. Due to their hitch design, the fifth wheel overhangs the tow vehicle. This effectively shortens the combined length of your truck and trailer. When comparing a fifth wheel and a travel trailer of the same size, the fifth wheel will have a shorter overall length.

For example, a 40 foot fifth wheel and tow vehicle will be shorter than a 40 foot travel trailer and tow vehicle. A fifth wheel can offer more interior space at the same total rig length. This is possible thanks to the extra space in the area overhanging the truck bed.

This shorter rig length makes a fifth wheel easier to maneuver. You can navigate campgrounds more easily. A shorter rig also makes it easier to stop for gas, groceries, restaurants, etc. A shorter rig is easier to park. It will take up fewer parking spaces.

A shorter RV allows you to fit in more campgrounds. Some national parks, state parks, and even private campgrounds have RV length limitations. Oftentimes, the rig needs to be less than 28 feet long.

Most fifth wheels measure 25-45 feet long. This makes them too long for some campgrounds. In this case, a shorter travel trailer is better.

Winner: The total rig length with a fifth wheel is often shorter. Short trailers are available but they have less interior space.

RV Weight

5th wheels are almost always heavier than travel trailers. Fifth wheels usually weigh between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds. Travel trailers can weigh anywhere between 1,000 and 9,000+ pounds. 5th wheels weigh more because they are larger and have a heavier-duty frame.

Before buying a 5th wheel or a travel trailer, it’s important to make sure that your tow vehicle has enough power to pull it. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Usually, a 1/4 ton truck, like a Ford F150, isn’t powerful enough to tow a 5th wheel. You’ll at least need 3/4 ton truck like a Ford F250, Chevy 2500, or Ram 2500. If you plan to pull a larger 5th wheel, you’ll need a 1 ton truck like a Ford F350 or Ram 3500. For some heavy trailers, you’ll need a dually truck (a truck with two rear tires on each side) to handle the weight.

Travel trailers can be towed by smaller and lighter vehicles. You can tow a medium-sized travel trailer with a midsize pickup or SUV. Smaller travel trailers weighing less than 3000 pounds can be pulled by compact SUVs and even sedans. Large trailers require a heavy-duty truck.

Winner: Travel trailers are lighter than 5th wheels in most cases.

RV Height

Fifth wheels are taller than travel trailers. The extra height means you need to be careful when driving under overpasses. You need to keep an eye out for low clearance signs while driving. You also need to be careful when approaching low-hanging tree branches.

Travel trailers are shorter. With a travel trailer, you don’t have to worry as much about height restrictions.

There are some places you simply can’t drive with an RV. For example, you can’t drive through parking garages or through drive-thrus.

Winner: Travel trailers are shorter.

Maneuverability

Fifth wheels are more maneuverable than travel trailers. This is because the hitch is positioned further forward in the bed of the truck. This hitch placement allows for tighter turning angles and better control during turns. The turning radius is smaller. This makes it easier to navigate tight spaces such as campgrounds, parking lots, and narrow forest roads.

The overhang that extends over the truck’s bed also helps with maneuverability by shortening the overall rig length. A shorter rig is easier to maneuver.

Fifth wheels are also less susceptible to sway. The weight distribution is better. This is the case due to the location of the hitch. This improves maneuverability.

Travel trailers tend to be less maneuverable due to their hitch location and design. They have a larger turning radius. This hitch design can also make trailers more prone to sway.

Winner: 5th wheels offer better maneuverability than travel trailers.

Trailer Sway and Safety

5th wheels can be safer to tow than travel trailers. There are a few reasons for this. Most importantly, 5th wheels are less likely to suffer from trailer sway.

Trailer sway is when a trailer begins to oscillate or fishtail while you’re driving. Sway usually occurs due to poor weight distribution, crosswinds, or a sudden lane change. Sway can cause you to lose control and can cause an accident. It is incredibly dangerous.

Thanks to their hitch placement and design, 5th wheels are less prone to sway. This is because the hitch is positioned over the tow vehicle’s rear axle. This hitch placement improves weight distribution and increases trailer stability. This reduces the likelihood of rollovers.

Travel trailers are more susceptible to sway. Due to the ball hitch location, travel trailers are more likely to experience uneven weight distribution. This makes them more prone to sway during a sudden swerve or lane change or in windy conditions.

There are some precautions that you can take to reduce trailer sway. One solution is to use a sway bar or weight distribution hitch. You can also reduce the likelihood of sway by properly packing your trailer. Ideally, you should pack about 60% of the weight toward the front of the trailer.

Winner: 5th wheels are safer to tow than travel trailers because they are less likely to sway.

Living Space

Fifth wheels offer larger and more spacious interiors than travel trailers. They are the largest type of towable camper.

The design of a fifth wheel allows for two levels. There is usually an upstairs bedroom located over the truck bed. This provides a private and spacious sleeping area separate from the main living space. This separate bedroom makes fifth wheels a great choice for long trips or full-time living. Fifth wheels also include slide-outs to expand the interior. Some models feature as many as six slide outs.

Travel trailers offer a wide range of sizes and floor plans. Larger travel trailers feature slide-outs and a private bedroom. Compact travel trailers such as teardrop trailers are far less spacious. They may just offer a sleeping space and some storage.

Winner: 5th wheels offer more living space. Travel trailers come in a wide range of designs and floorplans.

Amenities

Fifth wheels offer more amenities than travel trailers. The kitchen usually features full-size appliances including a refrigerator, oven, 4 burner stove, microwave, and dishwasher. There is also plenty of countertop space and cabinets for storage.

The bathroom in a fifth wheel is usually larger and more luxurious. Some models have a bathtub. Some larger models have 1.5 or two bathrooms.

5th wheels have a master bedroom with a queen or king-size bed as well as additional sleeping spaces such as a convertible dinette, convertible sofa, or fold-down bunk beds.

Most 5th wheels also come with a built in entertainment system with a large flat-screen TV and surround sound. Outdoor amenities may include an outdoor kitchen, a large awning, storage compartments, and an outdoor entertainment system. Most 5th wheels also come with a built-in generator to power your appliances and electronic devices. Large 5th wheels have a washer and dryer.

The amenities found in travel trailers depend on the size and model. Larger travel trailers have most of the same amenities as a 5th wheel. The bathroom and sleeping spaces in travel trailers may be a bit smaller. Most travel trailers also do not come with a built-in generator or washer and dryer.

Smaller trailers, such as teardrop trailers and pop-up trailers, come with fewer amenities. These trailers usually have basic kitchens with a small stove, mini fridge, and sink. They may or may not include a bathroom. If there is a bathroom, it will be a small wet bath with a cartridge or composting toilet.

Winner: 5th wheels offer more amenities and more luxurious amenities than travel trailers. Smaller models may lack some amenities.

Sleeping Space

Fifth wheels often feature two large beds, such as a king and a queen. Usually, there is one bedroom in the space over the truck bed. The second sleeping space is a convertible dinette or sofa in the main living area. Some models also feature a drop down bed or bunk beds that fold out.

Most fifth wheels can comfortably sleep 4-8 people. Some larger models can accommodate up to 10 people. This makes them great for large families or groups.

Large travel trailers usually have one large bed in a private bedroom. In addition, there is usually a convertible bed or bunk beds to accommodate extra guests. Travel trailers can sleep anywhere from 2-6 people, depending on their size and layout.

Smaller trailers may only have a convertible bed, such as a dinette that transforms into a sleeping space. Some models, like teardrop trailers, just have a bed. These models are more suitable for couples or solo travelers.

Winner: 5th wheels usually offer more sleeping spaces.

Bathrooms

Fifth wheels usually offer more spacious and luxurious bathrooms than travel trailers. Many models have one and a half bathrooms. There is usually one master bath and one guest bath.

The bathrooms in fifth wheels often come with premium fixtures and fittings. Some models have a bathtub. There is usually more counter space. There may be double sinks. Using the bathroom in a fifth wheel is the same as using your bathroom at home.

Travel trailers usually have one bathroom. Larger travel trailers have a separate shower, toilet, and sink area. Smaller models might have a more compact wet bath. These combine the shower and toilet into a single area to save space.

It’s important to note that some of the smallest trailers, such as teardrop trailers or pop-up trailers, may not have a bathroom at all.

Winner: 5th wheels have better bathrooms.

Luxury Features and Fit and Finish

5th wheels are more luxurious and have a more premium fit and finish than travel trailers. They usually come with higher-end appliances, marble countertops, hardwood floors, leather upholstery, nicer mattresses, better TVs and sound systems, better light fixtures, nicer hardware, etc. They look and feel a bit more luxurious inside. You can even find fifth wheels with luxury features such as a jetted bathtub, a fireplace, a bar, a projector, and more.

All of these features make the RV feel a bit more luxurious. This is nice if you plan to live in your fifth wheel full time. It feels like a home.

Travel trailers usually have a bit of a cheaper feel. The appliances may be slightly lower-end. Manufacturers may use cheaper materials for the flooring, cabinetry, and countertops. The beds may not be quite as comfortable. There aren’t as many luxury features.

Travel trailers are designed for shorter-term camping trips. You don’t need luxury if you’re only camping for a few days. This design also keeps costs down.

Winner: 5th wheels offer more luxury features and a higher-end fit and finish than travel trailers.

Storage Space

Fifth wheels offer much more storage space than travel trailers. Fifth wheels have a large basement storage area under the main living area. This space is perfect for storing bulky items such as outdoor furniture, bicycles, firewood, bug tents, and other camping gear. It is easily accessed through hatches on the outside of the RV. Being large RVs, 5th wheels also have plenty of built-in cabinets and closets inside. This gives you plenty of space for your clothing and food. This makes 5th wheels better for long trip sand RV living. You can carry all of the clothing and gear that you need.

Travel trailers offer varying amounts of storage space. Larger trailers offer cabinets and closets inside as well as some exterior storage area cubbies. The storage capacity will be much more limited in smaller trailers. For example, teardrop trailers may only have a couple of small cabinets for storage.

Winner: 5th wheels offer more storage space than travel trailers.