A Comparison Between Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
Choosing an RV can be challenging, given the many options available to you on the marketplace. If you’ve landed on the idea of buying a towable RV, then you may find yourself trying to select between subcategories, including the traditional travel trailer and its bigger cousin, the fifth wheel. Each of these styles has its benefits and limitations and it’s smart to know the differences.
So which model is best suited to your specific camping needs? Jubilee R.V. Centre in Kamloops is your British Columbia travel trailer and fifth wheel dealer, so we’re here to help you with your decision.
Read on to learn more about the differences between fifth wheels and travel trailers so you can choose the right one for you.
Affordability
Considering how much money you can afford to spend is important when deciding to buy a big-ticket item like an RV. Your budget should include the price of the model itself, as well as accessories, insurance, maintenance and storage costs.
Of these two styles, travel trailers are generally the more budget-friendly option. Travel trailers have a lower sticker price and their maintenance costs tend to be lesser as well. Used models are even more affordable, as are the more compact styles.
However, RVs are designed to last for a long time and a fifth wheel has a lot to offer, with the expense being worth it over time. If you keep up with maintenance, you can get many years out of your fifth wheel. Since fifth wheels are designed to be more comfortable, you’ll want to spend plenty of time in yours.
Towability
One common question that potential RV buyers have is how towable a given model is. Here, while it may seem counterintuitive given their sheer size, fifth wheels actually provide an improved towing experience. This is due to the unique two-part coupling system that creates a secure latch point, improving towing stability and ease. Travel trailers have a bumper-pull hitch that requires towing chains for additional security and protection and they’re also prone to trailer sway, which can make it more challenging to drive with them.
However, one caveat about fifth wheels is that you do need to have a specific type of towing vehicle in order to haul them around. A travel trailer can be pulled by virtually any vehicle that has a high enough weight rating, but fifth wheels necessitate a pickup truck or other truck with a bed that has the space for a fifth-wheel coupling to be installed. If you’ve already got the right truck, then buying a fifth wheel is no issue, but if you know you’re going to need to update your towing vehicle, then you will need to carefully consider whether this is within your means.
Size
For those who need a lot of room on the road, a fifth wheel is going to win out. Even the biggest travel trailers can’t quite compare to the spaciousness that fifth wheels can offer in terms of heightened ceiling clearances and wider, more residential-like accommodations. Fifth wheels will also have more sleeping spaces and rooms and they’ll have much more storage capacity. Their hitch is rated to carry more weight than that of a travel trailer, so you can really load up a fifth wheel for long-term traveling or full-time living.
When you’re ready to check out some models, visit our dealership in Kamloops, BC, to take a look at our wide inventory of new and used fifth wheels and travel trailers for sale. We even provide financing options if you’d like to use them to fund your purchase. Jubilee R.V. Centre proudly serves greater Vancouver as well as the city of Prince George, BC.