FAQs About Fifth Wheel RVs

Fifth wheels are a type of towable camper. They are large, spacious and towed by a truck. Fifth wheels are classified by their hitch configuration, which requires a U-shaped coupling mounted into the bed of a truck that connects to the fifth wheel’s kingpin. This configuration provides greater towing stability and sway control compared to other towable RVs. Fifth wheels also have a dedicated overhanging space that sits directly above the truck bed and is often used as additional sleeping or storage space. Fifth wheels are taller than most other travel trailers and come in a wide variety of layouts and floor plans—including a split-level design to help separate living and sleeping spaces. The name fifth wheel originally came from horse-drawn carriages in the 1800s. These carriages had a horizontal wheel secured to the back, which allowed the front axle to pivot on its own and offered better stability. A similar configuration was built for motor vehicles in the 1900s and the name stuck.

A fifth wheel RV is ideal if you’re looking for something that has large living spaces, high ceilings, lots of storage, and greater stability on the road. Due to the many residential features and amenities, fifth wheels are also a great option if you’re planning to take long, extended trips or even travel full-time in your RV. Here are some additional factors that led us to buy a fifth wheel:

• Multiple slide-outs provide extra living space
• A dining area and an island in the kitchen
• Lots of interior and exterior storage, include a large, front pass-through that can accommodate bulky items
• Good stability and sway control when towing
• An auto-leveling system

There are two main elements that help characterize a fifth wheel. The first is the hitch configuration and the space above the hitch, and the second is the height of the ceilings. All fifth wheel RVs are hitched to the bed of a truck, not the bumper. Due to this hitch configuration, fifth wheels have a dedicated overhanging space that sits directly above the truck bed and offers additional living space. Fifth wheels also typically have very high ceilings, giving you plenty of headroom and making the interior space feel really large. Additionally, many fifth wheel RVs come with multiple bedrooms, exterior storage and residential-sized refrigerators. Some models even have outdoor kitchens as well. Inside a fifth wheel, you can expect to find things like an entertainment system, a fireplace, a full-size shower, and a kitchen pantry.

On average, an empty fifth wheel can weigh anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds. The total weight of a fifth wheel depends on the length, make, model, and amenities. Some luxury fifth wheels have high-end finishes and appliances, which make the RV even heavier. You can find smaller fifth wheels that range in length between 24 and 28 feet and weigh 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. There are also extra large fifth wheels that can measure 45 feet long and weigh upwards of 20,000 pounds.

Most fifth wheels can comfortably accommodate between four and ten people. There is usually a main bedroom with a queen or king bed, as well as a convertible sofa in the main living room. Most dinette booths in the kitchen will fold down and convert into additional sleeping space as well. Fifth wheels come in a wide variety of layouts. Rear bunkhouses are common in many fifth wheels, and can sleep multiple people depending on the number of bunks. One popular model of bunkhouse is called the “mid bunk,” where the bunks are located in the middle of the fifth wheel. Mid bunks usually have a sofa that converts into a bed and a loft space above. This particular layout offers two separate sleeping spaces and is great for larger families who want a little more privacy.

While most RVs are capable of dry camping, or boondocking, some have the features and amenities to make this style of camping easier. When it comes to boondocking in a fifth wheel, there are two major things to consider: power sources and water management. Toy hauler fifth wheels are great for boondocking because they typically come standard with a generator, inverter and larger holding tanks. If you plan to boondock regularly, look for a fifth wheel that has a large fresh water tank and consider getting a solar package add-on. Many newer fifth wheels come solar ready, so you’ll just need to purchase the solar components (batteries, inverter and solar panels) and you’ll be good to go. Even though your fifth wheel comes equipped with standard batteries, adding solar or additional batteries will allow you to stay off-grid for longer.

You can definitely live in a fifth wheel full time. In fact, due to their large, open living spaces and residential-style features, fifth wheels are a preferred RV type for anyone considering full-time or consistent travel. That being said, not all RVs are designed and built for full-time living, so be sure and speak with your dealer about what options may be best for you. If you’re planning to RV full-time, here are some features to look for in a fifth wheel:

• A four-season build that has heated tanks and dual pane windows
• At least one air conditioning unit (some come with two or three)
• Storage space, especially exterior storage (look for a fifth wheel with a dropped frame)
• A larger cargo carrying capacity
• Multiple slide outs for maximum space
• A washer and dryer or compatible hook-ups

A fifth wheel hitch requires a truck and is mounted in the truck bed, directly over the rear axle. All fifth wheel hitches have two parts: a locking mechanism that is mounted to the bed of a truck and a hitch that is connected to the front of the fifth wheel. There are two types of fifth wheel hitches: kingpin (sometimes called fifth wheel) and gooseneck. The main difference between the two is the coupling mechanism:

• A kingpin uses a U-shaped locking plate with metal jaws or a locking bar to secure the kingpin hitch, similar to a semi truck.
• A gooseneck uses a long, vertical coupler to latch onto a hitch ball, similar to a bumper-pull. 

While a gooseneck hitch is less complex and takes up less space in the truck bed, a kingpin hitch offers a smoother, more stable tow and is better suited for larger fifth wheels. There are variations across both hitches, and they can range in price (from $800 to $1,600) and in weight capacity (from 16,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds).

To tow a fifth wheel, you must have a heavy duty truck with a fifth wheel hitch in the bed. As mentioned, there are two types of fifth wheel hitches: kingpin and gooseneck. A kingpin is one of the most commonly used set-ups and most fifth wheels come equipped with this type of hitch. For the sake of this section, we’ll share how to tow a fifth wheel with a kingpin hitch.

• First, make sure you’re on a level, solid surface. Your jacks should be down and wheel chocks should be in place.
• Lower your truck’s tailgate and place your hitch in the ready-to-couple position by opening the jaws or retracting the locking bar. You can also add some grease to the hitch locking plate for a smoother connection.
• Adjust the jacks to lower your fifth wheel so the kingpin is slightly below the top of the hitch locking plate in your truck bed.
• Slowly back up your truck until the kingpin engages with the hitch locking plate and locks into place.
• Put your truck in park and do a visual inspection of the connection to make sure the kingpin is securely locked into the locking plate.
• Insert the safety pins and connect all wiring cables. Do a check to make sure the brake lights and turn signals on your fifth wheel are working.
• Remove the wheel chocks, raise the jacks and you’re ready to go.

There are two main things you need to consider for a towing truck: tow capacity and payload. The tow capacity is the maximum amount of weight your truck can tow when pulling an RV, and the payload is how much weight your truck can carry. It’s important to choose a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel hitch that works with both numbers to ensure safe travels. 

To choose the right fifth wheel, you’ll need to know a few additional numbers. The first is the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), also known as the shipping weight. This is how much your fifth wheel weighs without anything in it (no gas, fluids, gear, etc.). You can find this weight in your owner’s manual or on a sticker near your RV’s door. 

Once you have the UVM, you can estimate how much your fifth wheel will weigh when full by adding an additional 250 pounds per foot. For example, if your fifth wheel has a UVW of 11,000 pounds and is 40 feet long, then you can assume that your fifth wheel will weigh an additional 10,000 pounds once it is full, for a total weight of 21,000 pounds. This total weight should not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight determined by the RV manufacturer for safe operation. Your truck’s tow capacity should be slightly higher than the fifth wheel’s GVWR to give yourself some wiggle room when towing.

The second number to know is your fifth wheel’s hitch weight, which should not exceed your tow truck’s payload. Since fifth wheels require a truck bed hitch configuration, it’s important that your tow truck can accommodate the size and weight of the hitch.

If you are planning to tow a large fifth wheel, consider buying a dually truck. These trucks have dual rear wheels on both sides, can carry more than 2,000 pounds in the bed and can tow upwards of 30,000 pounds or more.

Passengers should never ride inside a fifth wheel while it is being towed, as they are not equipped with the necessary features to allow this to be done safely. Unlike Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels do not have seatbelts in the main living areas or enough room to move around—especially if your fifth wheel has slideouts. When these are pulled in, there is often very limited space to move around. Things can also move around or fall out while driving, which poses another safety risk for anyone inside. All passengers should ride in the tow vehicle.

Many newer fifth wheels come equipped with four or six electric stabilizing jacks and an automatic leveling system, which makes setting up camp easier. To properly level a fifth wheel, try and park it on an even, solid surface. While the fifth wheel is still connected to your truck, use a bubble level to check that everything is level, including both front to back and side to side. If needed, place leveling blocks under the wheels of the side that is lower to help raise it. Once your fifth wheel is level, chock your wheels, lower the front leveling jacks and uncouple your hitch. If you do have an automatic leveling system, connect your RV to an electrical hook-up before using it (if possible), as these automatic systems require a lot of battery power. 

Some important things to note when leveling your fifth wheel:

• Never use your stabilizing jacks as levelers—these are not built to support the full weight of your fifth wheel, and doing so can cause serious damage to your RV’s frame.
• When leveling your fifth wheel, your tires should never be lifted off the ground. Make sure every tire is either firmly placed on the ground or has adequate leveling block support underneath.
• Be sure and use wheel chocks once your tires are secure to help prevent your fifth wheel from rolling.

Fifth wheels range in price from $45,000 for smaller, more basic layouts to $150,000 for larger, more luxurious layouts. Many factors impact the price, starting with the make, model, length, amenities, and quality of materials. The type of fifth wheel you want to buy can also impact the price. Fifth wheels can be categorized into three groups: half-ton, mid-profile and full-profile.

• Half-ton fifth wheels are the least expensive and often have the least amount of amenities. They typically have lower ceilings, are made with lighter materials and have a lower payload.
• Mid-profile fifth wheels are right in the middle on both price and amenities offered. They are larger and more equipped than a half-ton fifth wheel, but don’t have all of the luxuries of a full-profile fifth wheel.
• Full-profile fifth wheels are the most expensive option and have more high-end amenities. They typically have tall ceilings, residential-size refrigerators, solid surface countertops, hardwood features, and automatic leveling systems.

Here are a few additional factors that can impact the price across all fifth wheel types:

• Type of fifth wheel hitch configuration
• Frameless windows
• Generator size
• Air-conditioning
• Number of bathrooms