Picking the right RV can make or break your camping adventures. Fifth wheels and travel trailers both have their plus points, but which one fits you best depends on what you can tow, how much space you need, what you can spend, and how you like to camp. Let our experts at Cheyenne Camping Center explain what makes these types of RVs different so you can find your perfect match.
Understanding Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers
So, what’s the actual difference between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel? It’s simple. A fifth wheel hooks up to a special hitch installed in your pickup truck bed, with the front of the RV hanging over your truck like a cap. A travel trailer hooks up to a regular hitch under your bumper and sits completely behind your vehicle. Size-wise, fifth wheels tend to range from about 25 to 45 feet long, while travel trailers can be as tiny as 10 feet long or stretch beyond 35 feet — either way, there’s plenty of choice.
Pros and Cons of Fifth Wheels vs. Travel Trailers
Fifth wheels bring some serious perks to the table. They give you more room, stay steadier on the highway, and maneuver better than you might expect. If you’re hitting the road with the whole family or loads of friends, fifth wheels can sleep up to 10, while most travel trailers max out at around six people. Fifth wheels generally stand taller (12-13.5 feet) than travel trailers (8-12 feet), offering high ceilings and the potential for split-level designs. Their extra space means bigger kitchens, more storage, and roomier living areas.
That said, fifth wheels have their downsides, too. You’ll need a truck to tow one, and their average weight of over 12,000 pounds means you’d better choose a beefy pickup. They cost more, too, and don’t forget — that hitch takes up your truck bed, so kiss goodbye to hauling stuff back there. Plus, their taller height might limit where you can go if you’re dealing with low bridges or overhangs.
Travel trailers win big on flexibility and budget. You can tow them with various vehicles — not just trucks — and they weigh less (1,000-9,000+ pounds). If you’re towing with a truck, the bed stays free for coolers, bikes, or whatever gear you want to bring along. The drawbacks are lower ceilings (6-8 feet tall), less storage space, and worse stability on the road, especially when trucks zoom past you on I-80.
Towing and Maneuverability Considerations
Let’s talk towing. Fifth wheels’ greater weight demands plenty of muscle, usually a 3/4-ton pickup, with about 25% of the trailer weight sitting on the kingpin. Travel trailers go easier on your vehicle, typically needing a 1/2-ton truck or SUV and putting just 10% of their weight on the bumper hitch.
On the road, though, fifth wheels behave better. That weight sitting over your truck’s rear axle creates stability that travel trailers can’t match, especially in crosswinds or when you’re passing semis. Length can also be an issue. A 35-foot travel trailer behind a 22-foot truck stretches to 57 feet — that’s a lot to maneuver. A fifth wheel of the same length with the same truck only runs to about 50-52 feet in total. This shorter combo makes navigating gas stations, parking spots, and tight campground roads less of a headache.
Lifestyle and Usage Needs
Your camping style is key in the fifth wheel vs. travel trailer decision. Living in your RV full-time or taking long trips? Fifth wheels are ideal, offering real home comforts — full-size fridges, real ovens, four-burner stoves, microwaves, and sometimes even dishwashers. Some bigger models come with washers and dryers built right in, and many include generators, so you’re not always hunting for a power hookup.
Got kids? Check out bunkhouse fifth wheels. The Keystone Cougar Sport 2700BH sleeps up to 10 people with triple-stacked double bunks, while the Forest River Arctic Wolf 278BHS fits eight people with double-over-double bunks in the back. The kids will love having their own space with actual doors for privacy — no more listening to mom and dad’s TV shows all night.
Budget and Costs
When it comes to costs, there are some big differences. New 2025 travel trailers start from as low as $12,000, while fifth wheels start somewhere around $30,000. If you go all out, a luxury fifth wheel can run into the hundreds of thousands new — most travel trailers come in under $100,000. If you’re shopping used models, fifth wheels tend to fall into the $5,000-$120,000 bracket, while used travel trailers stay more wallet-friendly at $5,000-$50,000. Don’t forget, though: Fifth wheels hold their value better over time, which helps offset their higher starting price.
Insurance costs vary, too. Most towable RVs average about $600 a year for coverage, but fifth wheel policies run to $800-$925 annually. With luxury models, that can bump up to around $1,300 per year. Looking at the big picture, one five-year ownership study of a 2020 Keystone Bullet 243BHS found total ownership costs of $15,659 ($3,132 yearly or $261 monthly) after counting maintenance, insurance, and depreciation.
Find Your Perfect RV at Cheyenne Camping Center
Since 1966, we’ve helped countless folks in Walcott and the Quad Cities choose the right RVs. We carry quality brands such as Forest River and Palomino and stock a range of fifth wheels and travel trailers across different price points. Pictures and specs only tell half the story. Sitting in an RV, opening cabinets, testing the bed — that’s how you really find out whether it fits your life.
Ready to start? Call us today or get in touch online to see what’s on our lot and set up a visit with our RV experts.
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