Fifth Wheel Information

Once you've decided to buy a new or used RV, the key question becomes: self-contained or tow-behind? Each type has its merits, but the advantage of a travel trailer, as opposed to a motorhome, is that you can unhitch it at your destination and use the tow vehicle for unencumbered sightseeing. And when it comes to trailers, the fifth wheel has become the pull-behind of choice for many buyers.

The 5th wheel trailer connects to a hitch located in the tow vehicle's bed. This configuration provides an elevated living space inside the trailer that typically contains the main bedroom. Fifth wheels also include a plushly appointed living room, kitchen with stovetop, oven and microwave, full bathroom, and cargo space. In addition, most 5th wheels include a large picture window at the rear, and two-thirds of today's fifth wheel trailers include one or more "slides" or "slideouts," in which a portion of the wall can be extended outward up to three feet to provide additional living space.

The hottest trend in 5th wheel trailers today is known as the "toy hauler." Sometimes called a "toy box," sport utility box, sport utility RV, gear box or ramp trailer, these 5th wheel trailers include a... Read more about Fifth Wheels »