Fifth wheel trailers, also known as “fifth wheels,” are the intersection between motorhomes and travel trailers. They’re bigger, wider and towed using a gooseneck hitch. If you’re ready to hit the road in something big, fifth wheel trailers are the perfect rental.
Vehicle Overview
| SIZE | FEATURES | ADD-ONS |
|---|---|---|
| 18 – 45 Feet Long | King/Queen Bed | 1 – 4 slide-Outs |
| 8 – 8.5 Feet Wide | Full Bathroom + Shower | Wide-Body Models |
| Seats up to 8 | Full Kitchen | Television & Radio |
| Sleeps up to 8 | Convertible Dinette & Sofa | LED Interior and Exterior Lighting |
| Slide-Outs | Undercarriage Storage | Outside Wash Station + Kitchen |
Fifth wheels are a whole different beast of RVs. If you’re looking for maximum room to relax and sleep in, but don’t want to drive a motorhome, fifth wheels are a great option. They offer at least one queen or king size bed, along with convertible dinettes and sofas to sleep up to eight people. Fifth wheels typically have one full bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, including a full-size refrigerator.
One of the benefits of renting a fifth wheel as opposed to a motorhome or travel trailer is that you can get more room and still tow. This allows you to park your fifth wheel, disconnect and hit the road to explore the surrounding areas. Most fifth wheels offer multiple slide-outs, giving you more room once parked to move around and get comfortable. Outdoor grills, stove tops and awnings are often included, giving you plenty to do indoors and out.
Towing a fifth wheel can be more difficult than towing a travel trailer, mostly because you need a specific type of hitch to do so and a truck capable of a heavy-duty towing set-up. You’ll need what’s called a “gooseneck” hitch, which sits in the back of a pickup truck bed, allowing you to tow much more weight than you’d normally be able to tow.
How to Drive a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth wheel trailers will require you to tow with a gooseneck hitch installed in the bed of a pickup truck. A truck is the only type of vehicle that can tow a fifth wheel and you’ll need one that is within the safe weight class of the fifth wheel you’re planning to rent. Luckily, some RV rental locations can pair you with a towing vehicle capable of towing a fifth wheel.
Towing a fifth wheel is typically safer and more secure than towing a travel trailer because the gooseneck hitch actually gives you better stability when towing, turning and coming to a stop than a bumper pull hitch used for traditional travel trailers. It does take some time to get used to towing a fifth wheel, especially if you’re never done it before. You may want to consider taking a quick class in your local area to practice before hitting the road.
Renting a Fifth Wheel
Here’s a general overview of the rental process for fifth wheel trailers:
- Price: $150 – $300 a day, $250 – $400 a day if towing vehicle is needed.
- License Requirements: Standard driver’s license for most states.
- Age Requirement: 21 years of age and up, 25 in some states.
- Campgrounds: Most campgrounds can accommodate a fifth wheel, but you should always call to confirm.
Renting a fifth wheel trailer works just like any other RV rental. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, insurance and enough to cover a security deposit (will vary between rental companies). You’ll need to be able to pick up and drop off the fifth wheel on time, so you’ll want to keep the dates you’ll be traveling handy.
When renting a fifth wheel you will typically spend more for the duration of the trip than when renting a traditional travel trailer or motorhome. If you don’t have a vehicle capable of towing a fifth wheel, you’ll need to rent one too. This can often be facilitated by the rental company, so make sure to let them know ahead of time. If you do decide to choose a fifth wheel trailer, be prepared for a fantastic trip!