When you’re new to the world of camping, it’s always exciting to learn about the different types of RVs for sale. Today’s RVs include impressive amenities and designs that help you bring home wherever you roam.
Towable RVs, such as travel trailers and fifth wheels, offer comfort-focused features that can rival motorhomes of all sizes. With exceptional amenities and greater flexibility through towing, these RVs are increasingly popular. Still, there are key differences between towables such as travel trailers and 5th wheels. Explore our comparison shopping guide for these popular RV types to learn more about your opportunities for flexible RVing.
Travel Trailer Features
Before comparing 5th wheels and travel trailers, it’s important to understand the unique features of these RV types. Travel trailers are the quintessential towable RVs, hitching to towing vehicles such as trucks or SUVs.
Most travel trailers for sale range in length from 21-40 feet, though some can be over 40 feet long. On average, travel trailers sleep anywhere from 3-10 people, but some can accommodate over 14 people. These spacious towables feature bedroom suites, slide outs, multiple bathrooms, storage, and large kitchens to accommodate families of all sizes.
Some standout features most commonly found in travel trailers include:
- Two entry/exit doors
- Large living rooms
- High ceilings
- Walkable roofs
Travel trailers include many more features than these, including popular RV amenities that bring luxury to any campsite. If you’re looking to bring outdoor equipment along for the ride, many travel trailers offer toy hauler storage.
Popular Travel Trailer Brands
With easy towing and flexible interior space, travel trailers are a popular choice for all types of RVers. Popular travel trailer manufacturers include:
- Airstream
- Coachmen
- Forest River
- Grand Design
- Keystone RV
- Jayco
- Winnebago
Visit your local Lazydays RV dealership to explore travel trailers!
5th Wheel Features
5th wheel RVs, also known as fifth wheels, are another popular towable RV type. Most fifth wheels for sale range in length from 30-40+ feet long, with slide outs to increase the interior space of your 5th wheel. 5th wheels typically sleep 4-6, but some sleep up to 10.
Many of the 5th wheel’s standout features come from the RV’s unique shape which includes a raised section that connects to the coupling mechanism used for towing. Some standout features most commonly found in 5th wheels include:
- Loft space in the area above the coupling mechanism
- Multi-level living spaces with staircase access
- Rear living area
Just as with their toy hauler counterparts, there are 5th wheel models available with toy hauler storage spaces that make transporting outdoor equipment easy.
Popular 5th Wheel Brands
5th wheels are some of the most popular RVs on the market today, with many RV brands offering this RV type in their lineup. 5th wheels are made by RV manufacturers such as:
- Coachmen
- Forest River
- Grand Design
- Keystone RV
- Vanleigh RV
We’re proud to offer a large selection of 5th wheels at many of our Lazydays RV locations.
5th Wheel vs Travel Trailer Towing Needs
Now that we’ve discussed the basics of these two towable RV types, it’s time to dig into some of their differences. The biggest differences between travel trailers and fifth wheels are their towing needs.
5th wheels can only be towed by hooking into a pickup truck bed through a unique coupling mechanism, which means you can only tow a fifth wheel with one type of vehicle. Travel trailers, on the other hand, can be towed in a variety of ways that can be done with several types of vehicles including trucks and SUVs.
If you’re towing a travel trailer, you’ll have more towing considerations to keep in mind when hitching your RV to your towing vehicle. For 5th wheels, the coupling mechanism typically follows a standard setup that offers smooth towing.
Though there are differences in how you tow a fifth wheel versus a travel trailer, both bring flexibility when you’re camping. Both bring the benefits of towable RVing when you’re at the campsite, allowing you to disconnect the towing vehicle from the RV when you’re set up at camp. This allows you to set up at the campground and take your truck or SUV out for excursions without bringing the entire RV along.
5th Wheel vs Travel Trailer Features
Beyond RV shape and towing considerations, you’ll find more similarities rather than differences between travel trailers and fifth wheels. These RVs both offer some of the most in-demand features such as:
- Spa-like bathrooms
- Separate bedrooms
- Large living rooms
- Residential-style kitchens
- Kitchen islands
- Outdoor entertainment
- Washer and dryer hookup
- Outdoor kitchens
- Ample storage
- Large water tanks
- Onboard generators
- Large batteries
- Single point RV control systems
Most towable RVs such as travel trailers and fifth wheels feature luxury amenities that can rival Class A diesel motorhomes. Aside from towing considerations and RV shapes, there are more similarities between 5th wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles than differences.
5th Wheel vs Travel Trailer Cost
When shopping for new or used RVs for sale, the cost is always a consideration. With a wide range of RV brands manufacturing these towables, there is also a large range of price points to choose from. Travel trailers tend to start at lower price points between the two, but with RV financing it’s easy to choose between both towable types.
So, Which is the Better Choice?
With differences and considerable similarities between travel trailers and fifth wheels, you may be wondering which one is the best choice. We believe that you can’t go wrong with either towable, as both offer incredible features, designs, and value.
The best choice between these two towables is the RV type that fits your travel needs. For example, if you’re looking for multi-level RV interiors, you may want to explore our 5th wheels. But, if you need an RV that can be towed with your SUV, travel trailers are a better choice. Visit us today to learn more about the differences between 5th wheels and travel trailers!
