Once you decide to buy an RV, you will have to choose what style best suits your needs. Two popular styles are fifth wheels and travel trailers. Both are towable campers that will give you the space and features you need to bring the comforts of home on the road.
At S&S Apache, we want to make the decision process easier for you. That’s why we break down the key differences between a fifth wheel and a travel trailer below. When you’re ready to see some fifth wheels or travel trailers for sale, give us a call at our Jackson, Mississippi location. We are proud to serve Vicksburg and Meridian too. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect RV!
Factor in Your Budget
A good place to start when buying an RV is considering how much you can spend on one. Remember to factor in maintenance fees, insurance, gas, repairs, and more in addition to the sticker price.
In general, travel trailers are the more affordable option. These models tend to cost less upfront and have lower upkeep costs. If your budget is tighter, a travel trailer is a great option!
Some families may find it worthwhile to invest in a more expensive fifth wheel. The extra space and features you get with this kind of RV increases comfort and convenience. Increased comfort can even make you want to travel more, which means you’ll get more out of your purchase.
Consider the Towing Experience
Both fifth wheels and travel trailers have to be towed by another vehicle to get them to your destination. Most camper owners find that fifth wheels are easier to tow, while travel trailers are more susceptible to trailer sway. In addition, with travel trailers you’ll need towing chains to serve as a backup if the hitch fails. Although fifth wheels are larger, their hitch style leads to a more stable towing experience. If you are new to towing big rigs or you want a simpler experience, you might go for a fifth wheel.
Another important part of the towing experience is the tow vehicle you use. Travel trailers can be transported by a variety of vehicles including a commuter car, van, or truck. On the other hand, fifth wheels need to be towed by a vehicle with a truck bed. This is because the hitch is installed into the truck bed. If you own a truck, you can opt for either style. If you are limited in your tow vehicle, you’ll want to stick with a travel trailer.
Think About Size
Next, you need to consider how much space you want in your RV. Some travelers hit the road by themselves or only with one other person. In this case, they can be comfortable in a more compact model. If you’re traveling with the whole family, you’ll want plenty of room for everyone so they don’t feel cramped.
Fifth wheels will offer more space. Their coupling systems allow for a heavier, wider, and longer camper. You’ll find spacious living areas, kitchens, and master bedrooms, along with plenty of storage. Some travel trailers do come with slide-outs which will increase interior space, but generally, they will be less spacious than a fifth wheel.
We hope you find this guide helpful! We want your RV buying process to be as simple as it can be. If you have any questions, contact S&S Apache in Jackson, Mississippi near Vicksburg and Meridian. We are here to help you find the camper that takes your road trip to the next level!
