If you’re looking into purchasing an RV for your family’s fun and upcoming vacations, make sure you do a pros and cons list between the fifth wheel and the travel trailer, two of the most popular options. 

Size and Vehicle Requirement

In most cases, you’ll find that the fifth wheel option has the most spacious room and is great for large families. The layout will usually have two levels and taller slide-outs to make it the size of a small home when it is completely opened. The fifth wheel does require a heavy-duty truck that can tow it and has the horseshoe-style hitch available to connect the trailer. 

The travel trailer is smaller, but even with slide-outs, many can almost reach the size of a fifth wheel. The roof level is lower, though, so there isn’t but one level. Depending on the size of the travel trailer, you can use smaller trucks and SUVs to tow them than the heavy-duty requirements of a fifth wheel. 

Access

Because the fifth wheel is taller and sits above the truck, you have to watch for clearances when traveling. Some campgrounds will also specifically say no "fifth wheels" because they are taller than the tree level at the campsites. This usually becomes an issue at national and state parks, as opposed to private campgrounds. 

Travel trailers can go pretty much anywhere because they are lower. With them being smaller, they fit better into more cozy campsites. Fifth wheels will need larger sites to fit in campgrounds that accept them. 

Cost

The intal cost of a fifth wheel will be significantly more than a travel trailer. On top of that, with there being two levels, there is more maintenance to keep up with. 

Travel trailers are usually more affordable, and as long as they are stored properly, they need minimal maintenance. 

 

No matter which you choose, make sure you are securing a good RV insurance policy. If you’re in the Fort Worth area or surrounding communities, visit us at SWH Insurance Agency LLC today for more informaiton.