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AnneM's avatar
AnneM
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014

Fifth wheeler trailer - how hot/cold does it get?

A friend of ours wants to buy an RV this summer in the US (they're Israelis like us, but have American citizenships too, so it should be relatively easy for them). They want to buy a motorhome because that's what they've traveled with in the past (rental RV vacation about a decade ago). We've been talking about types of RV's and I mentioned I think a fifth wheeler is better because you can disengage the truck and just travel around while your trailer (is that the term?) stays at the campground. He has two arguments against trailers/5th wheelers:

1. Connecting and disconnecting the TV is complicated.

2. When you get into the trailer it can be very hot and stuffy. He says that a motorhome is always ventilated/ac'ed because you're there while your driving as well. A trailer gets all hot and stuffy while you drive, so if you want to make a short stop for a couple of hours nap in a rest area, you have to wait for the trailer to get cooled off by the ac.

Thoughts on these? Obviously, it's his choice, not mine, but I'm helping them plan their trip and I'm also thinking ahead about our own potential future trips in an RV. They've actually brought up the idea of letting us use their RV next year for a trip of our own.

16 Replies

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  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    The real determining factor between a 5th wheel and MH is how they will be travelling.

    A MH is best for long drive times and short stays...Drive 400 miles stop overnight and drive 400 miles the next day and stop for two days. You can always tow a vehicle behind the MH for side trips.

    A 5th wheel works better for long stays more livable space than an equal sized MH. In a MH you lose 1 to 3 feet due to the dash area. Like others have said, a generator equipped 5th wheel will allow the 5th wheel to be cool when you stop. We stop about 1/2 hour from our destination to start the genrator and AC so the coach will be cooled down when we arrive. Hitching unhitching becomes second nature.

    Either a MH or 5th wheel works no matter how you travel and both have pros and cons so it boils down to personal choice. You see about a 50/50 mix on the road and in RV Parks.
  • AnneM's avatar
    AnneM
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    Looks like their itinerary won't include more than 2-3 nights at the same place (at most). The same will probably be true for any trip we'll take with their RV in 2015 (or any time before we retire in 2025). I guess maybe a motorhome isn't a bad idea then. Thanks everyone - this input is extremely helpful!
  • ependydad's avatar
    ependydad
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    For hitching/unhitching, this is an easy task.

    For cooling, he's not wrong. However, we have 2 air conditioners in our unit. One is in the bedroom itself and with the dump/quick cool feature, it would only be a couple of minutes before the room is bearable (and then shortly after that comfortable) for a nap.
  • Devocamper's avatar
    Devocamper
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    Depending on the size of the fifth wheel it may take some practice backing the trailer up into a site and hitching and unhitching the trailer if they or you have never towed a fifth wheel or any trailer for that matter so you will need some time to learn. None of it is that hard to learn but it will something you need to take slow and easy . You will need to watch for low trees or other things but taking your time you or they will learn. If you’re staying in one place for weeks or more at a time a fifth wheel works for many but if you’re on the move every day or so a motorhome may be a better choice, you can always rent a car for sightseeing.
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    Hooking & unhooking a 5th wheel is very easy. It takes a few minutes. They are correct that a 5th wheel will be basically the same temperature as outside. You may be able to get a 5th wheel with built in generator to run the air but I'm not sure.
    I prefer a 5th wheel but it's not for everyone. It sounds like a motorhome may be a better choice for them.
  • lovemytt's avatar
    lovemytt
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    1. Hooking up the trailer can be learned. It takes practice but as you said, then you have a vehicle to drive around and see the sights.

    2. He's right. You have to cool down the trailer. When hooked to power it take no time at all.

    You always can pull a vehicle with the motorhome. It's great to have friends who share their toys.

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