Forum Discussion

Al_H's avatar
Al_H
Explorer
Apr 01, 2018

Looking at first Fifth Wheel

Hi Everyone, not new to RV'ing but seriously looking at buying a fifth wheel for winter trips south and camping in summer months. I realize that bigger is better but have heard that if you get over a certain lenght it can be tough finding sites when traveling? Is it 33 feet or more? also what about generators, it looks like most fifth wheel trailers don't have them? Also any other tips for a newbie?
Thanks
  • Welcome!

    Bigger will get ou more room and options such as washer dryer pantry etc. Just remember that bigger 5th wheels require bigger trucks to tow them with. Make sure you have a truck capable of safely handling the 5th wheel. With my first 5th wheel I tried towing it with a 1500 chevy and discovered after one trip that my truck was really not that good at towing our new 5th wheel. The dealer told me that the unit was a 1/2 ton towable unit but it was a nightmare to tow.

    State parks are known to have smaller sites. I think at 33 foot or less you should not have to much trouble but it wouldn't hurt to go on your favorite parks website to check and see first.

    Good luck and enjoy!

    Dave
  • 5th wheels at 40' or longer are considered to be pretty long. But you're still not likely to have trouble finding a site as long as you plan ahead. Spur-of-the-moment stops are more problematical with longer trailers. Older campground and quite a few Forest Service campgrounds tend to have smaller sites with more cramped roads. A 33' 5th wheel will probably fit in most campgrounds, add 7-10 feet and the story changes dramatically.

    We have a 40' toyhauler and have never not been able to find a spot for the night. Sometimes it takes a couple calls but we've never had to spend the night at a Walmart or truck stop because we couldn't find a space to fit into.