Why are fifth wheels more expensive than travel trailers?

[wishin_andhopin]

From what I've seen on line, they appear to be more solid and are often a little nicer.

Is that why? I can't really tell, for certain, based on pictures.

[Alley_Fox]

dub- That 40G in your sig has got to be the loooongest one I've ever seen!!! Is that a strech version? 🙂
............................

dubdub07 wrote:

mleekamp wrote:
I've had both. I personally don't consider them any "better" per se; true they can have a few more plush goodines (ceiling fan for example), but anymore we prefer a TT. Honestly, I like having a topper on my truck to store grill, kids toys, many other things that we take along. Boils down to personal preference. "More Solid" is very subjective way to describe a 5 vs TT...WoodGlue is right....also depends upon mfgr.

There are comparable FWs to a TT, the superlite FWs are about the same as a TT. The biggest issue is weight. The heavier you can be, the more "goodies". This is why a FW can be so much nicer. Even at 10K for a TT, with a 7 ft ceiling you limit the TT on how many goodies it can have. FWs, generally, are much nicer. And I never put my grill and the kids stuff in the truck; there was always plenty of room in the FW.

WW07

[Alley_Fox]

Fifth wheels require a more complex frame and sidewall design. A TT can pretty much be made out of rectangular panels on flat frame rails, whereas a fifth wheel requires the sidewalls to be step cut with sloping roof angles etc and a reinforced step-up frame to accommodate the pinbox.. 5th wheels are much more stable when towing, hence more popular for those who spend a lot of time on the road. Some of us feel claustrophobic in a TT but the 5th has more of a percieved roominess. At least that's what my DW thinks.....

[cdlaine]

W&H,....

I think that ol' chestnut still applies...

Supply and demand.

Charles

[mileshuff]

What about manufactures who produce the same floorplan in both TT and 5'er? Inside the two are nearly identical. Same furnishings, decor, options, length etc. Yet the 5'er will be quite a bit more expensive. In our case we opted to go with the 5'er because of increased outside storage and better towing but the cost difference was substantial.

[dubdub07]

mleekamp wrote:
I've had both. I personally don't consider them any "better" per se; true they can have a few more plush goodines (ceiling fan for example), but anymore we prefer a TT. Honestly, I like having a topper on my truck to store grill, kids toys, many other things that we take along. Boils down to personal preference. "More Solid" is very subjective way to describe a 5 vs TT...WoodGlue is right....also depends upon mfgr.

There are comparable FWs to a TT, the superlite FWs are about the same as a TT. The biggest issue is weight. The heavier you can be, the more "goodies". This is why a FW can be so much nicer. Even at 10K for a TT, with a 7 ft ceiling you limit the TT on how many goodies it can have. FWs, generally, are much nicer. And I never put my grill and the kids stuff in the truck; there was always plenty of room in the FW.

WW07

[mleekamp]

I've had both. I personally don't consider them any "better" per se; true they can have a few more plush goodines (ceiling fan for example), but anymore we prefer a TT. Honestly, I like having a topper on my truck to store grill, kids toys, many other things that we take along. Boils down to personal preference. "More Solid" is very subjective way to describe a 5 vs TT...WoodGlue is right....also depends upon mfgr.

[thomasmnile]

wishin'andhopin' wrote:
From what I've seen on line, they appear to be more solid and are often a little nicer.

Is that why? I can't really tell, for certain, based on pictures.

More features (storage & living area primarily), more "bling", and I suspect a little more complex construction with the cantilever frame segment. And..........popularity.

[WoodGlue]

For one, they're much longer and taller. They're also, as far as style goes, more "plush" or geared toward higher end "clients."

It all depends on who manufacturer a certain Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel as to being "solid" or not.

WoodGlue

[Campfire_Time]

You need to actually go to a dealer or RV show and look at them. I think then you will understand.