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.

[WoodGlue]

wishin'andhopin' wrote:
Do travel trailers fall into disrepair more quickly since the construction is different?

No. What matters most is if the owner is vigilant about performing routine maintenance (walking and caulking the roof 4x a year, etc) If a TT owner doesn't maintain their TT, it will fall apart. Same thing goes for the 5th Wheel.

By the way, some Travel Trailers build quality and construction could easily rival $500,000 motorhomes, in technique and materials used. Lance and Northwoods Manufacturing are 2 that come to mind as far as Travel Trailers go.

WoodGlue

[cdlaine]

W&H,

I'm thinking the answer may partially lie hidden in this data....

perhaps one our business majors could extrapolate....

RV shipments....2013

Charles

[John___Angela]

wishin'andhopin' wrote:
Do travel trailers fall into disrepair more quickly since the construction is different?

In my opinion no. The campgrounds in the interior here are filled with 20 year plus older rigs and still serving their owners well. My Niece loves her 20 year plus older Terry and it probably has 10 to 15 years of use in it yet. I had it gas tested before she bought it and other than a bad gas valve on the furnace it all checked out fine. Keep it dry and in good repair and I cant see why they would last any less time than a 5th wheel.

[deleted-2]

wishin'andhopin' wrote:
Do travel trailers fall into disrepair more quickly since the construction is different?

No
It's a matter of ownership pride and regular maintenance.
This is where the caulking gun becomes the owners friend.

Water leaks and exposure with no attention will deplete any RVs life expectancy.

[wishin_andhopin]

Do travel trailers fall into disrepair more quickly since the construction is different?

[rhagfo]

John & Angela wrote:
Hmmm. Some have responded with popularity or supply and demand as being the cause of higher prices. That may be a regional thing. I suspect I sell 7 to 8 trailers per month for every 5th wheel. This is probably partially due to the area where we live. Quading and hunting are very popular and many want the truck box free for the toys, tidy tank etc. Many of the fifth wheels that do sell are larger and popular with the snowbird crowd. I am sure this changes from region to region.

It takes more steel and material to build a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. Everything from axles to frames are heavier which all add t the cost of a new fifth. The towing experience of a fifth wheel is hard to beat but many are willing to sacrifice that for lighter smaller units.

JMHO

Thats_Ok wrote:
Fifth wheels generally include:
10 inch I-frames (supposedly heavier to support slides)
Compartments for batteries and propane bottles
Newer models have large pass-thru holds
Power jacks (usually front and back)
Larger wheels and tires
Heavier hitching system
A little extra ducting
More furniture
Extra cabinets

All this bottom lines higher.

I believe that both of these are true, less than the demand thought. Fivers have far more steel in the frame, far more steel work to build (wielding). The step in the frame requires more materials.

I am one that is of the thought that i don't need the truck bed, I have a basement. It is always in the 5er ready to go!

[deleted-2]

Fifth wheels generally include:
10 inch I-frames (supposedly heavier to support slides)
Compartments for batteries and propane bottles
Newer models have large pass-thru holds
Power jacks (usually front and back)
Larger wheels and tires
Heavier hitching system
A little extra ducting
More furniture
Extra cabinets

All this bottom lines higher.

[John___Angela]

Hmmm. Some have responded with popularity or supply and demand as being the cause of higher prices. That may be a regional thing. I suspect I sell 7 to 8 trailers per month for every 5th wheel. This is probably partially due to the area where we live. Quading and hunting are very popular and many want the truck box free for the toys, tidy tank etc. Many of the fifth wheels that do sell are larger and popular with the snowbird crowd. I am sure this changes from region to region.

It takes more steel and material to build a fifth wheel than a travel trailer. Everything from axles to frames are heavier which all add t the cost of a new fifth. The towing experience of a fifth wheel is hard to beat but many are willing to sacrifice that for lighter smaller units.

JMHO

[Veebyes]

Treat it like a piece of meat. How much per pound are they by comparison?

[aarond76]

Look at the weights of a comparable 5'er vs. TT. The 5'er will weigh more. This additional weight requires higher load rated axles, tires, wheels, more substantial frame, etc... Anyone can also see that even of the same spec materials, it is going to be more labor intensive to manufacture a 5th wheel frame than the flat frame of a travel trailer. They are also typically taller meaning that more material will be required in their manufacture.

[elkhorn98]

Maybe just because the market will bear it. FW buying are willing to pay more?

[loulou57]

As said before, looking at the two, some things are obvious. Weight, more complex interior. Not necessarily better, only curved walls etc.
Layouts can be the same, interior quality but the frame and hitch adds weight and extra weight must mean extra $$$.
I disagree with the comment that they are geared to " higher end clients".
That comment is stereotyping people by their wallets. I happen to know the CEO of a very lucrative gold mine and his choice was a TT and not one with a high price tag....he just liked the look of the TT.

[Vulcaneer]

For the same reason the 5th wheel is 30% heavier. That much more goes into building the 5'r. And that is going to cost.

[DutchmenSport]

I agree that 5ers are more expensive than TT (even from the same manufacturer and same brand). Floor plans are almost identical. I know we just purchased a new Outback and toiled with 5er over TT, and TT won.

I think 5er cost more because they really are bigger, higher, and have more storage in the basement. They are designed for 2 floors, more involved frame, and construction for an identical TT floor model (except for the multi floors).

I think you're paying more for the huge basement storage that does not exist on TT's.