When you’re shopping for a recreational vehicle for you and your family, you’re truly spoiled for choice in today’s market. The RV world is pretty complex so it can be difficult to choose between styles. If you’ve narrowed your search down to a towable style and you’ve already got a big truck, then you’re perfectly positioned to purchase a fifth wheel! These big rigs are some of the most luxurious RVs you’ll see on the road, but they come at a price you’ll love.
Need more proof? This breakdown by Johnny’s Premier Boat and RV of Theodore, Alabama, should help you decide whether a fifth wheel is right for you. Come to us with any questions you may have when you’re through reading!
Definition
Let’s start with a little elaboration on what a fifth wheel is, exactly. Fifth wheels are one style of towable RV, which means they don’t come with an engine—you’ll have to supply the towing vehicle yourself. In the case of a fifth wheel, you’re going to need a more specific towing vehicle: one that has a bed into which you can install the coupling for hitching the trailer to. The hitch of a fifth wheel is what makes it unique: it goes over the rear of your vehicle and latches into the truck bed for improved stability, rather than anchoring to the bumper.
Value
Considering how affordable fifth wheels are compared to other types of large recreational vehicles, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Without an engine to worry about, your maintenance needs are much lower and the cost of repairs will be lower, too. That lack of an engine also means a savings of thousands of dollars over a self-contained rig. You’ll still get plenty of amenities inside, but you won’t be spending exorbitant amounts of money to get them!
Space
If you have a big family or a lot of stuff to haul, you want space. If fifth wheels are one thing, they’re big! You’ll find plenty of storage space inside for all your camping, hiking and fishing gear, as well as anything else you want to bring along. The living quarters are so roomy that you’ll feel like you’re in a residential home. These rigs even have higher ceilings, so tall campers won’t have to stoop down to avoid a concussion!
Maneuverability
Fifth wheels are often said to be much easier to tow than other trailer styles. That unique coupling system we mentioned earlier has the benefit of adding a lot of stability to your towing setup by shifting how the weight of the trailer is carried. Turns will be easier to navigate and, because of the overlapping hitch, your entire setup is often a few feet shorter than it would be with a bumper-pull trailer. This is great for highways where length is restricted.
Convenience
Having to drive a self-contained RV up a steep slope or into a tiny parking lot is a pain—there’s no other way to say it. If you have a fifth wheel, though, you can head into town on an errand or visit a nearby tourist attraction with no trouble at all! Simply unhitch your towing vehicle and drive away, leaving your fifth wheel safe and secure at the campsite for the day.
As you can no doubt tell by now, there is no end to reasons why a fifth wheel is a great RV purchase. Ready to see some for yourself? Stop by our dealership in Theodore today to check out our current selection of new and used RVs for sale, including fifth wheels! We offer financing options to help you get the model you want. Johnny’s Premier Boat and RV proudly serves the cities of Mobile and Grand Bay, Alabama.
