A travel trailer is a type of recreation vehicle (RV) that is designed to be towed behind a vehicle, such as a car or SUV. It has its own wheels and is attached to the tow vehicle via a hitch. Travel trailers come in a range of sizes, from small, lightweight models that can be pulled by most vehicles (even motorcycles) to larger models that require a more powerful tow vehicle. They are typically less expensive than other types of RVs and offer a range of features and amenities, such as sleeping areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
A fifth wheel trailer is also a type of RV that is designed to be towed behind a vehicle, but it requires a pickup truck with a special hitch installed in the bed to tow it. Fifth wheel trailers are larger and in general more luxurious than travel trailers, as they have more space for living and storage areas due to their unique design. The front section of a fifth wheel trailer extends over the tow vehicle, allowing for a higher ceiling and more space inside. The raised front second is most often used as the master bedroom, but lately is being used in some RVs as a living room and in rare cases a kitchen. And no, fifth wheels do not have five wheels, but four.
Fifth wheel trailers are considered better suited for longer trips or full-time RVing, while travel trailers are more suitable for shorter trips or occasional use.
The travel trailer is the most traditional and best-known recreation vehicle, having been around far longer than motorhomes, fifth wheels or other RVs. Generally, travel trailers are also the least expensive RVs (except folding camping trailers) and can be pulled by most vehicles. The more powerful the tow vehicle, the longer (and heavier) the travel trailer that can be towed.
Fifth wheel trailers have more space for living and storage areas due to their unique design. The front section of a fifth wheel trailer extends over the tow vehicle, allowing for a higher ceiling and more space inside. This extra space can be used for a variety of purposes, including a larger bathroom, a bigger kitchen, or additional sleeping or living areas. Fifth wheel trailers are very popular with full-time RVers.
Because the front section of a fifth wheel trailer hangs over the truck bed, the combined length of a tow vehicle and the trailer is shorter with a fifth wheel than the same length travel trailer. A fifth wheel is also most stable of the two vehicles to tow.
One advantage travel trailers have over fifth wheels is that once inside their are no stairs to climb. In a fifth wheel, to enter the raised forward second of the RV, you must climb at least a few stairs. For RVers with mobility issues, this can be a problem.
In general, fifth wheel trailers are better suited for longer trips or full-time RVing, while travel trailers are more suitable for shorter trips or occasional use. However, both types of trailers can be used for a variety of purposes and offer a range of features and amenities to suit different needs and preferences.