Which Camper Should You Buy: A Fifth Wheel or a Travel Trailer?

The first decision to make when shopping for a camper for your family is to determine whether to get a travel trailer or a fifth wheel RV. Each type features a distinct layout and floorplan and offers you a wide range of amenities to keep you cozy, comfortable, and safe on your vacations. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—we have you covered.

Johnny’s Premier Boat and RV is your local camper dealer in Theodore, AL. Our experts have created this guide to discuss the features and capabilities of travel trailers and fifth wheel campers. Read on to learn more, and then visit our dealership to explore a few models in person. We are happy to welcome our patrons from Mobile and Grand Bay, so stop by today.

The Space

Fifth wheel campers have a higher profile than travel trailers. They have a large area overhanging the truck bed, which helps create bigger living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and storage spaces while extending less behind your towing vehicle. Fifth wheel campers are ideal for extended families that love to go on vacations frequently.

If you need a camper for your solo trips or to go on vacations with one or two other people, you will benefit from buying a travel trailer. This RV lineup is made up of compact models that are easier to hitch, haul, and set up at the campsite. If you need extra space, use your slide-outs and make more room for your guests. 

Your Budget

Next, you will want to plan a realistic budget when buying a camper.

The large size of fifth wheel RVs comes with a premium price tag. These campers also need regular maintenance and servicing to keep working smoothly. On the other hand, travel trailers are more budget-friendly and easier to maintain than fifth wheels. Consider your budget before exploring RVs for sale, and don’t forget to include maintenance, insurance, fuel, and repair costs in your budget for a more realistic estimation.

Your Towing Vehicle

Travel trailers feature a bumper-pull hitch. You can use your pickup truck, SUV, or sedan to haul your model but ensure it can handle the total weight.

On the other hand, the gooseneck-style hitch of fifth wheels is user-friendly and adds more stability to your towing setup. However, you will need a pickup truck or a flat-bed truck to haul your model safely and efficiently. If you don’t already own a pickup truck to attach your RV, you might need to buy one first.

Would You Prefer Luxury or Fuel Efficiency?

More importantly, you will want to decide whether to get a luxurious camper or a fuel-efficient model.

As stated earlier, fifth wheels are large and luxurious RVs but not as fuel efficient as travel trailers. Conversely, the lightweight travel trailers are a more convenient hauling option, and your towing vehicle will offer you better fuel economy on the road. If you have mileage in mind, you might benefit from purchasing a travel trailer instead of a fifth wheel camper.

Now that you are more familiar with what each model offers, you are ready to shop campers for sale. Visit Johnny’s Premier Boat and RV to peruse our latest inventory of fifth wheels and travel trailers from premium brands. Our friendly team can give you a complete tour of the available options and help you select a camper that suits your budget and lifestyle. We are in Theodore, AL, and proudly serve those from Mobile and Grand Bay, so stop by today.