12 things to think about before buying a fifth-wheel trailer for the campground.
Home away from Home: Chapter 22
A friend of a friend confessed to getting the camping bug. So they purchased a big expensive RV and got on the road with no experience and no expectations. Ten months later, they sold their camping home because they overestimated the responsibility that comes with a house on wheels
Things to do in the campground
Looking for a camping home, walk around the campground,
look at all the different selection of trailers, talk to fellow campers,
attend trailer shows, and ask many questions.
The Fifth-Wheel is a popular RV camper for families.
They offer countless amenities and features like slide-outs, bedrooms, large communal areas, multi bathrooms, and kitchen space. The towing factor is different from other trailers; it has to be pulled by a truck with a hitch embedded in the back of the truck bed.
Things to think about when looking for a fifth wheel.
1. Size is important. For example, some campgrounds have trailer length regulations. Also, camp spots may be hard to manipulate the camper into, so think about camping spots and the requirement for a fifth wheel. Finally, height is essential when going under bridges and gas station overhangs.
2. Weight: think about an empty fifth wheel vs. fully packed up for a camping trip. Know the difference. It affects the ride and mileage. Do not exceed weight limits; find your gross vehicle weight before purchase.
3. Hitches-there are choices; know your needs, especially when pulling into camp spots. The right hitch makes all the difference. Prices can range between $200.00 to $2,000.00.
4. You have to have a truck. Make sure your vehicle can handle the trailer. 4 points-towing, balance, weight, and weather. Make sure your truck is compatible with the fifth wheel. Take a look at long-bed trucks vs. short-bed trucks for towing and stability.
5. Research your holding tank capacity for fresh, gray, and wastewater.
6. Interior needs, think kitchen, sleeping, living, and bathroom arrangements. Also, remember slide-outs and how they will impact your camping needs.
7. Appearance: a fifth wheel is a significant investment; consider the color and style; you may be looking at it for years.
8. Workability: are you looking for more than one entrance, storage space, lots of windows, or room for camping luxuries like bicycles and camp toys.
9. Maintenance: Upkeep and repairs; know the requirements for the vehicle. Get to know the ends and outs of all the dynamics that come with the RV, from the bathroom and kitchen water outlets/drainage to slide-out, awnings, and mechanisms that control the fifth wheels structure.
10. Insurance and storage: Check with your insurance provider for rates and liabilities. If not used for full-time RVing, storage rentals can be expensive. It is a good idea to invest in an RV cover-prices range between $100.00 to $1,000.00 depending on the size and quality of the cover. Monthly storage fees depend on area so do some research.
11. Once in the campground, know how to stabilize your fifth wheel in case of bad weather to keep wind movement down; seasoned campers recommend cross-bracing your trailer for more stability.
12. A 27-foot travel trailer is a good camp start. 93% of National Parks and campgrounds accept this length, and it can sleep up to 6 people comfortably.
Before you purchase an RV, it is recommended that you try it out first with a rental if camping is a new experience, fifth wheels come in a broad range of prices, but still, it is an expensive investment if not used, so think carefully before the purchase.
Most fifth wheels range between 20 to 40 feet
A gas or diesel-fueled fifth wheel require different travel expectations and purchasing price.
Keep in mind camp travel vs. full-time RV use.The best towing speed is 55-65 MPH
Prices range between $20,000 to $150,000
Check state laws regarding passengers in the fifth wheel while towing.
With proper care, a fifth-wheel trailer should last 10-15 years.
If buying a used fifth-wheel, trust your instinct. Do your homework, and ask for a complete inspection of all parts inside and out.
Fifth wheels come with a wide range of choices from rear living rooms, bunk rooms, wardrobe sliders, outdoor kitchens, and patios.
Overall a fifth wheel is perfect for the campground; if this is the style you are looking for, the fifth wheel camper has a lot of selections, sizes, and luxuries, so research is vital!
Get into the campground with the Let’s Go Camping Guide.