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TYPES OF RVs
  • TYPES OF RVs
  • CLASS A RVs
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  • FIFTH WHEEL
  • TOY HAULERS
WHAT CAN I TOW? HOW TO SPOT A WELL-BUILT RV BLOG

Your Guide to Fifth Wheel Trailers

Traveling with a fifth-wheel trailer brings the best of both worlds: ample living space and the freedom to explore, all while maintaining the comforts of home. Whether you’re a family looking for extra room, an adventurer hauling gear or a remote worker in need of a mobile office, fifth-wheel trailers provide the perfect solution. Let My RV Selector guide you in choosing the ideal fifth-wheel trailer for your journey.

What is a Fifth Wheel Trailer?

A fifth-wheel trailer is a towable RV that connects to a pickup truck via a specialized hitch located in the bed of the truck. This unique hitching system provides superior stability and smoother towing, especially for larger, heavier trailers. The term “fifth wheel” refers to the hitch system that offers greater weight distribution, allowing for more control while driving and making these trailers easier to maneuver on the road.

Key Benefits of Fifth Wheel Trailers

Spacious Living Areas

Fifth-wheel trailers stand out for their expansive interiors. Most models feature split-level layouts that elevate the living and sleeping areas, maximizing available space. With full kitchens, entertainment centers and residential bathrooms, you’ll feel right at home no matter where your travels take you.

Enhanced Stability and Towing Experience

Thanks to their fifth-wheel hitch design, these trailers offer exceptional towing stability. The hitch’s position in the truck bed minimizes sway, making towing easier, especially for long-distance trips or rough terrain. A fifth-wheel trailer ensures a smoother, more controlled towing experience.

Ample Storage and Luxury Features

Fifth wheels come with generous storage options, including large pantries, closets and basement compartments. Many models are equipped with luxury features such as king-size beds, spacious kitchens and even dual bathrooms, creating a truly comfortable home on the road.

Fifth Wheel Floor Plans and Layout Options

Popular Layouts and Customizations

Fifth-wheel trailers come in a wide range of floor plans, allowing you to choose a model that fits your needs. Whether you need a bunkhouse for the kids, a toy hauler for your gear or a spacious rear living room for family gatherings, My RV Selector helps you find a floor plan that works for you.

Flexible Living Configurations

From split-level layouts to models with dedicated office spaces or bunk rooms, fifth wheels offer versatility in how you organize your space. Many fifth-wheel models are customizable, ensuring that you have exactly what you need to adapt to your lifestyle, whether you’re on a long vacation or working remotely while traveling.

Choosing the Right Towing Vehicle

Understanding Towing Requirements

Towing a fifth wheel trailer requires a heavy-duty pickup truck equipped with a fifth wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer must match the towing capacity of your vehicle. My RV Selector can guide you through understanding these requirements and help you find a compatible truck, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Finding the Right Fit with My RV Selector

At My RV Selector, we provide expert advice on matching fifth-wheel trailers with the appropriate towing vehicle. Our team considers factors such as weight distribution, hitch compatibility and safety, so you can tow with confidence and peace of mind.

Who Should Consider a Fifth Wheel?

Ideal for Families and Long-Term Travelers

Fifth-wheel trailers are suitable for families who need multiple sleeping areas, spacious kitchens and storage for extended travel. With ample room for everyone, they make it easy to bring the comforts of home along on your adventures.

Great for Adventure Seekers with Gear

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast with equipment like ATVs, kayaks or bicycles, a fifth wheel toy hauler model is an excellent choice. These trailers feature a garage space for your gear that can be converted into extra sleeping or living areas when needed.

Suitable for Remote Workers

Many fifth-wheel models offer features that cater to remote workers, including dedicated office spaces. These layouts provide the quiet and comfort needed for productive work while on the road..

Popular Fifth Wheel Brands and Models

Overview of Leading Brands

My RV Selector partners with brands from the Jayco Family of Companies known for quality construction and innovative design. Whether you’re interested in models from Jayco, Starcraft, Highland Ridge or Entegra Coach, we help you explore options that offer durability, style and reliability.

Unique Features of Popular Models

The Jayco Family of Companies offers fifth wheel models with a range of distinct features. Some include extra sleeping spaces, high-end finishes or advanced towing stability, while others focus on maximizing storage or incorporating modern technology for enhanced comfort. My RV Selector is here to help you navigate these choices to find the model that best fits your needs.

Steps to Finding Your Ideal Trailer with My RV Selector

Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Preferences

Think about your travel style, the essential features you need and the amount of space required for family members or gear. Having a clear understanding of your needs will help you find the perfect fifth-wheel trailer.

Step 2: Use My RV Selector’s Finder Tool

Our Fifth Wheel Finder tool makes it easy to narrow down your options based on your criteria. Whether you're looking for specific features, a trusted brand or a model within your budget, our tool helps you find exactly what you need.

Step 3: Schedule a Walkthrough or Virtual Tour

Once you’ve shortlisted models, scheduling a walkthrough or virtual tour is a great way to get a feel for the space and features. Seeing the trailer in person (or virtually) will help you make a more informed decision.

Start Your Fifth Wheel Journey with Confidence

Finding the ideal fifth-wheel trailer has never been easier. With My RV Selector’s expert guidance, you can confidently choose the perfect RV for your travel needs. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from understanding the benefits of a fifth wheel to selecting the model that fits your lifestyle. Begin your adventure today with My RV Selector and let us help turn your travel dreams into reality.

MyRVSelector is brought to you by Jayco.
Jayco offers a full lineup of family-friendly and durable RVs.

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WHAT CAN I TOW?

  1. Check the towing capacity of your tow vehicle by consulting with your automobile dealership.
  2. Then, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (or GVWR) of the unit you are looking to tow to make sure your tow vehicle can handle it.
  3. If you want to use a weight distribution hitch, look at the tongue weight and then work with a local dealer or hitch installation company to do the installation.
  4. Finally, always consult with your authorized automobile manufacturer or vehicle owner’s manual before making your final purchase.

HOW TO SPOT A WELL-BUILT RV

1. PEEK UNDERNEATH

A quality trailer will be built on an integrated A-frame. You can spot one of these frames easily. Simply look under the front of any trailer, pinpointing where the hitch meets the frame. The frame of a less superior trailer will be tack welded, while a quality RV will have a frame that intersects the hitch through the trailer to prevent buckling.

2. CHECK THE WHEEL WELL

Feel under the wheel well. A quality RV will use galvanized steel construction or high impact composite material in its wheel wells, helping prevent floor damage in the incident of a tire blowout.

3. SPOT THE SEAM

On some fifth wheels, you might notice a seam running vertically along the wall that overhangs the truck bed. This area is usually where the bedroom sits. When a unit is built on a less superior frame, manufacturers add the seam to compensate for future cracks that might appear.

4. TAKE IT FOR A SPIN

If you’re contemplating a motorhome purchase, make sure you go for a test drive. Some quality RV manufacturers have begun to introduce packages that improve the ride and handling of these coaches. You’ll even find these packages on some of today’s most affordable Class C models, so make sure you expect the most out of your ride.

5. POUND ON THE WALLS

We encourage you to pound on the walls of any laminated RV. If it sounds good and solid, you’ll know the lamination technique used was a high-quality process, known as vacuum bonding. Vacuum-bonded lamination is superior to the typical pinch roll process. In the vacuum-bonding process, nearly 145 tons of pressure are applied when materials are adhered together. In the pinch roll process, less pressure is exerted for a short period of time.

6. CHECK ON THE TOYS

If you’re considering a toy hauler purchase, peek under the cargo area. In a quality toy hauler, steel plates are welded to the frame; the D-rings used to secure your toys are fastened to these plates. Less superior RVs won’t have this feature, meaning your toy hauler can no longer safely secure the advertised capacity. When these plates are absent, it’s also a good indication that the garage floor isn’t state of the art construction.

7. FEEL INSIDE THE CABINETS

A quality RV will boast lumbercore cabinet stiles. These stiles create the skeleton for your cabinetry. Lumbercore stiles are made of real wood, not particle board. Pocket screws can usually be found in lumbercore construction. Peek inside the cabinet and see if you see these screws. If you spot staples, this is a sign of poor construction.

8. INSPECT THE TENT

Considering a pop-up or an expandable trailer? Some manufacturers skimp on the tent. Single-seam construction creates a less durable tent. Look for the double-stitched tents. And while you’re shopping for camping trailers also peek underneath the unit. If the lifter system is enclosed, this system will hold up to road debris better than one with exposed components. A quality lifter system should have a lifetime warranty, and on a good pop-up you should look for lifetime component warranties on other components, such as the roof, floor, walls and bed frames.

9. ASK ABOUT THE ROOF

It can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but the strength of an RV's roof is crucial. Not only is it directly exposed to the elements, like snowfall for example, but it's quality is a strong indicator of the unit's overall construction.