When people shop for a towable RV online, fifth wheels and travel trailers attract the greatest attention. Both are available in a variety of size and price options and offer a nearly unlimited choice of features and amenities, making these RVs an excellent choice for people with very different RV needs. Fifth wheels are typically heavier, more expensive and more opulent than travel trailers, but well-appointed travel trailers hold their own. Each type of RV has its advantages and disadvantages (see our previous post). Today we continue our comparison of travel trailer and fifth wheel pros and cons.

If stairs are an issue; travel trailers, which are configured on a single level like a ranch home, have the advantage over fifth wheels, which are the RV equivalent of a split level with stairs leading to rooms on 2 or 3 different levels. On the other hand, that extra space allows fifth wheels to offer full-size bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, kitchen appliances and a stackable washer/dryer — a real plus if you plan to RV full-time. Fifth-wheel RVs also offer enormous basement storage (outside-accessible storage compartments along the bottom of the frame). Many larger travel trailers can nearly match fifth wheels in size, storage space and accommodation of full-size amenities, particularly if they are equipped with multiple slides.

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