5th Wheel vs. Travel Trailer: Understanding the Difference

Driving down the highways and passing by campsites, you have likely seen many different types of RV trailers. And now that you’re thinking about getting one of your own, you might be wondering: What's the difference between a travel trailer and a 5th wheel? Don’t worry – we can give you a hand! 

In this blog, we will examine the differences between 5th wheels and travel trailers, two common categories of RV trailers. While neither type is necessarily better than the other, comparing their size, features, towing requirements, off-roading abilities and price can help determine which one is right for your adventures.  

1. What is a 5th Wheel Trailer & a Travel Trailer?
2. Basic Pros & Cons of 5th Wheels & Travel Trailers
3. 5th Wheel & Travel Trailer Size Differences
4. Feature Differences
5. Towing Requirement Differences
6. Off-Roading Ability
7. Price
8. FAQs About 5th Wheel Trailers & Travel Trailers 

The first step is to look at the basic definitions for both 5th wheel trailers and travel trailers. A 5th wheel trailer is, quite simply, an RV trailer with a 5th wheel pin box that connects the trailer to a 5th wheel hitch in the bed of the tow vehicle. This gives them their distinct appearance of the front of the trailer overhanging the tow vehicle’s bed. 

A travel trailer, in comparison, is another type of RV camper trailer. However, this type of trailer connects to the tow vehicle using an A-frame coupler and a receiver-style hitch below the vehicle’s bumper. 

Simply put, 5th wheel trailers are generally larger than travel trailers. The length of a 5th wheel trailer tends to range between about 25’ and 50’, while travel trailers can range between 15’ and 40’ long. 

Height-wise, 5th wheel trailers are usually 12’ to 14’ tall, while travel trailers only reach around 10’ to 12’, some even being as little as 8’ tall. 

For overall weight, 5th wheel trailers tend to be anywhere from 7,500 up to 16,000 lbs. or more, while travel trailers usually only weigh between 2,000 and 9,000 lbs. 

The exact measurements vary from model to model, but 5th wheel trailers tend to beat travel trailers in terms of size. The larger size means that owners of 5th wheel trailers can comfortably carry and store more people and cargo on their adventures. Spouses, children, parents, friends, pets – everyone can have their own space with the right 5th wheel trailer. 

However, in some ways, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A longer trailer can be harder to maneuver, whether you are backing into a narrow campsite or weaving through busy traffic. A taller trailer means less height clearance, which means keeping an eye out for low-hanging branches or bridges. A heavier trailer will decrease the tow vehicle’s fuel economy, resulting in more visits to – and more money spent at – the gas station.  

In comparison, a travel trailer tends to be both shorter and lighter, making it easier to maneuver into tight spaces and requiring less fuel to tow. While this does mean less space, a travel trailer can still be the perfect size for couples seeking a romantic getaway or small families hoping for a memorable vacation. 

An exact distinction between the features of travel trailers and 5th wheels is difficult to nail down. Layouts and available amenities vary greatly from model to model, so there is a great deal of overlap between the two RV trailer types regarding space, luxuries and the other little things you may want with you on your trip. 

That said, 5th wheel trailers tend to have more space than travel trailers due to their greater length and height. If you would like your master bedroom to have more than just a bed, your bathroom to have a bigger shower or tub to relax in, or your living room to have more space for family board game night, a 5th wheel trailer would likely be a better option.  

5th wheel trailers also have a slight advantage in sleep spaces, providing spots for four to nine people to rest their heads. Travel trailers typically only have the space for three to eight people. 

The difference is more noticeable with slide-outs, or portions of the trailer that can extend to give you more room. Travel trailers may only have one to two slide-outs, while 5th wheel trailers can have up tothree, four or five.  

The story is similar when considering amenities. You can find both 5th wheel trailers and travel trailers with king-sized beds, three-stove burners, fireplaces, TV stands, bedside outlets and showers complete with skylights. Exactly what you will find in a trailer depends on its model.  

However, 5th wheel trailers once again have just a little bit more to offer than their travel trailer counterparts. Fresh water tanks in 5th wheel trailers may hold anywhere from 40 to around 100 gallons, while the tanks in travel trailers may only contain up to 60 gallons. Where 5th wheel trailers’ electrical systems usually have 50 amps of power, the electrical system of a travel trailer may be 30 or 50 amps. 

You are also more likely to find luxuries such as a bathroom-and-a-half, free-standing dinettes and chairs, smart TVs, and theater seats with built-in LED lights in a 5th wheel trailer. 

Of course, a 5th wheel trailer’s more affluent feel often comes with a bigger price tag, which we will discuss in depth later on. And if you want your trailer to be a place for you to just wash up and sleep after a long day of exploring and fun, you may be content with a no-frills – and cheaper – travel trailer. 

Once again, remember that the layout and amenities of a trailer can depend greatly on its model rather than strictly on whether it’s a 5th wheel or travel trailer. Whether you want a grandiose getaway, a simple sojourn, or a bit of both, you can likely find a trailer from either category that works for you. 

Perhaps the biggest difference between 5th wheel trailers and travel trailers lies in how you bring them with you – what you can tow them with, how they tow, and how you hook them up to your tow vehicle. 

Fair warning – this section is going to get a little technical, so hang in there! 

One of the most considerable limitations of the 5th wheel trailer is that you need a pickup truck to tow it. The 5th wheel hitch — a defining characteristic — is designed to be mounted right in the bed of the truck. In fact, it requires a truck bed for installation, meaning other vehicles simply are not an option. 

If you intend to tow your trailer with your SUV or van, you will be limited to a travel trailer. 

Another thing to consider is your vehicle’s towing capacity. All vehicles have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which can be found by adding the vehicle’s curb weight – the total weight of the vehicle itself – and the maximum amount of cargo the vehicle can carry without overloading. You can often find your vehicle’s GVWR on a sticker inside the door frame.  

Similarly, all RV trailers also have a GVWR that you can find by adding the weight of the trailer with the most cargo it can hold.  

Combining the vehicle’s GVWR and the trailer’s GVWR will get you the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Subtracting the vehicle’s curb weight from the GCWR will give you your towing capacity. 

It is very important that the trailer’s GVWR does not exceed your tow capacity, as this will place a dangerous amount of pressure on your vehicle’s systems, potentially leading to serious damage. 

Another thing to consider is the trailer’s tongue weight – the weight of the trailer that is placed onto the vehicle. The tongue weight cannot exceed the maximum amount of cargo the vehicle can carry because this will, again, put too much pressure on the towing vehicle. 

Important note: cargo includes everything in your vehicle, including people. When considering your towing capacity and the weight of your future trailer, remember that you will need to leave room for your luggage, your family and yourself! 

As discussed earlier, 5th wheel trailers tend to weigh more than travel trailers. If you are considering a 5th wheel trailer, you will need to make sure that your vehicle a) is a pickup truck and b) has a GVWR and towing capacity great enough to safely tow it. A lighter travel trailer will give you more wiggle room with what towing vehicles you can use. 

The next thing to consider is the different equipment needed to tow a 5th wheel trailer versus a travel trailer. 

Let’s start with 5th wheel trailers. As stated earlier, 5th wheel trailers require a 5th wheel hitch to tow. These hitches consist of a circular metal plate with a rearward-facing slot. The trailer’s pin box, the piece placed on the underside of the trailer nose, has a bottom portion known as the kingpin. The kingpin slides into the hitch’s slot and engages with the hitch’s locking mechanism, coupling the trailer to the towing vehicle.  

Another important thing to consider is how you will attach your 5th wheel hitch to your truck. There are two options for this. The first is a puck system, a pre-installed structure in a truck identifiable by the puck-shaped holes in the bed of a pickup truck. If your vehicle comes factory-equipped with a puck system, you can remove the covers, drop the 5th wheel hitch into the holes and lock it into place. Easy! 

If your vehicle does not have a puck system, you will need to use industry-standard rails or a gooseneck hitch with adapter to install the 5th wheel hitch. The rails securely bolt onto the truck bed, allowing the hitch legs to be anchored to the rails. This process is a bit more complicated, but you can get it installed by a professional if you’d prefer. 

If the bed of your truck is a shorter one, you also might want to think about a sliding hitch, a movable 5th wheel hitch that you can adjust in order to make tighter turns and a handy tool if you want to park a large trailer in a small campsite! 

Now, let’s take a look at the hitching equipment needed for a travel trailer. The first component to consider is the receiver hitch, a steel frame with a tube-shaped connector bolted onto the tow vehicle’s rear underbelly. Next comes the ball mount, which is inserted into the receiver hitch and holds the trailer ball, the metal sphere that serves as the main connection point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Finally, there is the trailer coupler, which fastens over the trailer ball. This connection component is mounted at the forwardmost point of the trailer’s frame. 

Most travel trailers have A-frame tongues and couplers, as they support the edges of the trailer and prevent twisting or swaying, but some smaller ones might have a straight system. 

You may also consider using a weight distribution hitch. They are similar to a typical travel trailer hitch system, with a receiver hitch and trailer ball, but they also have components such as an adjustable weight distribution shank and spring bars with lift chains.  

The purpose of the weight distribution hitch’s unique parts is (as the name would suggest) to distribute the weight of the trailer across the tow vehicle’s frame, rather than letting most of it settle on the rear axle of the vehicle and tip the vehicle’s front upwards.  

By distributing the weight, you can decrease swaying, improve your ability to steer and brake, and keep your headlights pointed at the horizon rather than the mountaintops! 

Many weight distribution hitches also come with sway control, which further prevents your trailer from swaying behind you, and some advanced WD hitches even have integrated sway control, such as the TruTrack™ weight distribution hitch. 

Before we finish this section, it should be noted that both 5th wheel trailers and travel trailers need a wiring system and most also need a brake controller. The trailer wiring system connects the trailer to the tow vehicle’s electrical systems. This is how your trailer’s brake lights and blinkers function, so don’t forget to plug it in! 

A brake controller is a device that allows the driver to activate and monitor their trailer’s electric trailer brakes, ensuring your journey is all the safer. 

Given the different hitching systems, it only makes sense that 5th wheels and travel trailers are hooked up in different ways. Here is a quick, general overview of what each hookup process looks like. For your specific setup, you’ll want to make sure you abide by all manufacturer guidelines for your equipment. 

1. Position your truck just in front of the trailer.
2. Prepare by lowering the tailgate of your truck and making sure that your 5th wheel hitch is set at the correct height to receive the kingpin.
3. Slowly back up your truck until the hitch is only a few inches away from the kingpin, then adjust the trailer’s jacks until the bottom of the pin box is half an inch lower than the top of the hitch.
4. Continue slowly backing up until the kingpin slides into place and the hitch’s locking mechanisms engage.
5. Lock the jaws in place with the safety pin.
6. Perform a gentle pull test, close the truck’s tailgate and raise the trailer’s jacks. 

1. Position your vehicle in front of the trailer.
2. Prepare the coupler to receive the trailer ball by removing the coupler pin and opening the latch.
3. Raise the coupler higher than the trailer ball.
4. Slowly back up your vehicle until the trailer ball is directly below the coupler.
5. Lower the coupler onto the trailer ball and close the safety latch.
6. Lock the latch with a safety pin, attach the safety chains to the hitch and attach the breakaway cable.
7. Raise the tongue jack.

For those of you wanting a more stable ride for your travel trailer, here is how to hook up with a weight distribution hitch: 

1. Position your vehicle in front of the trailer.
2. Determine that your trailer is level, then measure the height of its coupler.
3. Insert the weight distribution shank into the receiver hitch and position the ball mount head so the trailer ball is just a few inches higher than the coupler height (this accounts for how the vehicle will dip under the trailer’s weight).
4. Attach the spring bars to the head.
5. Lower coupler onto the trailer ball.
6. Using brackets, connect the spring bar’s lift chains to the trailer tongue. 

For a more in-depth look at this process, check out our weight distribution setup guide. 

Important Note: These are just basic descriptions of the hookup processes, not thorough sets of instructions. Follow the complete instructions provided by your manufacturer. 

Whew! Now that we’ve gone through all of that, you’re probably wondering how well either of these trailers tow. 

In simple terms, 5th wheel trailers are far easier to tow than travel trailers. The unique design of 5th wheel trailers places more of their weight on the tow vehicle, giving you a more stable ride and limiting trailer sway. 

Travel trailers, in comparison, are more vulnerable to swaying in the wind or bouncing on rougher roads. However, this can be lessened with a weight distribution hitch and sway control.  

While backing up a 5th wheel trailer can be difficult due to its greater length, the position of the 5th wheel hitch offers you an advantage, allowing for tighter turns that would leave many travel trailers trembling — a handy trait for maneuvering in smaller campgrounds! 

There is one place where the travel trailer definitively beats the 5th wheel trailer: off the beaten path.  

The same lack of stability travel trailers suffer from on the pavement can actually help them off-road. Driving up and down steep hills and over rough terrain requires a certain amount of pivoting on the trailer’s part, which a travel trailer can better handle.  

A 5th wheel trailer, on the other hand, has a far harder time off-road. The 5th wheel hitch simply doesn’t have the flexibility to take on harsh terrain without running the risk of breaking something. Even if that doesn’t happen, the trailer’s overhanging front can potentially crash into the truck cab if you drive at a sharp enough angle. 

Another off-road disadvantage of the 5th wheel trailer is its height. Since 5th wheel trailers tend to be taller, they are in danger of hitting more low-hanging tree branches and damaging the top of the trailer. Where the driver of a 5th wheel trailer may have to focus on weaving through obstacles or finding a new route entirely, the owner of a travel trailer can simply slip by and enjoy the nature around them. 

No matter which trailer you go with, always abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines for on and off-road use. 

Actually, there’s also a second area where the travel trailer beats the 5th wheel trailer: your wallet. 

5th wheel trailers are typically more expensive, with new ones ranging from around $40,000 up to $130,000 or more. New travel trailers may only cost $14,000 to around $65,000 in comparison.  

Used trailers often cost less, with some used 5th wheel trailers being as low as $30,000 and some used travel trailers costing only $10,000. 

Travel trailers are also cheaper to rent, with average prices ranging from $50 to $200 per night depending on the trailer’s condition. 5th wheel trailers, meanwhile, can be $60 to $300 per night.  

Of course, a lot more goes into a trailer than the upfront price tag. RV trailers require routine maintenance to ensure your adventures go smoothly and safely. Travel trailers beat 5th wheel trailers here too. Annual maintenance for a travel trailer typically ranges between $500 and $2,000, while 5th wheel trailers can require anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. 

If you wish to insure your trailer, travel trailers are again the cheaper option. The higher value and specific towing requirements of 5th wheel trailers can give them more costly premiums. 

You will also need to consider the potential price of storing your trailer when you’re not using it. If you don’t have the space to store your trailer on your property, you may have to pay between $50 to $250+ per month for an indoor storage facility.  

5th wheel trailers are taller, limiting your options for storage and potentially leading you to pay more for a place that can fit them. Travel trailers are smaller and comparatively easier to stow away. 

Amenities can also add to the trailer’s total cost. As discussed earlier, 5th wheel trailers often come with more luxurious amenities, such as smart TVs, marble countertops and better appliances. These affluent items, whether they come as standard or are added as optional extras, will contribute to the total price. 

In the competition between 5th wheel trailers and travel trailers, there can never be one true winner. If you’re bringing along a large group, want to enjoy more deluxe amenities for full-time travel or prefer a smoother ride, then you will likely want a 5th wheel. Those who want a cheaper trailer for a cross-country trip would be better off with a travel trailer.  

Which trailer ultimately becomes your home-away-from-home is up to you, but hopefully we’ve given your search – and your adventures – a good start. 

Neither type of trailer is necessarily better than the other. 5th wheel trailers tend to have more space, more amenities and are easier to tow, while travel trailers are cheaper and may be better for off-road adventures. Which trailer is best for you depends on your needs, wants and budget. 

5th wheel trailers and travel trailers do tow a bit differently, particularly when you are backing up. 5th wheel trailers require larger wheel movements to turn, while travel trailers react to far smaller movements. Reversing a 5th wheel trailer can be challenging to those used to other types of trailers. However, due to their steadier ride and tighter turning radius, 5th wheel trailers are generally considered to be easier to tow than travel trailers. 

5th wheel trailers tend to be simpler to hook up once you have set up your 5th wheel hitch to the correct height for the trailer’s kingpin. You can just gently reverse until the kingpin engages with the hitch head, rather than backing up, getting out of the truck, and lowering the coupler yourself for a travel trailer. However, remember that no matter which trailer you pick, you will need to follow the hookup process carefully in order to ensure the safety of you and your fellow travelers. 

Since 5th wheel trailers are heavier, they require more fuel to tow. While exact weights vary greatly across different models, travel trailers are typically lighter and will give you better gas mileage. 

Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular tow vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner's Manual.