The diversity of fifth wheel camper floorplans have made them more appealing than ever. New fifth wheel RVs come out each year with features and amenities never thought possible. With lightweight construction materials, RV designers are still realizing the potential of this type of RV.
With all of this design freedom, potential buyers are concerned about the construction integrity of modern fifth-wheel campers. RV manufacturers have construction solutions that keep their products reliable and easy to tow. Yet they never neglect the quality of their products.
Our discussion will explore some of the best built fifth wheels on the market. We’ll take a look at some different subcategories and feature examples from some of the best RV brands. Before we go further, let’s examine how they are built.
Construction Methodologies
If we were to disassemble a fifth-wheel trailer, you would find strength and quality in the various components. Roofs, walls, and floors are built with multiple layers. Each layer adds to the integrity of the unit.
Roofs have a PVC membrane within them. This strong plastic-like material is used for its flexibility, strength, and reflectivity of solar heat. To work with it, it must be welded into place.
The membrane gives the roof the durability against the elements and a quality seal. It’s so strong, it can resist most punctures and prevents moisture from seeping into the RV. Underneath this layer is insulation, roof trusses, and the aluminum frame.
Walls are layered with the outer shell material (Fiberglass or corrugated aluminum), insulation, the frame, and state-of-the-art supports that your furniture is attached too. In many cases, wood framing is used as a secondary material in your RV. Wood is added for support in certain parts, but that’s only to help the primary framing material.
Flooring’s top layer has aesthetic appeals, but many of the laminates are strong enough to handle a lot. Thick vinyl or near PVC-like materials make up the core of this flooring. Subfloors have some insulation and are connected to steel chassis.
The popularity of all-weather or late season camping has convinced RV manufacturers to make their products to handle colder temperatures. Most quality fifth-wheel campers now come with sealed underbellies and forced air heated holding tanks. Part of the cold weather features includes thicker insulations and other components to keep up with colder and hotter climates.
Light Weight Fifth Wheels
Lighter weight fifth wheels are generally under 10,000 pounds. They are around 30 feet in length or less. Half-ton trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow these coaches with the right towing capacity and truck bed for the hitch.
1. Scamp 19 Foot
- Key Feature: Lightest weight
- Length: 19 feet
- Dry Weight: 2,200- 2,800 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 6 people
- Price Point: $22,000 starting price
The Scamp 19 foot is a fifth wheel that weighs under 3,000 pounds. With this ultra-lite weight, you can use a Ford Ranger to pull it. This small fifth-wheel trailer is a great option for part-time RVing.
The loft over the hitch measures to a queen-size bed. The rear dinette folds down to queen measurement too. Everything in between is customizable to your specifications.
The fifth wheel comes in either a standard or deluxe version. The deluxe gives you more upgraded amenity choices and a wood interior styling versus the fiberglass look. It also has a wet bath as a regular feature.
Another unique feature is that Scamp builds their products based on customer orders. To buy one, you have to contact the company directly. Their sales team will walk you through the customizable options to make your Scamp unique to your desires.
2. Jayco Eagle HT 25.5REOK
- Key Feature: Double door bathroom
- Length: 28.8 feet
- Dry Weight: 7,775 pounds
- Sleeps: Between 4-6 people
- Price Point: MSRP $53,552
The Jayco Eagle HT series is a great entry-level fifth wheel. Jayco is known for its quality manufacturing and is a leader in the industry. Ideally, most of their models are designed for couples, but their fold-out furniture can give guests a comfortable night’s sleep.
The 25.5REOK has a popular design when it comes to the bathroom. Many fifth wheels of this size only have one entryway. Jayco listened to their customers by giving a direct access secondary door that leads to the master bedroom.
The living room has a lot of open space for its size. The L-shaped kitchen maximizes counter space. There are many wardrobes and overhead cabinets that take advantage of storage opportunities.
3. Gulf Stream Sedona 28CBF
- Key Feature: Double sized bunk beds
- Length: 31.6 feet
- Dry Weight: 7,500 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 10 people
- Price Point: Around $28,000
Lightweight fifth-wheel RVs are mostly designed for couples. This 31.6-foot unit has double sized bunk beds and a master suite that makes it perfect for families. With a price tag under $30,000, its an affordable option but still has quality features found in bigger models.
For those that enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, the second door leads directly into the bathroom. Many enjoy having this feature since you can clean up without tracking dirt or mud through the coach. The tub style shower and high ceilings eliminate concerns for taller people.
Gulf Stream is very creative in adding space to the required amenities. They build the kitchen countertop on an angle to exploit the most space possible. Storage space under, around, and above other components allow campers to bring everything they want.
Floorplan Variations
Traditionally, a fifth-wheel travel trailer will have the living room in the rear and the master bedroom upfront. RV designers have broken with tradition by moving the rooms around. This gives consumers the ability to have a larger space in the sections they want.
4. Forest River Riverstone 39RKFB
- Key Feature: Award winner
- Length: 42.7 feet
- Dry Weight: 16,292 pounds
- Sleeps: Between 4-6 people
- Price Point: $85,000- $131,000
The Riverview 39RKFB won the RV Business Top RV Debut for 2020 due to its excellent layout. The master bedroom is contained in a front suite. It has a walk-in closet and master bathroom at the front of the floorplan that compares to designer houses.
The master bathroom comes with two sinks and a shower with a bench. The extra-large closet has shelving and a bench to sit down on. The bed comes standard as a king, but can be optioned out for a queen.
Forest River makes the guest bath multi-functional by placing the washer and dryer closet in it. Keeping the washer/dryer there prevents the machines from heating up the master suite. It also creates a safe place by keeping possible water issues in a room designed for moisture, compared to the master closet.
5. Keystone Montana 3741FK
- Key Feature: Front kitchen
- Length: 40.2 feet
- Dry Weight: 13,755 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 6 people
- Price Point: MSRP $92,619
The Montana series is the most popular Keystone fifth wheel brand. For 20 years, this RV line has been on the cutting-edge of fifth wheel design and quality. Many experienced RVers put this brand on their wishlist when they’re ready to upgrade.
The Montana 3741FK places the kitchen in front. The dinette under the front cap can seat up to six. The table has a level that rotates the top, so people have an easier time getting in and out of the dinette. The 18 cubic foot refrigerator and other appliances are stainless steel and of residential sizing.
The living room is mid-coach with stairs that lead up to the kitchen and the rear bedroom. With five different slideouts, Keystone made sure there was enough open space in each section of this high-quality fifth wheel. Both fold-out sofas in the living room have plenty of space between them when they are converted to beds.
6. Winnebago Voyage V3436FL
- Key Feature: Front living room
- Length: 39.6 feet
- Dry Weight: Over 11,000 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 3 people
- Price Point: $40,000- $58,000
Expanding on their towable success, Winnebago launched the Voyage series in 2019. This new fifth wheel series has all of the best luxuries and qualities of Winnie. It’s designed to compete in the full-size fifth-wheel market.
The layout of the V3436FL places the living room up front, kitchen mid-coach, and bedroom in the rear. The living room has two slideouts with a fold-out sofa on each and theatre seats that face the TV. The entertainment center is built behind the front cap and has closets on either side for storage.
Winnebago considers all factors when they build their products. To keep things safe and dry, the wood and aluminum parts of the coach are protected in the exterior storage bay. They add diamond plate sheet metal on the floor of the bay to help prevent things from sliding or punching through the floor.
Extra Rooms
Fifth wheel RVs have come a long way in their designs. Many of the manufacturers are creating two and three-bedroom spaces within them. Toy hauler fifth wheels have used the garage for extra sleeping space for years. Some models have secondary rooms and lofts so everyone can find private space.
7. Crossroads RV Redwood 3901MB
- Key Feature: Two bathrooms
- Length: 40.3 feet
- Dry Weight: 14,109 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 4 people
- Price Point: $90,000- $130,000
The Redwood series by Crossroads RV is a luxury fifth wheel camper brand. Crossroads pulled out all of the stops with solid surface countertops, hardwood cabinetry, and other top-end features. They also build these coaches to tow smoothly down the road through strong construction and aerodynamics.
The Redwood 3901MB has a master bathroom and a half bath for guests. For those that don’t like others walking through the bedroom, this half bath will keep everyone in the living room area. It’s still roomy enough for adults to take care of their needs without feeling claustrophobic.
Crossroads makes cleaning simple through technology. The coach comes with a central vacuum system, dishwasher, and has washer/dryer hookups. The iN-Command automation system makes operating your slideouts and other things as easy as pushing a button.
8. Grand Design Solitude 377MBS
- Key Feature: 3 bedrooms with a den
- Length: 40.10 feet
- Dry Weight: 13,200 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 8 people
- Price Point: $94,000- $100,000
Grand Design has been a customer favorite since they first opened their doors. You can see how important their customers are to them based on the practical features they add to their RVs. Whether it’s a shoe rack at the door or having the biggest bathrooms in the industry, every opinion matters to their designers.
The 377MBS is ideal for fifth wheel full time living with its second room between the living room and the master bedroom. It can be used as a den or as a three-person guest room. Above the den is a loft area where children can have their own space.
The tri-fold sofa in the rear of the RV folds out for more guest sleeping. The walk-in pantry and 18 cubic foot residential refrigerator has enough room to feed all of your hungry guests. Closets and overhead cabinets are spaced throughout the fifth wheel to hold everybody’s belongings.
9. KZ RV Venom V-Series V3413TK
- Key Feature: Toy hauler
- Length: 40.11 feet
- Dry Weight: 12,430 pounds
- Sleeps: Up to 9 people
- Price Point: $68,000- $75,000
The KZ Venom V-Series is just like its big brother, the Venom, but designed to be more affordable. Comparing the two lines won’t be easy though, due to the luxury features the V-Series has to offer. Things like a standard king-size adjustable bed, multiple slideouts, and other quality features make them almost equal.
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The V3413TK has a loft above the garage and two queen bunks within the space. Many RV makers are adding this loft space in their fifth wheels, but KZ keeps both bunks. Others take out the drop-down queen-size bunk because of the loft.
Another unique feature that KZ adds to their toy haulers, is a 30-gallon fuel tank with a hose and nozzle. You won’t have to run out to the nearest gas station to refill your ATVs and dirtbikes because you have a gas tank with you. With a 13 foot garage, this should be plenty of fuel for the many toys you bring with you.
Product data was last updated on 2024-04-23 at 15:54.
