5th Wheel Vs Trailer
Recreational trailer designs range from basic tent-style pop-ups to 40-foot fifth wheels with all the comforts of home. When choosing one for purchase, a camper's lifestyle, tow vehicle and budget should be considered.
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History
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The first recreational vehicle (RV) trailers were built in the 1920s. The fifth wheel design was first manufactured for RVs in the 1960s.
Identification
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Trailers are towed by car, truck or even a motorcycle with a bumper-mounted hitch. Fifth wheels are pulled with a gooseneck style hitch mounted inside the bed of a medium or heavy-duty pickup truck.
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Effects
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Because a fifth wheel is mounted into the bed of a truck, the center of gravity means greater stability on the road. Bumper-mounted trailers have a smaller turning radius and less maneuverability.
Considerations
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A fifth wheel's "bi-level" design incorporates extra space that extends over the truck bed. But because access to this area is through a staircase, handicapped people may find that it's easier to maneuver inside a trailer, which never has stairs.
Warning
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Trailers have less cargo carrying capacity than fifth wheels. Always know your vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR). That's the maximum weight your tow vehicle can pull plus fuel, cargo, passengers and its own weight.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit rving, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
