 | Entry Level: $15,000-$50,000 |
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 | Luxury: $50,000-$150,000 |
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| A fifth-wheel RV is a non-motorized recreational vehicle similar to a large travel trailer but with a raised front extension that connects into a hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. This makes fifth wheels more stable and easier to control in windy conditions than conventional travel trailers. Often designed for long-term or full-time RV living, fifth wheels tend to be the most expensive, spacious and heaviest of the towable RVs, with taller ceilings, full-sized kitchen areas and multiple slide-outs to expand the living space when parked. They typically are 21'-40' long and sleep 4-8 people. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Size and amenities (like slides-outs, a full master bedroom with bath or full-sized kitchen appliances) are the biggest factors in the price of fifth wheel RVs. Expect to pay $15,000 -$50,000 for a new fifth-wheel RV up to about 30' long, with many of the comforts of home. For example, the 30' 2011 Coleman RV CTF259RE CT259 sells for $29,000 -$40,000 with an air-mattress sofa-bed in a slide-out area; a bedroom with a queen-size bed; bathroom with sink, shower and skylight; separate toilet stall; three-burner range and oven; microwave; double-door refrigerator; and more.
- A fifth-wheel RV up to 40' long with features similar to those in a luxury home can cost $50,000 -$150,000. These may have multiple slide-outs, a full master bedroom and bath, full-sized appliances, an electric fireplace and more. For example, the 35' 2011 Carriage Cameo 35SB3 sells for $56,500 -$74,000 with three slide-outs, bedroom with queen bed and bath with shower, home theater seating or two leather recliners, sofabed, furnace, ceiling fan and more. And the 36'-37' foot 2011 Carriage Royals International Fifth Wheel lists at $135,000 -$142,000 with a full master suite, a full kitchen, up to four slide-outs, solid-surface countertops, wood cabinetry and more.
- Fifth-Wheel RVs start depreciating as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-maintained fifth wheel that's a few years old can be 20%-30% less than its original purchase price.
What should be included: | - Fifth-wheel RVs are typically spacious and luxurious compared to other RVs, but are also heavier and require a pickup truck to tow them. ChanginGears.com provides a overview of fifth-wheel trailers.
- A fifth-wheel hitch uses a king pin connection, similar to those on semi-trucks. Wheelscene.com explains fifth wheel hitches.
- Hitching up a fifth-wheel RV typically requires an assistant. RV Education 101 provides a how-to video for hitching up a fifth wheel. RVBasics.com lists safety tips for towing a fifth-wheel RV.
Additional costs: | - A pickup to tow the fifth wheel can cost $20,000 -$50,000 or more. Towing a loaded fifth wheel will reduce the pickup's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon, and could cut it by as much as half (or more). Some fifth wheel owners report getting 8-10 mpg while towing.
- If the fifth wheel is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors are legally required, starting at $4 -$50 for a pair that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150 -$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors.
- Maintenance and repair costs vary depending on usage. For a luxury fifth wheel towed by a medium-duty truck approximately 25,000 miles a year, RVersOnline.org estimates basic repairs for both the truck and fifth wheel of $1,250 a year, with new tires every two years adding another $2,400.
- Campground or RV park fees can cost $10 -$40 a night. Using a dump station to empty the fifth wheel's sewage system is typically included in the overnight fee; dumping without spending the night costs $5 -$25.
- RV insurance premiums vary significantly; get quotes before buying a specific trailer.
- Renting an RV storage space can cost $20 -$100 a month outdoors and $45 -$450 a month indoors. A fifth wheel cover can cost $50 -$1,200 or more.
Shopping for a fifth-wheel rv: | |
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Article updated January 2011 |
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