Fifth Wheel Buying Guide
Fifth wheels are one of the more popular RV types on the market. Whether this is your first time hearing about them or you have been thinking about purchasing one for a while, you can benefit from learning more about them. Here is a guide to buying a fifth wheel from Caveman RV.
What Can My Tow Vehicle Accommodate?
Fifth wheels are towable RVs, meaning that they are towed behind another vehicle rather than being self propelled. Fifth wheels use a unique hitching system that limits their potential tow vehicles to those that have beds, such as pickup trucks. While this may seem like a disadvantage at first, it also means that fifth wheels are extremely stable. This frees up designers to make fifth wheels bigger and heavier than other towable RVs without compromising on safety.
At the same time, you need to be careful not to exceed your vehicle’s safe towing limit. Remember that the weight of passengers and cargo needs to be included in your calculations as well. If you purchase a fifth wheel that is too heavy, it may limit the amount of passengers and cargo that you can bring on your trips.
What's My Budget?
The first thing you should do before making any major purchase is to create a budget. Predicting the price of a fifth wheel can be difficult because it depends upon many factors, so make sure to take size, the quality of materials used in construction, the overall floor plan, the manufacturer, the time of year during which you make your purchase, and the number of included features into account. Used models tend to be 20-30% cheaper than their original sticker price.
As you look at fifth wheel models, make sure to always stick to your budget. Don’t fall into the common trap of forgetting to factor in related expenses like insurance, maintenance fees, and the hitch.
What Size Should I Get?
As mentioned before, fifth wheels are on the larger side when it comes to towable RVs. They tend to be between 30-40 feet long, 8-10 feet wide, and 9-12 feet tall. The ideal size for you will depend upon the number of passengers you intend to bring, your comfort needs, how much your vehicle can tow, and any size restrictions imposed by your travel destination.
If you are ready to shop fifth wheel models, visit Caveman RV. Our dealership in Grants Pass, OR, boasts a friendly staff on hand to assist with any questions or concerns. We welcome visitors from all over, including those from nearby cities, including Medford, Eugene, and Roseburg, Oregon.