Affectionately known as fivers to experienced RVers, the fifth wheel trailer provides all the comforts of home and is the RV of choice for many full-timers who prefer to tow their RV rather than drive it. The concept of the fifth wheel trailer was actually invented in 1927 by Glenn Curtiss, a leading American aircraft designer. Curtiss applied aircraft principles and technology to put the weight of the trailer over the rear wheel axle. This system stabilized the tow vehicle and trailer so that the heavy weight attached to the bumper did not raise the front of the vehicle off the ground. The original fiver had a long v-shaped neck with a hitch that attached to a horizontal airplane tire which rested in the rear deck of the car in order to provide an effective cushion against road shock. This configuration was known as the Glenn Curtiss Aero Coupler.

Fast forward 80 years and it is amazing what fifth wheels have to offer RV enthusiasts today! It is exciting to see the variety of products that are available. Whether you are an experienced RVer that has owned several fifth wheels, or you are in the market for your first one, you will appreciate the changes that have made the fiver such a popular choice.

One reason for the popularity of fifth wheels is their expanded underbellies that are well insulated and heated. Because they better protect the RV’s wiring and plumbing, they extend the camping season for many. The fiberglass, gel coated exteriors found on these fivers are a step up from the aluminum skins on entry level models. Not only do they have increased eye appeal, they are easy to clean.

When inclement weather keeps you indoors, you will find upgraded furniture and hand-crafted fine cabinetry, all set in a quality environment that is well-suited for family enjoyment or entertaining of friends.

Although there are also entry-level and luxury categories for this RV type, I have chosen to showcase the popular mid-range products. With a $40,000 to $85,000 price range, these RVs offer a host of amenities that far surpass those of the entry-level models.  

Craftsmanship
Carriage, founded in 1968, has always had a company philosophy of producing quality RVs, setting its products apart from those that are mass-produced. Located in the heart of Amish country in Millersburg, Indiana, Carriage fifth wheels are manufactured to meet exceptionally high standards of excellence set by the company, that is known for products that are built by employees who put a lot of pride into their work.  

The Domani (photographed above) is a stunning example of the form and function emblematic of the quality and comfort you can enjoy in a fifth wheel trailer. The Domani has captured the heart of many an RV purist with its sleek lines, full body paints, sculptured bodywork and European influenced interior designs. With this model line-up, Carriage has raised the bar and set a new standard for luxury with a fiver that is difficult to keep in stock.

Don Emahiser, VP of Sales and Marketing for Carriage, notes, “Because we manufacture so many of our own components that go into each unit, like cabinets, furniture, frames, walls and countertops, we are able to control the quality and be more flexible with product design and engineering.”

The curved cabinet frames and doors are just one example of the craftsmanship mentioned. Like in a fine home, they are fitted with brushed nickel-plated drawer and door pulls and topped off with New Earth Corian countertops. Both the kitchen and bathroom are equipped with Fantastic vent fans and the kitchen unit features an automatic rain sensor. When it’s time to relax and watch the ballgame or movie, you will do so on luxurious leather furniture.

2008 Carriage Domani
2008 Carriage Domani
The exterior features include frameless Hehr windows and premium front and rear fiberglass caps. Underneath you will find an enclosed, heated underbelly and holding tanks. You will really appreciate the new and advanced waste management system from Phase Four Industries that finally makes emptying the holding tanks an effortless and environmentally safe task.

Innovation
One of the higher-tech, more innovative product design companies offering quality fifth wheels is Glendale RV in Ontario, Canada. Glendale, the largest Canadian RV manufacturer, has been providing exceptional exterior styling and interior design since 1950.

The unique patented Titanium, with its cab-over design, has three significant advantages over other fifth wheel models: living space, aerodynamics and turning radius. With the bed in the extended cab, it allows the bathroom and bedroom to move forward and provides five feet of additional living area in the back. In fact, a 32’ Titanium gives you the same floor space as a 37’ model from another brand.

The streamlined front cap reduces wind drag, providing outstanding road handling and stability. The improved aerodynamics contributes to significant fuel savings when compared to towing models of equal length and weight, controlled testing shows up to 11 percent. Ron Thompson, president of RT Cartage Recreational Vehicle Delivery Service says, “Our drivers have logged over 15 million miles in the past five years delivering Titaniums to RV dealerships from the factory, and they have enjoyed fuel savings of up to two miles per gallon.”

Len McDougal, U.S. Sales Manager for Glendale RV, notes, “Lightweight composite materials used during the production process significantly reduce the overall weight of the RV.” He continues, “The reduction in weight and the ability to tow a shorter RV without giving up valuable living space provides more choices when owners are selecting their tow vehicle.”

McDougal goes on to say, “We believe that the unique Titanium design, combined with industry-leading disc brakes and Mor-Ryde suspension components, deliver the ultimate towing experience with respect to both safety and towing efficiency.” He adds, “Its carved, swept-back lower front end cap design around the hitch pin area significantly improves the truck’s turning radius without the use of extended hitch pins, which put significant stress on the pin-to-chassis connection. Also, slider hitch assemblies are not required because the truck cab-to-cap distance provides enough clearance for safe turning.”

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Value
In just 10 short years, Keystone RV has rocketed to being one of the top ranked RV manufacturers in North America. Known for building value into its products, two of Keystone’s most popular fifth wheel lines, the Challenger and Everest, continue in this tradition that grew the company’s success.

The Challenger line-up provides outstanding comfort, well-designed floor plans, beautiful interiors and attention to detail. These models offer more features, amenities and quality than any other fifth wheel in their price range. Inside you will find flush floor slideouts with 6’4” of headroom and residential-style furnishings that maximize the floor space of each unique floor plan. The cooks in the family will enjoy a residential-style kitchen that offers plenty of appliances, cabinets and counter-top surface area. Also available is a versatile island kitchen that has a free-standing dinette and easily sits four people.

With more young families adopting the RV lifestyle and opting for a fiver, the Challenger line-up offers a variety of configurations and floor plans well-suited for adults and children. The bedroom for the kids offers plenty of storage, a large wardrobe and their own entertainment center with an extra bunk on top for that special friend they want to bring along on vacation.

Incorporating luxury into a value-driven trailer is a feat accomplished by the Everest product line.  These structurally sound, easy to tow fifth wheels offer 2” welded aluminum side-wall studs covered with Luaun and gel-coated Filon fiberglass, or you can opt for the high-gloss fiberglass exterior walls. Also, insulation ratings of R-9 in the walls, R-15 in the roof and R-29 in the floor are available with the optional double insulation package. Keystone has provided the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience resulting in an affordable luxury vehicle fit for your family’s road trip adventures.

Residential Luxury
Not only is Fleetwood one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, but their Regal brand is one of the most popular midline fifth wheels. The word that comes to mind when trying to describe Regal is residential. How residential is a bedroom that boasts having not only a standard King size bed but also abundant drawer storage as well as a cedar lined wardrobe complete with light and built in shoe rack? If your priority is simply relaxing in comfort, the oversized Flex-steel sleeper sofas and recliners will cradle you with a level of comfort rarely found in an RV. Taller main floor slideouts provide 6’ 4” of head room in addition to extra large overhead cabinetry.

The Regal’s exterior design and features are just as tasteful as that of its interior. The aluminum framing is welded together to ensure structural integrity and its “Reflections Supreme” high gloss fiberglass siding will delight you with its amazing sheen. Its walk-on rubber roof is supported structurally by stamped steel trusses and the chassis is completely enclosed and heated. For added convenience, you will love some of Regal’s more popular options like electric awnings and rear stabilizing jacks. Quality components and craftsmanship in both design and construction make Regal an outstanding value. Whether it is the designer interior decors, or the practical floor plan configurations, Regal commands your consideration.

Design
One of the most recognized RV brands rolling down the highway is Holiday Rambler, a division of Monaco Coach. This perennial favorite is known for its innovative designs and broad selection of price points and floorplans.

From top to bottom, the Alumascape Suite and Presidential Suite fifth wheels continue the tradition of design excellence exhibited by Holiday Rambler. Both feature multi-layer roofs (nine layers on the Alumascape and ten on the Presidential) and are built with six-layer sidewall construction.

The Alumaframe Superstructure is a revolutionary design whose windows, doors and other exterior sidewall openings are framed by aluminum structure. This rigid design is lighter yet sturdier than wood or other types of tubular aluminum frames, as well as much more reliable than butt-welded or screwed joint designs. Unmatched in the industry, Holiday Rambler offers a five-year structural limited warranty.

In addition to improving the overall insulation of the fifth wheel, the heated and enclosed underbelly protects the wiring harness and fresh water tanks. Also, by smoothing out the undercarriage, the underbelly provides an unrestricted air flow that results in easier towing and improved gas mileage. Finally, the entire frame is coated with a rust-inhibiting electro deposit ion coating.

“Our customers and potential customers alike are looking for affordability, design, style, selection and most of all dependability,” said Brad McKinney, National Sales Director for Holiday Rambler. “In 2008, Holiday Rambler is all of that and more.” He continued, “For over five decades, our heritage and commitment to our customers has always been the focus as we want them to feel comfortable in choosing Holiday Rambler.”

No matter the model you select, know that there is an abundance of exploration and family enjoyment to be had when you own this very popular style of RV.

Tough Trucks, Easy Towing

Sizing the correct tow vehicle to your RV trailer is one of the most important things you will do during your purchase process. While there are many lightweight trailers that can be pulled by smaller vehicles, midline fifth wheels are not in this category. Safety on the road, load compliance with manufacturer recommendations and adequate engine power is the winning combination for successful RVing.

Ford F Series pick-up trucks have been the best selling RV tow vehicles for the past 29 consecutive years. With an increased towing capacity of 10,500 pounds for a properly equipped F150, the popularity of this series was enhanced in 2007. Ford offers three powerful gas engine choices that provide the comfort and peace of mind that you want behind the wheel and in front of the trailer. The 4.2L V6 has 202 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the 4.6L Triton® V8 offers 248 hp (up 17 from last year) and 294 lb-ft of torque and the big one, the 5.4L Triton V8 provides 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.

Translating that into “trailer talk,” a well-equipped F150 (5.4L engine, two wheel drive, 4.10 axle ratio and 144.5” wheelbase) will tow up to 11,000 pounds. At the top of the scales, the F350 (6.0L engine, two wheel drive, 4.10 axle ration and the regular chassis cab) tows up to 16,200 pounds! Its massive 6.7 mil steel C-channel frame is the thickest in its class. The huge four-wheel ABS power disc brakes offer best-in-class towing performance and the advanced twin-coil moonbeam front suspension (4X4) are the largest control arms in its class.

Ford trucks also offer a fully-integrated, factory-installed towing system, a Ford exclusive known as TowCommand. This system includes the trailer brake controller that proportions vehicle brake pressure to synchronize truck and electric trailer brakes. The display indicates output and gain levels, trailer connection status, a disconnect alarm and message center warning. The TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission is engineered for towing. A selectable tow/haul mode helps reduce gear hunting, improves power delivery and uses engine braking to help control vehicle speed when descending hills.
Towing is serious business, and these are serious trucks. Be sure to do your research before purchasing a tow vehicle for your new fifth wheel. Visit Lazydays.com for a listing of pre-owned Ford trucks available for purchase.