I found this article posted by Explorer RV Insurance. I'm not promoting their company, just some good information since we are looking at 5th. Wheels.
Full time living in a fifth wheeler: discover more about the pros and cons of choosing fifth wheelers.
Many RV enthusiasts love fifth wheelers or gooseneck trailers –
and for good reason.
But, is full time living in a fifth wheeler the right choice for you?
Let’s take a look at some strengths and weaknesses of these trailers to help you decide.
Enhanced safety: Fifth wheelers tend to perform better than other RVs on the road. Being attached to the towing vehicle’s bed means a reduction of the annoying sway experienced in most RVs. The result is a more comfortable, stable ride with a better center of gravity. Plus, a fifth wheel handles turns with more ease.
Luxurious: Simply put, a fifth wheeler’s interior just feels more luxurious than most RVs. There’s plenty of cabinet and countertop space, as well as room for appliances – which lends itself to kitchens that are a joy to use. The additional space makes it easier to accommodate full-size appliances, king-sized beds, recliners, slide-out pantries, snack bars, large entertainment systems with big-screen, swivel-based televisions and other amenities often not found in smaller RVs.
Greater water storage: These vehicles generally can store more fresh water, which allows you to stay longer at campgrounds that don’t have water hookups.
Towing: Their extra weight means fifth wheelers need to be pulled by a heavy-duty truck. To make it easier on the truck’s transmission, consider a lighter-weight version of a fifth wheeler – or buy a towing vehicle with more horsepower.
Expensive: Gooseneck vehicles generally have a higher retail cost per square foot than travel trailers; loaded versions can exceed $100,000. Because of this, a previously owned fifth wheeler might be a good option.
Extra steps: With its bi-level design, these trailers can be more difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
Lower clearance: A fifth wheeler usually sits higher than a travel trailer, which means less overhead clearance space – and a greater chance of bumping the top of the vehicle.
But, is full time living in a fifth wheeler the right choice for you?
Let’s take a look at some strengths and weaknesses of these trailers to help you decide.
Advantages of fifth wheelers
Better space: With its gooseneck design that extends over the towing vehicle and its lack of a driver’s compartment, a fifth wheeler provides another several feet of usable living area. Its higher ceiling creates a more spacious feel, and also provides more overhead storage space to reduce clutter – a common problem among RVers.Enhanced safety: Fifth wheelers tend to perform better than other RVs on the road. Being attached to the towing vehicle’s bed means a reduction of the annoying sway experienced in most RVs. The result is a more comfortable, stable ride with a better center of gravity. Plus, a fifth wheel handles turns with more ease.
Luxurious: Simply put, a fifth wheeler’s interior just feels more luxurious than most RVs. There’s plenty of cabinet and countertop space, as well as room for appliances – which lends itself to kitchens that are a joy to use. The additional space makes it easier to accommodate full-size appliances, king-sized beds, recliners, slide-out pantries, snack bars, large entertainment systems with big-screen, swivel-based televisions and other amenities often not found in smaller RVs.
Greater water storage: These vehicles generally can store more fresh water, which allows you to stay longer at campgrounds that don’t have water hookups.
Disadvantages of fifth wheelers
Poorer gas mileage: A fifth wheeler uses heavier materials that increase the weight load for the towing vehicle. And that leads to reduced fuel efficiency, and more money spent on gas.Towing: Their extra weight means fifth wheelers need to be pulled by a heavy-duty truck. To make it easier on the truck’s transmission, consider a lighter-weight version of a fifth wheeler – or buy a towing vehicle with more horsepower.
Expensive: Gooseneck vehicles generally have a higher retail cost per square foot than travel trailers; loaded versions can exceed $100,000. Because of this, a previously owned fifth wheeler might be a good option.
Extra steps: With its bi-level design, these trailers can be more difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
Lower clearance: A fifth wheeler usually sits higher than a travel trailer, which means less overhead clearance space – and a greater chance of bumping the top of the vehicle.
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