Many dream of living full-time on the road and the best 5th wheel trailers are perfect for that. Just imagine, going wherever, whenever you want, escaping the harsh winters, and even the harsh summers and seeing somewhere new, or revisiting somewhere old at your leisure.
Of course, not everyone can afford that, but living fulltime in a fifth wheel doesn't have to be the dream of only the rich. Anyone can do it, simply travel around living the digital nomad life, or taking on work in new places. It's not a fancy dream, it's a reality that anyone brave enough to take the plunge can achieve.
A 5th wheel can be a great companion for when you’re on the road as it is comfortable, durable, convenient, and most of all, it has all the features to make you feel at home. But what are the best 5th wheels for full-time living? Are they the best trailers for such a lifestyle?
In this article we look at the best fifth wheels for full time living. We haven't chosen the best and most expensive and luxurious 5th wheel as our pick, as we think its best to compile all data, including value for money etc. We offer reason for each pick we have chosen, and who it might suit. We also include a Dos and Don'ts section of setting up your new life as there are many mistakes easily made.
We also compare how living full time in a 5th wheel would compare in each different type of fifth wheel. We've also included an FAQ section of the regular questions we're asked by our readership. So, hopefully by the end of this article you'll be more equipped with knowledge for understanding which is the best 5th wheel for living your life in full time.
Best Fifth Wheels for Full-Time Living
What Makes a 5th Wheel Ideal for Full-Time Living?
Some of you may wonder why a 5th wheel is a good option for full time living in the first place. Well, there are certain qualities that make it so:
More Living Space
One of the best reasons why living in a 5th wheel full time is best is how spacious one is. In comparison to other motorhomes and tow-behinds, a 5th wheel offers more space, making it a more comfortable home on wheels. They also boast higher ceilings and generally have more pop-outs than other RVs to optimize space and floor plan.
Better Towing
To get around after reaching your location or make quick detours, you can simply detach your truck from your 5th wheel. This convenience can't be underestimated as motorhomes are difficult when you just need to pop to the shops.
Fifth wheels tend to be more stable than other towable rigs as they have the kingpin and hitch in the center. This prevents sway due to wind or speed.
Pricing and Access
Another reason why 5th wheels make great full-time living homes is that they're cost-efficient. When compared to motorhomes, they prove to be more affordable and overall better value. And, due to their size and design, they can easily access parks and campgrounds of smaller size.
Photo credit: thewaywardhome.com
What Size Fifth Wheel is Best for Full-Time Living?
Size is a crucial factor to consider when you’re looking to live full time in a 5th wheel. It includes both the length and the weight capacity of the vehicle. Yes, more length means more living space, but it also means a heavier vehicle, which will require greater towing capacity.
Taking this into consideration, don’t just go after the longest length because it offers more space. Instead, look for one which works for you and offers living space according to your requirements. Generally, a length ranging from 32 to 36 feet will work for most couples.
As far as the weight is concerned, make sure that your truck’s capacity isn’t maxed out as that would cause damage. Subtract about 2000 lbs from your vehicle’s towing capacity and use that number as the weight limit.
How to Choose The Best Fifth Wheel for Full-Time Living
Certain factors and features need to be looked out for when looking for the best 5th wheel for full-time living. Everyone is different, but you should always take these few factors into consideration:
Sleeping Capacity
Consider the number of people staying in the vehicle and make sure that it is compatible with the sleeping capacity. The unit should be spacious enough to comfortably host the number of people that are going to be staying in it.
KZ Durango Gold
Floorplan
Look for a unit with a floor plan that optimizes space according to your needs. If you are someone who hosts a lot of guests, then a rear living or entertainment center will be right for you. Similarly, look into the pros and cons of every floor plan, compare them to your needs, and invest in the most suitable one.
Additional Features
Try to get the best deal out of your investment and look into the standard as well as additional features. Additional features include an outdoor kitchen, theater seating, solar prep, back and side camera setup, and all the modern kitchen utilities etc.
Review of the Best 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living
There are several models available in the market, which makes the process of buying a decent 5th wheel even harder. To simplify it a bit for you, we have compiled and reviewed some of the best 5th wheels for full time living out there. Let’s take a look...
Best Overall 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living:
KZ Durango Gold
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are largely happy about investing in this 5th wheel camper. Many are impressed with the well-designed and spacious floorplans, which make their dream of living full time in a 5th wheel come true. Some negative comments about the furnace is pretty noisy, but the positive comments far outweigh the negative
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit is a blend of all the standard features that one looks for in a home and some additional ones that make it stand out. It has eight different floor plans to choose from. It comes with residential furniture and some must-have features like a chef’s kitchen, residential shower with glass doors and built-in seat, multiple slide-out rooms, etc.
It offers a limited two-year warranty and is completely approved for full-time living. It offers upgrades like a residential-sized refrigerator, off-grid solar panel, etc.
Bottom Line
This is an incredibly balanced unit with all the standard features one looks for in a home plus some exciting additional ones that make it worthy of investing in. If you can't see yourself living full time in this 5th wheel, you'll be looking around for a long time.
Runner-up:
Northwood Arctic Fox 29-5T
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit has a sleeping capacity for four people, so it can easily accommodate a small family. The design maximizes the space available, which is why consumers find it to be spacious. Some buyers did complain that the unit height needed reduction for safety reasons, but other than that, it largely received positive feedback.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It has a pretty standard and practical design. It is a great option for small families or groups of campers as it has a sleeping capacity for four people. The overall construction is thick-walled aluminum, which is fully welded. And, it offers high-density foam insulation and an R-18 ceiling, all making for a secure and solid construction.
The unit has exterior and interior LED lights with exterior security lights. Furthermore, the two-step staircase provides separation to the bedroom and bathroom from the living area to offer some privacy. The rest of the living and kitchen area has everything you'd expect, all making for a good quality 5th wheel for fulltime living.
Bottom Line
All in all, it’s a pretty decent unit. It is manufactured from top-notch materials, which gives it a solid construction. Plus, the unit has a spacious design that optimizes space so you can make the most of the floorplan.
Best Full-time Living 5th Wheel for the Money:
Coachmen Chapparal
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Coachmen Chapparal seems to be a favorite of consumers. They find that the unit has an optimal interior design that maximizes storage space and makes the experience comfortable. Buyers also found that the customer service was very helpful and responsive, which is always a positive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are several reasons why this fifth wheel captured our interest. Firstly, it has a stunning, elegant, yet solid construction. The all-white construction isn’t just graceful it also serves a purpose. It reflects heat and UV rays away from the camper. And, it has incorporated Azdel composite sidewall panels to eliminate sidewall delamination and water damage.
This unit comes with a pre-installed and pre-wired backup camera system, as safety should be the number one priority. The interior is convenient and designed to give a home-like experience. The deluxe entertainment center and electric fireplace greatly contribute to that.
Bottom Line
The pros of this product largely outweigh the cons, which make it a great unit to invest in. It has a stunning and solid exterior and a meticulously designed interior, which optimizes space usage for a home-like experience.
Best Luxury Full-Time Living 5th Wheel:
DRV Mobile Suites
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This fifth wheel has garnered largely positive reviews for its exceptional construction, durability, and design. Buyers found that it proved to be a beautiful full time living option for them, given its beautiful and spacious interior and solid craftsmanship.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love that this unit provides an authentic luxurious traveling experience. The beautiful design and high-quality construction make up for the slightly expensive price point. This unit has a thick, aluminum floor construction and features residential-rated R-16 formaldehyde-free wool insulation. Thick and insulated sidewalls aid in keeping noise and weather away.
The interior has hand-laid vinyl plank tiles and a residential rebound carpet. It also features hazelnut/mocha cherry hardwood cabinetry with concealed cabinet door hinges and high polished solid surface countertops. Most floorplans come with island kitchens, which we love, and they're all very spacious dining and entertainment areas.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this wonderful unit features a stylish exterior and a practical and convenient interior. It has a solid, screwed, and glued joist constructed with insulated walls. Plus, it has a well-lit LED ceiling with carpeted interiors, all making for one of the best 5th wheels for full time living.
Honorable Mention:
Forest River Wildcat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Be it the modern and elegant interior or the sturdy and solid exterior; this unit seems to be a consumer favorite in all regards. It has a sturdy aluminum frame with a residential insulated roof and floor, but many say it's considerably lightweight and easy to tow.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It captured our interest with its enhanced and powerful design. This doesn’t just provide better entertainment value with its power theater featuring massage and LED lighting but also significantly improves the design to counter issues like standing water after rain. The arched roof with a Hi-profile radius wrap contributes to preventing standing wrap.
It is also equipped with rear and side camera prep and solar panel prep. The living area has an electric fireplace, which is remote-controlled, and it also carries a LED TV with Mega Lift-up storage.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this unit truly is a gem. It offers several floor plans to choose from and carries excellent standard features that allow one to experience comfort and convenience. It is a great investment to make, and definitely one of the best fifth wheel campers for living in permanently.
Best Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler for Full Time Living:
Grand Design Momentum
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were largely happy with this unit as it truly is the perfect depiction of an affordable yet luxurious vehicle. It provides a taller ceiling and slide-outs with large scenic windows and large body width. And many buyers found it to be a dream to tow.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Grand Design Solitude Toy Hauler has a rubber pin box and an excellent suspension system that aids in improving towing ability and offers better protection from road shocks. It also has a Stealth 3+ A/C system and true racetrack ducting that extends past each unit to enable an uninterrupted airflow from the front to the end of the unit.
The garage area is up to 13 foot 6 inches, depending on the floorplan you go for, but either is plenty to cart your toys around with you. The living areas are perfectly designed and even boasting a free standing dinette for up to four people. The bedrooms vary from plan to plan, each coming with a queen sized bed and plenty of sofa bed options.
Bottom Line
Last but not least, this unit is definitely worthy of being on our Best 5th wheels for full time living review. It has a simplistic and practical design with excellent towing capability, given its improved suspension system. It also comes with all the amenities one would need for full-time living, and best of all there's plenty of garage space to either work from or cart your toys around.
Dos and Don’ts of Living in a Fifth Wheel Full Time
Living in a fifth wheel full time can be exciting but also overwhelming for those experiencing it for the first time. To make it somewhat easy for you, here are some do’s and don’ts of living in a fifth wheel:
Dos
Let’s take a look at some do’s that will make living in a fifth wheel full time more convenient and comfortable:
Have a Plan
Having a general plan at least of where you’re going and having a lot of flexibility in your travel plans can be fun but overwhelming. Therefore, have a vague idea and a generalized plan from the get-go.
You also need to plan on what type of activities you intend to do. Will it just be a retirement home with some hiking, or will it be a more adventurous lifestyle, or maybe even working full time from your 5th wheel? Having a plan about your lifestyle will dictate the type of 5th wheel you should get.
Northwood Arctic Fox 29-5T
Proper Maintenance
The maintenance of your vehicle is mandatory. Check for leaks after rain or storm and perform regular maintenance check-ups to ensure a smooth ride.
Smart Investment
As well as making a smart investment in your 5th wheel, you need to be smart when buying things to live with full time. Try to invest in items that are multi-purpose in nature, as one of the most obvious drawbacks of being on the move is having limited storage space.
Don’ts
Here are some things to avoid when living in a fifth wheel full time:
Worrying Won’t Get You Anywhere
Don't freak out when things go south because there’s a good chance they might. After being on the road for a while, you'll face things like accidents, leaks, etc. so try not to worry, because you'll overcome it better with a straight mind.
Northwood Arctic Fox 29-5T
Compromise on Comfort or Style Isn’t Needed
Don’t feel as if you need to compromise on comfort or style just because you’re traveling. There are plenty of units out there that offer both and enable a smooth ride, even without paying ridiculously high prices.
Types of 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living
One can differentiate fifth wheels for full time living on the basis of floorplans. Invest in a floor plan that optimizes storage space and works best for your needs. Here are a few different options to consider and choose from:
Bunkhouse
A bunkhouse floor plan is best for those traveling in large groups, perhaps a family or a large group of campers, as it provides many sleeping spaces. One can simply install more slide-outs to make a cozy and comfortable sleeping space.
Front Living
As the name suggests, front living floor plan offers front living space with multiple couches surrounding the TV. These can be used by you personally or can be sleeping places for your guests to crash on.
Rear Living
If you like to host a lot of people, this might be the right floor plan for you as it highlights the living space. Some models add a bathroom for guests other than the master bathroom, whereas others add theater seating.
Rear Entertainment
Rear entertainment makes the entertainment areas at the back of the camper with couches surrounding the TV screen. Such a plan is best for families as it allows space for the children to chill in the living area while the parents can occupy themselves in the kitchen area.
Comparison Overview
Buying a 5th wheel is often a daunting task that leaves consumers confused. There are many scenarios where a potential buyer has to pick between two designs of RV or brands of 5th wheel, which only adds to the confusion. However, this section aims to help with just that.
Travel Trailer vs 5th Wheel Full Time
Consumers usually have to choose between one of the two RV types.
Largely, both of these vehicles give similar towing experiences in terms of ease. They are safe to tow, and they make it quite convenient to set up camp and unhook to explore cities or sites.
Both of them are available in a wide range of floor plans, but as far as their designs are concerned, the living space in a travel trailer isn’t as defined as that in a 5th wheel, which generally has more living and storage space.
Jayco vs Heartland for Full-Time Living
Neither of the two brands compromises on quality. Both of them feature spacious designs that utilize every square inch of the floorplan meticulously. They're constructed with top-notch quality materials and are reliable.
However, Jayco takes the cake when it comes to brand recognition. It has been operating for over 4 decades and has earned a positive image, whereas Heartland is relatively new to manufacturing 5th wheels
Jayco vs Grand Design for Living Full Time
Both of these brands are leading the market because they are incredibly well-designed and of good quality overall. Either is often both a consumer’s first choice when it comes to buying a good-quality 5th wheel, too.
Jayco models have a notable feature that Grand design models lack. This feature is known as the SMART light system (safety marker and reverse travel), which essentially works to increase visibility while changing lanes, braking, etc.
In addition, as far as features are concerned, most Jayco models offer a greater number of features than Grand Design. The former is equipped with roof and sidewall solar prep, helix duct cooling, etc., which the latter doesn’t have.
People Also Ask - 5th Wheel for Full-time Living FAQs
Of course, not all questions can be answered, and when it comes to living full time on the road, we get plenty of emails. Here's the answer to the most FAQ on living full time in a fifth wheel...
How Long Should a Fifth Wheel Last for Full-Time Living?
How long a vehicle lasts will depend upon factors like how well it is made, how much it costs, etc. Generally, a normally-priced, average-quality fifth wheel will last about 10 to 15 years, whereas better-quality, higher-priced models will last more than that. But it also largely depends on how well you look after it. Treat it like your home, because it is!
What is Routine Maintenance for 5th Wheel Living Full Time?
Routine maintenance is necessary if you plan to reside in a 5th wheel permanently. Here is a maintenance checklist to go through:
- Roof: There are different types of roofs, with rubber being the most common type. One should check their RV roof on a monthly basis.
- RV awnings and slide covers: These aid in providing shade and cover. They require periodic maintenance, depending upon the condition.
- Water heater: They can be propane, electric, or both. From time to time, check for dust or rust. You can also check for sediment at the bottom of the heater and drain plus flush it at least once a year.
- Electrical parts: They don’t require much maintenance; however, it is always good to check if they are operating properly.
- Tires: They are crucial; therefore, they require a lot of attention. Routinely check the air pressure, temperature, and keep an eye on both the inner and outer sidewalls.
- Brakes, bearing, and wheels: Don’t overlook them as they need to be inspected regularly
- Water system: One should ideally sanitize the water system every six months.
- Hitch: Make sure it doesn’t have any cracks or rust.
Do not forget to consult the owner’s manual, which came with the vehicle, and follow any special steps required for the maintenance of your 5th wheel.
How Many People Can Live in a 5th Wheel Full Time?
It depends on the size of the vehicle. Every 5th wheel has a designated number of sleeps that corresponds to the number of people it can host.
As well as this, each state has separate policies regarding people living in a 5th wheel. As long as you have a legal mailing address and pay taxes to the particular state, you can live full time in a 5th wheel with your whole family.
Can you live in a fifth-wheel in the winter?
Yes, you can live in a 5th wheel in winter. The cold will bring more challenges, but as long as you get a good quality camper, you should have no worries. Some good ideas would be to add some thermal carpets and curtains, and look after the faucets and tanks.
The Best 5th Wheel for Full Time Living
If you are someone who loves exploring places and dreams of being on the road, then living in a 5th wheel full time presents you with the perfect opportunity to do so.
Living in a fifth wheel full time can be both rewarding and hardwork, but as long as you're prepared, it can be the best decision you ever make.
Hopefully, this post has provided you some of the information needed to buy your dream 5th wheel, but always remember your considerations before splurging on one, because if you're going to live in a 5th wheel full time, you want to make sure you get it right.