With so many RV options on the market for exploring our great country, you would be forgiven for not considering a fifth wheeler. They may not be as popular as their caravan siblings, but what they lack in popularity, they certainly make up for in safety and convenience.
As the name would suggest, the name fifth wheeler comes from the fact that there is technically five wheels – four wheels on the vehicle, and the removeable hitch or turntable where the RV attaches to the towing vehicle resembling and being classed as the fifth wheel.
From the outside, you would be forgiven for thinking a fifth wheeler is just a caravan, and in many respects you would be right. But ask a fifth wheeler manufacturer and they are quick to point out the additional features a fifth wheeler delivers over their caravan counterparts.
“There is infinite more interior living space in a fifth wheeler. With the coupling of the RV pin to the towing ute at or around the rear axle, an overhang area of approximately two metres above the tray provides the perfect location for the main bedding. This allows the space inside the cabin to be optimised for meal preparation, storage, cooking, appliances and living areas,” said Andrew Brennen, Managing Director of specialist fifth wheelers, Winjana RV.
Another great feature is the extra safety a fifth wheeler brings from increased stability and towing ease.
“Safety is the main consideration for the consumer. Because approximately 20% of the weight is distributed over the rear axle of the tow vehicle (about 10% in conventional RVs), the likelihood of swaying, jerking or fishtailing are almost eliminated. This means there is no need for stabilisers and weight distribution bars because the fifth wheel coupling and weight distribution is already adequate, which helps with the weight ratio spread between the tow vehicle and the RV itself,” Andrew said.
Parking and manoeuvrability into tricky camp site spaces are also perks of owning a fifth wheeler. The fifth wheel hitch allows the tow vehicle to spin up to 90 degrees, which is a much sharper turning circle than other RV setups. And the visibility gained from such a tight turn out the side window gives the driver increased comfort and line-of-site.
Improved aerodynamics is a plus for fuel consumption, as the RV sits closer to the rear of the tow vehicle creating less gap to cause drag. A fifth wheeler also has shorter overall towing length and overall combination length compared to conventional vans of the same size. This is because of the overhang unit sitting essentially over the top of the rear of the tow vehicle, so the total length can be over two metres shorter than a comparable conventional van.
Hitching a fifth wheeler is easily achieved with one person, requires little effort and only takes about two minutes. You simply ensure your vehicle is raised to the correct height so that the tow vehicle and RV hitch are aligned, and steadily reverse your tow vehicle up to the pin box. The pin is then channelled into the hitch plate and locks into place. Once firmly engaged and the safety pin inserted, the electronics can then be connected.
Arriving at your destination and setting up your fifth wheeler is just as easy. Once the RV is parked in place, the two front jacks, which support the overhang compartment, are lowered and anchored into position. You are then free to uncouple the pin and hitch plate and explore the wanders of your destination in your tow vehicle.
The big consideration when buying a fifth wheeler is the need for a tow vehicle with either a tub or tray back. However, in a country where sales of utes reached 24.1%* in 2021, finding a vehicle that suits your needs while meeting the required payload of your fifth wheeler should not be difficult. Vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, Isuzu D-Max, VW Amerok and Toyota Landcruiser with a totwing capacity up to up to 3500kgs as well as Iveco crew cab, Ford F-250, Dodge RAM, Silverado suit many fifth wheelers with a tare in excess of 3500kgs.
Like any RV investment, there are considerations to be made when purchasing a fifth wheeler. Their popularity may not be as strong as traditional caravans so resale value could be compromised, and the reliance on a tub or tray tow vehicle may not be ideal for some RV enthusiasts, but if safety, space and ease of use are priorities, a fifth wheeler must be considered.
It’s easy to see why the fifth wheeler is referred to as a mini apartment on wheels, offering a true home experience while you’re away from home. They’re sure to capture the attention of the most discerning of traveller, and as we spend more time away from our bricks and mortar abodes exploring the countryside, it’s a certainty that we will start seeing more fifth wheelers on the road.
