The 5 Best 5th Wheels for Full Time Living

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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The 5 Best 5th Wheels for Full Time Living

5th wheels for full-time living have become an increasingly popular option for many people seeking a flexible and affordable lifestyle. These spacious and well-equipped vehicles offer all the comforts of a traditional home while allowing for the freedom to travel and explore.

• Space and Comfort: 5th wheels offer expansive living space.
• Amenities: Home-like features include full-size refrigerators.
• Stability: Hitch design grants stability on the road.
• Customization Options: Manufacturers offer customization for specific needs.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Upfront costs are higher but prove economical later.

Everybody wants to experience the excitement of off-grid living. However, depending on their lifestyles, it makes sense for some more than others.

5th wheels are like mobile homes on a trailer you can take. They are usually self-contained, so living in them would not be as cramped.

They can be set up pretty much anywhere without any trouble, and there are also many of them, which makes it more convenient at campsites.

Useful features like a fridge, stovetop, and pantry will make living off-grid much more enjoyable than your average camper.

If you’re always on the go and value convenience, an RV might give you what you want.

What your vehicle of choice can safely tow has a huge impact on the size of the trailer you can have and how much gear and possessions you can take with you on your adventure.

The Best 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living

1. Coachmen Chaparral 5th Wheel

The Coachmen Chaparral 5th Wheel offers unparalleled flexibility when it comes to the layout of your RV.

With an impressive array of 11 floor plans to choose from, we believe you’ll be able to find a plan to meet your needs.

If your truck has a limited towing capacity and needs to keep the weight to a minimum, then the Chaparral 298RLS is a great option. It maxes out an impressive 9,575 pounds dry weight, which is decent given the dimensions and the room offered by the RV.

Coachman has added many features and storage options to ensure it feels like a home away from home when you’re on the road full-time.

Its models include:

• A state-of-the-art HD entertainment system.
• Motion-activated lighting.
• Numerous USB charging points.
• A massive refrigerator.
• A large, high-powered microwave.
• A fast heating oven.
• A ducted furnace.

If you can afford to tow something a bit heavier and need a ton of room to accommodate all your friends and family, then the Chaparral 373MBRB will meet those requirements.

Spanning a massive 42 feet and managing to sleep 11 people comfortably, the Chaparral 373MBRB is big enough for most people.

Between those two extremes, there are loads of other floor plan options, so as we’ve already said, the Coachmen Chaparral 5th Wheel range is flexible.

Key Features:

• 11 distinct floor plans to choose from
• A rear-mounted camera for increased visibility
• Sliding fascia crafted from solid hardwood
• Attractive cabinets made from solid lumber
• Ample storage capacity, including under bed storage
• Heat-retaining dual pane windows

2. Jayco North Point 5th Wheel

We’ve long been fans of Jayco RVs, and the Jayco North Point 5th Wheel is no exception.

The North Point series does an excellent job of meeting the requirements of full-time travelers due to its increased dimensions and ample storage and accommodation. Typically, the trailers weigh between 12,000 and 15,000 pounds dry.

As with most Jayco RVs, you can expect a seriously well-made, sturdy, and reliable trailer that should withstand all weather and road conditions.

Depending on the floor plan, you can expect to sleep comfortably between 4 and 10 adults.

Due to the insulated design, impressive furnace, and more than capable AC unit, this RV is home in the sunny South and the colder North. Whatever the outside temperature is doing, you can be assured that it will keep the interior at a comfortable level.

Once you’ve set up your camp spot, you can keep yourself or any guests entertained with the addition of outdoor speakers, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, an awning to provide shelter, and, optionally, an outdoor barbecue and grill.

We’re confident you’ll be happy with your purchase if you choose a Jayco North Point.

It is a solidly built RV that excels at keeping you comfortable, relaxed, and entertained. It’s a great option for anyone looking for the best fifth wheel for full-time living.

Key Features:

• 9 distinct and capable floor plans to choose from
• Stable and easily deployed front landing gear
• Weather-resistant high-grade external speakers
• Well-equipped dining area with standalone table and chairs
• Roomy and sturdy glass surround shower

3. Heartland 5th Wheel

Heartland’s 5th Wheel is designed for those who seek the spaciousness and amenities of an RV without the total commitment to an oversized motorhome.

The essence of a 5th wheel camper lies in its unique hitching system, distinguished by a robust U-shaped hitch known as the “5th wheel”.

This design innovation ensures ease of towing for campers of medium-large to large size, providing enhanced stability and control on the road.

Heartland 5th Wheels stands out in the realm of travel trailers with its commitment to innovation, luxury, and durability. Owners of these campers can expect industry-leading features that enhance the camping experience.

Notably, the Universal Docking Center simplifies the setup process, while the 88-degree Turning Radius offers unparalleled maneuverability, making tight turns and parking a breeze.

The STOR-MOR storage solutions also ensure that space is maximized, allowing for ample storage of all adventure essentials.

Opting for a Heartland 5th Wheel requires a moderate to high-capacity towing vehicle due to the specialized fifth-wheel RV hitch.

As you consider your next adventure companion, Heartland stands ready to match you with a 5th Wheel that doesn’t just meet your expectations but exceeds them, promising a blend of home-like comfort and the freedom of the open road.

Key Features:

• U-Shaped 5th Wheel Hitch
• Universal Docking Center
• 88-Degree Turning Radius
• Luxury Interiors

4. Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel

The Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel offers many benefits, design features, and build qualities of the other trailers on our list; however, it’s often much cheaper.

Jayco’s MSRP price is often comparable to most other trailer manufacturers. The big difference is that it’s often possible to secure substantial discounts or free upgrades during the bargaining process.

If you’re looking for a fifth-wheel trailer for full-time living and your budget is a concern, you need to look at the Jayco Eagle.

Both are sturdily built and offer more than a few luxury fittings.

In terms of fittings and features, the Eagle fits in great equipment. The near-silent 15,000 BTU AC unit will keep you comfortable no matter the weather, while the powered awning and external LED lighting will ensure you can enjoy the outdoors day and night.

By default, this 5th-wheel trailer comes with the luxury package, providing a soundbar, solid maple wood fittings, and insulated frameless windows. If you want to take things up a level, you can choose any number of upgrades and optional upgrades.

The Jayco Eagle is a competitively priced 5th wheel trailer that provides everything you can want for a full-time living.

Key Features:

• 9 versatile floor plans to choose from
• Powered awning and power-efficient LED lighting
• Insulated frameless windows
• Weather-resistant high-quality external speakers
• Intelligent command center that offers real-time tank monitoring

5. Forest River Wildcat 5th Wheel

If you’re looking for something spacious yet incredibly light, the Forest River Wildcat 5th Wheel should be at the top of your shopping list.

They come with built-in cornhole boards for some fun times, and there’s even a king-size bed inside, so you’re guaranteed a good sleep.

The walls are super sturdy, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather, and they’ve got this tough underbelly armor to protect against rough terrain.

Plus, the wide doors and steps make getting in and out easy. And don’t stress about your truck; they’ve designed these to be towed by lighter or heavier trucks, so you’re all set.

At this point, you should be interested in what the Wildcat offers, but if you need more convincing, check out its impressive features.

The Wildcat provides some pretty decent kit as standard, ranging from marine-rated external speakers to a flexible seating dinette area. These are present as standard across all floor plans without any need to upgrade.

If you’d like to splash out and get some additional features, you can pick from a range of optional extras and upgrades, including an additional 13,500 BTU AC unit or a luxury king-sized bed with a memory foam mattress.

Key Features:

• Massive range of 12-floor plans to choose from
• Inbuilt residential-style chrome drawers and doors
• Robust and hardwearing slideout fascia
• Powerful 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit

Don’t Forget the Luggage!

Most full-time travelers will want to ensure they have at least the following:

• Summer and winter-appropriate clothing
• Shoes, boots, and summer footwear
• Jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves
• Plenty of bedding and blankets
• Household appliances
• Pans, pots, and dishes
• Tinned, dried, and fresh food
• Spare parts, a range of tools, and cleaning materials
• Toiletries, soaps, shampoos, and related items
• Barbecue equipment
• Recreational items such as bikes, hiking gear, etc
• A generator as well as fuel

The weight of all of these items quickly mounts up, and it doesn’t take into account the numerous optional items you might want to consider taking.

Most items, such as washers/dryers, spare batteries, solar-powered chargers, or gear, can get very heavy, not to mention the LP-gas, spare cylinders, and water-holding tanks.

If you stay at a fully equipped RV campsite, you can hook into the mains water supply. However, keeping your freshwater tanks topped up and the wastewater tanks empty is always good.

If you stay at a dry camp, you’re all set to stay there for a few days without additional planning.

Even though our 36-foot camper has a ton of storage capacity (3,500 pounds), it’s extremely difficult to max it out once the water tanks are full. That’s even with half-empty shelves and very little excessive gear.

We’d love to have an extra 1,000 pounds to play with!

Given all the factors and details above, we’re planning to upgrade our fifth-wheel trailer again. We’ve done a lot of research, looked at dozens of RVs in person, and know from experience exactly what we’re looking for in a fifth-wheel trailer.

Our requirements might not be the same as yours, but we’ve tried to cover all the bases, and we’re confident that there’s something in our list of the best 5th-wheel trailers for full-time living to suit everyone.

Wrapping Up

Opting for 5th wheels for full-time living is gaining popularity due to its numerous benefits. One of the key advantages is the expansive living space they offer, akin to a mobile home, providing the comfort and convenience needed for full-time living.

Moreover, these vehicles have home-like amenities, including full-size refrigerators, enhancing the overall living experience.

Stability is another significant attribute of 5th wheels. Thanks to their hitch design, they ensure a stable and secure domicile on the road.

This stability makes fifth wheels reliable and safe for those who prefer a mobile lifestyle. Moreover, manufacturers offer customization options for fifth wheels to cater to specific needs, making them versatile choices for different users.

Although fifth wheels have relatively higher upfront costs, they prove cost-effective in the long run. Their durability, comfort, and convenience make them a worthy investment for full-time living.

In conclusion, given the space, comfort, stability, customization options, and cost-effectiveness, the 5th wheels are an excellent choice for full-time living.

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