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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Why Is It Called A Fifth Wheel? (4 Things To Know)
The term “fifth wheel” is often used to describe an excessive or unnecessary entity. Still, its origins stem from a crucial component in the functionality of four-wheeled wagons and carriages. The term “fifth wheel” was derived from a horizontally mounted wheel found at the front and center of a four-wheeled vehicle, which was pivotal in steering.
- “Fifth wheel” is a term for vehicle coupling mechanism.
- They are used in trailers or caravans for connection.
- Large flat wheel beside four regular wheels.
- Metaphorically denotes unnecessary addition in situations.
- Example: In a group of four people.
- Reflects redundancy, not required for functionality.
Fifth wheels look fascinating and grab the attention of many campers. However, there are some differences between them and your average RV.
Knowing the difference is essential for maintaining yours or buying one if you don’t already have one!
1. What is a Fifth Wheel?
A fifth wheel is a camper trailer connected to the bed of a truck with the help of a hitch. The fifth wheel hitch is a flat, large plate similar to a horseshoe’s.
Fifth wheels support a design that allows them to carry much heavier loads than regular ball hitches with the help of a very robust attachment system known as a fifth-wheel trailer hitch.
Its design is sturdier, with the front edge of the trailer extending over the truck’s rear bumper. Instead of attaching to the vehicle’s rear, this hitch is in the truck’s bed.
If you hire a professional to install it correctly, the trailer’s weight will press down between the rear axle and the pickup’s cab.
The balanced weight distribution and pressure allow the truck to carry significantly heavier or much larger trailers.
How Does It Work?
The metal rail running beneath the hitch attaches to the truck’s frame, adding strength.
The trailer connects to the hitch through a kingpin, a downward-facing pin, and a plate that rests on the top of the hitch plate.
The kingpin locks into position within the hitch and can pivot to accommodate any movement or turns.
2. Why is it called the Fifth Wheel?
The fifth wheel gets its name from its original design.
When horse-drawn wagons and vehicles were used for transportation, a horizontal wheel was forged to be placed on the rear frame of the cart.
This device allowed the front axle assembly to pivot horizontally, thus accommodating turning. This addition enhanced the stability and maneuverability remarkably.
The device was a fifth wheel and already presented four cartwheels, hence the name “fifth” wheel.
In the 1850s, Edward and Charles Everett, Quincy, Illinois, patented a type of the fifth wheel, followed by Gutches’ metallic head block and wheel in 1870 and Wilcox’s fifth wheel in 1905.
It was the same time around the early 1900s when manufacturers adapted versions of these wheels to go with motor vehicles.
3. Benefits of the Fifth Wheel
Instead of single units like a motor home, these fifth wheels are two separate entities.
They encompass a towing truck and a fifth-wheel unit joined together to accommodate numerous purposes:
Easy Maneuverability
The fifth wheel hitch is placed right above the truck’s axle on its bed. This placement allows an even distribution of weight on the towing vehicle.
The travel trailer hangs at the rear of your truck bed when the fifth wheel is securely on your truck bed.
It allows you to take turns and maneuvers without any stress. Even the people in the trailer can move around comfortably due to the stable movement and steady connection.
The even weight spread allows the trucks to carry much heavier trailers easily.
Massive Storage Capacity
Fifth wheels are ideal if you’re looking for massive storage capacity.
As space generally occupied by the engine and other machinery is vacant in these trailers, it provides room for numerous alternatives.
No other vehicle offers as much room as the fifth wheel does.
You can also stock up the gas so you don’t have to stop several times. Just fill up the tank on a long, wonderful trip.
Sleeping Capacity
Another considerable benefit is a substantial sleeping capacity.
The more beds you can accommodate, the more people you can entertain for a comfortable sleep.
This enormous sleeping capacity can be your ultimate choice if you have a large family. Mostly, large families use the cab above the truck bed as a bedroom!
You can also factor your fifth wheel’s extra storage capacity into having a toy hauler.
Toy haulers are campers with garages. They allow you to transport another off-roading vehicle or a small UTV in the back of your trailers.
Cost Reduced: Maintain One Vehicle Only
You can’t use your recreational vehicle to move around your hometown. You need to have another car to help you manage your local endeavors.
You don’t need to invest in a second vehicle when you have a fifth wheel.
Just detach the trailer, park it somewhere safe, and use your truck as the second vehicle you need for regular use.
You don’t need to maintain two cars and ultimately save both time and money.
4. Disadvantages of Fifth Wheel
Although fifth-wheelers come with various benefits, there are some shortcomings as well.
Let’s discuss some of these:
Need a Tow Vehicle
Generally, for 7,000 pounds of weight, you should invest in a medium-duty truck.
You must know if you’re planning to haul a massive trailer with your truck, you can’t just buy any regular vehicle. ‘The heavier the trailer, the larger the truck,’ it’s as simple as that.
However, you may need a one-ton vehicle if you plan on investing in an even bigger and heavier trailer.
Separate Driving and Living Compartments
The driving compartment and the living compartment are entirely separate.
If you seek quality time while traveling with your whole family, fifth-wheelers may not be a suitable option.
You won’t be able to indulge in casual discussions, taste the food cooking in the RV’s kitchen immediately, or even ask for a water bottle unless you stop and access the travel trailer.
Moreover, switching seats with your partner while driving a fifth-wheeler is impossible. This is a luxury-only motor home offer.
You would require taking breaks for food and any other business while driving a fifth wheel, which is not very time-efficient if you are off to a very long route.
Massive Storage Area for Safe Parking
The extra-large space you enjoy while on your vacations eventually demands the same back from you. When not in use, you have to park your camper somewhere safe.
Now we know that arranging a place big enough for such a large vehicle is difficult. Another issue arises even if you manage to organize such a spot for your camper.
This difficulty is towing it to the desired location and parking in such a position, making it easy to detach and attach the fifth wheel back later.
The cab takes up way more space than any other regular hitch. Motorhomes, being single pieces, are comparatively easy to manage.
If you think storing your fifth wheel is something you can’t manage, I suggest you look for alternatives that suit your requirements and resources.
What is the difference between a trailer and a fifth wheel?
The critical difference between a trailer and a fifth wheel is the attachment method to the towing vehicle. A trailer is typically hitched to the back of the vehicle at bumper level, allowing for easy connection and disconnection.
On the other hand, a fifth wheel attaches directly to the bed of a pickup truck, offering more excellent stability and maneuverability.
This difference in connection point greatly influences the towing capacity, handling, and overall functionality of these two types of recreational vehicles. Choosing between a fifth wheel and a trailer depends on specific towing needs and preferences.
Wrapping Up
The term “fifth wheel” originates from the vehicle coupling mechanism, mainly used in trailers or caravans for connection. This is essentially a large flat wheel positioned beside four regular wheels.
The question might arise – why is it called a fifth wheel? The answer lies in its metaphorical denotation, which refers to unnecessary additions in various situations.
For instance, consider a group of four people where everyone has a specific role to perform. If a fifth person with no distinct role is added, they would be called the ‘fifth wheel.’
This reflects redundancy and indicates they are not required for the group’s functionality. The same principle applies to the fifth wheel in a vehicle.
While it enhances stability during towing, it is not essential to the vehicle’s primary movement function; hence, it is often seen as an extra or unnecessary component.
In conclusion, the term ‘fifth wheel’ is derived from its literal presence in specific vehicles. It has been extended metaphorically to refer to anything that appears superfluous or non-essential in a given context or scenario.
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