When choosing a towable RV, new RVers often debate between travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Each type offers distinct features and benefits, catering to different lifestyles and travel preferences. In this post, we’ll break down the key characteristics of these popular RVs to help you decide which one is the best fit for your adventures.

Travel Trailers: The Perfect Start for New RVers

The most popular towable RV for beginners is the travel trailer. Its popularity is mainly due to its lighter weight and more affordable price tag, providing a financially secure and confident start for new RVers. Travel trailers vary widely in size but are generally smaller than fifth wheels and toy haulers. Despite their smaller size, they offer ample space for smaller groups, such as couples or small families. Many travel trailers have amenities, so you won’t have to sacrifice luxury for convenience.

One of the defining features of travel trailers is their attachment method. They connect to your tow vehicle with a bumper-level hitch. This means you can haul a travel trailer as long as your vehicle has a towing hitch and sufficient tow capacity. Whether you have a truck, SUV, or even a van, travel trailers offer much flexibility regarding tow vehicles.

Fifth Wheels: Ideal for Large Families and Extended Stays

Fifth-wheel trailers are the top choice forlarger families or those seeking extended-stay RV living. In modern fifth-wheel trailers, the "fifth wheel" refers to a U-shaped hitch that attaches to the bed of a truck, as opposed to a bumper-level hitch. This unique hitch style offers better maneuverability, which is essential given the larger and heavier size of the fifth wheels.

While both Fifth Wheels and travel trailers provide space, comfort, and amenities, Fifth Wheels stands out with its raised forward section, which adds an extra level to the floor plan, offering even more space. This emphasis on spaciousness makes large families feel accommodated and comfortable. However, because of the hitch style, you are limited to using a truck as your tow vehicle, which must have the required tow capacity and hitch in the truck bed. Additionally, fifth wheels tend to be more expensive than travel trailers.

Toy Haulers: Perfect for Adventure Enthusiasts

Last but not least, we have the toy hauler. As the name suggests, toy haulers are designed to haul "toys" like motorcycles, ATVs, dune buggies, or even golf carts. The back of a toy hauler features a large ramp leading to a spacious compartment, perfect for storing recreational vehicles.

Like travel trailers and fifth wheels, toy haulers offer a spacious RV with all the expected amenities. However, due to the garage on the back and the sturdier frame, toy haulers are generally larger and heavier than travel trailers. The added features also make toy haulers more expensive than travel trailers, but they are ideal for thrill-seeking RVers who want to bring their toys camping.

Toy haulers typically attach to the standard bumper hitch, similar to travel trailers, providing more options for towing vehicles than fifth wheels.

Making Your Choice

Choosing between a travel trailer, fifth wheel, and toy hauler depends on your needs and lifestyle. With their lightweight and affordable design, travel trailers offer a great starting point for new RVers. Fifth wheels are perfect for large families, or those planning extended stays, providing extra space and maneuverability. Toy haulers cater to adventure enthusiasts who want to bring their recreational vehicles along.

No matter which type you choose, La Mesa | RecVan is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the perfect towable RV for your next adventure. Consider your travel needs, tow vehicle, and budget to make an informed decision, and let us assist you in making your RV dreams a reality.