Deciding to buy a fifth wheel is one thing. Knowing which 5th wheel to choose is another! With so many options on the market, the shopping process can feel overwhelming. But the experts at Cookeville RV and Marine are here to help.
Keep reading for RV buying tips. For more advice or to explore fifth wheels for sale, visit our dealership. We are based in Cookeville, Tennessee. We also proudly serve those in Knoxville, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Start With Your Tow Vehicle
Not all vehicles can tow all fifth wheel campers. There are two potential restrictions to keep in mind.
First, fifth wheels can only be towed by a pickup truck. It’s because of the hitch style, a gooseneck hitch, which needs to get installed into a truck bed. If you don’t have a pickup truck, you won’t be able to haul the 5th wheel to the RV campground.
Second, all tow vehicles have a weight limitation. Exceeding this limitation is illegal, dangerous, and can result in damage to the camper and/or the tow vehicle.
Be sure to look up your intended tow vehicle’s weight restriction. Remember that this number includes the weight of passengers and cargo. You don’t want to get too heavy of a fifth wheel for your tow vehicle to handle!
Think About Your Budget
Next, consider how much you want to spend on a fifth wheel camper. An RV’s price will be influenced by many factors, such as the camper’s size and included amenities.
A brand-new fifth wheel will usually cost between $35,000 and $100,000. The average cost of a new fifth wheel is about $75,000.
A used fifth wheel, on the other hand, will usually cost around 20-30% lower than the original sticker price.
Remember to include the additional costs into your budget. For example, be sure to factor in the cost of a 5th wheel hitch and any RV accessories you want to buy.
Consider Your Ideal Fifth Wheel Size
Fifth wheel campers tend to be larger towable RVs, but they still range in size. They are usually 30-40 feet long, 8-10 feet wide, and 9-12 feet high.
Think about how much space your family needs to feel comfortable. Some travelers don’t mind a compact RV while others need plenty of interior space.
Some fifth wheels will have special features to help maximize interior space. For example, campers can have a sofa that converts into a bed or even bunk beds for the kid’s room.
Ready to find your perfect fifth wheel? Cookeville RV and Marine carries a range of campers for sale. See our inventory online or at our dealership in Cookeville, Tennessee. We also proudly serve those in Nashville, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee.