What it’s like going from a Motorhome to a Fifth Wheel

Ever wondered what it is like going from a motorhome to a fifth wheel? We have been experiencing just that for the past five weeks and we're ready to share all, what surprised us, what we like, and what we don't like.

If you are a regular here at the RV Lifestyle, you know that for the past 10 years, Jennifer and I have been traveling exclusively in motorhomes - Class B campervans, Class B+ big campervans, and Class C small motorhomes.

But in early May, we bought a 32 1/2 foot Arcadia Fifth Wheel and have now put about 1,000 miles on it, camping across four states. We talk about that experience and answer your RV Lifestyle questions and share some tips in this week's Episode #399 of the Podcast.

You can watch the video version below:

You can hear the audio-only version on your favorite podcast app or click the player below:

Why we have gone from a Motorhome to a Fifth Wheel

As we explain in the podcast, we still have our Class C motorhome, a 2020 Leisure Travel Vans Wonder. We have loved the Wonder and although we will probably be soon putting it up for sale, our switch to the larger fifth wheel is because of a new emphasis we are placing on staying put in various areas longer.

We decided late last year - our 10th year of doing this - that we wanted to use our RV as more of a base camp that we could set up to and use for longer periods of time in one location. We would then venture out from that location to more thoroughly explore a region.

One of those areas is in Mid-Tennessee. Last fall, we bought five acres of heavily wooded mountaintop near the town of Linden and we have been developing it into what will be a private RV retreat for us. We see the fifth wheel being used a lot there. In fact, this podcast was recorded at Paradise Landing, not far from our Linden property.

Recording at Paradise Landing

We would like to get similar land in Northern Michigan. We'd also like to do some extended trips in the Arcadia where we can park it in a centrally located area and venture off in our truck to thoroughly explore various regions.

What's different about the Fifth Wheel?

In the podcast, we share our initial impressions about switching from a motorhome to a fifth wheel.

Driving

In a motorhome, you just go. In a Fifth Wheel, it's a bit more complicated. You need to back your tow vehicle into position (using a spotter helps!), and hitch your Fifth Wheel up.

It's not instinctive and after maybe a dozen times of doing so, I'm almost comfortable doing it.

Driving a small motorhome (unless you are towing a vehicle) is also generally a bit easier.

With a Fifth Wheel, you are not that much less than the length of an 18-wheeler. That means wider turns and much more use of the mirror. And slower speeds. No more than 65.

But my overall impression after 1,000 miles is that towing is much less intimidating than I expected.

As far as mileage goes, my Wonder Class C motorhome is 12.5 miles per gallon. Towing the Fifth Wheel, I'm getting pretty much the same with our F-250 towing truck.

Unhitching

In a small motorhome, you pull in, level up, hook up, and are done.

In a Fifth Wheel, you first have to get in the spot. That's why I picked drive-through spots during our first few outings.