Fifth Wheel
A towable RV that hitches to a king-pin coupling mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. Tows more stably than a travel trailer but requires a pickup.
Also called: fifth wheel, 5th wheel, 5er, fiver
A fifth wheel is a towable RV that hitches to a king-pin coupling mounted in the bed of a pickup truck (not on the rear bumper like a travel trailer). Lengths typically run 25–42 feet, sleep capacity 4–8, and rental rates run $135–$225 per night as of 2026.
The “fifth wheel” name comes from the king-pin coupling — same mechanism that semi-trucks use to connect to trailers, just scaled down for consumer pickups.
Why fifth wheels tow better than travel trailers
Three structural advantages:
- Weight is centered over the rear axle. A travel trailer puts hitch weight on the truck’s bumper, behind the rear axle, creating a lever effect. A fifth wheel puts it inside the wheelbase. The truck handles dramatically better.
- No sway. Fifth wheels are nearly immune to the trailer-sway behavior that travel trailers can develop at highway speeds in crosswinds.
- More cargo capacity. Because the hitch weight is correctly placed, fifth wheels can carry heavier living-space loads (fresh water, propane, supplies) without overloading the tow vehicle.
The trade-off is the truck. You need a pickup truck with an open bed for the king-pin hitch. Half-ton trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) can tow small fifth wheels (under 8,000 lb). Three-quarter-ton (F-250, 2500) and one-ton (F-350, 3500) trucks are needed for the larger fifth wheels.
What truck you need
| Fifth wheel weight | Required truck class |
|---|---|
| Under 8,000 lb | Half-ton (F-150 / 1500) with tow package |
| 8,000–12,000 lb | Three-quarter-ton (F-250 / 2500) |
| 12,000–18,000 lb | One-ton (F-350 / 3500) |
| Over 18,000 lb | One-ton dually (F-350 dually / 3500 HD) |
The hitch itself goes in the truck bed. Most rental fifth wheel arrangements include the hitch installation as a one-time fee ($150–$300) at pickup if you don’t already have one.
Fifth wheel rental dynamics
Fifth wheels are heavily concentrated on the peer-to-peer platforms (RVshare, Outdoorsy). Cruise America and El Monte don’t carry them. The franchise networks (e.g., Fireside) carry some.
Like travel trailers, fifth wheels frequently rent with a delivery-and-setup option. Strongly recommended for first-time renters — towing a 30-foot fifth wheel is a serious skill, and you don’t want to learn it on a mountain pass.
Typical rental terms
- Minimum age: 25
- Truck verification required at booking (owners ask for tow rating, hitch type)
- Security deposit: $1,000–$2,000
- Hitch install fee at pickup if your truck doesn’t have a king-pin hitch: $150–$300
- Insurance/damage waiver: $25–$45/day