If you’re looking for a larger RV but still prefer the convenience of a unit that you hitch to your vehicle, you’ll want to take a look at fifth wheels. Fifth wheels are an excellent option for full time living because they are spacious, luxurious, and durable.
Because the trailers hitch and unhitch easily, residents can run errands and take short trips without having to lug around their entire RV house.
Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best fifth wheels for full time living. If you’d like to live a nomadic life on the road in an RV, then the eight options listed below are an excellent place to start your search.
The Best 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living
- Grand Design Solitude
- Coachmen Chaparral Fifth Wheel
- KZ Durango Gold
- Jayco North Point
- Heartland Big Horn
- Forest River Wildcat Fifth Wheel
- Northwood Arctic Fox
- New Horizons Majestic
How We Made Our Choices
There are numerous fifth wheel models available on the market today. Many prospective customers find it difficult to sort through the many options. When we compiled our list of the best fifth wheels for full time living, the first thing we did was eliminate models built explicitly for traveling.
Fifth wheels for full-time living tend to have more traditional floor plans.
Additionally, we limited our choices to those fifth wheels whose length was at least 30 feet. We feel that this is the minimum length required for there to be enough space in the fifth wheel for tenants to use it as a full-time space.
Lastly, we also considered the following factors to narrow down our list even further until we reached the eight options you’ll find in this article:
- Durability
- Number of Floor plans Available
- Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Maximum Capacity
- Unique Features
- Customer Reviews
1. Grand Design Solitude
Perfect for the New Full-Time Resident
Grand Design is a company well-known in the camper and RV industry, so it’s no surprise to see their Solitude model at the top of our list.
Why We Recommend the Grand Design Solitude
Grand Design created the Solitude specifically for those looking to transfer into a full-time living space. This trailer will make you feel right at home with kitchen features like a dining nook and an island, as well as walk-in closets in the bedroom. We found this camper to be spacious and luxurious. The exterior height is more than 13 feet, providing users with tall ceilings and deep cabinets.
Grand Design thought of full-time residents when creating this camper, adding things such as solid hardwood windows treatments and panel surrounds. Residents will also find porcelain bowls in the bathroom and decorative leaded glass.
Campers with these features tend to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but Grand Solitude has made it significantly more affordable than that.
Key Features
- Length = 34’ 11”
- Exterior Height = 13’ 5”
- Exterior Width = 8’ 5”
- 80” Tall Slide Out
- Hitch Weight = 2,350 pounds
- Price = Roughly $80,000
2. Coachmen Chaparral Fifth Wheel
A Camper with Plenty of Design Options
The Chaparral Fifth Wheel from Coachmen could be an excellent choice for those looking to fine-tune and perfect their model. With 11 floorplans available, there’s a strong chance that customers will find an option with which they’re satisfied.
Why We Recommend the Chaparral by Coachmen
The Chaparral is a sleek, modern fifth wheel that provides the latest bells and whistles. We liked the fact that the lights were attached to a motion sensor and that there were many USB charging ports spread throughout the interior. Additionally, Coachmen designed the entertainment center to host a TV as large as 55”, allowing you to create a space that feels like home.
The kitchen in this unit also stood out as well. With a refrigerator that is eight cubic feet, a 21” oven and a 30” microwave, residents should find that they can complete their cooking needs with ease. There is also a ducted furnace that provides ample heat during the fall and winter. Furthermore, Coachmen makes it easy for customers to add upgrades if they are not satisfied with the 11 stock floorplans.
Key Features
- Length = Ranges from 33’ to 41.’
- Exterior Height = Ranges from 12’ 4” to 12’ 9.”
- Exterior Width = 96”
- Hitch Weight = Ranges from 1880 pounds to 2310 pounds
- Dual-pane windows
3. KZ Durango Gold
The Affordable Fifth Wheel Camper
Those looking for an affordable transition from a home or apartment to a fifth wheel should find the KZ Durango Gold appealing. This model is very spacious and includes luxury features similar to some of the other models on our list.
Why We Recommend the KZ Durango Gold
The KZ Durango is an excellent choice for those looking to transition to full-time RV living. Owners will find features like king beds, extra-large showers, and ample storage. We found that these features help ease the transition to a remote living space.
This fifth wheel also comes with a central vacuum and six-point hydraulic auto-leveling, both beneficial for first-time fifth wheelers.
However, perhaps the most stand-out feature is the OneTouch Control Panel that users can download to their smartphone or tablet. Once they’ve downloaded the app, residents can then control all of their mobile home’s systems remotely. The app brings smartphone technology, seen in products such as the Nest Thermostat and Phillips Hue lightbulbs, to a fifth wheel.
Key Features
- Length = 39’ 6”
- Exterior Height = Just under 13.’
- Exterior Weight = 8’ 5”
- Hitch Weight = 2,250 pounds
- Two-Year Warranty
- Price = Approximately $65,000
4. Jayco North Point
A Durable, Sturdy Option for Rugged Terrain
Those interested in a sturdy fifth wheel should find Jayco North Point interesting. This fifth wheel is one of the bulkier choices on our list, which helps make it durable and sturdy. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Why We Recommend the Jayco North Point
Although the North Point by Jayco is a bit bulky, we found that it was easy to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature.
That’s because Jayco provided extra insulation to the underbelly of their models. An interior furnace also helps keep the fifth wheel warm. The North Point has numerous features that could make having outdoor fun easier than ever.
For instance, the fifth wheel comes with marine-grade exterior speakers as well as the option for an outdoor grill. There is also a free-standing table with four folding chairs, which customers can move from inside the camper to outside easily.
Jayco also added features like outdoor kitchen support and an awning for outdoor use. The outdoor kitchen support allows for both a cooktop and a refrigerator.
Key Features
- Length = 41’ 6”
- Interior Height = Just over 107.”
- Exterior Width = 96”
- Hitch Weight = 2845 pounds
- Nine different floor plans
- Price = About $90,000
5. Heartland Bighorn
The Ideal Fifth Wheel For Families
If you don’t need to sleep more than a few people, then you may want to consider the Bighorn by Heartland. While some fifth wheels can sleep as many as 11 people, the Bighorn only sleeps three to six, depending on which floor plan you choose.
However, with a length of nearly 40’, this fifth wheel still takes advantage of the ample space it provides.
Why We Recommend the Bighorn by Heartland
The Heartland Big Horn fifth wheel provides luxurious features, even it means having to sacrifice some sleeping space. The Bighorn still contains some of the innovative features that Heartland is well-known for, such as an 88-degree turning radius and drop-frame basement storage.
We also liked the durable aluminum frame, strong enough that owners could walk on the roof if need be.
There are numerous leather recliners stationed throughout this fifth wheel. Also, the kitchen is a standpoint that helps set this fifth wheel apart. The kitchen contains a large island and a massive fridge, making cooking and enjoying meals straightforward and comfortable.
No matter if we were in the kitchen or the bedroom, we never felt too cramped while spending time in this fifth wheel.
Key Features
- Length = 36’ 3”
- Exterior Height = 13’ 3”
- Exterior Width = 8’
- Hitch Weight = 2,725 pounds
- Price = Roughly $80,000
6. Forest River Wildcat Fifth Wheel
A Slim Model That Is Easy to Tow
Those looking for a lighter, slimmer fifth wheel option will want to check out the Wildcat by Forest River. Even though it’s smaller than some of the other options on our list, it can still sleep up to ten if you choose a larger model.
Why We Recommend the Forest River Wildcat
Not everyone wants to lug a large fifth wheel on a trailer, which is one of the most significant benefits of the Forest River Wildcat. The smallest models weigh less than 7,500 pounds and are slightly more than 30 feet in length.
What the Wildcat fifth wheel may sacrifice in size, it does not sacrifice in features. Customers can choose from an astounding 23 floor plans.
This fifth wheel contains an air conditioning unit that produces 15,000 BTU. It also includes an electric fireplace that produces 4,600 BTU. These are ducted systems, which can reduce gas usage while ensuring the entire camper is at the correct temperature.
We also liked the residential soundbar that users could sync to their phone or laptop via Bluetooth connection.
Key Features
- Length = Ranges from 31’ to 42.’
- Exterior Height = Ranges from 11’ to 11’ 4.”
- Exterior Width = 96”
- Hitch Weight = Ranges from 670 to 920 pounds
- Named 2019 “Best of Show” by RV News
7. Northwood Arctic Fox
The Compact Fifth Wheel Ideal for Novices
The Northwood Arctic Fox is another compact, affordable option that could be useful for first-time fifth wheelers. Furthermore, the floor plan is rather open, providing residents with an abundance of space.
Why We Recommend the Northwood Arctic Fox
Northwood provides purchasers with a variety of options, allowing them full customization when purchasing an Arctic Fox fifth wheel. For instance, customers can choose from numerous air conditioning units.
You can also choose from solar panels in 60, 80, 100, and 170 watts. Owners could also elect for a washer and dryer, something that we don’t often see in fifth wheel RVs.
The kitchen in this fifth wheel comes with a refrigerator that is ten cubic feet, as well as an over-the-range convention stove with a range hood.
The cabinetry has an antique finish. Between the kitchen and the option for laundry, we feel that this is an excellent option if residents are willing to commit to living in a fifth wheel full time.
Key Features
- Length = 33’ 11”
- Exterior Height = 13’ 3”
- Exterior Width = 8’ 6”
- Hitch Weight = A bit more than 2,000 pounds
- Price = Around $67,000
8. New Horizons Majestic
A Fifth Wheel That Proves to be a Worthwhile Investment
Those with disposable income looking to invest in a high-quality trailer should find the Majestic by New Horizons piquing their curiosity. However, this pricey option is heavy, with the heaviest tow capacities on our list.
Why We Recommend the New Horizons Majestic
New Horizons makes sure they use only materials of the highest-quality when building their Majestic fifth wheels. The company stresses craftsmanship, offering things such as a custom-built chassis and cabinets that are 100 percent wood.
Not only can customers choose from an astounding 26 floor plans, but they could also work with the company to custom-build a unit.
Customers purchasing a Majestic fifth wheel will find that there is a two-year warranty. Included in this warranty is the company’s temperature guarantee, in which they guarantee that all plumbing features, including water lines and holding tanks, will work to ten degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
No other company that builds fifth wheels is willing to guarantee this to their customers in writing
Key Features
- Length = 39’ 10”
- Exterior Height = 13’ 3”
- Exterior Width = 8’ 6”
- Hitch Weight = 3,540 pounds
- Hitch to Bumper Warranty = Two Years
- Price = $192,000
Conclusion On 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living
If you’re looking to ditch your home and begin living in an RV, the eight best fifth wheels for full time living that we’ve provided are an excellent place to start. Each one of the models on our list is durable and spacious enough to serve as full-time housing.
We invite you to share your thoughts about our list in the comment section below. Do you live in a fifth wheel full time? Let us know which model you prefer!
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