Class A vs. Fifth Wheel: Which RV Is Best for You?

Class A vs. Fifth Wheel

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Is a luxurious Class A bus or expansive fifth wheel the right RV for you?

Both are the high-end RVs of their group– motorhomes and trailers– and both can offer some of the most spacious, featured-filled, and luxurious interior experiences imaginable. 

If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to overall RV living and a true home away from home, both will serve you well.

But they have their differences, and knowing what they are will help you determine which is best for you.

Below, we’ve broken down the difference between both types of RVs, Class A and fifth wheels, to help you determine the right RV for your needs.

Class A vs. Fifth Wheel: What Is the Difference?

CLASS A 2

Class A RV is an extra large bus, which should give you an idea of the kind of interior space it provides. 

Class A’s are motorhomes, which means you won’t need a tow vehicle like you will with fifth wheels which is an added convenience.

They’re typically seen as the pinnacle in RV luxury, but some fifth-wheel brands in modern years have come to rival them in many ways.

fifth wheel is a large trailer-based RV. It differs from travel trailers not only in its average size but also by way of a unique horseshoe hitch that makes them easier to maneuver despite their large size. 

Like Class A RVs, they’re often loaded with luxury features and offer incredible interior living spaces.

Class A vs. Fifth Wheel Quick Comparison: At a Glance

FIFTH WHEEL 2

Here’s a quick, high-level overview of the major differences between Class A buses and fifth-wheel RVs.

Class A motorhomes:

  • Average price: $80,000+
  • Length: 30-45 feet
  • Most amenities, storage, and interior space of any RV class
  • Highest maintenance requirements
  • Lowest fuel efficiency of any RV

Fifth wheels:

  • Average price: $30,000+
  • Length: 29-45 feet
  • Can rival Class As in features and interior space
  • Low maintenance needs like other trailers
  • Need a powerful tow vehicle

Class A RV: Pros and Cons

CLASS A

Next, let’s dive into the pros and cons of Class A motorhomes:

Pro: Massive interior

Nothing is larger than a Class A RV. In terms of comfort and space, a Class A is the best for full-time RVing.

Some brands of fifth wheel get really big (as well as Super C), rivaling Class As, but even they typically fall a bit short on interior space.

If you have a large family or simply want the kind of experience that will make you feel like you’re in a home away from home, a Class A will give that to you.

Pro: All the features and amenities you could ever want

If there’s one thing that a Class A RV does even better than interior space, it’s features. 

There’s a reason why Class A buses are often referred to as the luxury version of an RV. 

More than just being huge, they typically have everything from a king-sized private suite, full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, massive living space with slide-outs, large dry bath, and more.

They often have other amazing features as well such as a large kitchen island, fireplace, pull-out entertainment center, and more. 

Pro: No towing hassle

Towing anything, whether that be a travel trailer or fifth wheel, can be a real hassle. 

The ability to get in and go or arrive at camp, park, and be done without having to worry about hitching and unhitching– don’t forget leveling your trailer– is a major benefit. 

Con: Very high maintenance needs

No RV on the market requires more in terms of ongoing maintenance and upkeep than a Class A. 

Not only do they require more ongoing maintenance, but they’re more likely to end up in the shop over the course of their lifetime than other RVs. This is why, while size-wise they may be great for full-time RVers, they’re not a perfect choice. 

That’s a big pro of fifth wheels and travel trailers. When your engine goes out in any motorhome like a Class A, so too do you lose access to your home for the period of time the RV is in the shop.

With a fifth wheel, while you might lose your tow vehicle, at least you still have a place to stay. 

Con: High price tag

Fifth wheels may not typically reach the interior space of a Class A and require a tow vehicle, but they’re often significantly more affordable.

This is even more notable when you consider that fifth wheels do that while offering a similar interior experience.

If you’re set on a Class A, however, chances are that the price tag is not the most important thing. 

Fifth Wheel: Pros and Cons

FIFTH WHEEL

Next, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of fifth wheels:

Pro: Massive interior

A fifth-wheel trailer is virtually the only RV capable of rivaling a Class A, with the exception of a Super C. 

They often have a massive king-sized bedroom, multiple extra bunks, a large living space with several slide-outs, and a full kitchen. 

They’re not usually quite as big as Class A’s, but they can get close with a much more affordable price tag. 

One unique aspect of a fifth wheel compared to a travel trailer in terms of interior space is that the front bunk tends to hang over the cab of your tow vehicle.

This allows the rig to feel shorter when driving, improving maneuverability, without sacrificing space. 

Pro: Much more affordable

Fifth wheels are comparable in terms of interior (or not far off) but come at a greatly reduced price tag. 

They come with their own set of cons to consider (see below), however, the price difference is enough to completely bar many from even being able to consider purchasing a Class A while a fifth wheel may be well within your means. 

This allows you to get a comparable interior experience to a Class A without investing nearly as much. 

Pro: Low maintenance needs

Compared to a motorhome, a fifth wheel has very low maintenance needs.

Without an engine, transmission, power steering, and all the mechanisms that are required to make those all function you have far less to worry about.

Con: Need a powerful tow vehicle

A 5th wheel RV can’t be towed by just any truck.

In fact, even the most powerful and fully outfitted Ford F-150 can’t tow the average fifth wheel loaded with cargo.

If you already have a tow vehicle capable, you’re good to go. If not, this is likely a major con against getting a fifth wheel. 

Con: Maneuvering is a pain

Fifth wheels are known for being easier to maneuver when compared to travel trailers thanks to their unique hitching mechanism. They’re also not necessarily harder to drive than a Class A.

However, they’re still a pain to have to hitch and unhitch when parking and leveling the trailer every time you pull into camp.

Which Type of RV Is Right for You?

There are quite a few RV types to choose from. If you’re looking for something big, you can’t go wrong with either 5th wheel trailers or Class A motorhomes. 

Both offer a large, luxurious interior with a home-away-from-home experience.

If you don’t already have a pickup truck that can tow a fifth wheel, consider a Class A (or Super C). If you do and would prefer the reduced maintenance needs and flexibility of a fifth wheel, that may be the perfect option for you.

Also, consider looking into toy haulers, which is typically a similar size to a fifth wheel trailer but with a big convertible trunk space for storing large toy vehicles.

And once you’ve decided which RV is ideal for you, check out our guides to the best RV models in each class:

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.

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