The Towables : Travel Trailers and 5^th Wheels – Part 4

This is Part 4 in our series on picking a fulltime nomadic home on wheels.

For Part 1: First Questions To Ask When Picking Out A Fulltime RV Rig

For Part2: An Overview Of Homes On Wheels

For Part 3: Motorhomes and Dinghys

Overview

As we have said before, the main choice in what to Live in for the would-be fulltimer, boils down to the choice between a Motorhome or a towable, namely a 5^th wheel or travel trailer. Second only to large Class A’s 5^th wheels remain the most popular choice for the fulltime RV’er, and with good reason. They too, like Class A’s, can be purchased as luxurious as one could want. Though there are luxurious travel trailers on the market, travel trailers are similar to Class C motorhomes, in that they are geared mostly towards families, and the multitude of family friendly floorplans available often reflect this.

A difference worth noting when comparing 5^th wheels and travel trailers, is that the interior living space changes according to type of rig chosen, and is often over-looked. In a 5^th wheel, the entire length is living space, as the hitch is underneath the nose attached to the truck bed, while with a travel trailers advertised length, the tongue is included and could be some 4 feet long. Thus a 30 foot travel trailer can only be 26 feet of living, space whereas a 30 foot 5^th wheel is actually 30 feet of home.

Advantages

· One of the main advantages of a towable over a motorhome, is that one is only purchasing the home, without an engine, thus keeping costs down.

· It is easier to trade up the “home” and tow vehicle separately, unlike a motorhome which is an all-in-one affair.

· For those on a budget, and who already own an adequate tow vehicle, a travel trailer is the cheapest way to get on the road fully equipped.

· Once the trailer or 5^th is unhitched and setup, the tow vehicle is available for sight-seeing or errands.

· If one tows with a van conversion, or a smaller truck camper, one can have two RV’s, one for a base camp, and the second for off road exploration and Micronomadics™.

· If your tow vehicle breaks down, and needs extensive repairs, you can continue living in the trailer while waiting.

Disadvantages

· A trailer must be backed in often times, which can be a stressful activity, (called a marriage wrecker, as a joke in some circles).

· Towing anything VS. driving a motorhome, is generally more difficult and stressful, and something you will have to get good at with practice, (not that driving a LARGE motorhome, is not without its challenges).

· Passengers cannot legally ride inside the trailer as they can in a motorhome.

· For some, having to get out of the tow vehicle and re-enter the trailer is a disadvantage compared to a motorhome, where one can go to the bathroom, grab a snack, even while in motion, (though this can be dangerous).

· Security is better in a motorhome, as one can drive off if circumstance warrants, whereas in a trailer one is “trapped”, and has to exit the trailer to get to the tow vehicle.

Cost

The cost of a travel trailer can range from a low of around $15,000 for a smaller basic model, to $50,000 or more for something in the high end range. They can come equipped with a number of slideouts from none to 2 or more.

Similarly, a 5^th wheel can range from $20,000 for a smaller model, extending up to $100,000 or more for a luxury model with all the bells and whistles. I have seen as many as 5 slideouts on some 5^th wheel models, including my personal favorite, a 2 person infrared sauna contained in a slideout across from the bathroom. This particular model has 5 slides, and is only 32.5 feet long.

Cost in the low end of either a travel trailer or a 5^th wheel will get you a standard R-7 insulated trailer, while in the higher end models, you can get house type insulation up into R-30+ in the roof and floors, thus adding to the overall comfort in operation. Lower end models will often have particle board cabinets whilst in the higher end, will sport hardwood like cherry, oak or birch as well as others.

Other amenities like automated leveling systems, larger double door refrigerators, multiple LCD televisions, electric fireplaces, computer centers, and other creature comforts can be had if one desires and it fits in the budget, leaving nothing contained in a conventional house to be missed, all within 3-400 square feet. Some will wonder why anyone would want to cram themselves into such a small square footage, but remember, the entire U.S. continent, becomes your backyard.

In closing, remember when calculating the total price of your rig, factor in the price of the tow vehicle if you don’t currently own one, probably which will be a heavy duty SUV, van or in the case of a 5^th wheel, definitely a truck which for a large 5^th wheel will be at least a 1 ton or bigger truck.

Conclusions

A towable home can be an excellent choice for most, especially if the budget is concerned. Indeed, this is where the majority of buyers find themselves. Costs are far less than an equivalent length of motorhome. If one has to also purchase a heavy duty tow vehicle, that gap is lessened somewhat.

Because of the openness of a trailer or a fifth wheel, there are a huge variety of floorplans in every possible configuration imaginable, even multiple bedrooms. You are sure to find something in a towable that can accommodate any Lifestyle on the road. Get out there and start playing house, and soon you may find yourself living in one, having the time of your Life.