5th wheel camper trailers (or fivers, 5ers, or simply fifth wheels) are not towed from a hitch like bumper-pull trailers, but the trailer instead rests on the "fifth wheel" mounted in the bed of the tow vehicle. They tend to be larger and heavier than bumper-pulls.
PRO
- 5th wheel pulling distributes the load onto the tow vehicle more effectively than does bumper pull. This may mean the ability to pull more trailer or use less truck.
- since the articulation point is in the bed instead of on the bumper the "fiver" can negotiate even tighter turns
- luxury and amenities competitive with Class A motorhomes.
CON
- requires special receiving plate in the bed of the truck
- the presence of the 5th wheel receiver in the bed restricts the use of the bed for cargo
- "dropping" a 5th wheel trailer off the hitch can be result in expensive damage
- the front (sleeping area) of fivers can be very tall, limiting access to some locations
