If you are feeling the call of the open road for an upcoming vacation, an RV vacation might be perfect for you. A simple way to enjoy the cruising lifestyle, without buying an RV, is to rent a fifth wheel camper. You’ll find all the freedom and flexibility you’ve been craving and get an excellent introduction to RV camping. In this article, we’re going to learn more about fifth wheel rentals. I’ll offer a few tips for the road, and discuss how to find the best deal in a fifth wheel camper rental.
Enjoying a Fifth Wheel Trailer Rental
Fifth wheel trailers are an excellent choice when you’re planning to spend most of your time in camp. They tow better than a traditional style camper trailer and unhook when you arrive at your destination. Most fifth wheel rentals offer camping luxury at an affordable price.
Fifth wheel rentals are an affordable choice for travelers who want to use it for a base camp. Once camp is set up, you can quickly disconnect the tow vehicle for use around town. This eliminates the need for a second vehicle and gives you the freedom to explore the area.
What is a 5th Wheel Trailer Rental?
A fifth wheel is a travel trailer that connects to the towing vehicle in the same way as commercial semi-trailers. They use a special fifth wheel hitch on the truck bed, placing part of the trailer weight on the rear axle of the truck. This configuration results in easier towing, less swaying and a smoother ride.
Above the truck bed is an elevated area containing a queen- or king-size bed, or sometimes, extra storage. You enter the main cabin area through a door on the side or back of the trailer.
The Pros and Cons of Fifth Wheel Rentals
Which style of RV rental is best for you is a matter of preference and budget. Fifth wheel rentals have many advantages over camper trailers and motorhomes, and a few disadvantages as well. Let’s discuss these in a little more detail, so you can understand what to expect when you rent a fifth wheel camper.
Advantages of Fifth Wheel Campers:
· Fifth wheel trailers are easier and safer to tow than traditional trailers
· They are easier to hitch, back, and park than travel trailers
· Most offer spacious floor plans and luxury appointments
· They have plenty of storage space, including outside storage under the trailer
· No need for an additional vehicle
· Most have everything you need for a home on the road, including a full kitchen, bath, and air conditioning
· They are less expensive to rent and drive than a motorhome
Disadvantages of a 5th Wheel Rental
Fifth wheels also have a downside. The biggest drawback is that you must have a towing vehicle with a fifth wheel hitch and the ability to pull the trailer. You can get around this problem when renting by having your trailer set at the camp for you. Most owners will do this for an extra set up fee. Other disadvantages include:
· Driving and living areas are separate, so you must stop if you need something from the trailer
· Longer trailers can be difficult to maneuver, especially in small campsites
· Fifth wheel trailers are taller than most travel trailers and clearance can be an issue. You must know your clearance before driving under bridges or the fast food drive thru.
· Most fifth wheel trailers have a few steps up to enter, then more steps or a ladder to get into the sleeping area. For some campers, all the steps can be a problem
Rent a Fifth Wheel Camper
Finding a 5th wheel camper rental is easy thanks to peer-to-peer rental sites. Dealers and owners list their campers for rent. Renters can browse through the listings to find the most suitable fifth wheel rental for their needs.
These sites make it easy for you by allowing you to search through rental listings by location, by price, or by size. You can rent a fifth wheel camper near your home and hit the road for an adventure. Or rent a trailer at your destination and have it ready and waiting when you arrive.
Another advantage of renting through these sites is that you can usually talk with the owner to get answers to any questions you might have. And should you encounter problems on the road, they have someone available to find the help you need. For more information on renting a 5th wheel trailer rental, see our Guide to Renting an RV.
Tips for Enjoying Your Vacation
Hitting the open road with no destination in mind seems like the dream vacation, but in truth, you need a plan. In a car, it is easy to maneuver and go where you like. But travel nightmares happen when you get too far down a narrow road only to have it dead end with no-where to turn around. Don’t drive up a steep drive, then discover you must ride your brakes all the way back down. Knowing the roads and the terrain that you’ll be traveling is important for a successful trip.
Know where to find fuel. If your tow vehicle is diesel, you may not find fuel everywhere. It is usually easy to find diesel in the city. But when you are approaching the last gas station for 50 miles, you don’t want to discover that they don’t sell diesel. The internet makes it easy to find fuel stops when you take the time to plan.
Check the weather report each morning. You’ll want to plan for bad weather, including excessive wind. If a lot of wind or rain is forecast, find a nice place to wait it out, if possible.
Take the time to enjoy the scenery. Plan a leisurely vacation with plenty of stops and try not to drive too many miles in one day. Get off the interstate and discover real America with a fifth wheel rental.
You can go almost anywhere in an RV. The freedom of the open road is calling. Enjoy your vacation with your choice of fifth wheel rentals.