The Ultimate 5th Wheel Buying Guide
There are a lot of advantages to pulling a fifth-wheel trailer if you drive a pickup truck. Unlike conventional travel trailers, the front of the trailer extends over a pickup bed and connects into a special hitch. This makes the trailer handle as if it was shorter and makes it easier to maneuver. Here’s a quick buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a new fifth-wheel trailer. If you have any other questions visit us at Lakeside RV Sales in Anderson, South Carolina. We also serve RV lovers in Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina.
What Kind of Tow Vehicle Will You Be Using?
Fifth-wheel trailers typically require the tow vehicle to be a half-ton pickup or larger, and owning the right tow vehicle is half the battle. You should review your owner’s manual for detailed information about your truck’s towing capacity and make sure it’s up for the task. Don’t feel pressured to buy the largest and longest trailer your truck can pull if you can find the features you want in a more compact design. Manufacturers are doing some amazing new things to use space more efficiently and many classic RV models are being streamlined. If you’re purchasing a new vehicle to go with your new fifth wheel, many experienced users will say that you can’t go wrong with a dually.
What Features Do You Prefer?
You have so many options to choose from in terms of floor plans and amenities. Large families are often interested in mansions on wheels, but retirees might be more interested in a richly designed luxury trailer with a more compact layout. Most RV parks can accommodate longer trailers, but you might struggle to find a site if you make an unexpected detour. You should also always remember that a lighter trailer will be easier to maneuver and you’ll get better fuel economy on the road.
Should You Buy New or Pre-Owned?
The advantage of buying new is getting exactly what you want when you want, but it comes with a hefty price tag. On the other hand, you can find some amazing deals on pre-owned fifth-wheel trailers with a little patience and a little luck. Unless otherwise stated in the bill of sale you should assume that the trailer is sold in as-is condition. Be sure to look over any pre-owned trailer carefully before you sign the final paperwork. Any deal that sounds too good to be true often is, so trust your instincts if they tell you to keep looking.
Visit Lakeside RV Sales in Anderson, South Carolina, for more information, and to see our current inventory of fifth-wheel trailers for sale. We serve Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina.