ESCOLHENDO ENTRE UMA QUINTA RODA E UM TRAILER DE VIAGEM

Nossa experiência em fifth wheels e trailers de viagem has taught us that people love towable campers because they don’t require engine maintenance, unlike motorized units. Eliminating the upfront cost of the engine can free up some budget for additional options on a towable unit. Plus, the sheer variety of sizes, prices, and floorplans is appealing. Plus, the ability to detach the tow vehicle for day trips or errands is also really convenient.

Quando se trata de escolher entre trailers de viagem contra 5th wheels, the differences aren’t as stark. Don’t think of it as fifth wheels being ‘better’ or travel trailers being ‘better’; it’s more about fit, which kind of trailer best suits how you want to travel. That brings us to a couple rules you should always follow when shopping for an RV.

MANTENHA-SE ÀS SUAS PRIORIDADES

Decisions on things like interior décor and options may come down to weighing “wants” vs. “needs.” Vinyl seating, stain-resistant flooring, outdoor amenities, or residential-level décor may all make you say, “I want that,” but stay focused initially on the things that make you say, “We’ll definitely need that.”

Leve em consideração como você planeja usar sua unidade e como você gosta de acampar. Gosta de passar a maior parte do tempo ao ar livre? Talvez você possa abrir mão de acessórios extras no interior do seu trailer e procurar por cozinhas externas or centros de entretenimento. Por outro lado, se você tem um grupo ansioso que gosta de muitas opções para manter todos ocupados em um dia chuvoso, extras no interior pode ser a escolha certa.

HOW YOU’LL TOW

Quanto à escolha entre quinta rodas e trailers de viagem, a conversa começa com o reboque. Ao contrário do engate de esfera e soquete tradicional usado por trailers de viagem, quinta rodas se conectam a um engate dentro da caçamba de uma picape. This gooseneck area up front gives fifth wheels a different shape than other trailers. Fifth wheels have a larger turning radius and some added stability when towing since the connection is centered over the truck’s rear axle and the center of gravity is closer to the tow vehicle.

If you already have a tow vehicle with one hitch or the other, your decision may be clear. Otherwise, you can learn more about what it’s like to tow a quinta roda contra trailer de viagem e leia explicações detalhadas sobre pesos, conexões e tudo o mais que você deve procurar ao decidir como rebocar.

Now, let’s dig into some of the other practical differences between fifth wheels and travel trailers.

VIAGENS LONGAS OU ESCAPADAS RÁPIDAS

A quinta roda é ideal para estadias prolongadas. Elas têm uma das maiores capacidades de água, bateria e resíduos. Isso se deve ao posicionamento da área do pescoço de ganso acima do engate. Isso as torna menos exigentes em manutenção e atenção durante a viagem, além de oferecerem mais espaço para morar. Embora existam exceções, os trailers de viagem podem ser mais rápidos de montar e desmontar, geralmente possuem sistemas e capacidades e são mais adequados para paradas frequentes ou viagens mais curtas.

VARIEDADE DE PLANTA BAIXA

Os trailers menores acomodam duas pessoas, enquanto modelos maiores de beliches acomodam até dez pessoas comfortably. If there’s a particular layout or RV feature you’re looking for, inside or out, you can likely find it on one travel trailer or another. There are tons of weight options, varying from a few hundred pounds up to several thousand. Fifth wheels will always have their signature shape, giving them a smaller range of possible sizes and space. 

PRIVACIDADE E VIAGENS MULTIGERACIONAIS

O construção de dois níveis de uma quinta roda allows for up to three distinct living spaces. You, the grandparents and kids can each have your own space. If you’re traveling with very young kids, there’s the bonus of allowing the kids to nap in one room or play video games without disturbing them as you go about your day. More and more travel trailers are available with bunkhouses that offer a similar feel.

OPÇÕES DE CONSTRUÇÃO

In the case of many travel trailers, you’ll have a choice between aluminum and fiberglass sidewalls, an option you don’t always have when it comes to fifth wheels. Both aluminum and fiberglass RVs have their pros and cons. Aluminum models are usually cheaper, making them a good choice for new RVers, and easier to fix if they get damaged. Fiberglass RVs have flat walls that are easy to clean, and they are lighter and more aerodynamic, which can make them easier to drive.

ESPAÇO DE ARMAZENAMENTO

Fifth wheels’ shape allows for more storage, inside and out. Their height and sometimes wider bodies allow you to find a great balance of living and storage space. You’ll often find more and deeper cabinetry and closets as well as large pass-through exterior storage that’s accessible from both sides of the coach. You can fit large outdoor gear for the campsite or activities in these exterior spaces. Since a travel trailer doesn’t hitch up to the bed of your truck, you always have the bed of your truck or SUV truck available for additional gear.

ESPAÇO DE VIDA

If you’re tall or looking for a lot of living space, the fifth wheel’s shape naturally allows for more height inside the coach and multiple levels with stairs. Fifth wheels are also available with várias salas deslizantes (as many as five), which make for an even more open, residential experience. There’s often just a different feel when you walk inside travel trailers and fifth wheels for the first time.