Is a Fifth Wheel Under 30 Feet Your Ideal RV?
Fifth wheels offer all the advantages of other pull-behind RVs but with the added benefit of using your vehicle as part of the overall length. A fifth wheel under 30 feet can be the perfect solution if you’re targeting campgrounds with strict size limits.
Many national and state park campgrounds don’t allow trailers longer than 30 feet, making this length a critical mark to consider if visiting those campgrounds is your priority. Fifth wheels are often some of the largest RVs on the road, but this collection of 5th wheels under 30 feet helps you find something your truck can tow with less stress. Let’s explore!
What’s the Best Fifth Wheel Under 30 Feet?
Our favorite thing about small fifth wheel trailers is the lower barrier to entry. Modern trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 can tow most of these models, provided you don’t overload them and exceed your maximum towing capacity.
Use the Camping World Towing Guide to check your vehicle’s tow limits.
Keystone’s Best 5th Wheel RVs Under 30 Feet
Cougar 23MLE
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 27’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,745 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,330 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Favorite Feature: Extra Hauling Power with a 3,000-pound-rated Tow Hitch
If you think a fifth wheel under 30 feet automatically has fewer amenities, the Cougar 23MLE proves you wrong. Its innovative designs maximize every inch of kitchen, living, and bedroom space. Plus, it incorporates smart technology, such as a converter with auto-battery detection and a Power Watchdog
Safeview Smart RV power inlet, so you can plug in, run your lights and appliances, and camp worry-free.
Another bonus? A rear accessory hitch with a tow rating of up to 3,000 extra pounds, allowing you to haul gear for extra fun on your adventure. Remember that you may need a truck with a larger payload to use this benefit to its fullest.
This rear kitchen 5th wheel has everything you need to feel at home on the road, including a large refrigerator inside and a mini fridge in the outdoor kitchen. The bathroom has a full shower and linen closet, and the bedroom has a king-sized bed and ample storage. Optional upgrades include swapping theater seating for the tri-fold sleeper sofa or a freestanding table and chairs instead of the standard booth dinette.
Compare it to the Cougar 24RDS.
Cougar Sport 2400RE
Specs
- Length: 28’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,474 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,026 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Favorite Feature: Hidden Butler Pantry
The Cougar Sport 2400RE delivers an ideal entertainment space with more storage than expected. Its rear-entertainment floorplan includes an electric fireplace, a hidden butler pantry, and pass through storage underneath. You’ll also enjoy ample counterspace, an extra flip-up table for meal prep, or a pop up mobile office.
It has one slide-out that houses theater seating across from the 40” HDTV and a dinette area for mealtime. Like the Cougar 23MLE, the bathroom and queen bedroom still have enough space and storage to meet your needs.
Cougar Sport 2100RK
Specs
- Length: 25’11”
- Dry Weight: 6,885 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,615 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Favorite Feature: Under 7,000-pound Dry Weight
Because it’s the shortest and lightest fifth wheel on the list, the Cougar Sport 2100RK is ideal for people less experienced with 5th wheel towing. It’s the perfect first fifth wheel for RVers who want upgraded creature comforts without towing a massive trailer or hassling with multiple slide-outs when setting up.
This rear kitchen floor plan makes excellent use of the smaller space, with a countertop that spans its full width. A few steps away, you have comfortable seating across from the TV, which is mounted above a convertible dinette. The bedroom has a queen bed, dual wardrobes and bedside nightstands, and a modest bathroom with a shower.
Compare the Arcadia Select 21SRK.
Forest River’s Best Small 5th Wheel RVs
Arctic Wolf 27SGS
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 29’6”
- Dry Weight: 7,413 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,102 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
Favorite Feature: Rear Dual Reclining Chairs
Designed and optimized for couples, the Arctic Wolf 27SGS starts with the classic opposing slides in most rear living fifth wheels. From there, Forest River made some intriguing changes like opting for dual recliners with a table between them instead of the traditional rear tri-fold sofa.
You still get that sofa, though. It’s just located in the off-campside slide-out that also houses the large pantry, a 12V refrigerator, and your three-burner cooktop, oven, and microwave. In the campside slide-out, a freestanding table has two chairs and a booth seat with ottoman-style storage under it. There’s also the entertainment center with a fireplace below.
Certainly not to be overlooked, the front bedroom features a 60” x 80” queen bed, overhead storage, a large closet with washer and dryer hookups, and wall prep for a 32” bedroom TV. Couples will love it, but there’s room to host a few overnight guests, too!
Compare the Sabre 25RLS.
Arctic Wolf 23MLE
Specs
- Length: 29’4”
- Dry Weight: 7,448 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,452 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
Favorite Feature: Residential Kitchen Feel
Ceiling fan? Check. Outside kitchen with ice maker? Check. Two pantries? Check. Are you really on the road if you are living this large? The Forest River Arctic Wolf 23MLE is your ideal small fifth wheel if you do not want to sacrifice comfort while camping.
The rear kitchen has tons of storage and counterspace, including a large pantry. The middle entertainment area has a trifold sofa, a dinette, and an overhead ceiling fan to keep you cool on warm evenings. Your bedroom retreat has a spacious bathroom with extra storage above the sink and a queen-sized bed with a full wardrobe.
Rockwood Signature 282RK
Specs
- Length: 28’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,895 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,988 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
Favorite Feature: 67” Theater Seating
Forest River’s lineup of Rockwood Signature fifth wheels proves that lightweight camping can indeed feel luxurious. There’s perhaps no better model to exemplify that than the rear kitchen layout in the Rockwood Signature 282RK.
This is another couples-centric floor plan that can sleep up to two small guests in the convertible dinette. Couples will love the spacious rear kitchen with a counter spanning the entire rear wall. When meals are done, curl up on the 67” theater seats across from the entertainment center.
The front bedroom comes standard with a 60” x 80” queen bed. It offers overhead storage, bedside nightstands, and a large wardrobe closet. Forest River also offers the option to upgrade to a 72” x 80” king bed if you’re looking for a fifth wheel with a king bed.
Compare the Flagstaff Classic 281RK.
Jayco’s Best Small Fifth Wheel Trailers
Eagle SLE 24MLE
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 29’3”
- Dry Weight: 7,690 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,610 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
Favorite Feature: L-Shaped Rear Kitchen Countertop
Many smaller 5th wheels feature a rear kitchen across the back wall, but Jayco expanded the cooking space by wrapping the counter onto the campside wall in the Eagle SLE 24MLE. This compact fifth wheel offers a single living area slide-out and a second bedroom slide, expanding your living and sleeping spaces.
The central living area features a tri-fold sofa across from the TV, which is mounted above the convertible dinette. They added an extra pantry and a coffee hutch, upgrading the space to a more residential feel like you’ll find in larger 5th wheel campers.
With that off-campside slide in the bedroom, you get two large closets and a dresser for extra clothing storage. That complements the overhead storage and makes room for bedside nightstands instead of needing that space for wardrobes. Smart designs throughout, and a lightweight package for easier towing.
Eagle HT 25RUC
Specs
- Length: 29’9”
- Dry Weight: 8,065 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,585 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
Favorite Feature: Expansive U-Shaped Dinette and Spacious Entertainment Area
Most of the models on this list include a standard four-seat dinette table. In contrast, the Eagle HT 25RUC has a U-shaped dinette that spans the rear wall, offering extra seating for dining or entertaining. You can even position extra camp chairs in front to host a larger crowd for comfortable indoor dining.
This lightweight 5th wheel under 30 feet also boasts theater seating and a nice kitchen with plenty of counterspace. The bedroom has plenty of clothing storage, and the bathroom has the amenities to meet your needs on the go.
Eagle HT 26REC
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 29’4”
- Dry Weight: 8,000 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,750 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Favorite Feature: Walk-In Pantry
It’s all about the storage in the Eagle HT 26REC fifth wheel. Whether you want to load it down with ingredients to make Michelin-star meals or bring your extra gear, the huge walk-in pantry gives you the storage options you want.
This rear entertainment floor plan features theater seating and a dinette that transitions into a kitchen with all your desired amenities. The bathroom features a modest shower and extra storage in the over-sink medicine cabinet. The bedroom has a full-height closet with washer and dryer hookups and dual bedside wardrobes for extra clothing space.
Honorable Mentions for the Best Fifth Wheel Under 30 Feet
These additional models narrowly missed our top list, but they’re worthy of comparison:
Why Choose a Fifth Wheel Under 30 Feet?
A fifth wheel under 30 feet might be your ideal RV for many reasons. Evaluate how you want to travel, your needs, and what you feel comfortable hauling as determining factors when you shop. These are a few notable benefits of a small 5th wheel trailer:
“Detachable” Home Base
Fifth wheels have more freedom than motorized RVs. Unhook them and leave them behind while you take your truck to nearby trails or activities. You won’t have to worry about packing everything and battening down the hatches until it’s time to pull out of your campsite.
Larger Campground Selection
Having a shorter fifth wheel opens up your options for campgrounds. Longer RVs need campgrounds with larger sites, taking away access to many state and national park sites. Remember that some campsites have limitations for combined length, meaning you’ll need to factor your truck into the equation.
Better Maneuverability
The shorter your RV, the easier it is to maneuver. From backing into campsites to navigating winding mountain roads, you have an advantage in a smaller RV than those with extra length. Remember that there will still be some roads and passes that are not meant for you, even in a smaller fifth wheel. Always do your research before planning your route.
Learn more about RV road rules and restrictions.
Fifth Wheels versus Travel Trailers
Both RV options allow you to leave your campsite in your personal vehicle. Fifth wheels generally give you more internal space to work with by utilizing the over-the-bed space of your truck. They also provide better turn radius and maneuverability than travel trailers. Where travel trailers win is in price, typically coming in lower than fifth wheel options.
Check out our full article comparing fifth wheels vs travel trailers.
What Size Truck Do You Need to Pull a 30-foot Fifth Wheel?
Some half-ton trucks have the towing capacity to pull a fifth wheel, but you need to pay attention to two things when shopping: payload capacity and towing capacity. To check that your truck has what it takes to pull a specific fifth wheel, use our Towing Capacity Calculator.
Who Makes the Shortest 5th Wheel RV?
The smallest fifth wheel RV currently on the market is the Escape 5.0, coming in at just over 21 feet.
What Size 5th Wheel Can a ½-ton Truck Pull?
The smaller the fifth wheel, the better for towing with a ½-ton truck. Some fifth wheels under 30 feet can be towed by half-ton trucks. Anything longer, and you will want to swap your half-ton for a ¾-ton or above.
Discover the best trucks for towing a 5th wheel.
A fifth wheel under 30 feet is a great entry-level option for truck owners. Use these resources to learn more about our favorite 5th wheel RVs:
- Popular Fifth Wheel Floorplans
- Bunk Room 5th Wheels
- Fifth Wheels with 2 Bedrooms
- Fifth Wheels Under 11,000 Pounds
What’s your favorite 5th wheel under 30 feet? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Is a Fifth Wheel Under 30 Feet Your Ideal RV? appeared first on Camping World Blog.
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