What Is the Best 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living?
Did you know millions of Americans opt to live in RVs full-time? They answer the call of the open road or find freedom in lower living costs. Fifth wheels are a great option for full-time RVing, thanks to their large floor plans, residential appeal, and luxurious amenities. Let’s take a look at some top picks for the best 5th wheel for full-time living.
Best 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living as a Couple
Couples will find a plethora of perfect 5th wheels for full-time RV life. Let’s take a look at a few contenders:
Keystone Montana 3901RK
Specs
- Length: 42’4”
- Dry Weight: 14,799 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,245 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Keystone Montana 3901RK features a kitchen that rivals those found in high-end homes. Wraparound hardwood cabinetry provides an abundance of storage for full-time living. A cozy living room features power theater seats and a hide-a-bed sofa across from the large television and electric fireplace. The dining area in the campside slide-out boasts a freestanding dinette with chairs and additional storage.
Pass the guest half bath and head upstairs to find a private retreat. The king bedroom has a bathroom with dual vanities and a large walk-in closet featuring washer/dryer hookups.
The Montana’s Four Season Living Package makes it one of the best 5th wheels for full-time living in winter, thanks to additional Astrofoil insulation, heat pads for the holding tanks, and a heated underbelly.
Jayco North Point 382FLRB
Specs
- Length: 43’10”
- Dry Weight: 15,280 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,715 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Though the Jayco North Point 382FLRB is perfect for couples, it’s also great for sleepovers thanks to the additional beds hidden in the front living room, which boasts two tri-fold sofas and theater seating. Guests will also appreciate the half bath off the kitchen. The rear primary suite offers a spa-like bathroom with large dual vanities and a teak shower seat.
Jayco’s North Point provides many conveniences for full-time RVing, including a NuVo H20 purified water system, a large-capacity propane setup, a residential-style HELIX Cooling System, and ClimateShield year-round weather protection. Small features, like a built-in vegetable rinser, universal docking center, and innovative roll-top dinette, add utility for daily living.
Grand Design Solitude 310GK
Specs
- Length: 34’4”
- Dry Weight: 12,100 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,900 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
The Grand Design Solitude 310GK is comfortable enough for full-timing but nimble enough for quick road trips, making it one of the best small 5th wheels for full-time living. You’ll be impressed by everything packed inside this 34-foot RV, including a 20-cubic-foot fridge, kitchen pantry, and washer/dryer prep.
Despite its shorter length, the central living area is surprisingly large and can seat at least eight people. It has a tri-fold sofa, theater seats, and a freestanding dining table. The telescoping TV in the entertainment center easily pivots to create the optimal viewing angle for any of these seating arrangements.
Grand Design’s Solitude lineup incorporates many clever hidden features. Pet dishes can be concealed when not used, an electronics drawer offers the optimum charging station, and the high-rise faucet has a pull-down sprayer. The construction also offers hidden benefits like a TPO roof covering with a limited lifetime warranty.
Forest River Cedar Creek 395WOW
Specs
- Length: 43’2”
- Dry Weight: 14,859 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,141 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
Hidden features put the WOW in the Forest River Cedar Creek 395WOW. Start with the Murphy pantry tucked behind the electric fireplace and entertainment center, which provides a smart storage solution for full-time RV living. The television glides out on a secret swivel for easy viewing anywhere in the living room or kitchen.
The kitchen “workstation” sink has a powerful cup cleaner, soap dispenser, integrated waterfall rinse with steel tray, and pull-out faucet. Open the soft-close cabinets and drawers to find hidden amenities like a built-in trash receptacle, pull-out storage caddies, and a wooden cutting board.
The living space offers seating for eleven or more, whether gathering with family or friends. Set up the holiday or game-day buffet on the massive central island. Swap out the theater seats for an optional integrated desk to create a dedicated workspace.
KZ RV Durango Gold 366FBQ
Photos by KZ RV
Specs
- Length: 40’5”
- Dry Weight: 13,410 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,585 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The family chef is sure to be impressed by the KZ RV Durango Gold 366FBQ. First, there’s a dishwasher. Need I say more? The kitchen delights continue with a massive 26-cubic-foot refrigerator, four-burner range, and large pantry.
During cooking time, the whole family can hang out nearby. KZ has introduced an innovative sliding desk/table that easily transforms from work time to mealtime. Other features that make full-time living more comfortable include an electric-tilt king bed, a central vacuum system, and the KZ Engage system, which puts many RV controls at your fingertips on your mobile device.
To create an extensive outdoor living space, add an additional 11-foot awning to the standard 19-foot awning. If off-grid living is part of your plan, consider the upgraded Boondocker System, which adds an extensive solar power system with a 10-year warranty.
Best Fifth Wheels for Full-Time Living with Family
If kids are joining you in your rolling residence, you may be looking for the best fifth wheel for full-time living with family. We have some strong 5th wheel floor plans to explore:
Keystone Montana 3915TB
Specs
- Length: 43’
- Dry Weight: 15,130 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,870 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 9
Many RVs aimed at families offer dedicated bunk rooms, but the Keystone Montana 3915TB optimizes the second bedroom with a queen bed that’s perfect for teenagers, grandparents, or other guests.
Don’t worry. The kids still have their own space thanks to a loft that offers three bunk mats. Plus, a full bath with a separate entrance is located off the rear bedroom. The primary suite doesn’t disappoint, with a full bath, king bed, and well-appointed closet offering washer/dryer hookups.
In addition to the amenities that come standard in the Montana RVs, Keystone offers the Legacy Edition Package, which adds luxuries like a Furrion Vision S observation system, an electric power cord reel, and increased connectivity features, adding safety and convenience for full-time RV life.
Forest River Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43
Specs
- Length: 43’9”
- Dry Weight: 15,044 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,951 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Forest River Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43 combines the best features of a destination trailer and a fifth wheel. Rustic natural wood elements are set against sleek gold touches for an urban loft vibe, bringing distinctive decor to the rolling family nest.
Forest River offers unique visual elements and interesting layout features, like a side-by-side washer and dryer, triple patio doors, and a pull-out tray in the exterior storage bay.
In addition to a primary suite featuring a king bed, the ROOST43 offers a king bunk tucked into the hallway, creating a cozy nook. A spiral staircase leads to a loft with two bunk mats and storage cubbies. A massive sectional couch gives everyone room to hang out. The dining space is integrated into the kitchen island, with seating for five.
Jayco North Point 377RLBH
Specs
- Length: 42’11”
- Dry Weight: 15,310 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,790 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 7
Versatility rules the day in the Jayco North Point 377RLBH, making it one of the best bunkhouse fifth wheels for full-time living. The mid-bunk can function as a bedroom for the kids, with a tri-fold sofa and a fold-down bunk. However, this space is versatile and can be used as a second lounge space or a dedicated office, with a built-in desk and removable table. A hallway loft can be used for sleeping or storage.
This Jayco North Point offers versatility in other ways throughout the 377RLBH. In the kitchen, the waterfall-edge countertop has a secret function—flip it up to create an island extension. The small dinette offers a similar extension and two additional folding chairs that can be stowed away. The microwave is also multi-functional, offering an air fryer feature. Even the space under the stairs is useful, with shoe storage.
Forest River Sierra 3990FL
Photos by Forest River
Specs
- Length: 43’6”
- Dry Weight: 12,439 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,936 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
On your first walkthrough of the Forest River Sierra 3990FL, it would be easy to overlook the fact that it is a family fifth wheel. That’s because the kids’ space is relegated to the hidden loft. Head upstairs for a roomy space with two extra-wide twin Teddy Bear bunk pads and ample storage.
The front living room is another great family feature, with a pair of hide-a-bed sofas plus theater seats. A pop up 50-inch flatscreen smart television can be tucked away by day, letting more light in through the front window. Features like the on-demand tankless water heater, JBL Aura Cube media center, and a water filtering system enhance full-time living.
Prime Time Sanibel 3952FBWB
Specs
- Length: 46’2”
- Dry Weight: 12,875 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,487 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
Your kids will be sold on the Prime Time Sanibel 3952FBWB as soon as they see the bunk room. Double-over-double corner bunks give the room a funhouse feel, especially when the blue mood lights are on. Functionality is also provided, with a large entertainment center and wardrobe on one wall and a built-in desk on another. The connected half bath is a bonus families will appreciate.
Parents will enjoy the rest of this fifth wheel just as much as the bunk room. The whole family can gather in the central living space, which features a massive five-seater sofa, an island dinette with flip-up countertop extensions, and four chairs. The primary bedroom connects to a private rear bathroom.
Stay cool on hot days with a triple 15,000 BTU air conditioning system controlled by a single thermostat. A roof-mounted 200-watt solar system allows you to camp off-grid or reduce energy costs.
What Are the Best 5th Wheel Brands for Full-Time Living?
Here are some of the best fifth wheel brands for full-time living:
- Keystone Montana
- Brinkley Model Z
- Grand Design Solitude
- Alliance Paradigm
- Keystone Alpine
- Jayco North Point
- KZ RV Durango
- Forest River Sandpiper
- Jayco Pinnacle
- Forest River Sierra
While they’re in another stratosphere compared to these full-profile 5th wheel RV brands, the Forest River Riverstone, DRV Mobile Suites, and CrossRoads Redwood fifth wheels are other exceptional fifth wheel RVs for full time living.
What Is the Best Size 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living?
To find the best size fifth wheel for full-time living, ask yourself how much you plan to move the RV and where you prefer to camp. If you desire nimble traveling and more campsite options, consider a small fifth wheel camper, perhaps something under 35 feet. For extended stays, many RVs find bigger is better, with luxury fifth wheels topping 40 feet and incorporating more slide-outs.
How To Afford Full-Time RV Living
There are many strategies to help make full-time RVing more affordable. Many full-timers sell their sticks-and-bricks home and use the equity to buy an RV outright, thereby losing the mortgage payment. Others keep their residence and rent it out to cover the mortgage and earn some extra cash to fund their RV travels. Full-time living doesn’t have to mean a full-time vacation either, as work camping makes it possible to earn an income on the road.
Aside from fifth wheels, the RV industry has an amazing array of other rigs that work well for full-time RVing. Check out these posts for more options, including both motorhomes and pull-behind trailers:
- What Is the Best RV For Full-Time Living?
- What Is the Best Class B RV for Full-Time Living?
Would you consider living in an RV full-time? What features would you like to see in one?
The post What Is the Best 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living? appeared first on Camping World Blog.
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