5 Best 5th Wheel for Full Time Living

Last Updated on March 17, 2022 by Ted Mosby

Do you want to travel constantly to explore the world? Are you making a transition to life on the road? Are you looking for a 5th wheel for a full-time living? Then there is a lot of aspects that you have to consider first.

If you are a newbie to the RVing world, it will be a challenging task for you to find the best 5th-wheel RV that fulfills all of your specific needs. To buy a 5th-wheel RV for full-time living is something that requires you to think a lot before making your final destination.

Below, I’ve rounded up a list of the best 5th wheel for full time living, and I tried my best to consider various other aspects and not just my preferences.

It is no surprise to buy your first ever 5th wheel RV and then look to trade it in for another two or three years.

In fact, finding the best fifth-wheel trailer that fulfills all of your specific needs takes some time. However, if you are new and going to invest big to own your first brand new 5th-wheel RV for full-time living, there are three essential specs that you have to take a look at first.

The very first spec that you should look into is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the second one is Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW), and the third spec is Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC).

You can get these specs to form a local RV dealership from where you are buying your 5th-wheel RV, or you can also get these specs online from the product page. All of these three specs are critical, and you should never overlook them when buying a 5th-wheel RV.

So, what are the best fifth wheel for full time living?

Buying a 5th-wheel RV for a full-time living means it should be the one that fits not only yours, but your family’s needs as well. It should be the one that offers you all the comfort of your home so that you don’t have to find a better RV or trade it for the one to get more comfortable.

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 Now, let’s see the below five best 5th wheel RVs that you can have for full-time living to add more fun to your life.

Name Weight Price
Grand Design Solitude 16,800 lbs $100,141
Northwood Arctic Fox 10,700 lbs $73,877
Forest River Wildcat 13,940 lbs $49,995
Coachmen Chaparral 15,500 lbs $62,633
Jayco Pinnacle 16,500 lbs $99,075

ImageName
Grand Design SolitudeGrand Design Solitude
Northwood Arctic FoxNorthwood Arctic Fox
Forest River WildcatForest River Wildcat
Coachmen ChaparralCoachmen Chaparral
Jayco Pinnacle ReviewJayco Pinnacle

What is the Best Fifth Wheel for Full Time Living?

1. Grand Design Solitude

Grand Design Solitude

If you are going to make a transition to full-time RV living and looking for a perfect 5th-wheel RV for full-time living, then I highly recommend you to check the Grand Design Solitude first.

This doesn’t mean at all that this is the only RV for full-time living that you own, but certainly, it will be one of the best 5th-wheel for full-time living that you can test to figure out whether it is what you are looking for.

This Fifth wheel RV is also one of the luxurious ones that offer you everything to keep you comfortable and to make you feel at home. Inside the 5th-wheel RV, you will see a kitchen with an Island, a walk-in closet, and a dining nook.

It is also equipped with various comfortable seating where you can sit and relax or watch a movie together with your family. Now, you might be thinking that all of these features are not necessary for living, but it is also a reality that having some bonus features is a nice feeling.

The fifth wheel also has a tall ceiling to increase headspace so that you can easily move around. The walk-in closet inside the RV can be used to store clothes for every season.

You might find all these luxuries and comfort in other RVs on this list, but the thing why I have mentioned it on top of my list is its price tag that you will find affordable as compared to other 5th-wheel RVs you are going to see below.

Key Specifications

Height 13.42 ft
Exterior Length 41.42 ft
Exterior Width 8.42 ft
Gross Weight 16,800 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 93.0 gal
Grey Water Capacity 106.0 gal
Black Water Capacity 53.0 gal
Price $100,141
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Key Features

  • Spacious and roomy.
  • A fully equipped and functional kitchen with all the appliances and an Island for luxury indoor cooking.
  • Walk-on roof with a twelve-year warranty.
  • Fourteen different floorplans to pick from.
  • Additional add-on design features.
  • Plenty of comfortable seating.
  • Walk-in closet.
Pros
  • It is one of the best 5th-wheel camper for full-time living that offers all the comfort of a home.
  • Regardless of all of its luxurious and bonus features, it is not as expensive as other 5th-wheel RVs available out there.
  • The exterior is tall enough, which offers a tall ceiling and deep cabinets.
  • The panels and windows are built with hardwood to make them durable.
Cons
  • Do not go for it if you don’t have any prior towing experience since it has an enormous weight that acquires some towing skills. Moreover, you will need a big vehicle to pull it safely.

Solitude

 

2. Northwood Arctic Fox

Northwood Arctic Fox

The reason why I’ve included Northwood Arctic Fox is its compact design, and why I have placed it on the second spot is its classic design. The majority of people who want to downsize their life on the road want something functional and straightforward.

But because of its simplicity and compact design, it doesn’t mean you will not see any luxury features and comfort of your home inside this 5th wheel RV. It has everything that you want from a 5th-wheel RV for full-time living to staying comfortable.

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The eye-catching feature that I liked the most is it is armed with an alternative power source similar to solar panels. This particular option makes it one of the most selling 5th-wheel RV for full-time living as people don’t always stay in the campgrounds when they park their trailers.

There are some other features where Northwood Arctic Fox shines. For example, it offers a huge amount of storage space, which is another best selling point. Moreover, the weight that this 5th-wheel RV can handle is yet another critical point.

It is compact, luxurious, and has all the bells and whistles that you want. It comes as an open floorplan, which makes it a perfect option if you want more space to move around the RV easily.

You will have a great, compact, but luxurious living space at an affordable price.

Because of all of these features, I highly suggest you check this one out before making your final decision.

Key Specifications

Height 11.58 ft
Exterior Length 29.5 ft
Exterior Width 8.5 ft
Gross Weight 10,700 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 57.0 gal
Grey Water Capacity 70.0 gal
Black Water Capacity 35.0 gal
Price $73,877

Key Features

  • Thermal pane windows.
  • One-year limited warranty.
  • Compact, simple, and well-functioned design.
  • Solar panels.
  • Optional add-ons for more personalization.
  • Roof rack with ladder.
Pros
  • It is a compact, simple, and luxurious 5th-wheel RV for full-time living, which makes it a perfect option for first-time RVers.
  • When buying Northwood Arctic Fox, you will have many options to choose from so that you can get the one that perfectly fulfills your specific requirements.
  • It has solar panels as a power source that makes your off-grid camping more fun and functional.
  • The cabinetry has vintage looks, and the kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances that you need in an RV for full-time living.
Cons
  • If you don’t have a heavy-duty truck to pull it, you will need to spend the extra dollar to have one so that you can tow it with ease.

Arctic Fox Grande Ronde 28-5C

3. Forest River Wildcat

Forest River Wildcat

If you are after a slim and lighter fifth-wheel for a full-time living, you cannot miss the Forest River Wildcat 5th-wheel trailer. You might find it smaller than most of the other RVs available in the market, but this doesn’t mean at all that you have to compromise on your comfort or living space.

Regardless of its slim, light, and compact design, this 5th-wheel RV is still capable of comfortably sleeping up to ten people inside it.

The reason why I have mentioned it in my best fifth-wheel RVs for full-time living is the majority of RVers prefer to have something small yet spacious travel trailer, which is what Forest River excels in.

The smallest Forest River Wildcat models generally weigh under 7,500 lbs and have a length of slightly more than 30 feet. You don’t have to think much about its features. Although it is short in length, it has all the bells and whistles to make you feel at home.

Related Post:  5 Amazing 5th Wheel with 2 Full Bathrooms

One of its massive selling points is the options that it offers. RVers can choose from its 23 different floorplans, which makes it easier for you to get the one perfect for your full-time living.

Moreover, inside the RV, you will see a 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit, which will make you comfortable inside the RV, even in the hottest weather conditions.

If you are traveling in freezing weather or mild winters, you will also find a 4,600 BTU electric fireplace that will keep your RV warm to keep you comfortable.

Furthermore, these systems are ducted and meant to reduce gas usage while also maintaining the entire RV’s suitable temperature.

Another eye-catching feature that I liked inside the RV is its residential soundbar that allows you to sync your electronic devices through Bluetooth.

Key Specifications

Height 12 ft
Exterior Length 34.67 ft
Exterior Width 8 ft
Gross Weight 13,940 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 48.0 gal
Grey Water Capacity 68.0 gal
Black Water Capacity 36.0 gal
Price $49,995

Key Features

  • Twenty-three different floorplans to choose from.
  • 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioning unit.
  • 4,600 BTU ducted electric fireplace.
  • Hardwood glazed slide-out fascia.
  • Brushed chrome door and hardwood drawers.
  • Soundbar with Bluetooth.
  • Up to 10 people sleeping capacity.
  • One-year warranty.
Pros
  • It is one of the best fifth-wheel RV for a full-time living if you want something lighter, compact, but spacious.
  • This 5th-wheel RV features all the bells and whistles that will make you feel at home.
  • Thanks to its 15,000 BTU AC and 4,600 BTU electric fireplace, it will keep you comfortable inside the RV regardless of what the outside weather conditions are.
  • You can use its residential soundbar to sync your laptop or phone to keep yourself entertained.
  • It offers more than sufficient storage that you will need for full-time RV living.
  • It comes with a one-year manufacturing warranty, which is something notable if it is your first RV.
Cons
  • If you are a larger family of ten or more and want to have something big, this is not for you.

Wildcat 269DBX

4. Coachmen Chaparral

Coachmen Chaparral

Another trusted 5th wheel brand is Coachmen. You can trust the product of its brand when buying a 5th-wheel RV for a full-time living.

Coachmen Chaparral model is one of the best 5th-Wheel Trailers for a full-time living for those who are just getting started with RVs.

The area where Coachmen Chaparral shines is its various options of floorplans. You can easily find a floor plan that suits best full-time living needs. No matter what floorplan you pick, all of them are highly customizable, and you can add additional add-ons to customize them further.

Moreover, regardless of what floorplan you pick, you will find more than enough storage space in all of them where you can place your belongings. The only thing that lets Coachmen Chaparral down is its enormous weight. Most of the RVers find it too heavy and hard to tow.

So, before investing in Coachmen Chaparral, make sure that you have some towing experience and a big enough vehicle that can safely tow it.

Besides that, it is an excellent 5th-wheel RV for full-time living. The most notable aspect of Coachmen Chaparral that attracted me the most is its kitchen area.

You will find all the kitchen appliances significantly larger than most of the RVs have. It means you will have a fully equipped and functional kitchen that you can use daily while on the road.

Key Specifications

Height 12.42 ft
Exterior Length 41.75 ft
Exterior Width 8 ft
Gross Weight 15,500 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 48.0 gal
Grey Water Capacity 112.0 gal
Black Water Capacity 72.0 gal
Price $62,633

Key Features

  • Dual-pane windows for better temperature.
  • A spacious entertainment area.
  • Various USB charging ports to keep your electronics charged.
  • Eleven different floorplans to choose from.
  • Extremely customizable floorplans.
  • Additional add-ons.
  • Fully-equipped kitchen with nicely-sized appliances.
  • Ducted furnace to protect you from cold weather.
Pros
  • You will have a range of options to find the best floorplan that fits your specific needs.
  • All of its floorplans are highly customizable, and you can add additional add-ons to customize them further.
  • You will see more than sufficient storage space that you can use to put your belongings.
  • The kitchen is nicely sized and fully functional and is equipped with large appliances.
  • It is an exceptional pick if you have a big vehicle with great towing capacity.

Coachmen Chaparral 370FL

5. Jayco Pinnacle

Jayco Pinnacle Review

Jayco is yet another well-known RV brand that has manufactured various RVs loved by travelers. You will find numerous Jayco 5th-wheel RVs that could be a perfect pick for full-time living. But in my list of best fifth-wheel RVs for full-time living, I will only highlight its Pinnacle due to its interesting floorplan and size.

You will find it too large of a travel trailer, but if you have a larger family and decided to live full-time in an RV, it will be an incredible pick for you. Because of its huge size, Jayco Pinnacle offers a lot more space than most of the RVs I have mentioned so far. And due to that reason, it has a full and a half bath inside it.

You can effortlessly move it around, and it has pull-out sections that you can push back when you are on the road. One of its eye-catching aspects that attracted me the most is its kitchen with an Island that doesn’t block space as the RV is pretty wide.

Regardless of how large your family is, it offers ample storage space to bring all your belongings with you while heading for an adventurous trip. Thanks to its impressive Cargo Carrying Capacity, you can bring your extra gear with you without any hassle.

Jayco Pinnacle is an exceptional pick for both experienced and new RVers alike, as it has one of the most attractive warranty offers in the RV market. So, you can go for it without any hesitation when buying the best 5th-wheel RV for full-time living.

Key Specifications

Height 12.42 ft
Exterior Length 41.75 ft
Exterior Width 8 ft
Gross Weight 15,500 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 48.0 gal
Grey Water Capacity 112.0 gal
Black Water Capacity 72.0 gal
Price $62,633

Key Features

  • Six different floorplans to pick from.
  • Outdoor kitchen setup.
  • Closeable and directional AC vents.
  • All weather-friendly RV.
  • Spacious bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
  • Night lights in the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
  • Overlander Solar kit along with 190W panel and solar control system.
  • Two-year warranty (2020 models have a three-year limited warranty).
Pros
  • It is a durable, trusted, and dependable 5th-wheel RV that you can invest in without any hassle.
  • An outstanding pick for larger families who wants to have something big and spacious.
  • It offers ample room to bring all of your belongings with you when hitting the road.
  • With an impressive Cargo Carrying Capacity, you can bring all of your additional outdoor adventure gear with you.
  • If you currently have a large heavy-duty truck, it is one of the best deals that you should go for.
Cons
  • If you don’t have a large heavy-duty pickup truck, you will have to buy one because of its enormous weight.
  • You might don’t want it if you are a small family and looking for something small.

Pinnacle 36KPTS

If you are interested then check out these travel trailers for full-time living.

Wrapping Up

If you have decided to move constantly and explore the world, the very first thing that you have to consider is to have a 5th wheel for full-time living. Nothing could be more important than a fifth-wheel RV for you. Fifth-wheel RVs are big, spacious, easy to tow, and durable.

These RVs have state-of-the-art features and offer you all the comfort and luxury of your home. Above, I have rounded up a list of the best 5th-wheel RVs for full-time living that will help you find the one that fulfills all of your and your family’s needs.

I have also mentioned their major specs, features, and pros/cons so that you don’t end up getting the one that doesn’t fit your needs.

FAQ

Which is the best 5th wheel for a full-time living?

There are numerous 5th wheel RVs that you can check out to find the one that suits you best. However, in my personal opinion, I suggest you check out Forest River Wildcat, Coachmen Chaparral, Grand Design Solitude, and or Northwood Arctic Fox.

Which one is the best RV for a large family for a full-time living?

For a family of up to ten people who want to live full-time in an RV, I suggest you check out Coachmen Chaparral. However, if you want something big and more spacious, you should check Jayco Pinnacle out.

Which RV is better for a full-time living - Jayco Pinnacle or Forest River Wildcat?

If you are a large family and have a heavy-duty truck that can easily pull a large 5th-wheel RV, then you should consider Jayco Pinnacle. But, if you want a 5th-wheel RV that is small, compact, but spacious, Forest River Wildcat can be an excellent pick.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.