In the video above we join certified RV inspector Duane, from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel (one of the nominees for our 2024 RV video awards) for his picks of the best inexpensive fifth wheel brands to buy in 2024.
Duane begins by covering some of the pros of choosing a fifth wheel over a travel trailer. These include:
- They have more of an apartment feel inside with higher ceilings and, when combined with slides in the living area, it gives you that open apartment feeling.
- For most people, they are easier to tow because the hitch is over the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
- Firth wheels will usually offer more cargo storage than travel trailers.
Duane says one of the negatives is that many fifth wheels are priced in the $70k and higher range. However, he knows some lower-cost options from some reputable dealers in the $40k to $65k range, and those are the ones he focuses on in this video.
Pros of buying an inexpensive fifth wheel
Duane says that beyond the obvious advantage of a lower price, inexpensive fifth wheels offer RV buyers some other advantages too:
- If you don’t need extras and amenities, an inexpensive 5th wheel simply makes more sense, especially if you don’t plan to camp a lot. Why pay for what you don’t need?
- Inexpensive fifth wheels are usually lighter in weight than their costlier counterparts. This is particularly advantageous when it comes to purchasing a tow vehicle.
- Inexpensive 5th wheels are usually shorter and easier to handle.
- Even though they are smaller, most inexpensive fifth wheels retain that open apartment-like feeling inside.
Cons of buying inexpensive 5th wheels
- Quality is usually lower than in higher-priced models, especially in the fit and finish areas.
- Expect fewer luxuries and amenities.
- Inexpensive 5th wheels usually do not do well in temperature extremes, so if you need 4-season functionality, look for a more expensive model.
Best inexpensive 5th wheel brands
Duane says some brands of inexpensive fifth wheels are better than others. Keep in mind this is but one man’s opinion, but he does back those opinions by inspecting lots of RVs for his job.
#1 KZ Sportsman: The shortest 5th wheel in Duane’s list, it’s only 25 feet long and has a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) rating of only 7,100 pounds. Expect to pay between $45k to 50k brand-new for this fifth wheel.
#2 Crossroad Cruiser Air: 28 feet long with a GVWR of 10,300 pounds, and a cost of about $50k new.
#3 Northwood Fox Mountain: Duane likes the quality of this brand. Even though it is 28 feet long, it is heavier, at 12,000 pounds, hence the better quality rating. Cost is $55k.
#4 Keystone Cougar Half Ton: This one comes in at 27 feet in length, but it is nonetheless the lightest 5th wheel on Duane’s list, with a GVWR of only 7,200 pounds. Keystone’s website provides an MSRP of $48k, so you can definitely deal and get this one for less.
Duane says this is a partial list of all the brands he covers, but they do represent some good values. Of course, as always, he stresses the importance of getting any RV inspected before laying out any money.
##RVT1149b
In addition to inspected, get the electrical and water systems hooked up and tested. You wouldn’t buy a car before driving it would you?
That would be part of an inspection.
Go cheap and pay the price later.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 I do really enjoy Duane’s videos. I find his presentation manner quite pleasant. As to the RVs, DW’s parents had a KZ Sportsman that worked very well for them. They took it all over the country, including Alaska. Unfortunately, it did not absorb going off the road and turning upside-down on the Thompson Pass of the Richardson Highway very well. It came apart at the four corners. 🙁 So, keep it upright and it may work very well. 😉 🙂 Thanks again, Cheri, and safe travels! 🙂
My 2022 Keystone Cougar is a piece of junk. Nothing but problems after purchase resulting in cancelled camping trips and mental aggravation. After 8 months from new I was told I need a new roof. Keystone is balking at replacing the roof even though it’s under warranty. NEVER buy a Keystone RV!
Despite Keystone’s advertising, perhaps 1 in 20 1/2-ton pickups have the payload to tow that Cougar or any of the other 3. Add 15-18% of the GVWR for pin weight, a 250# fifth wheel hitch, and the weight of 2-4 people in the cab and all the gear/devices they need with them while traveling. That total weight will likely exceed the rear axle load and max. payload of most 1/2-tons. And that doesn’t include the drag caused by that tall frontal area of a fifth wheel and the ability to stop that load in an emergency. Although we no longer have our fifth wheel, I certainly wouldn’t have towed its 26’7″ and 8645# GVWR with any 1/2-ton.