Kevin JohnsonRecreational vehicles (RVs) like fifth wheels are perfect for weekend and long-term campers and outdoorsy families. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are towable RVs, helping adventurous souls explore the outdoors and create memories around campfires. However, fifth wheels are larger and costlier than travel trailers. The best fifth-wheel brands offer luxurious RVs with modern amenities, high-end appliances, and enough space for full-time living. Consider these factors when hunting for a fifth wheel to buy. But which are the best fifth-wheel brands?
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 15 best fifth-wheel RV brands:
1. Grand Design RV
Grand Design RV is a recreational vehicle manufacturer founded in 2012 in Indiana. This Winnebago brand manufactures fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers. The GD Solitude series offers 33-42 feet fifth-wheel models with 15 floor plans and spacious designs. In Apr 2024, the company unveiled the new Lineage Class C motorhome, marking its entry into the motorized category. [1]
Image source: Grand Design RV
Pros: Grand Design’s Solitude fifth-wheel models are high-quality and offer enough space for extended stays. You can choose from 15 floorplans and designs to ensure your fifth wheel meets all your needs.
Cons: Grand Design’s fifth wheels come with a higher price point. Customization options increase the purchase price substantially.
Price Range: $90,000-$250,000
2. Forest River
Forest River is a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and an RV manufacturer founded in 1996. The brand offers fifth wheels, recreational vehicles, trailers, pontoon boats, and buses. Its top-selling fifth-wheel models include the Arctic Wolf and Cardinal Luxury. In 2024, Forest River unveiled the new limited-edition Ozark 2400BHLE. [2]
Image source: Forest River
Pros: Forest River offers award-winning fifth-wheel models with extensive customization options. You can choose the Cardinal Luxury as your home away from home or the Arctic Wolf for its towability and value. Both fifth-wheel models provide comfort and style.
Cons: Forest River combines OSB, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum to create RVs’ bodies. This combo increases the risk of durability issues.
Price Range: $79,940-$125,000
3. Northwood
Northwood is an RV manufacturer founded in 1993 and based in Oregon. The brand offers fifth wheels, travel trailers, and slide-out truck campers. Northwood Fox Mountain and Arctic Fox Grande Ronde are the go-to fifth-wheel series for outdoorsy families. In Jul 2023, the brand unveiled upgrades for Arctic Fox and Wolf Creek models. [3]
Image source: Northwood MFG
Pros: Northwood offers durable, high-quality, and spacious fifth wheels. Its units have a four-season capability, enabling full-time living.
Cons: Some Northwood RV models are heavier than alternatives from other brands. You may need a more powerful vehicle to tow your Northwood Mountain Fox fifth wheel.
Price Range: $75,000-$150,000
4. Keystone RV
Keystone is an Indiana-based RV manufacturer owned by THOR Industries. The brand offers Keystone Laredo mid-luxury fifth wheels and Keystone Fuzion and Raptor fifth-wheel toy haulers. Other Keystone RV series include Montana, Alpine, Avalanche, Springdale, Cougar, Arcadia, Outback, Sprinter, and Hideout. In Jan 2024, Keystone unveiled a new Montana 3623EB model with eBike storage. This RV has bike garage slide boxes. [4]
Image source: Keystone RV
Pros: Keystone manufactures all RVs, from fifth wheels to travel trailers, toy haulers, and single-axle minis. You can buy everything you need to explore the outdoors from a single, trusted RV brand.
Cons: Keystone’s Raptor and Fuzion fifth-wheel toy haulers are expensive, starting at around $100k. However, you can find affordable Keystone Laredo fifth wheels at under $50k.
Price Range: $43,000-$150,000
5. SpaceCraft MFG
SpaceCraft is a Missouri-based RV manufacturer with over 60 years of experience. The brand custom builds 40-57-foot semi-trailers, 35-51-foot fifth wheels, and lightweight travel trailers. In the 1990s, Space Craft added the semi-truck RV platform. The company created a custom 55-foot semi-travel trailer for a carnival customer in 2021 with three slide-outs, two entry doors, and three air condition units on the roof. [5]
Image source: SpaceCraft MFG
Pros: SpaceCraft has built fully custom fifth wheels for over 60 years. Each unit is based on the customer’s specifications, ensuring it is unique. The brand stands out thanks to its quality construction and innovative features.
Cons: SpaceCraft offers the most expensive fifth wheels on the market. It is the perfect brand for millionaires seeking to build their dream RVs from the ground up.
Price Range: Over $10,000 per linear foot for a new custom-built fifth-wheel RV
6. New Horizons RV
New Horizons is a fifth-wheel RV brand based in Junction City, Kansas. This small RV manufacturer only builds about 20-25 fully customizable fifth-wheel trailers yearly. It is known for its Majestic fifth wheels and toy haulers. The 2024 New Horizons Majestic fifth wheel has 12” boxed chassis sections, a commercial-grade Onan generator unit, and Nautilus water management using SeeLeveL tank monitoring. You can buy this RV for over $300,000. [6]
Image source: New Horizons RV
Pros: New Horizons’ RVs offer four-season comfort and amenities for full-time living. The fifth-wheel RV brand has earned the RV Consumer Group’s only 5-star rating for over a decade. Its custom design approach allows you to select features and personalize your coach to meet your RVing needs.
Cons: New Horizons’ fifth wheels and fifth-wheel toy haulers are expensive. Its models are not lightweight because the company uses wood and solid steel chassis. You’ll need a heavy-duty hauler to tow your New Horizons fifth wheel.
Price Range: $258,118-$317,250
7. Highland Ridge RV
The Highland Ridge fifth-wheel RV brand emerged in 2014 when Jayco bought shares of Open Range RV. Highland Ridge leveraged Jayco’s RV manufacturing know-how to carve a niche among budget-conscious consumers. In Nov 2023, the company launched the 2024 Roamer Light Duty lineup with a starting price of $59,665. Roamer Light Duty is high-quality but affordable. [7]
Image source: Highland Ridge RV
Pros: Highland Ridge offers innovative RVs across price points. Its 2024 Roamer Light Duty is one of the cheapest and most capable fifth wheels.
Cons: Highland Ridge doesn’t offer extensive customization options.
Price Range: $59,665-$114,663
8. DRV Luxury Suites
DRV Luxury Suites is a fifth-wheel manufacturer founded in 2003. The brand has two RV lines: Mobile Suites and Full-House Toy Haulers. You can upgrade your Mobile Suite fifth wheel with the Elite Suite package. In Oct 2023, DRV unveiled new innovations for its 2024 models at Elkhart Extravaganza. The updates include new construction materials, decor schemes, storage solutions, and upgraded tech features. [8]
Image source: DRV Luxury Suites
Pros: DRV offers high-quality and ultra-luxurious fifth wheels built to feel like a home on the road. The brand uses advanced tech solutions and design features to enhance comfort and safety.
Cons: DRV doesn’t offer fully customized fifth-wheel models. The brand has a few locations and dealers that sell its units and provides only two options – Mobile Suites or Full-House Toy Haulers.
Price Range: $150,000-$225,000+
9. Dutchmen RV
Dutchmen is a THOR Industries subsidiary and a leading towable RV manufacturer based in Goshen, Indiana. The brand sells its Aspen Trail, Kodiak, Voltage, Colorado, Yukon, and Astoria recreational vehicles across the US and Canada. You can find fifth wheels under Dutchmen’s Astoria and Voltage labels. In Feb 2024, Dutchmen appointed Aaron Young as its new president to bolster the company’s market presence and relationships with dealers. [9]
Image source: Dutchmen RV
Pros: Dutchmen RV offers innovative fifth wheels with one of the industry’s best structural warranties. The brand fulfills all RV consumer needs, from lightweight RVs to travel trailers and luxury fifth-wheel models.
Cons: Dutchmen restricts fifth-wheel buyers to two RV models – Astoria and Voltage. Its high-end options can be pricey after extensive customization.
Price Range: $56,000-$130,000
10. Luxe
Luxe is a Factory Direct company specializing in four-season luxury fifth wheels for full-time living. The brand offers three fifth-wheel varieties: Luxe Elite, Gold, and Toy Haulers. Each lineup has slide-outs into every floorplan option. For example, the Luxe Toy Hauler has five floorplans with a ramp backdoor and an optional side patio. You can expand the side patio to double your coach’s lateral living space. [10]
Image source: Luxe RV
Pros: Luxe uses the Factory-Fresh approach, focusing on quality rather than quantity. The RV brand will build and deliver your fifth wheel directly from the factory. You can collaborate with the construction crew to customize your unit.
Cons: Luxe’s Factory-Fresh approach is slow. You’ll have to wait months for the company to manufacture your custom fifth wheel.
Price Range: $212,000-$270,000
11. Alliance RV
Alliance RV is a fifth-wheel brand with a 147-acre state-of-the-art production facility in Elkhart, Indiana. It offers three fifth wheel and toy hauler models: the Paradigm, Avenue, and Valor. In Aug 2023, Alliance RV unveiled the new Delta lineup – its first travel trailers. The Delta 294RK and 292RL are based on Alliance’s fifth-wheel floorplan. The brand also extended the Valor line with the new 44V14 and added a 380MP mid-bunk floorplan to its Paradigm fifth-wheel models. [11]
Image source: Alliance RV
Pros: Alliance RV collaborates with the RVing community to improve its fifth wheels and provide the best RV ownership experience. For example, the 2024 Alliance Paradigm has a new slide in the bunkroom and a thin overhead bunk. These upgrades enhance airflow and comfort.
Cons: Alliance Paradigm owners complained about HVAC’s ineffective heating and cooling in the bunkroom. However, the brand introduced a 380MP mid-bunk floorplan to new Paradigm models to address this issue.
Price Range: $49,900-$109,995
12. Crossroads RV
CrossRoads RV is an RV manufacturer founded in 1996. The brand builds its fifth wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers by hand in Topeka, Indiana. Its RV’s fifth wheel models include the Cruiser, Cameo, Volante, Zinger, and Redwood. In 2024, the brand introduced new fifth-wheel floorplans across its Volante, Cameo, Redwood, Zinger, and Cruiser lineups. You can buy CrossRoads RV parts on Amazon. [12]
Image source: CrossRoads RV
Pros: CrossRoads offers a comprehensive RV collection, including affordable fifth wheels and travel trailers. The brand is known for its entry-level Cruiser models.
Cons: Although CrossRoads’ travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers are comfortable and functional, they may not be the fanciest option on the market. Some CrossRoads customers complain about malfunctioning foldable beds and limited access to replacement parts.
Price Range: $42,865-$129,950
13. Coachmen RV
Coachmen is a Forest River, Inc. brand based in Middlebury, Indiana. The company offers fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers. You can buy the Brookstone or Chaparral fifth-wheel Coachmen models. In Sep 2023, the brand introduced its new Remote travel trailer. This RV has six floorplans and features to enable off-grid traveling. [13]
Image source: Coachmen RV
Pros: Coachmen has over 58 years of RV manufacturing experience. It offers functional mid-market fifth wheels.
Cons: Coachmen offers limited fifth-wheel variety and customization. The brand restricts your options to two models – Brookstone or Chaparral.
Price Range: $96,456-$130,000+
14. Bighorn RV
Bighorn is Heartland RV’s fifth-wheel brand. Its fifth-wheel models have unique floorplans to address the needs of different RV users. For example, the luxurious Bighorn 3215RL fifth wheel provides panoramic views and Amish-crafted cabinetry. In Oct 2023, the brand unveiled a new floorplan for the 2024 Bighorn Traveler 38DS. This RV offers a king-sized bed, built-in dresser, 32” TV, and high-end kitchen appliances. [14]
Image source: Heartland RV
Pros: Bighorn is known for its spacious interior with homelike features and amenities. The brand offers several optional upgrades for customers seeking luxury units.
Cons: Bighorn’s fifth wheels are heavier than most alternatives on the market. You may need a heavy-duty vehicle for your coach.
Price Range: $117,142-$140,000+
15. KZ Recreational Vehicles
KZ RV is a THOR Industries company founded in 1972 and based in Shipshewana, Indiana. This brand manufactures fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers. Its fifth-wheel models include the Durango, Sportsmen, Sportster, and Venom. In Feb 2023, KZ RV unveiled its new limited-edition Robby Gordon Speed UTV Venom V-Series. The brand collaborated with Speed UTV co-founders Robby Gordon and Todd Romano to design this toy hauler. [15]
Image source: KZ RV
Pros: KZ RV’s Durango has one of the highest-rated fifth-wheel models on the market. The Durango Gold fifth wheel is a full-time luxury unit with world-class amenities and comfort.
Cons: KZ RV offers limited customization options.
Price Range: $56,000-$125,000
References & more information
- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (2024, Apr 10). Grand Design RV Announces First Motorized RV, ‘Lineage’ Class C. Yahoo Finance
- Barthel, T. (2024, Apr 26). RV review: 2024 Forest River Ozark 2400BHLE – Who’s that, again? RV Travel
- White, G. (2023, Jul 11). 2024 Arctic Fox and Wolf Creek Updates. Truck Camper Magazine
- RV Biz Staff (2024, Jan 12). Keystone Montana Reveals New Model with eBike Storage. RV Business
- Gonderman, M. (2023, Sep 4). Huge 55-FT Big Rig Travel Trailer Is a Home Away That’s Nicer Than Home. Motor Trend
- Barthel, T. (2024, Jan 24). New Horizons Majestic is a highly customizable premium fifth wheel. RV Travel
- Curmei C. (2023, Nov 27). Highland’s insanely affordable 2024 Roamer Fifth-Wheels are in! Auto Evolution
- RV News Staff (2023, Oct 24). DRV Luxury Suites Details 2024 Upgrades. RVNews.com
- Dutchmen RV (2024, Feb 14). Aaron Young was announced as the new President of Dutchmen RV. RV Business
- Curmei, C. (2024, Jul 23). Luxe Toy Haulers land differently than others. Auto Evolution
- Gerard, G. (2023, Aug 24). Alliance Introduces 2024 Products at Open House Preview. RV Business
- Camping World Editor (2024, May 15). CrossRoads RV: Everything You Need to Know. CampingWorld.com
- RV News Staff (2024, May 23). Coachmen RV’s Lightweight Travel Trailer Success. RV News
- Bighorn RV (2023, Oct 28). 2024 Fifth Wheels is jam-packed with new features. Heartland RV
- KZ Recreational Vehicles (2023, Mar 30). KZ debuts new limited-edition Robby Gordon Speed UTV Venom V-Series. KZ-RV.com
- Featured Image by Reza Rostampisheh
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