Last month we wanted to pick your brains about fifth wheel caravans; whether you liked them, if you’d ever consider buying one, and how they differ from your standard touring caravan.

We have been absolutely thrilled with the response and feedback the poll has generated. It’s great to see so many of your views, especially from those of you who own a fifth wheel already.

We’ve a lot of fantastic comments to get through so let’s get started…

David got in touch to tell us that yes he would consider a fifth wheel if they were sized more like your average motorhome, “I would consider a 5th wheel unit but only if there was one made no wider than a van conversion. The reason being is that the space in my garage is limited to an absolute maximum of seven feet and two inches wide so something a little less wide would give me a little space in which to manoeuvre. I only just manage to get my Auto-Sleepers Sandhurst into the space.”

Size is a deciding factor for John too, “I have been on a lot of sites where manoeuvring (a fifth wheel) on a pitch would be difficult using the towing vehicle because of the narrow roadways not permitting ‘swinging’ room. This is usually overcome with a conventional caravan by using a mover – I don’t think you can move a 5th wheeler once unhitched.”

Derek on the other hand, thinks that fifth wheels could be easier to tow, “I looked at these when visiting a show and liked the space and quality and feel they would be more stable when towing.”

Truck driver Harold seconds this, “Having been a truck driver for past 44 years, I am very much a fan of the 5th wheel coupling, it is the more stable of the two (tow ball versus fifth wheel) affordability tow ball wins. The only way to bring fifth wheel into its own is to make the fifth wheel coupling compulsory – ban the tow ball!”

Although this may be the case, John Macbride got in touch to say, “While fifth wheels may be great in theory – and even in practice – they require a special tow vehicle. You cannot tow them with a car or SUV, thus adding somewhat to the expense!”

One of fifth wheels’ major selling point is the size and space they offer, something Stephen Robb is fond of, “As a long term seasoned motorhomer, I would look at a 5th wheeler if the circumstances changed. The space gained and the overall feeling is not as a caravan but a static on wheels. This is what we have with our 28″ motorhome now. Who knows what the future brings.”

Dave and Jane agree, “I would love one, we looked at them and loved the space and the interior.”

Like Mark, a couple of you told us that fifth wheels really come into their own on extended trips, “Having had some experience of fifth wheel I would say they are best suited to long stays on site.”

Keith agrees saying, “I have road tested fifth wheels and find them very easy to drive, if you intend to go away for months at a time there is nothing to compare I intend to buy one when my motor home is sold.”

Before we get to more of your comments, let’s take a look at those all important results 

So who would buy one?

Victor certainly would, “We have a Burstner i821 Elegance and are still considering!”

Paul would too, “Yes I would consider buying a fifth wheel caravan, but as a HGV Class 1 driver I think it would be fair to everyone, if everyone who used a vehicle with a fifth wheel had to take a Class 1 driving test and acquire the appropriate licence. Although a caravan is for recreational purposes, I personally do not feel that there is any difference between one type of fifth wheeled vehicle and another whether for hire or reward or pleasure.”

John Mac loves owning a fifth wheel caravan, “I own a 5th wheel brought from Calder Leisure in Scotland. I’ve travelled all over the UK and Europe in the last four years never had any problems. I would highly recommend people try them”

Thanks for your comments everyone, we’ll have a new poll for you to get involved in shortly. 

If you don’t know what all the fuss is about then why not have a closer look at a fifth wheel caravan at your next show. There are usually a couple of exhibitors at the shows including the NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show.

If you’re looking to insure a fifth wheel caravan, or you’d like more information on policy features and benefits, visit the fifth wheel insurance page.