If you’re curious about the best 4 season fifth wheel because you want to try full time RV living, then this article is for you. We’ll present several highly rated fifth wheels and dissect their pros and cons. That way, you’re thoroughly informed and equipped to make any life-changing decision about your residence.
Fifth Wheels
First of all, what are fifth wheels? Fifth wheels are a kind of towable RV – the largest type in this category – that are bigger than your regular travel trailer of camper. They vary in size, but you can be sure about their comfort and convenience. We’ll discuss this in more detail below.
Advantages
A growing number of RVers prefer fifth wheels because of their benefits in terms of mobility, space & storage, stability, and value.
To illustrate, fifth wheels can be detached from your pick-up trucks and left in a campground. In terms of space and storage, several compartments have been integrated into a fifth wheel’s design. Most even have underneath or basement storage.
When talking about stability, fifth wheels are designed to me more aerodynamic. They also securely attach to the bed of your trucks. Lastly, some fifth wheels can compete with the size of the biggest motorhomes, but only cost a fraction of the price.
Disadvantages
Of course, like in any RV category, fifth wheels also have their cons. Specifically, the gas expense and limited space while traveling.
Towing an RV will have implications on gas mileage. Basically, the rule is the bigger and heavier your towable is, the more gas you’ll consume. Add this information to the fact the most pick-up trucks aren’t fuel efficient to begin with. Another strike against fifth wheels is the limited space you have while traveling. In most states, you are not allowed to stay inside your fifth wheel while it is in motion.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on to what you really came here to see, a list of what we feel are the best 4 season fifth wheels.
Best 4 Season Fifth Wheels
Listed below are what we think are the best 4 season fifth wheels on the market. Each has their own characteristics, and we’ll try our best to highlight their differences.
Keystone Montana High Country
The Keystone Montana series is a pretty solid line of fifth wheels. However, we think the High Country deserves special mention. Considered a luxury fifth wheel, it merges the comforts of home with the excitement of the outdoors.
You can choose from several floor plans that will put the High Country between 34 to 41 feet long, and with a sleeping capacity of 4 to 10 people. Its specs can include a bunkhouse, garage, interior & outdoor kitchen, front living area, and a rear den.
What makes it fit for all seasons, especially the cold winter months? Well, it has thick floor decking and a double insulated rear wall. In particular, its four season living package includes the following, to name a few:
- Furnace
- Heat pump on the main aircon
- Insulated roof, floor, and side walls
- Electric tank heaters
- LED fireplace
- In-floor straight line heat duct system
- Enclosed heated low point drains
- Insulated and heated holding tanks and dump valves
- Ducted air conditioner in the bedroom
Another key point to know is that it’s a ¾ ton truck towable fifth wheel.
Grand Design Reflection Series
Second on the list is the Grand Design Reflection Series. It has a relaxed and laid-back interior that really makes you feel comfortable. A true home on the road, this fifth wheel has a gourmet kitchen with solid countertops, steel sink, and a high-rise faucet. Depending on the floor plan, you can end up with a fifth wheel between 30 to 41 feet long.
A queen bed can fit in the bedroom, but for other floor plans, you can choose a king bed instead. While we’re on the topic of the bedroom, you should know that the Reflection series incorporates heat registers and underbed storage into its design. The interior is simple and classy, with maple cabinet doors, hardwood drawer fronts, and panoramic slide room windows.
Equipped to weather all seasons of the year, tts Arctic 4-seasons protection package comes with the following:
- BTU High Capacity Furnace
- Double Insulated Roof and front cap
- Winterization Valve
- Ducted heat for storage areas
- Insulated slide-out floors
- Holding tank heating pads
Compared to the High Country, this is a little more lightweight. So much so that a half ton pick-up truck is capable enough to tow it.
Heartland Bighorn
Last on our list is the Heartland Bighorn. Another luxury fifth wheel, the bighorn markets itself primarily for full-timers. As with the High Country, it has several floor plans which allow it to range from 36 to 43 feet long. With a walk-in pantry, king sized bed, laundry room, and utility sink, you’ll really feel at home.
Most people might equate living on the road to being off the grid. However, this fifth wheel’s audio, video, and technology system includes TVs, Bluetooth, and WiFi. That’s not to say you can’t go off the grid because Bighorn also has a solar power system.
What differentiates the bighorn from other fifth wheels in the market is its design. Having a frame made of aluminum and laminated high gloss material, it’s comparably lighter. Consequently, this fact could do wonders for your gas mileage. Other features that make it 4-season ready are:
- Double insulated front and read caps
- BTU Furnace
- Hot Water Heater
- BTU Electric fireplace
- Heated and enclosed holding tanks
- Insulated slam latch baggage doors
These are only a few of the features it offers. The Bighorn is also towable by a ¾ ton pick-up truck.
Summary
In conclusion, fifth wheels are great options for families or individuals looking to have a mobile home. Although we mentioned a couple of options above, there are several others available in the market. You can do further research to find one that fits your needs. Keep in mind that the best 4 season fifth wheel is dependent on your lifestyle and budget.
