A fifth wheel trailer offers the amenities found in a travel trailer; however, unlike travel trailers that are one level, the best small fifth wheel campers feature a bi-level floor plan, higher ceilings and much more storage space.
The forward section is raised to allow the trailer to be towed using a truck with a fifth wheel hitch. This design will enable you to securely anchor the travel trailer directly over the rear axle of your vehicle for better towing.
Fifth wheels are one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle. They are larger, have great amenities and larger extra comfy sleeping quarters. Let’s look at the top nine small 5th wheel trailers on the market and the benefits that they offer.
Best Small Fifth Wheels
1) Grand Design Reflection 303RLS
One of the top two selling fifth wheel brands is Grand Design’s Reflection 303RLS. The fifth wheel camper sleeps four and has three slides. The camper is 9,832 pounds and 32 feet long. WIth a hitch weight below 1800 lbs, this rig would be tight to tow with a 1/2 ton truck, safely a 3/4 ton should be used.
Everything you need to enjoy traveling on the road is included in this camper. The front bedroom features a queen size bed with under the bed storage and a closet.
In the rear area of the fifth wheel, you will find a kitchen that includes a kitchen island with a sink, as well as a rear living room area. In the living room, you can choose from theater seating or a tri-fold sofa. The living room also features a cozy fireplace and a large 40 inch tv.
Reflection fifth wheels provide you with an aerodynamic front cap that provides a maximum turn radius. The docking station, LP quick connect, and one touch electric awning with LED lights make set up and take down a breeze.
With numerous compartments for your camp chairs and other necessities, the Grand Design Reflections provides you with everything you need for an enjoyable camping trip.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Three slides
- 32 feet long
- 12 feet high
- Dry weight – 9832
- Gross weight – 11995
- Fresh water – 60 gallons
- Gray water – 87 gallons
- Black water – 47 gallons
- Four Season Insulation
- Heated holding tanks
- 40,000 BTU furnace and 15,000 BTU air conditioner
- Two awnings
- Two LP tanks
- 50 amp electrical service
2) Keystone Montana 3121RL
Keystone has been the best selling fifth wheel brand for the last 14 years. The Montana sleeps up to four people and has three slides. The camper is 35 feet long and weighs 11,999 pounds. With load, a mid size truck (3/4 ton) would be necessary to tow this RV.
This camper company has thought of everything to ensure you experience an enjoyable camping experience. The large master bedroom is located at the front of the fifth wheel and features plenty of storage for all your personal items. The bathroom features a glass shower enclosure.
The rear of this small fifth wheel trailer is filled with amenities galore, including a luxurious kitchen with 18 cubic foot residential refrigerator, pantry, kitchen island, and coffee station. The camper offers a sofa bed and power theater seating surrounding a large HDTV above the fireplace.
Keystone fifth wheel trailers are created with their customers in mind. Each fifth wheel comes with a basic 12 month warranty, a 36 month structure warranty, and a 12 year roof warranty. The fifth wheel features Keystone’s Road Armor suspension and self adjusting brakes.
The fifth wheel is prepped for a rear view camera and offers led back-up lights. It is also prepped for a generator if you choose to do some off grid camping. Finally, its hitch offers a max turn cap at the front and Hitch Vision to help you see better.
Keystone Montana fifth wheel trailers offer two electric patio awnings with LED lights, numerous storage compartments offer ample storage, and an outside shower. Inside, you will enjoy a DVD/MP3/CD entertainment system, two LED televisions, and marine grade speakers inside and out. Luxury abounds throughout the fifth wheel camper. Montana is definitely one of the best small fifth wheels on the market.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Three slides
- 35 feet long
- 13 feet high
- Dry weight – 11,999
- Gross weight – 16,380
- Fresh water – 66 gallons
- Gray water – 88 gallons
- Black water – 49 gallons
- 35,000 BTU furnace and 30,000 BTU air conditioner
- Two power retractable awnings
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
- 75 amp electrical service
3) Open Range OF284RLS
This Open Range small fifth wheel RV provides you with a plethora of storage for comfortable living. The Open Range has great sleeping space (sleeps up to six people) and features three slide outs. The camper is 32 feet long and weighs 10,280 pounds, so it can be towed with most half ton trucks. It has great cargo capacity at 3700 lbs.
You will enjoy the thoughtfulness that Open Range put into this small fifth wheel trailer. The front bedroom features a comfortable bed and a full wet bath complete with a large fiberglass shower. Throughout the suite, you will find a fantastic amount of storage.
In the rear area of the Open Range, you will see the luxury throughout with its open floor plan featuring a dining area, kitchen, and living room. The kitchen features a large island with a stainless steel sink, and an upgradable refrigerator. Beautiful solid surface kitchen countertops throughout. In the living room, you will find theater seating and a large LED television above the electric fireplace. There is ample seating with a large hide a bed sofa and integrated LED lights throughout.
Open Range features dual pane windows, an observation camera, and its patented flush floor slides. The fifth wheel has a four point automatic leveling system to make set up a breeze. With a heat pump to keep you cool and a 50 amp service, you can rest assured that you will be comfortable while camping.
The Open Range features stainless steel appliances throughout, a motion sensing light in the hallway and bedroom, a soundbar in the living room, and an interior convenience center light. The Open Range is prepped for portable solar panels and has power awnings with LED lights.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 6
- Three slides
- 32 feet long
- 13 feet high
- Dry weight – 10,280
- Gross weight – 13,702
- Fresh water – 85 gallons
- Gray water – 98 gallons
- Black water – 41 gallons
- Heat pump
- Pass through storage compartment
- 16 foot power awning
- 60 gallon LP capacity
- 50 amp electrical service
4) Jayco Eagle 317RLOK
The Jayco Eagle is luxury at its best with a rear living room area with garden windows. The Eagle sleeps up to four individuals and features three slides to increase the living space inside your fifth wheel. The camper is 36 feet long and weighs 10,945 pounds.
If you are ready to experience camping in style and comfort, look no further than the Jayco Eagle with its large queen sized master bedroom with walk in closet. You will be surprised by the sure size of the bathroom with its large shower and linen closet.
The rear of the Eagle fifth wheel features numerous advantages. In the kitchen area, you will find a coat closet, walk in pantry, kitchen island with ample counter space, and dining space. The camper also offers theater seating, an entertainment system with a built in fireplace, a ceiling fan and a trifold sofa.
The Jayco Eagle is a well-built fifth wheel and offers a 24 month warranty. The aluminum body and fiberglass sidewall construction will provide you with many years of enjoyment. The Jayco Eagle offers front and rear power leveling jacks and electric drum rear brakes.
The Eagle features a seventeen foot power retractable awning. In addition to the main awning, there is an optional 10 foot awning and an outside kitchen complete with a cooktop and a fridge. There is also an outdoor shower. Inside, you will find two high definition televisions, interior and exterior speakers for full surround, and a CD player.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Three power retractable slides
- 36 feet long
- 13 feet high
- Dry weight – 10,680 pounds
- Gross weight – 12,995 pounds
- Fresh water – 75 gallons
- Gray water – 50 gallons
- Black water – 50 gallons
- Automatic 35,000 BTU heater with a 15,000 BTU automatic air conditioning system
- One power retractable awning with an option for a second awning and outdoor kitchen
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
- 50 amp electrical service
5) Winnebago Minnie Plus 25RKS
Winnebago’s mini fifth wheel campers are known for being extremely well built. The Winnebago Minnie Plus sleeps four people and is 27 feet long which would be considered a short 5th wheel. It is the smallest fifth wheel camper in our roundup. The dry weight of the Minnie Plus is a mere 7,220 pounds. The Minnie Plus line is designed to be towable with half ton trucks.
Winnebago provides you with everything you need. The master bathroom, located at the front of the fifth wheel RV, features a queen sized bed and two wardrobes. The bathroom features an inference from the hallway as well as an entrance from the bedroom.
At the rear of the RV, you will find a large L-shape kitchen, an entertainment center that includes a large HD television, a dinette, and theater seating. In addition to this, there is a pantry and linen closet in the hallway, which offers plenty of storage.
Winnebago offers a one year warranty on their Minnie Plus. This RV features front and rear powered leveling jacks and electric drum brakes. The power tongue jack, roof ladder, and back up prep camera makes it easy to hook up and tow your Winnebago.
The Minnie Plus offers patio speakers, a lockable storage door, and a power awning with LED lights. Inside, you will enjoy an entertainment system that has a USB port, Bluetooth capabilities, DVD and stereo. For short 5th wheel campers, Winnebago are considered to be among the best.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- One power retractable slides
- 27 feet long
- 12 feet high
- Dry weight – 7,220 pounds
- Gross weight – 9,995 pounds
- Fresh water – 50 gallons
- Gray water – 51 gallons
- Black water – 25 gallons
- 30,000 BTU heater with a 15,000 BTU air conditioning system
- One 17 foot power retractable awning
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
6) Coachmen Chaparral 298RLS
The Chaparral by Coachman was developed for travelers just like you. This small fifth wheel rv is 33 feet long and 12 feet high and sleeps four people. It weighs 9575 lbs.
The master bedroom is located at the front of the RV and features double wardrobes, a dresser, and washer and dryer hookups. The large full wet bathroom features a linen closet and a 30 by 50 inch shower.
In the main living quarters, you will find a kitchen island, a pantry and dinette area in the center of the RV. At the rear, you will find theater seating, a 78 inch trifold sofa, and an entertainment center complete with an HD television, radio with CD player and interior and exterior speakers.
The Chaparral features three retractable slide outs and one 15 foot power retractable awning. The exterior area of the RV includes an outdoor kitchen complete with a refrigerator.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Three power retractable slides
- 33 feet long
- 12 feet high
- Dry weight – 9,575 pounds
- Gross weight – 12,000 pounds
- Fresh water – 48 gallons
- Gray water – 90 gallons
- Black water – 45 gallons
- 30,000 BTU heater with a 15,000 BTU air conditioning system
- One 15 foot power retractable awning and outdoor kitchen
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
- 55 amp electrical system
7) Forest River Flagstaff 526RK
Forest River introduced its Flagstaff 526RK in 2019 and won Best in Show for entry level 5th wheels. The RV sleeps four and is 29 feet in length and 13 feet tall. It weighs just over 7900 pounds.
The master bedroom is located at the front of the RV and features a large wardrobe and dressers. From the master bedroom, you can enter the large bathroom via the pocket door or main door located in the hallway.
The main living area features a 60″ sofa and an entertainment center complete with a fireplace. The dinette area offers you a perfect place to congregate and enjoy your family’s company. The kitchen features an upgradeable residential refrigerator and plenty of storage space.
The Flagstaff has two powered slides to increase the square footage of the RV and front power leveling jacks. Storage abounds inside and outside of the fifth wheel to ensure you have everything you need for an enjoyable camping trip. Finally, the 20 foot awning provides you with a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Two power retractable slides
- 29 feet long
- 13 feet high
- Dry weight – 7,909 pounds
- Gross weight – 9,830 pounds
- Fresh water – 60 gallons
- Gray water – 80 gallons
- Black water – 40 gallons
- 35,000 BTU heater with a 13,500 BTU air conditioning system
- One 20 foot power retractable awning
- Two14 gallon LP tanks
- 55 amp electrical system
“Big, beautiful, and boasting an interior that could rival any high-end Class A rig’s on the market, fifth wheel trailers are one of the most popular options for campers looking to upgrade their game while still keeping the unique benefits of a towable rig.” –RVShare.com
8) KZ Sportsmen 303RL
KZ Sportsmen was created for campers who wanted a residential experience while camping. The Sportsmen 303RL sleeps up to six people thanks to the two convertible beds. It weighs in at 10000 lbs fully loaded, and would probably need a 3/4 ton truck to tow.
The master bedroom, located at the front of the fifth wheel trailer, features a queen bed and plenty of storage for all of your items. The bathroom is located in the hallway and features a corner shower.
In the main living area, you will find a kitchen with a kitchen island and a 42 inch dinette area. In the rear of the camper, you will find a 70 inch sofa and two end tables. The entertainment center has an optional 30 inch fireplaces. Across from the entertainment center, you have comfortable theater seating.
Outdoors is a 13 foot awning with pass through storage. There is also an optional 11 foot awning available. The Sportsmen features a front power leveling jack and a manual rear leveling jack.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 6
- Three power retractable slides
- 34 feet long
- 12 feet high
- Dry weight – 8,640 pounds
- Gross weight – 10,000 pounds
- Fresh water – 38 gallons
- Gray water – 53 gallons
- Black water – 53 gallons
- 30,000 BTU heater with a 13,500 BTU air conditioning system
- One 13 foot power retractable awning and optional 11 foot awning
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
9) Dutchmen Astoria 3173 RLP
The Dutchman Astoria was voted “Best in Show” for mid priced 5th wheel campers by RV News. The Astoria is a 36 foot fifth wheel trailer that sleeps four adults. At 12000 lbs this rig would require at least a 3/4 ton truck.
The master bedroom is located at the front of the camper and features a king size bed, dresser, and a large wardrobe. In addition to this, washer and dryer hookups are in the bedroom. The bathroom features a large shower and double sinks.
In the main living area, you will enjoy a large kitchen featuring a kitchen island, a 12 cubic foot refrigerator, and a pantry. There is plenty of seating in the RV including comfortable theater seating, a tri fold sofa, and a free standing dinette. In the central area, you will also find a gorgeous fireplace and entertainment center.
The Dutchmen Astoria fifth wheel RV features a 36 month structure warranty. With three power retractable slide outs and two power awnings, you and your family will have plenty of room to enjoy your next camping trip.
Stats at a Glance:
- Sleeps 4
- Three power retractable slides
- 36 feet long
- 12 feet high
- Dry weight – 10,007 pounds
- Gross weight – 12,000 pounds
- Fresh water – 50 gallons
- Gray water – 70 gallons
- Black water – 39 gallons
- 35,000 BTU heater with a 15,000 BTU air conditioning system
- Two retractable awnings
- Two 14 gallon LP tanks
- 50 amp electrical system
Why Choose a Small 5th Wheel Trailer?
According to TripSavvy, when it comes to investing in an RV, finding the right type is essential to getting the most out of it on and off the road. (1) Small fifth wheel trailers offer a number of benefits not found in travel trailers, pop up campers, or larger fifth wheel trailers.
The first benefit of a small fifth wheel trailer is the size is more manageable when towing. When shopping for a recreational vehicle, the first thing you should consider is the maneuverability and length of the camper. Many new RVers prefer a small camper because they are intimidated by towing a long camper.
A second benefit of a smaller fifth wheel is that it will allow access to more camping spaces. This is especially important when camping in state and National Parks. Most National Park campgrounds have length limits for RV’s.
Another benefit of a fifth wheel is storage, because of the split level design, there is typically a ton more storage room in a fifth wheel than in a similar model travel trailer. This is really helpful on longer trips or full time living.
“Because a large portion of an RV is inside and above the bed of a truck, the fifth wheel is easier to tow and more stable. Sway during towing is minimized thanks to the improved aerodynamics that fifth wheels offer when compared to travel trailers. The fifth wheel towing hitch provides a secure anchor point and displaces the weight of the trailer better than the standard travel trailer.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Small Fifth Wheel Camper
There are several things to consider before buying a fifth wheel RV.
Small fifth wheel trailers typically weigh a good bit more than comparably sized travel trailers. Therefore, if you are concerned about the capabilities of your vehicle, it is important to know that the towing requirements are different than a travel trailer.
Many manufacturers carry a line of very lightweight fifth wheels that can be towed by a half ton truck, but typically a 3/4 ton or larger is required for fifth wheels. The engines and pulling power may be similar, but the load (hitch weight) can be significantly different. Check the gross vehicle weight rating on your truck before you buy.
Another thing to consider in a truck is diesel vs gas. Diesel trucks have better mileage and can tow much more so they are a strong preference of fifth wheel owners. You should also consider truck bed length, and how the fiver will turn. With short bed trucks, you may need a special hitch.
Fifth wheels are usually taller than other RVs. In certain areas of the American landscape, particularly the Northeast, you may need to find an alternate route due to clearance issues, which can make route planning taxing. Even a small fifth wheel camper will be at least twelve feet tall a good bit more than a similar length travel trailer.
The best small fifth wheel campers provide you with an excellent design and use of space. A large portion of the camper sits above the bed of the truck, which reduces the total length of the RV and tow vehicle. Fifth wheel’s floorplan options are virtually endless.
A fifth wheel trailer is an excellent choice if you are on a budget because you get more RV for your money.
Because a large portion of an RV is inside and above the bed of a truck, the fifth wheel is easier to tow and more stable. Sway during towing is minimized thanks to the improved aerodynamics that fifth wheels offer when compared to travel trailers. The fifth wheel towing hitch provides a secure anchor point and displaces the weight of the trailer better than the standard travel trailer.
Although the hitch can seem intimidating in the beginning, soon, you will realize how much better a fifth wheel tows when compared to a travel trailer. Fifth wheels allow you to park, unhook the fifth wheel from the truck and use your truck to explore the area or go after supplies.
According to RV Share, although it might take a second to master, fifth wheel towing isn’t really any more difficult or dangerous than other types of driving once you get the hang of it.(2)
Convinced and wanting to try out a fifth wheel? Why not just rent one for a weekend in your local area? It is really easy using Outdoorsy and you will be renting right from an owner, so you will probably have the opportunity to ask questions as well. Then you can decide for yourself which is the best small fifth wheel camper.
Here are some options in your area:
(1) Melissa Popp, Top 5 5th Wheel RVs Money Can Buy, https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-5-fifth-wheel-picks-2912462
(2) Jamie Cattanach, A Deep Dive Into Fifth Wheelers https://rvshare.com/blog/fifth-wheel-trailer/
Frank Foley
Frank is the Head Hubby, Daddy, and Fix-It Guy of the Roving Foleys clan. He ia an avid traveler and has spent over 5 years traveling full time with his family. he loves helping others learn about the RV life. He has also traveled in Europe, Asia, and Australia with his wife Grainne.
After 4 years of full-time RV travel, we went on a mission to search out the best fifth wheel and discovered Northwood Manufacturing. They are known for having the highest quality built including a chassis made specifically for each model and residential insulation. We purchased their 30′ Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel (model 27-5L) and couldn’t be happier!
Hey Julie, thanks for your opinion. We also did an exhaustive search. Northwood does have a good reputation. Glad you are happy with your choice!
Like the smaller 5th wheels but would like to see a rear bathroom with more ceiling height. Front livingroom would be nice