The 10 Best Small Fifth Wheel Trailers You Can Buy Right Now!

These days, once it comes to 5th wheel trailers, RVers have access to a wide range of models. While full-sized trailers definitely attract lots of people due to ample interior space, many still stick to compact rigs.

Compared to other types of RVs, small 5th wheel trailers usually come at affordable prices, handle well on the road and have basic storage requirements. Because of that, for outdoor excursions that only involve small groups of RVers, small fifth-wheel campers prove to be excellent rides in most cases.

Reviews Of Top-Rated Small 5th Wheel Trailers

New to the RV world and like to check out quality small 5th wheel trailers? If that is so, this article is tailored for you. Down below, you would find in-depth analyses of some of the best small fifth-wheel campers on the market.

1. Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Fiberglass exterior
• High gloss finish
• Ducted furnace

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 28 x 13 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 7,630 Pounds

Why This Is The Best

Packing the latest amnesties and top-notch construction materials, Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite is well-liked by lots of RVers, novices and veterans alike. In fact, regarding all-around performance, Rockwood Ultra Lite is widely considered to be one of the best small 5th wheel trailers on the market.

With a combination of fiberglass exterior and high gloss finish, the trailer of Forest River is aesthetically pleasing but it also withstands the elements well. Available in multiple floor plans, Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite could deliver highly customized travel experiences.

Compared to other models, the Forest River fifth wheel camper seems to have a modest kitchen but it still possesses everything you need to cook. Due to the incorporation of the recessed stove top, RVers have plenty of countertop space.

To preserve ingredients on the road, a double door fridge with a freezer is included. Hence, you should be able to whip up an assortment of delicious dishes on Rockwood Ultra Lite without much difficulty. Moreover, Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite features many overhead cabinets so storage space is excellent.

As for ventilation, the fifth wheel trailer from Forest River utilizes a robust Maxx Air venting system that keeps the airs in the interior moving. Thus, even if the windows of the trailer cannot be opened, the atmosphere inside Rockwood Ultra Lite never gets stuffy.

Pros:

• Compact and light
• Marvelous durability
• Splendid features

Cons:

• Insulation is mediocre
• Slide-out sections need some work  

2. Winnebago Minnie Plus 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Adjustable steps
• Electric water heater
• Flex suspension system

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27 x 12  x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 7,220 Pounds

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice

Thanks to the use of the T60 diesel pusher, the exterior of Winnebago Minnie Plus is well-protected against bumps and scratches outdoors. As a result, Minnie Plus should look like new years after purchase, a major plus.

About the chassis, the 5th wheel trailer of Winnebago uses high strength alloy so it’s both light and strong. In addition, the chassis of Winnebago Minnie Plus receive much-needed structural reinforcements toward the end which is why you don’t have to spend money on a premium towing hitch just to pull it.

In use, the first-rate stabilizers of the Winnebago fifth wheel camper allow you to stabilize it on rough terrains. Also, the adjustable foot of  Minnie Plus guarantees even surfaces regardless of the grounds underneath. Because of that, in the opinion of various full-time RVers, Winnebago Minnie Plus is among the finest small 5th wheel trailers for off-roading.

Boasting a flex suspension system, the travel trailer from Winnebago effectively and efficiently soaks up jerks as well as vibrations. Therefore, you could enjoy yourself to the fullest while riding on Minnie Plus of Winnebago.

One interesting feature of Minnie Plus is that it carries the spare under the belly instead of at the back. That means the tire is relatively safe from the elements and you may add cargo to the back if needed.

Pros:

• Spacious interior
• Outstanding headroom
• Handy winterization bypass

Cons:

• Barely adequate quality control
• Several RVers report water leaks

3. Palomino Puma 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Overhead cabinets
• Manual stabilizer jacks
• Kitchen backsplash

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 6,788 Pounds

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice

Being extremely light, Puma of Palomino takes the top spot in a lot of reviews about small 5th wheel trailers once it comes to handling characteristics. You would be able to make sharp maneuvers with Puma in tow, hence, it proves to be a nice choice for first-time RVers.

Furthermore, most floorplans of the Palomino trailer could be towed by modern ½ ton trucks too. So Palomino Puma performs admirably in quite a few applications these kinds of days and due to its compact dimensions, Puma is going to fit almost every campground for RV.

In the interior, the fifth wheel camper from Palomino packs a sublime collection of amenities: furnace, Bluetooth stereo, foam mattress, steel sink and so on. Needless to say, the comfort level of Palomino Puma is superior to the average trailers. Of course, if you need more, Palomino indeed offers RVers a couple of optional features that come at reasonable prices. All in all, if comfort happens to be your main concern in RV travels, Palomino Puma is your best bet.

For safety, control panels in Puma of Palomino have been located high above to prevent children from touching them. That makes the Palomino fifth wheel camper an all-time favorite of RVers that have to look after some energetic kids.        

Pros:

• Family-friendly layout
• Wonderful handling
• Rock-solid appliances

Cons:

• Need cabinet in the interior
• Leakage is a common complaint

4. Palomino Backpack 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Battery charging station
• Congoleum flooring
• Interior lighting

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 7 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 1,561 Pounds

Why We Love It

Looking for mini fifth-wheel campers that fit on the back of the average trucks? If that happens to be the case, Palomino Backpack certainly fits the bill. Notwithstanding its humble appearance, the travel trailer of Palomino packs quite a few features, inside and outside.

Through the integrated flip-up steps of Backpack, you should be able to get into the interior without much difficulty. With handy storage compartments on both sides of its bumper, Palomino Backpack could accommodate lots of things for its size.

Made to be used year-round, Backpack of Palomino boasts splendid insulations to keep the interior warm in all seasons. Because of the slide-out sections, it’s possible for RVer to obtain additional space while using the Palomino trailer. For ventilation, Palomino Backpack uses a simple but practical roof vent with a 12V fan which keeps the atmosphere fresh. Since the interior of Backpack contains multiple outlets and USB charging ports, you may use whatever electric appliances you like.

Regarding the kitchen, Palomino Backpack offers RVers a double stainless sink, a 3-burner stove, a microwave and plenty of cupboards. That should be enough for you to prepare all sorts of meals on the road.

Pros:

• Ultralight
• Slim and sleek
• The price is fair

Cons:

• Unprotected tail lights
• Unresponsive customer service

5. KZ Durango 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Outside speakers
• Residential-style furniture
• Electric awnings

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 34 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 10,130 Pounds

Why We Love It

Despite the fact that KZ Durango is intended for small families, its roomy interior nonetheless permits you to bring more people than you originally anticipated. As for the features, the 5th wheel trailer from KZ contains pretty much every amenity that you need for typical excursions so you should be able to travel in comfort. Since it’s built on a tough chassis, Durango holds together well in constant use. Naturally, KZ Durango tends to be held in high regard by RVers that seek long-lasting small 5th wheel trailers.

On the road, the integration of heavy-duty aluminum wheels with E-range tires give the KZ camper superb handling. Thus, maneuvering KZ Durango into position is by all accounts a walk in the park. Additionally, with the electric awnings, the travel trailer of KZ could illuminate its immediate surroundings which help RVers move around after sunset without much difficulty. Last but not least, because of the outside speakers, Durango is capable of supporting a wide range of recreational activities.

To reassure the users about the performance of Durango, KZ backs it with a 2-year hitch-to-bumper limited warranty. So if your KZ fifth-wheel camper experience issues within the warranty period, it would be repaired free of charge.

Pros:

• Resilient
• Neat lighting system
• Good post-purchase supports

Cons:

• Quality control is less than ideal
• Sensitivity of the switches of particular appliances is too high

6. Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• LED interior lighting
• USB charging ports
• Carbon monoxide/LP detector

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 29 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 7,700 Pounds

Why We Love It

Deemed to be one of the smallest 5th wheel trailers available for purchase on the market, Jayco Eagle is a fitting model for couple travelers. Technically, you could squeeze a few more people into the trailer of Jayco but remember that it’s a rig for two persons after all. So if you and your partner want to take a break and head outdoors every so often, take a close look at Eagle. As Jayco Eagle is also accompanied by an economical price tag, it’s well-received by many budget-minded RVers.

To facilitate cleaning, the Jayco fifth wheel camper employs laminate wood floorings that let you take care of messes in the blink of an eye. In the kitchen, Eagle boasts an oven, a burner stove top and a microwave, enough for you to prepare lots of delicious recipes without issue. The headroom of the bathroom in Jayco Eagle still leaves a lot to be desired but in exchange, the storage space onboard is truly unmatched.

Regarding safety, the trailer of Jayco possesses a sensitive carbon monoxide/LP detector that immediately informs you of potential risks.

Overall, you would likely have a pleasant time with the standard features of Jayco Eagle. But if you want to optimize the comfort level and have money to afford it, feel free to purchase optional features such as bedroom A/C, LED TV, theater seatings, …

Pros:

• Wonderful endurace
• Premium-grade amenities
• Responsive technical assistance

Cons:

• Inconsistencies between trailers
• Certain features should be tweaked

7. Northwood Fox Mountain 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• High-density foam insulation
• Digital thermostat
• Aluminum Frame

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 8,130 Pounds

Why We Love It

Dependable and reliable, Northwood Fox Mountain is regarded as second to none in terms of adaptability in its price range. If you wish to hit the road throughout the year then you should consider adding Fox Mountain to your shortlist.

Being well-insulated, the 5th wheel trailer of Northwood is able to maintain the temperature inside the interior at appropriate levels. Therefore, Northwood Fox Mountain works well in locations that usually see substantial temperature fluctuations in the course of a day.

While Fox Mountain falls behind other models of campers once it comes to floorplans, the amenities it carries remain marvelous. With solid kitchen countertop, built-in microwave and high-output 3-burner range, cooking in the Northwood travel trailer is straightforward.

In addition to that, thanks to the powerful integrated ceiling fan, you don’t have to worry about lingering smells. A top-notch 32-inch LED television is present on Northwood Fox Mountain as well so you could follow your favorite TV programs as you go.

About maneuverability of Northwood Fox Mountain, assuming that you own a suitable towing truck, you would have an easy time pulling it through multiple terrains. The five-star E-range tires of the Northwood camper have a good grip on the grounds which prevent slipping.

Pros:

• Durable
• Full-featured interior
• Outstanding storage

Cons:

• Mediocre seat and bed cushions
• The finish is barely acceptable

8. Keystone Hideout 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Adjustable power awning
• Powder-coated frame
• Walk-on roof

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 7,956 Pounds

Why We Love It

For tailgating, the Keystone Hideout is among the best small 5th wheel trailers that money can buy these kinds of days. With various floor plans and optional features, the Keystone camper is capable of satisfying an assortment of needs of typical RVers. For instance, controlled by thermostat, the electric fireplace of Hideout is going to keep you warm as outside temperature drops. You want to relax your mind after a long day? Then the sublime TV set-sound bar combo of Keystone Hideout would bring to you the latest forms of entertainment.

Regarding endurance, Hideout is made using powder-coated frames so it’s able to withstand a wide range of elements. The use of heavy-duty stabilizer jacks allows the travel trailer of the Keystone to be stabilized on uneven surfaces. Also, due to the walk-on roof, you may climb on top of the Keystone Hideout to perform inspections, conduct repairs, deploy covers and so on. It’s worth noting that the Keystone fifth wheel camper is solar prepped, hence, you could fit it with solar panels in no time flat.  

As for storage, Hideout of Keystone boasts an oversized pass-thru storage alongside a full strutted storage under the masterbed. That is why if you elect to purchase the Keystone trailer, you never have to concern yourself with storage space.

Pros:

• Plenty of storage space
• No-nonsense handling
• Nice customizations

Cons:

• A few RVers complain about sloppy finishes
• Customer service is a bit unresponsive

9. Forest River Impression 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Aluminum wheels
• Triple entry step
• Roof ladder

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 8,528 Pounds

Why We Love It

As a fair-priced trailer, Forest River Impression is highly sought after by RVers that desire luxury but don’t like to spend a fortune. Made with high-quality materials, the 5th wheel trailer of  Forest River undoubtedly adapts well to a lot of applications.

Because of the hitch light, it’s possible for you to couple and uncouple Impression in low-light condition, a major plus in overnight driving. Able to accommodate a propane tank and sizable batteries, Forest River Impression could power whatever appliances you have in mind.

Instead of steel, the entry step of the Forest River travel trailer uses aluminum which means rust is less than an issue in most cases. Like its competitors, Impression put the spare tire in the back but if required, feel free to relocate the spare tire to the underbelly to make space for bike racks.

Upon purchase, Forest River Impression comes with a 13,500-BTU A/C so it’s a superb trailer for summer adventures. Packing an upgraded torsion axle system that absorbs bumps and vibrations, Impression makes sure that RVers have a smooth ride. 

On the inside, Forest River Impression features a digital thermostat that lets you adjust the temperature pretty much at will. Accompanied by a big exhaust fan in the ceiling, the Forest River excels at removing moisture as well as odors.

Pros:

• Strong chassis
• Ventilation is first-rate
• Premium-grade appliances

Cons:

• Several users report customer supports to be inadequate
• Some amenities seem kind of flimsy

10. Starcraft Telluride 5th Wheel Trailer

Features:

• Rigid foam insulation
• Rear stabilizer jacks
• Electrical outlets and USB ports

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 34 x 12 x 8 Feet (L x H x W)
• Weight: 8,070 Pounds

Why We Love It

Boasting a modern design, Starcraft Telluride is a stylish 5th wheel trailer that comes with lots of high-quality amenities. Thanks to the incorporation of residential-style flooring, the camper of Starcraft creates a household atmosphere that everyone could enjoy.

Since it contains pull-out pet dishes in addition to pet bed, Telluride is one of the best small 5th wheel trailers for pet owners. So if you want to explore the outdoors with your little friends then you should pay attention to  Starcraft Telluride.

With first-class self-adjusting electric brakes, Telluride of Starcraft is known to have sublime handling characteristics on the road. Furthermore, by making use of robust radial tires, Telluride is able to navigate rough surfaces.

As the Starcraft fifth wheel camper possesses an easily accessible carrier for the spare tire,  you could resume traveling in a couple of moments if you experience a flat tire. Last but not least, Starcraft Telluride incorporates a roof ladder so getting onto the rooftop is a piece of cake.

In case the standard features fail to please you, Starcraft offers a number of options that could boost the performance of Telluride like auto-leveling system, freestanding table, hitch/pin box turning point and so on.

Pros:

• Sleek construction
• Comfort level is superb
• Outstanding optional features

Cons:

• Poor placements of light switches
• Water leaks every now and then

Buying Small 5th Wheel Trailers: Factors to Consider

Of course, different RVers look for different things while choosing recreational vehicles so a particular model could receive conflicting reviews. That being said, so as to make sure that your money is well spent, it’s strongly recommended that you go through the following criteria

Price

Small 5th wheel trailers undoubtedly appear more affordable than big ones but you still have to give price some thoughts. Being an RVers, you have to take care of lots of expenses so you must refrain from emptying your wallet to grab a fancy trailer. Instead of buying on impulse, write down all the features that you seek, see what models have them then proceed to create a sound budget. In addition, stay away from unimaginably cheap trailers as they potentially have substandard build qualities.

Maneuverability

Generally speaking, the compact dimensions of small fifth-wheel campers means it’s usually a breeze to get them to move as you see fit. Nonetheless, as a precaution, you need to pay special attention to the maneuverability of market models that match your preferences. On the road, RVers have to perform a wide range of tight maneuvers so it’s essential that you prioritize trailers with forgiving handling characteristics. To make a wise choice here, take the size of your towing vehicle into account.

Ruggedness

Nothing lasts forever but you definitely don’t want to own a trailer that requires repairs too often which cost ill-afforded time and money. That is why you need to determine if the model you like could hold together. In most of the cases, you would be able to get a general idea about the ruggedness of particular rigs by assessing the construction materials. However, to be on the safe side, you should also consider taking a glance at the feedback of other users to reach an informed conclusion.

Weight

In towing operations, the weight of the trailer influences the stability of the towing setup. Thus, for your own good, it’s of utmost importance that you select a model that matches your towing vehicle. Normally, by checking the towing capacity of your towing vehicle, you can deduce the ideal weight for your travel trailer. Automobile manufacturers tend to put the towing capacity in the owner’s manual so remember to look in there first. Cannot find information regarding the towing capacity in the manual? Then contact the manufacturer directly.

Brand

The market of 5th wheel trailers nowadays features a lot of brands, all have received compliments and complaints from RVers. Overall, you may get your trailer from whatever brand you like but if possible, you should stick to reputable names such as Jayco, Forest River, Palomino, Winnebago and so on. Despite the fact that trailers from these famous manufacturers indeed fail to deliver satisfaction on occasions, they remain superior to models from lesser-known brands.

FAQs About Small 5th Wheel Trailers

Is it wise to pick up used fifth-wheel campers?

All in all, for RVers that have limited shopping budgets, buying second hand recreational vehicles certainly sounds like a good idea. By buying a used trailer instead of a brand new one, you could get your desired model and save a couple of bucks as well. Still, remember that depending on the previous owners, the actual conditions of secondhand RVs change significantly from case to case. As a result, if you think about purchasing used small 5th wheel trailers, you must perform comprehensive inspections before deciding.

Do I need to get myself a new towing hitch?

To tow a 5th wheel trailer, you need to have a 5th wheel towing hitch. That means if your towing vehicle already possesses a suitable 5th wheel hitch onboard then a new towing is unneeded. On the other hand, if your towing vehicle lacks a 5th wheel hitch, pay a visit to the local auto store and get one immediately.

What should I do to protect my 5th wheel trailer?

Designed for outdoor, travel trailers don’t exactly need special protection but if you wish to keep your rig in shape, grab an RV cover. Just by putting a cover on your 5th wheel trailer, you would be able to reduce its exposure to the elements including wind, snow, rain, … That is going to slow down the aging of the materials and make your RV look younger than it is which increases the resale value. Since RV covers come at relatively affordable prices, RVers could obtain them without much difficulty.

How do I clean the exterior surfaces of my fifth-wheel trailer after a trip?

Difference trailers have different cleaning requirements but usually, soft cloths and soapy waters should suffice.   Avoid using cleaning solutions as they may degrade the materials of your rig over time. Once you finish cleaning your travel trailer, park it in a well-ventilated space to let its exterior surfaces dry. After that, you could proceed as you see fit: pull the trailer into storage, put a cover on the trailer, …

What needs to be done if the tires of my 5th wheel trailer wear unevenly?

Lots of things cause uneven wear on the tires of trailers: under-inflated tires, cheap rubbers, overloading and so on. To get to the bottom of the issue, you have to take a look at your trailer for odd signs.