Why a Fucking Fifth Wheel RV

      I get asked a lot why did I decide to buy a Fifth Wheeled Recreational Vehicle (RV). The answer is pretty fucking simple, “Because that’s what I wanted.” Why make shit so difficult

Why is it called a Fifth Wheel? 
   The term fifth wheel comes from a similar coupling used on four-wheel horse-drawn carriages and wagons. The device allowed the front axle assembly to pivot in the horizontal plane, to facilitate turning. ... Fifth wheels were originally not a complete circle and were hand forged.  I’m sure that didn’t make sense. In laymen terms, the hitch is in the bed of the truck like an Eighteen Wheeler as opposed to being behind that truck like a U-Haul trailer.  

Is a Fifth Wheel Right for  You?
   I DON’T FUCKING KNOW!!! It was right for me because I had a short list: 
               1)  Good warranty because shit will break 
               2)  Big name in the industry 
               3)  Garage for bikes and shit 
               4)  Big enough for two people and two dogs 
               5)  A separate room so we could escape each other if needed 
               6)  Sexy as shit (I'm talking about the RV)

The Other Types of RVs 
   For the most part, all of them look great inside. Let’s say you are on the fence and just have no idea where to start. There are other types of RVs on the market and even they each have sub-categories. So, the shit can get crazy if you let it; you can consider the following short list:
               • Class A motorhome 
               • Class B motorhome (campervan)
               • Class B+ motorhome
               • Class C motorhome
               • Truck camper
               • Popup camper
               • Travel trailer
               • Teardrop trailer
Take some time to Google images of a few. Also, go to an RV show in your area and you will see all the new and latest stuff.

  Convenience Factor / Cost?
   To me, they all cost a lot of money. If you go with a Fifth Wheel, you will need a truck that can pull it. If you go with, let’s say an A Class, you will need to have a small vehicle in tow to run errands. Either way, you will be buying two vehicles. For the A Class once it is parked, you will not want to move it. Imagine having to unhook everything just to go to the store for the cookies you forgot to pack. However, with Uber and Lyft being available today you have options. Look, you can overcome any obstacle with proper planning.  I personally wanted a truck so that I could take my bikes to the trails and races. (life hack) Every guy should have a pickup truck.

 What Type of Hitch?
   I have an unusual and new type of hitch made by Anderson (pictured on the left). It is light weight and can be removed from the truck bed easily. I have had this hitch for under two years and love it! Tell them I sent you. They won’t know who the fuck I am but tell them about this blog. I can always use a sponsor. Hell, I will be a spokesperson for the hitch. Let me know if you want a video. The hitch on the right is great but not light weight or easy to remove. 

Safety!!!
   I will just tell you what everyone else is saying. The fifth wheel is more stable than a tow behind. There are a ton of reasons why out there. Personally, I pulled all kinds of trailers when I raced motorcycles and I never had a problem with stability. Trailers are well built now with stabilizers, etc. Hell, back when I had an 8x10 trailer without the stabilizers, I would pull it at 85 mph in a Escalade with no problem. Please do NOT try that! I’m stupid. Besides, I can drive like nobody’s business.

It’s a Truck with Limited Space
   If you decide to go with a fifth wheel, I will only caution you on knowing how many people will travel with you. IMO, you can only seat four people comfortably in the truck towing your fifth wheel RV. Sure, you can seat five but why? For more than four people, I would suggest an A Class and tow a cheap little pickup truck.

Diesel – PERIOD
   Gas is expensive. I wish I would have bought a diesel truck a long time ago. I had a Hummer and a Lifted Denali truck that would not pass a gas station at 9 miles to the gallon. I can average 10 miles to the gallon pulling an 18k house (depending on the terrain) with a diesel truck. You can’t go wrong with diesel. I’m sure the future will be bio-diesel go green).

Conclusion
    There are so many great options. Sure, anyone could tell you what to buy, but why? Make your list and go buy something. Worst case scenario is if you are wrong, you can sell it and buy something else. I will write a blog, "How to act without knowing the outcome" soon.  For a fee, you can come stay with me. 

 Maybe this helped someone. I look forward to your comments, questions, and personal stories about your fifth-wheel experiences. 
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   Look, I don’t mind living on peanut butter and jelly if I can keep writing but if you are feeling generous click “Donate” to leave a tip. Think of it as investing in the book I’m writing.
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edited by Vonda Smith