Glossary

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

A travel trailer that connects to a pickup truck via an in-bed gooseneck hitch, distinguishing it from bumper-pull travel trailers.

Full definition

A fifth-wheel trailer is a large RV trailer that uses an in-bed gooseneck hitch instead of a rear bumper-mount tow ball. The hitch sits in the bed of a pickup truck, putting the trailer's weight directly over the truck's rear axle. This design supports much heavier trailers (typically 12,000-22,000 lbs) than bumper-pull travel trailers (max ~10,000 lbs) and provides better towing stability. Fifth-wheels range from 26 to 45 feet long, with 36-40 feet being the most common new-build size. Storage requirements: bay length of trailer length plus 3-4 feet, plus pickup truck if storing as a unit. Many storage facilities offer 'trailer only' pads at lower rates than full-rig pads.

Pricing note

Fifth-wheel-only outdoor storage runs $80-$200/month; covered $150-$350; indoor heated $250-$500.

Related terms

RV Pad

FAQs about Fifth-Wheel Trailer

What is fifth-wheel trailer?

A travel trailer that connects to a pickup truck via an in-bed gooseneck hitch, distinguishing it from bumper-pull travel trailers.

Why does fifth-wheel trailer matter for vehicle storage?

A fifth-wheel trailer is a large RV trailer that uses an in-bed gooseneck hitch instead of a rear bumper-mount tow ball. The hitch sits in the bed of a pickup truck, putting the trailer's weight directly over the truck's rear axle.

How much does fifth-wheel trailer cost?

Fifth-wheel-only outdoor storage runs $80-$200/month; covered $150-$350; indoor heated $250-$500.

What terms are related to fifth-wheel trailer?

Related terms: rv-storage, RV Pad, gooseneck-hitch. See the StowHelp glossary for full definitions.

Citation: StowHelp (2026). Fifth-Wheel Trailer. Vehicle Storage Glossary. Retrieved from https://stowhelp.com/glossary/fifth-wheel-trailer. Licensed under CC-BY 4.0.

Find RV storage near you

Browse 8,700+ facilities with real pricing and reviews.

Search Storage