The main advantages of 5th wheelers are:

• Easier to tow than caravans due to the position of the coupling (between the front and rear wheels) and weight distribution on the vehicle. This results in the towing vehicle being correctly loaded without the need for weight transfer devices.
• Easier to drive - unlike a motorhome you are driving a comfortable ute, not a truck, resulting in a far more enjoyable ride, and no body roll (that feeling when you go around a corner) as inherent in motorhomes.
• Safer on the road - the position of the coupling and stability of the vehicle ensures that the vehicle controls the 5th wheeler - not the other way around.
• Shorter overall length than the equivalent caravan/vehicle combination. The front of the fifth wheeler is located midway along the tray of the pickup which puts it at least 1.5 metres further forward than with a conventional van. As no drawbar is necessary, the total length is about 3 metres less than a conventional van.
• More maneuverable than caravans as the vehicle can approach much tighter angles, and the back of the 5th wheeler doesn't want to "jump" from side-to-side while reversing.
• Easier hitching - because the fifth wheeler uses a turntable instead of the conventional ball and socket the unit can be hitched and unhitched far more easily. It's simply a matter of raising the fifth wheeler to approximately the correct height then driving the ute under the pin. The whole process is in easy view out the rear window of the ute so hitching or unhitching is an easy, simple one person job.
• More efficient on the road due to decreased wind drag as there is no large space between the vehicle and the fifth wheeler
• Separate vehicle - leave your 5th wheeler setup on site, and explore with your vehicle.
• Quieter - unlike a motorhome - you don't hear any noises of crockery etc rattling while travelling.

All the above advantages make for extra peace of mind when travelling with your fifth wheeler. This makes your journey a far more enjoyable experience - especially important for older travellers!

Definition

5th Wheelers have all the features of a standard caravan but are designed to be towed by utilities or trucks. The towing connection is mounted on the tray of the tow vehicle, as close as possible to the rear axle. The 5th Wheeler's suspension carries the majority of its gross weight, with the balance distributed forward of the rear suspension, over the differential rather than the extreme rear of the tow vehicle.
Definition courtesy of "The National Caravan & Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide", published by Caravan and Camping Industry Australia.

Hitch Position

The weight of the 5th wheeler carried on the vehicle is referred to as the "pin weight" and is generally around 20% of the trailer's gross mass. As the pin weight is located in the payload area of the vehicle (where the manufacturer designed weight to be carried), and is distributed between the front and rear axles, the vehicle maintains its normal dynamics on the road.

Comparison

In comparison, a caravan is connected to the vehicle via a drawbar and a tow ball. The weight of the caravan that is carried on the vehicle's tow ball is referred to as the "ball weight" and is commonly around 10%. This weight is located a considerable distance behind the rear axle and has a lever effect, wanting to lift the front wheels off the ground, and places more weight on the rear wheels/axle. While there are devices available to help correct this phenomenon, the basic principle grossly affects the driving dynamics of the vehicle, resulting in lighter steering and reduced safety. The vehicle is carrying a significant amount of weight at the extreme end of the vehicle, and the caravan has most of its gross weight on its own axles.