5th Wheel Camper Archives - Page 5 of 5

One of the most spacious and luxurious RV Classes on the road today is the 5th-wheel camper, which often feels more like a home than an RV on the inside. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of the 5th wheel is its heavy weight, which often requires a ¾-ton or 1-ton truck to tow. In recent years though RV manufacturers have started producing fifth wheels under 10,000 pounds, and even some that can be towed by heavy-duty ½-ton trucks, such as the Ford F150 or the RAM 1500. So to highlight some of the best lightweight 5th wheels currently on the road, we created this list of the 10 best 5th wheels under 10,000 pounds. Before we get started though, it’s important that we discuss trailer weight and the different types of 5th wheel weights first, so that everyone is on the same page. Understanding 5th Wheel Trailer Weight When it comes to 5th wheel trailer weight, there are three main weights to be aware of when looking at fifth wheels, including dry weight, hitch weight, and gross vehicle weight rating. Dry Weight - The dry weight of a 5th wheel is the weight of the camper without any cargo, water, propane, or batteries loaded into the trailer. Basically, it's the empty weight of the trailer as it came from the manufacturer. Hitch Weight - The hitch weight on a 5th wheel is the amount of weight loaded onto the bed of the truck from the 5th wheel's hitch. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - The gross vehicle weight rating for a 5th wheel is the max weight the trailer is rated for by the manufacturer, which includes both the weight of the trailer and the weight of any cargo. The Weight We Used for this List When picking RVs for this list, we focused on 5th wheels that had a gross vehicle weight rating of either under or close to 10,000 pounds. As the gross vehicle weight rating of a 5th wheel provides a more accurate representation of the true weight of the camper. Compared to say the dry weight, which only takes into account the weight of the 5th wheel by itself. As no RVer tows a completely empty fifth wheel behind them when they’re going camping. Best 5th Wheels Under 10,000 Pounds (Lightest to Heaviest) Make/Model/TrimDry WeightHitch WeightGross Vehicle Weight Rating1. Palomino Puma 253FBS6,788 lbs1,128 lbs8,800 lbs2. Starcraft GSL Light Duty 234RLS7,030 lbs1,245 lbs8,900 lbs3. Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE7,273 lbs1,115 lbs9,800 lbs4. Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD7,534 lbs1,269 lbs9,995 lbs5. Forest River Rockwood Signature 2445WS7,764 lbs1,215 lbs9,815 lbs6. Dutchmen Astoria 1500 2503REF7,995 lbs1,473 lbs9,734 lbs7. Jayco Eagle HT 24RE8,060 lbs1,480 lbs9,995 lbs8. Keystone RV Cougar Half-Ton 27SGS8,211 lbs1,495 lbs10,290 lbs9. Forest River Flagstaff Classic 526RK8,469 lbs1,410 lbs9,996 lbs10. KZ RV Sportsmen 303RL8,720 lbs1,420 lbs10,000 lbs 1. Palomino Puma 253FBS https://youtu.be/zOPK59gLzEo Quick Specs Average Cost: $36,000 Dry Weight: 6,788 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,128 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 8,800 Pounds Length: 28 Feet 6 Inches One of the cheapest and lightest 5th wheels you can buy is the Palomino Puma 253FBS, which has an average price of only $36,000 and a dry weight of under 7,000 pounds. Making this compact 5th wheel considerably cheaper compared to most other lightweight fifth wheels, and more than 500 pounds lighter on average. And while you do have to sacrifice a bit on interior space and amenities due to the camper’s cheaper price and lighter weight, for those shopping for a lighter 5th wheel on a budget, these sacrifices are usually more than worth it. Palomino Puma 253FBS Floorplan Despite this Puma's cheaper price though, it's still a well-equipped fifth wheel that offers a lot of convenience features. Including such features as a fully enclosed underbelly, outdoor speakers, an outdoor shower, stainless steel kitchen appliances, high rise kitchen faucet with a built-in sprayer, and night roller shades. Palomino also gave the Puma 253FBS a modern and contemporary interior as well, which helps to provide a high-end feel to the inside, despite its more budget-friendly price tag. For more information on the Palomino Puma 253FBS and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Palomino's website by clicking here. To see other ultra-light 5th wheels, check out our blog post "8 Best 5th Wheels Under 8,000 Pounds (With Pricing)". 2. Starcraft GSL Light Duty 234RLS https://youtu.be/41zGP-SMQ8E Quick Specs Average Cost: $49,500 Dry Weight: 7,030 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,245 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 8,900 Pounds Length: 27 Feet 5 Inches While Starcraft is not as well known as other RV brands, like Jayco and Forest River, they still make some amazing travel trailers and fifth wheels. And one of our favorite Starcraft 5th wheel models that’s under 10,000 pounds is the Starcraft GSL Light Duty 234RLS, thanks to its well-laid-out spacious interior. Featuring a rear living area layout, this camper has a combined living room/kitchen, a large carpetless slide, and the ability to sleep up to four. Starcraft GSL Light Duty 234RLS Floorplan The open and spacious floorplan is the first thing you notice though, when you step inside the rear entrance of this 5th wheel. As there is plenty of room to comfortably move around inside the trailer, which is impressive for a fifth wheel that’s only 27 feet long. One of our favorite features of this lightweight 5th wheel though is its large well-equipped L-shaped kitchen. As the 234RLS kitchen offers lots of counter and cabinet space, a 10 cubic foot 12V double-door refrigerator, a pantry, a propane cooktop with an oven, a microwave, and a deep bowl stainless steel sink with a high-rise residential faucet. For more information on the Starcraft GSL Light Duty 234RLS, check out Starcraft's website by clicking here. 3. Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE https://youtu.be/jsEIQDCTymA Quick Specs Average Cost: $48,000 Dry Weight: 7,273 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,115 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,800 Pounds Length: 29 Feet 10 Inches The Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE is one of the lightest and smallest 5th wheels available today, with a dry weight of only 7,273 pounds and a length of just under 30 feet. Plus, this lightweight 5th wheel also has the lightest hitch weight on this list, at only 1,115 pounds. Which helps to keep the weight down on the bed of your truck. Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE Floorplan Despite the camper's smaller size and lighter weight though, the Chaparral Lite 25RE is a surprisingly well-equipped fifth wheel. As the 25RE features an open rear living area with a slide-out, theatre seating, a four-person dinette booth, and a built-in entertainment center. As well as a class-leading oversized L-shaped kitchen, with stainless steel appliances, a large transom window, and an extra deep stainless steel single basin sink with a high-rise faucet. The features and amenities don’t stop there though on this more affordable 5th wheel from Coachmen. As the Chaparral Lite 25RE also features a full three-piece dry bath and a spacious private front bedroom with a north-to-south true queen bed and a large wardrobe. For more information on the Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE, check out Coachmen's website by clicking here. To see other fifth wheels under 30 feet, check out our blog post "12 Best 5th Wheels Under 30 Feet (With Pricing)". 4. Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD https://youtu.be/7hSaeREwtss Quick Specs Average Cost: $55,000 Dry Weight: 7,534 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,269 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,995 Pounds Length: 29 Feet 9 Inches One of the most sought-after fifth-wheel manufacturers in the RV industry is Grand Design, due to their high attention to detail, luxurious amenities, and excellent build quality. Grand Design makes a wide range of fifth wheels with a variety of floorplans to choose from. In fact, they have four different fifth wheel lineups, including the Reflection 150 Series, the Reflection, the Solitude S-Class, and the Solitude, each available in a variety of trim levels and floorplans. Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD Floorplan One of our favorite Grand Design 5th wheels though, under 10,000 pounds is the Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD. Thanks to the trailer's well-laid-out unique floorplan, featuring a massive U-shaped convertible dinette booth, theatre seating, and a large entertainment center with a 40-inch LED TV and tons of storage. As well as its fully-equipped L-shaped kitchen with plenty of counter and prep space. Which makes cooking in the RV not only doable but actually enjoyable. And as mentioned above, if you’re looking for a luxurious well-appointed fifth wheel, you'd be hard-pressed to find another RV brand that outshines Grand Design. As high-end luxurious fifth wheels are what Grand Design is best known for. For more info on the Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD, check out Grand Design's website by clicking here. 5. Forest River Rockwood Signature 2445WS https://youtu.be/qSpj5fTiX7U Quick Specs Average Cost: $53,000 Dry Weight: 7,764 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,215 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,815 Pounds Length: 28 Feet 11 Inches One of the newest 5th wheels under 10,000 lbs on the market today is the Forest River Rockwood Signature 2445WS. Which offers a rear living room layout, a 6-person sleeping capacity, and two slide-outs. As well as a spacious three-piece dry bath and a private front bedroom with a north-to-south true queen bed and a large wardrobe. Forest River Rockwood Signature 2445WS Floorplan This lightweight 5th wheel also has one of the best overall kitchen designs as well, even though it might not be the largest. Thanks to this Rockwood Signature's upgraded stainless steel appliances, huge pantry, solid surface countertops, and residential full extension drawer guides with soft close. In addition, this 5th wheel from Forest River also offers a ton of cabinetry and storage space on the inside of the trailer, ensuring you always have enough space for all your camping gear and clothes. Thanks to the RV's large hutch/pantry in the main living area, ample kitchen cabinets, and oversized wardrobe on a slide-out in the owner's suite. For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Signature 2445WS and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Forest River's website by clicking here. 6. Dutchmen Astoria 1500 2503REF https://youtu.be/GRGpeafBsx0 Quick Specs Average Cost: $50,000 Dry Weight: 7,995 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,473 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,734 Pounds Length: 29 Feet 11 Inches Another great 5th wheel to consider if you need one under 10,000 pounds and are shopping on a budget is the Dutchmen Astoria 1500 2503REF. As this fifth wheel has everything you could want in a compact lightweight 5th wheel at an affordable price. Including a large sleeping capacity, one-touch auto-leveling, premium entry steps, and one of the tallest front bedroom ceiling heights in its class. Plus, with several different decor options to choose from, you can be sure that Dutchmen will have a style that matches your personal tastes. Dutchmen Astoria 1500 2503REF Floorplan In addition, it’s also amazing how many amenities Dutchmen was able to provide in this compact popular Astoria 1500 floorplan, considering its shorter length. As the 2503REF offers a large rear entertainment area with a fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, standard theatre seating, as well as a four-person free-standing kitchen table. Helping this fifth wheel feel more like a home and less like an RV. This 5th wheel from Dutchmen also offers one of the best-in-class cargo-carrying capacities as well, as the trailer can hold up to 1,739 pounds of cargo. Allowing you to bring all the camping gear you could ever want while camping. For more info on the Dutchmen Astoria 1500 2503REF, check out Dutchmen's website by clicking here. To see other budget-friendly fifth wheels, check out our blog post "10 Best 5th Wheels Under 50K (With Photos & Video)". 7. Jayco Eagle HT 24RE https://youtu.be/UsSJl2cKutA Quick Specs Average Cost: $47,500 Dry Weight: 8,060 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,480 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,995 Pounds Length: 29 Feet 1 Inch One of Jayco's smallest and lightest 5th wheels under 10,000 pounds is the Jayco Eagle HT 24RE, which also happens to be one of their most popular. Thanks to the fifth wheel’s creative layout, top-notch amenities, and excellent build quality. As this lightweight 5th wheel features a rear entertainment area and has a sleeping capacity for 4 to 6 campers. Jayco Eagle HT 24RE Floorplan And as is the case with most rear living room fifth-wheels, this camper offers an open and spacious entertaining area. Featuring an entertainment center with an enormous pantry hidden behind, a big slide-out that accommodates both a couch and a free-standing kitchen table, and a large kitchen with a peninsula island. In addition, this lightweight camper also features a mid-three-piece dry bath as well as a front owner’s suite with plenty of storage space and a true queen-sized bed. Jayco So if you’re in the market for a lightweight compact 5th wheel, make sure to check out this super popular fifth wheel from Jayco. As Jayco is definitely a name you can trust in the RV industry, as they've been making quality RVs since 1968. For more info on the Jayco Eagle HT 24RE and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Jayco's website by clicking here. 8. Keystone RV Cougar Half-Ton 27SGS https://youtu.be/hu_dJdqOZtE Quick Specs Average Cost: $52,500 Dry Weight: 8,211 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,495 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 10,290 Pounds Length: 30 Feet 6 Inches Keystone, like Grand Design, is known for its fifth wheels, as they make some of the most popular and best-selling models. And one of their most popular models is the Cougar Half-Ton. Thanks to the RV's ultra-lightweight design and high-tech towing features, like MaxTurn Technology™, HitchVision™, and iN-Command®. That makes this 5th wheel perfect for anyone looking for a lighter 5th wheel that’s easy to manage while towing. Keystone RV Cougar Half-Ton 27SGS Floorplan Offered in ten different fifth-wheel trim levels and floorplans, one of our favorites is the Keystone RV Cougar Half-Ton 27SGS. Thanks to the camper’s dual-opposing slides, rear living room, ample seating, and well-furnished kitchen that feels more like a kitchen you might find in a home than in an RV. And thanks to Keystone's new interior Driftwood color palette of soft greys and creamy whites, the fifth wheel has never felt so light and bright inside. To learn more about the Keystone RV Cougar Half-Ton 27SGS and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Keystone RV's website by clicking here. 9. Forest River Flagstaff Classic 526RK https://youtu.be/iCN2wXP2-1o Quick Specs Average Cost: $53,000 Dry Weight: 8,469 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,410 Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 9,996 Pounds Length: 30 Feet 8 Inches Forest River is one of the biggest manufacturers in the RV industry. Making a wide variety of RVs across multiple lineups, including Wildwood, Cherokee, and R-Pod, to name just a few. But one of Forest River's best-known lineups is the Flagstaff, which is the sister RV to the Rockwood. Forest River Flagstaff Classic 526RK Floorplan Available in a wide variety of trim levels, one of the most popular 5th-wheel trim levels is the Classic 526RK. Thanks to its unique layout, which flips the standard rear living area on its head, by placing the kitchen on the rear wall of the 5th wheel. Helping to make the seating area more of the focal point as opposed to the kitchen. Forest River But that's not all, as this well-appointed 5th wheel also has two slides in the main living area and in the owner’s suite, giving this 5th wheel a very open and spacious feel. For more info on the Forest River Flagstaff Classic 526RK and to see an interior virtual tour, check out Forest River's website by clicking here. 10. KZ RV Sportsmen 303RL https://youtu.be/Xq8w4lNCfAM Quick Specs Average Cost: $50,000 Dry Weight: 8,720 Pounds Hitch Weight: 1,420Pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 10,000 Pounds Length: 34 Feet 2 Inches One of the largest 5th wheels under 10,000 pounds is the KZ RV Sportsman 303RL, which has an exterior length of 34 feet 2 inches. Making it great for RVers that need a larger 5th-wheel rig but still want to keep the weight down. It’s not just its larger size that makes this KZ RV 5th wheel so great though, as the camper also has one of the most contemporary interiors as well. KZ RV Sportsmen 303RL Floorplan Because like all KZ RV Sportsmen, this 5th wheel has a nice and bright interior with contemporary colors throughout. In addition, this cleverly designed 5th wheel also offers a ton of space and seating in the main living area. Making the RV great for entertaining while camping. Plus, the kitchen in this self-contained fifth wheel has you covered, regardless of whether hot dogs or a full gourmet meal is on the menu. Thanks to the kitchen's ample counter space, center island, large deep basin sink with a high-rise faucet, recessed three-burner cooktop with an oven, and 8-cubic foot gas/electric fridge. To learn more about the KZ RV Sportsmen 303RL, check out KZ RV's website by clicking here. To see the lightest fifth wheel toy haulers on the market, check out our blog post "The 8 Lightest 5th Wheel Toy Haulers You Can Buy!" FAQs How much do most 5th wheels weigh? Most 5th wheels weigh between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds when empty. However, 5th wheel weight can vary greatly depending on the size, construction, and features of the model. For example, lightweight 5th wheels often weigh 8,000 pounds or less, while luxury 5th wheel toy haulers can weigh as much as 20,000 pounds. What are the lightest 5th wheels? Any 5th wheel under 8,000 pounds is a lightweight 5th wheel, however, some of the lightest models are the Palomino Puma 255RKS at 6,754 pounds, the KZ RV Sportsmen 251RL at 6,860 pounds, and the CrossRoads Cruiser Aire CR24RL at 6,948 pounds. Why are fifth wheels so heavy? Fifth wheels are heavy because of their larger size, heavy-duty construction, and hefty design features, like robust tow assemblies, larger holding tanks, and bigger appliances. Top 5th Wheels Under 10,000 Lbs Wrap-Up In this blog post, we've explored a wide range of 5th wheels that defy the notion that bigger always has to mean heavier. As these ten amazing 5th wheels, all under 10,000 pounds, offer the perfect blend of size, functionality, and lightweight design. Proving you don't have to compromise comfort and amenities to keep the weight down. So whether you're a seasoned full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, these popular lightweight 5th wheels should provide all the functionality and comfort you need.