How to Rent a 5th Wheel Trailer (And Actually Enjoy the Experience)

A 5th wheel rental gets you more living space per dollar than almost any other type of towable RV -- we're talking full-size kitchens, dedicated bedrooms, and residential-style bathrooms that would make a hotel room jealous. But renting one does take a little more planning than most RV types, mostly because of the hitch setup and towing requirements. Here's everything you need to know to book one confidently.

What Is a 5th Wheel, Exactly?

A 5th wheel is a type of travel trailer that connects to a specialized hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup truck, rather than a standard ball hitch on the bumper. That connection point -- called a fifth wheel hitch -- creates a much more stable tow experience than a conventional trailer, which is one of the main reasons people gravitate toward them for longer trips. The trade-off is that you need a properly equipped truck to pull one. Most 5th wheels weigh between 12,000 and 20,000 lbs when loaded, so a half-ton truck usually isn't enough -- you're looking at a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup (think Ford F-250/F-350, Ram 2500/3500, or Chevy Silverado 2500/3500) with a factory-rated tow capacity that exceeds the trailer's GVWR.

If you don't own a qualifying truck, that's not a dealbreaker. Some hosts offer delivery and stationary setup at your campsite, which eliminates the towing requirement entirely and can actually make the rental more accessible for families who want a basecamp-style trip.

How Much Does a 5th Wheel Rental Cost?

Fifth wheel rental rates typically run between $150 and $350 per night, depending on the size of the unit, the age and brand, and the time of year you're renting. Larger luxury rigs -- especially newer Grand Design, Keystone Montana, or Heartland Bighorn models -- often push toward the higher end of that range. You can sometimes find older but well-maintained units in the $100--$150/night range, which can be a solid value if you're comfortable with a simpler layout.

A few other costs to factor in: some hosts charge a cleaning fee ($75--$200 is common), and delivery/setup fees vary by distance but are often $100--$300 round trip. Rental insurance is typically low-cost and included or available through the platform. Campsite fees are separate -- expect to pay an additional $30--$80/night at most private campgrounds or state parks, though sites vary widely. You can browse available campgrounds and filter by hookup type on directories like The Dyrt to match the right site to your rig.

Do You Need a Special License to Tow a 5th Wheel?

In most U.S. states, a standard Class C driver's license is all you need to tow a 5th wheel for personal recreational use, regardless of the size. That said, a few states have weight-based requirements that kick in for very large rigs, so it's worth a quick check with your state's DMV if you're renting a particularly big unit (anything over 26,000 lbs combined vehicle weight). The RVIA has useful general guidance on RV regulations and standards if you want to go deeper.

How to Find and Book a 5th Wheel Rental

The process is straightforward. On BookRVs.com, you can filter by trailer type to search specifically for fifth wheel listings in your area or near your destination. Browse listings in places like Denver, CO, Las Vegas, NV, or San Diego, CA to get a sense of what's available near popular destinations. When reviewing a listing, look for:

• The trailer's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and check it against your truck's tow rating

• Whether the host offers delivery/setup if you don't have a compatible truck

• What's included -- many hosts include linens, kitchen supplies, and basic camping gear, though this varies by listing, so confirm before booking

• Cancellation policy and security deposit terms

Once you find a listing that fits, message the host with your travel dates and any questions. Hosts are generally quick to respond and can often clarify towing specs, slide-out configurations, and what amenities come included.

What to Expect When You Pick Up (or Have It Delivered)

If you're towing the rig yourself, plan for a walkthrough from the host before you drive off. A good host will cover the hitch connection, slide-out operation, water/electrical hookups, and how to level the trailer at your site. It's worth taking notes or short videos during the walkthrough -- you'll thank yourself later when you're trying to remember how to extend the awning at dusk.

If you're going the delivery route, the host handles setup at your campsite, which usually includes leveling, hookup connections, and a brief orientation. This option works especially well for destinations like Pismo Beach, CA or Panama City Beach, FL, where the campsite IS the destination and you don't need to move the rig once it's set up.

For campsite reservations, Recreation.gov covers federal lands and national park campgrounds, and many sites there can accommodate large fifth wheel trailers -- just make sure to check the site length limit before booking, since some sites cap at 35 or 40 feet.

Tips for a Smooth 5th Wheel Rental Trip

A few things that make a real difference: First, check your truck's payload rating (not just tow rating) -- the fifth wheel hitch itself adds weight to the truck bed, and overloading the rear axle is a common mistake. Second, practice backing up before you get to the campground. Fifth wheels track differently than conventional trailers, and a parking lot dry run saves a lot of stress. Third, confirm water and electrical hookup compatibility with both the campsite and the rental trailer -- most use standard 30-amp or 50-amp shore power, but it's good to verify.

The Good Sam Club is a useful resource for campsite discounts and RV-specific travel planning tools if you're doing a longer road trip that spans multiple states like Colorado or Utah.

Ready to start browsing? BookRVs.com has fifth wheel listings across the country, and filtering by Trailer Type makes it easy to zero in on the right rig for your trip. Whether you're planning a stationary beach week or a multi-state road trip, renting a 5th wheel through BookRVs.com is one of the most comfortable ways to do it.