5th wheel trailers are popular because they offer plenty of interior space, comfort and amenities similar to a large motorhome, but, as they are a towable version of an RV, they can easily be unhitched from the tow truck to allow easy exploration and trips into town for supplies for campers, without having to take down the campsite.
However, many campers often do not have a truck with a very high tow rating, so they can’t tow a large RV. Half-ton 5th wheels were introduced in order to make 5th wheels more accessible for campers with a truck that has a lower tow rating.
Other benefits of 5th wheel RVs include a stable tow hitch by connecting to the bed of the truck, multi-level floor plans, more living space and storage space.
What is a Half-Ton 5th Wheel?
A half-ton 5th wheel is a 5th wheel that can be towed by a half-ton truck. It is important to know your truck's towing capabilities before shopping for an RV. A half-ton truck can tow around 9,000 – 10,000 pounds, so most half-ton 5th wheels generally fit that weight range.
In this blog, we discuss the four best half-ton 5th wheel RVs.
Four Best Half-Ton 5th Wheels
- Jayco Eagle HT
- Grand Design Reflection 150 Series
- Forest River Rockwood Ultra-Lite
- Coachmen RV Chaparral Lite
Jayco Eagle HT – Starts at $64,995
The Jayco Eagle HT is an award-winning 5th wheel built with great standard features. Some of the standard features that are included in each model are the LED exterior lighting, pass-through storage with slam-latch baggage doors and a fully enclosed, LED-lighted universal docking center. These handy amenities make setting up the RV easy as well as providing plenty of storage for camping gear.
For RVers who love to catch the game or party at the tailgate, the digital TV antenna with WI-FI prep and exterior marine-grade speakers make for the perfect setup.
The 31MB floor plan has many features that families love. With the mid-bunkhouse with tri-fold sofa with flip-up bunk and the U-shaped dinette, there is plenty of room to fit the whole family and more. The bunkhouses even have a dresser and overhead cabinets and the private bedroom features nightstands with wardrobe space on either side of the queen bed which allows for lots of extra storage space.
Depending on the floor plan, its gross vehicle weight rating can be from 7,980 – 10,510 pounds and lengths from 29’2” to 37’2”.
>> Start shopping for the perfect Jayco Eagle HT.
Grand Design Reflection 150 Series – Starts at $56,495
The Grand Design Reflection 150 Series allows RVers to tow their 5th wheel with confidence. It is a lightweight RV ranging from 7,306 to 8,794 pounds and 29’9” to 32’11” in length. The hitch weight for this RV starts at 1,200 pounds. The Reflection 150 Series comes with a 90-degree turning point and aerodynamic front cap with max turn radius.
This 5th wheel has a king-size wardrobe and oversized under-bed storage for longer camping trips that require more clothes and gear. The 295RL model also has a lot of storage space in the kitchen with a storage hutch and large pantry. The kitchen also comes with an island that provides additional countertop space which makes it easy to prep meals and entertaining space.
The private bedroom has a comfortable queen bed, overhead cabinets and TV prep for those who like watching movies in bed.
>> If this sounds like something you are interested in, shop available units.
Forest River Rockwood Ultra-Lite – Starts at $87,806
The Forest River Rockwood Ultra-Lite half-ton 5th wheel is the perfect RV for campers that love to entertain. It has luxury features creating a beautiful interior. The 2899KS has a spacious interior with three slide-outs and a bar.
The 2899KS floor plan comes has a private bedroom at the front of the RV with a queen bed, dresser, optional TV, shirt closet and a washer and dryer prep space, which makes long road trips easy with no trips to the laundromat. The bathroom has a linen closet and medicine cabinet providing extra storage.
The living space offers plenty of entertaining room and even includes a bar, complete with a beverage fridge and bar stools. This space provides extra countertop space and overhead cabinets for additional storage. The kitchen has an island with a large pantry and lots of countertops.
There is a slate wood interior, screwed and glued cabinetry, solid wood cabinet doors and drawers with hidden hinges and upgraded hardware and flush mount ceiling LED 12-volt interior lighting. There is also a Water-Pur filtration system so campers can cut out water bottles from their packing list.
The Rockwood Ultra-Lite 5th wheel is 28’11” in length and has an unloaded vehicle weight of 7,764 to 10,229 pounds.
Coachmen RV Chaparral Lite – Starts at $82,089
The Coachmen RV Chaparral Lite 5th wheel comes in five different floor plan options ranging in sizes from 29’10” to 37’ in length and a weight of 7,273 to 9,535 pounds. This 5th wheel is another great choice for camping families because of the extra interior space.
The 274BH model of the Chaparral Lite has one full bathroom and a bunkhouse. The bunkhouse offers plenty of sleeping areas with three bunk spaces. It is the perfect place for kids or guests to stay on camping adventures.
It has solid wood, dove grey cabinet doors, modern ebony hardware, high rise kitchen faucet and solid hardwood drawer and cabinet faces.
The exterior also comes with plenty of amenities. There is an exterior kitchen perfect for campers who love to cook out.
>> Find an available Chaparral Lite.
Deciding on a 5th wheel that fits your budget, lifestyle and towing capabilities is an important choice as it will be your home away from home. But, now, if you have a smaller truck, you don't have to scratch a 5th wheel option off your list. And even though they are smaller and lightweight, they still come in a variety of floor plans and brands with plenty of space and storage capabilities.
Additional RV Resources:
Learn more about 5th wheel floor plans here.
Find the Best 5th Wheel RVs for the Money.
