Fifth-wheel RVs are becoming more and more popular these days, with their spacious floorplans and high ceilings. They’re also easier to tow and maneuver than travel trailers of a similar size.
While the majority of the fifth-wheels on the road are traditional rear-living or rear-kitchen models, one often-overlooked floorplan might be a perfect fit for you. Here are some benefits of a Front Living Fifth Wheel.
Taller Bedroom and Bathroom
One of the main benefits of a front living floorplan is one that’s not even about the living room.
When you move the main living area upfront, you get to move the bedroom and bathroom to the rear of the fifth wheel.
This means the bedroom and bathroom, two of the more important rooms, can take advantage of the higher ceilings in the fifth wheel design.
There’s no ducking for taller people as they climb into bed and there’s more headroom in the shower area. The increased height also means more storage in the bedrooms, with bigger closets or more cabinetry.
Like most RV decisions, it’s all a matter of tradeoffs.
A Traditional Living Room/Den Feel
With rear-living or rear-kitchen floorplans, the living room and kitchen areas tend to blend together, mirroring the “open floorplan” trends in housing.
A front-living floorplan actually gives a little more separation between the kitchen and living areas. The couple steps up to the living room may be small, but you’ll find the area feels like it stands alone.
It makes for a great place to have discussions with friends, watch a movie with fewer distractions from the kitchen, or the perfect place to dive into a good book.
Many front living fifth-wheel owners, especially full-timers, will use the raised living area as an office. Somewhere they know they can get to work, separate from the rest of the RV.
Separation for Guests Staying in the Living Room
While guests can easily stay in the living area in a rear-living or rear-kitchen floorplan, the setup isn’t always ideal.
As soon as someone comes into the kitchen, say for their morning coffee at 6am, they’re disturbing whoever is in the living area.
This is one place where the front-living fifth-wheel shines. Many models come with a curtain to partition the living area away.
Guests can sleep in even as the owners slip out of the main bedroom and even head outside.
This is a fantastic floorplan for those who occasionally bring their grandchildren along on their trips. front-living models will often have opposing slides with couches in the living area—a makeshift bunk room for the grandkids.
Set them up in the front living area and let them rest and recover from their outdoor adventures while you’re up early, enjoying the sunrise and some breakfast.
Shopping for a new fifth wheel is an exciting time. If you’re looking for a more traditional living room or a larger feel for your bedroom and bathroom, a Front Living Fifth Wheel could be just what you need!
