Get Your Free Quote

How Wide Is a Fifth Wheel Camper: Complete Dimensions Guide

Table of contents

If you’re asking yourself, “how wide is a fifth wheel camper,” you’re not alone. RV enthusiasts and potential buyers often search for details like “how wide is a 5th wheel camper,” “how wide are 5th wheel campers,” and even “how wide is a fifth wheel” to better understand what to expect before making an investment. Width plays a crucial role in everything from towing logistics and legal road limits to campsite selection and interior comfort. Knowing how wide is a 5th wheel is essential for storage planning, maneuverability on roads, and compliance with highway regulations. This guide explores the various width dimensions and considerations, helping you make informed decisions before hitting the road.

Standard Width Dimensions of Fifth Wheel Campers

When asking “how wide is a fifth wheel camper,” most people are referring to the standard exterior dimensions without slide-outs. Typically, the exterior width of fifth wheel campers ranges from 8 feet (96 inches) to 8.5 feet (102 inches). This dimension represents the body of the camper itself and excludes slide-outs, awnings, and other attachments.

In the United States, 8.5 feet (102 inches) is generally the maximum legal width allowed on highways without a special permit. Manufacturers design their fifth wheels to conform to this limit to ensure road compliance across states. Comparatively, travel trailers often share similar width dimensions, but fifth wheels usually offer better weight distribution and towing stability due to their gooseneck hitch design.

So, when you ask “how wide is a 5th wheel camper,” remember that standard models will typically fall within the 8 to 8.5-foot range.

Understanding Width With Slide-Outs Extended

While the base width of a fifth wheel is essential, understanding its expanded dimensions is just as important. Slide-outs can significantly increase the total width when the camper is parked. Depending on the number and size of slide-outs, a fifth wheel can expand from a standard 8.5 feet to as much as 12 to 16 feet wide.

Slide-outs are designed to offer additional living space by extending sections of the camper outward. The number of slide-outs varies between models, ranging from a single slide-out to as many as six in luxury models. Each slide-out typically adds 1 to 1.5 feet of extra width, per side.

Knowing the extended width is crucial for campsite selection. Some campgrounds have space limitations, and not all sites accommodate fifth wheels with multiple slide-outs. If you’re wondering, “how wide is a fifth wheel camper with all slide-outs extended,” the answer depends on the specific model, but plan for up to 16 feet to ensure you have enough room to fully enjoy your space.

how wide are 5th wheel campers
How wide are 5th wheel campers

Legal width restrictions are another important consideration. Federally, the maximum legal width for road travel in the United States is 8.5 feet (102 inches). This regulation ensures that all vehicles can safely navigate public roads, bridges, and tunnels.

Some states may have unique restrictions or require permits for loads exceeding this width. For example, driving a fifth wheel that surpasses 8.5 feet in width without the proper permits could result in fines, restricted routes, or safety concerns.

Wide-body fifth wheels often push this limit. These models are usually marketed with a width of exactly 102 inches and require careful attention when driving, parking, or storing. If you’re still asking, “how wide are 5th wheel campers” in terms of legality, the safe answer is 8.5 feet unless you’re prepared for additional permitting and route planning.

To give you a better idea of real-world dimensions, here are some popular fifth wheel models and their width specifications:

  • Forest River Arctic Wolf 287BH
    • Standard Width: 96 inches (8 feet)
    • Slide-Outs: 2
    • Expanded Width: Approx. 13-14 feet
  • Cedar Creek Silverback 37MBH
    • Standard Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet)
    • Slide-Outs: 4
    • Expanded Width: Approx. 15-16 feet
  • Keystone Montana High Country 335BH
    • Standard Width: 100 inches (8.33 feet)
    • Slide-Outs: 3
    • Expanded Width: Approx. 14-15 feet
  • Coachmen Chaparral 367BH
    • Standard Width: 96 inches (8 feet)
    • Slide-Outs: 4
    • Expanded Width: Approx. 15 feet
  • Riverstone 39RKFB
    • Standard Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet)
    • Slide-Outs: 5
    • Expanded Width: Approx. 16 feet

Each of these models demonstrates how width impacts interior layout and overall living space. When asking, “how wide is a 5th wheel camper,” it’s essential to consider both the base and expanded widths for accurate planning.

How Width Relates to Other Fifth Wheel Dimensions

how wide is a fifth wheel
How wide is a fifth wheel

Width is just one part of the size equation. Fifth wheels also vary in length and height, typically ranging from under 20 feet to 49 feet in length and standing between 11’6″ to 13’5″ in height.

A balanced width-to-length ratio contributes to the stability and maneuverability of the fifth wheel. For example, a wider camper may provide more interior comfort but might require more precise towing equipment and experience to handle turns and lane changes.

Understanding how wide is a fifth wheel in context with its length and height helps determine whether it’s the right choice for your lifestyle and towing capacity.

Practical Considerations for Fifth Wheel Width

Practical concerns are just as important as the specs. Knowing how wide is a fifth wheel camper helps you determine whether it can be stored on your property or in a standard storage facility. Many neighborhoods have width or size restrictions that could influence your decision.

Navigating narrow roads or tight campgrounds also becomes more challenging with wider fifth wheels. You may face visibility challenges when towing and may need to invest in extended towing mirrors or backup cameras.

Planning routes that avoid low-clearance bridges and narrow roads becomes vital. Knowing “how wide is a 5th wheel camper” in real-world scenarios can save you stress and prevent damage during travel.

Matching Your Truck to Your Fifth Wheel’s Width

Lastly, matching your tow vehicle to your fifth wheel’s width is a critical step. A wider fifth wheel requires a truck equipped with proper towing mirrors and hitch configurations. You’ll also want to ensure that your truck has enough payload capacity to support the fifth wheel’s pin weight.

Wider fifth wheels can place additional strain on your vehicle, especially when factoring in wind resistance and road sway. Specialized towing hitches, sway bars, and heavy-duty trucks are often recommended.

When evaluating your towing setup, consider how wide is a fifth wheel camper and ensure your truck is equipped to handle it safely. This includes verifying mirror reach, clearance space, and braking power.

So, how wide is a fifth wheel camper? Whether you phrase it as “how wide is a 5th wheel camper,” “how wide are 5th wheel campers,” or simply “how wide is a fifth wheel,” the answer can vary depending on the model, slide-outs, and intended use. Most standard fifth wheels measure 8 to 8.5 feet in width, but extended widths with slide-outs can reach up to 16 feet.

Understanding these dimensions is essential for legal compliance, safe towing, proper storage, and comfortable living. Armed with this knowledge, you’re better prepared to choose the perfect fifth wheel for your RV lifestyle.

Maximize Your Space with Custom Skirting for Fifth Wheels

Managing tight spaces in your fifth wheel? Custom RV skirting is your solution to reduced clutter, added storage, and unbeatable insulation. Our expertly tailored skirting is designed on-site for a perfect fit—no snaps, no gaps—just reliable protection from wind, water, and snow. Trusted across the U.S. and Canada, our skirting has stood the test of time in the harshest winter conditions. Whether you’re parked long-term or prepping for your next adventure, our skirting moves with you—keeping your setup streamlined, insulated, and adventure-ready.

Enhance your fifth wheel today with the nation’s #1 RV skirting solution!

Get Quote Now