Thinking of full-timing and know that a fifth-wheel is the right RV for you? Well, you have a lot of choices. While I could spend all day going through the various bands and floorplans, I thought it better and quicker to just highlight three fifth-wheels that are an excellent option for someone thinking of full-timing.
Here are three you shouldn’t overlook if you’re thinking of buying a fifth-wheel to live in all the time:
1. Keystone Cougar 338RLK Fifth-Wheel
A model that’s not too large, but still gives you plenty of living, sleeping, and kitchen space is the Keystone Cougar. While you can choose from the 11 floorplans the company offers, we like the 388RLK. I appreciate the large open living room and kitchen area. The kitchen island mounted double basin sink in the kitchen and theater seating in the living area provide a seriously homey feel.
Keystone’s quality is well-known, and the Cougar has been the best-selling fifth-wheel in its class for two decades. the Cougar comes with class-leading water tank sizes, high ceilings, and residential-sized appliances in most cases.
It’s also equipped with the latest technology like two large TVs with Key TV (the largest measuring 50 inches), an auto leveling system, and a powerful HVAC system that should keep the Cougar comfy in hot and cold weather. We’ve done plenty of video reviews on Cougars, so if you want to learn more, head over to our YouTube channel.
2. Heartland Big Country 3965 DSS Fifth-Wheel
The Heartland Big Country 3965 DSS fifth-wheel offers a similar floorplan to the Cougar 388RKL shown above but with some subtle differences. The bathroom is on the opposite side of the RV with a large closet across from it and the TV and dinette are on separate slides. You still get a double-basin sink located on an island and an open floor plan that makes it a dream to live in.
Heartland’s Big Country, specifically the 3965 DSS, is a large RV that comes with plenty of space and quality amenities and features perfect for full-timing. The spacious kitchen features a three-burner stovetop and large oven and refrigerator. The living room comes with theater seats, high ceilings, and a large 50-inch TV for easy lounging.
Heartland RVs aren’t quite as much of a high-selling RV as some of its competitors, but it provides a whole lot in a versatile and comfortable space. If the floorplan above doesn’t do it for you, the Heartland Big Country comes in seven different floorplans, so you’re bound to find one that fits your preferences and needs.
Keystone Montana 3701LK Fifth-Wheel
If you like the Keystone Cougar but just want something with a little more of everything, then the Keystone Montana is an excellent choice. The 3701LK fifth-wheel is one of my favorites. It has a spacious bedroom space up front, a bathroom in the center of the trailer, then a spacious living area with plenty of seating and a large L-shaped countertop in the kitchen.
I referred to the Keystone Cougar’s quality as high, but the Montana takes the cake if you were to compare the two. Everything from the basic construction to the high-quality materials sets the Montana apart. It’s a luxury fifth-wheel with 20 different floorplans to choose from.
It offers a host of industry-leading features, including residential appliances and amenities like a seamless fiberglass shower (or a soaker tub in certain floorplans), large 12-gallon water heater, and much more. Also, Keystone will honor its warranty for RVers who full-time. That’s not true of every manufacturer out there.
If you like the Cougar but want something a little bigger and more luxurious, then the Keystone Montana is an excellent option. We don’t have a video review of the specific floorplan I like, but we can show you walkthroughs of other versions of the Montana fifth-wheel on our YouTube channel.
Do you have a fifth-wheel in mind you think is fantastic for full-timing? Are you interested in selling or trading in your current RV? Leave a comment below!
We own an Open Range Roamer 365 FLR that has a great design for full-time living. We have been living in ours since may 2019 and are very comfortable.
We currently own a 2015 Jayco Eagle 284BHBE, which we purchased from Camping World. We want to sell the Jayco and purchase a 5th wheel. We camp but would like to live in the 5th wheel for the next 12-16 months.