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Camping is one of the best ways to get out and make memories, even with a large family.
However, you don’t have to rough it to have a remarkable time. We’ve found some of the best fifth wheels for families of six to help you have a memorable time.
Today, we will share the specs and features that make these fifth wheels perfect for your family of six. Let’s dive in and get started!
What Is a Fifth Wheel Camper?
A fifth wheel is a camper that connects to a hitch mounted over the tow vehicle’s rear axle. It uses a similar hitching mechanism used by semis to haul their loads.
Many drivers find these to provide a superior towing experience compared to bumper pull trailers.
They often provide a smoother and more stable ride. You’ll notice sway and other movements significantly less because of how the trailer connects to the tow vehicle.
However, they can often require a larger, beefier vehicle because they’re generally larger trailers.
How Many People Does a Fifth Wheel Sleep?
Because fifth wheels come in all shapes and sizes, the number of people they can sleep with varies. Typically, even the smallest fifth wheels can comfortably sleep four grown adults.
This can require using a convertible table or sofa as a sleeping space. However, it’s typically not a big deal if it’s only for a night or two.
On the other hand, you can also find much larger fifth wheels that can sleep up to 11 people. These floorplans usually feature additional bedrooms and take advantage of convertible sleeping methods.
As a result, it’s easy to find a fifth wheel that can accommodate any family of any size. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and start adventuring!
Is Camping in a Fifth Wheel Hard with a Family?
Camping can be a challenging experience, no matter how big the family or if you’re in a tent or RV. However, camping in an appropriately sized fifth wheel with your family tends to be easier.
It’s generally more comfortable, and you have access to more amenities. Items like air conditioning, private showers, and television can provide a smoother camping experience.
Knowing that just because you have a fifth wheel doesn’t mean everything will go as planned is essential. If you don’t believe us, just watch the next time you see a mom and dad struggling to back their fifth wheel into their campsite. It can be challenging to watch or hear, but it’s evidence that it’s not always easy.
Pro Tip: If you’ll be working remotely on the road, you have to see the Best Fifth Wheel Layouts With Office Space!
Best Fifth Wheels For a Family of 6
Having the right fifth wheel for your family of six can help you to have the time of your life. If you’re shopping, here are several options worth considering. Let’s take a look!
1. Grand Design Reflection 311BHS
Length: 36′ 11″
GVWR: 13,995 lbs.
Features: The Grand Design Reflection 311BHS has four slides and is incredibly roomy. It features a rear bunkhouse with its own half bathroom, which is great for those with kids.
The master bedroom is at the front of the rig and has a private entry to the bathroom. It also comes with an outdoor kitchen, which allows you to prepare meals outside so you’re not stuck inside.
Substitute the dinette for the free-standing table and chairs if you want a more residential look. In addition, you can maximize sleeping space by choosing the tri-fold sofa instead of theater seating. While it lists the maximum sleeping as six if you have little ones and take our suggestions, you can likely sleep eight.
2. Dutchmen Astoria 3343BHF
Length: 37’ 9”
GVWR: 12,286 lbs
Features: The Dutchmen Astoria 3343BHF and its three bunk beds and queen-size bed can sleep up to eight. This is also another rear bunkhouse model that has its own half-bathroom.
Compared to the 311BHS, though, the outdoor kitchen is substantially smaller, and the master bedroom doesn’t have an entrance to the bathroom.
One advantage of the 3343BHF is its massive pass-through storage compartment. This can make bringing all the supplies you’ll need for your family during your trips easy. The kitchen island isn’t large but provides space for meal prep and handling those pesky dishes after meals.
3. Keystone Alpine 3912DS
Length: 43’ 2”
GVWR: 16,500 lbs
Features: The Keystone Alpine 3912DS is a very unique setup. It features two master bedrooms at opposite ends of the fifth wheel. However, the front has a large master closet and space for a stackable washer and dryer. On the other hand, the rear bedroom has a private entrance.
While there is a generous amount of living space, counter space is severely lacking. A large pantry replaces where many manufacturers put a countertop. The space gets dwindled down to enough for a small coffee bar, which isn’t much help for preparing meals.
This can be an excellent option if you have kids who don’t mind sharing a bed. However, parents may be weary of the private rear entry, especially if their kids are prone to sneaking out at night.
It could make it very easy to quickly escape to explore the campground after everyone retires for the night.
4. Jayco North Point 377RLBH
Length: 42’ 11”
GVWR: 16,996 lbs.
Features: The Jayco North Point 377RLBH has a rear living floor plan with a mid-bunkhouse and loft space. When you walk into this rig, the living area is to your left, the bunkhouse is straight ahead, and the master bedroom is to your right.
While it may seem closed off at first due to the bunkhouse, it opens up when you step into the main living area towards the rear.
Jayco maximizes the island space by including a flip-up butcher block extension and wraps seating around the space. The opposing slides also help to increase the feeling of openness in the main living area.
This rig is an excellent option for families who need separate sleeping spaces for kids. The loft may not be roomy, but it can do the job. However, for having sleeping space for 11, it’s not going to be easy sharing a bathroom. The 50-gallon black tank capacity won’t last long if you use all the available sleeping space.
Pro Tip: You might want to check out these 10 Best Rear Kitchen Fifth Wheels next!
5. Forest River Sandpiper 384QBOK
Length: 43′
GVWR: 16,132 lbs.
Features: The Forest River Sandpiper 384QBOK has five slides and a rear bunkhouse. One feature families love about the floorplan is that it has an entry straight into the bathroom.
This can help reduce dirt and gunk getting in whenever someone needs to use the restroom. In addition, if you’re camping during summer, using this entrance can keep your main living space cool.
The 384QBOK is for those families of six who want all of the luxuries during their camping trip. With an outside kitchen that features a gas grill, refrigerator, and microwave, you’ll have no problem preparing delicious meals at your campsite.
If there’s anything that we don’t like about this model, it’s that the main windows do not overlook your campsite. If you’re in a campground, you will be staring into your neighbors’ campsite while sitting at the booth dinette. Unfortunately, this can lead to awkward moments, or you’ll want to keep the windows closed.
6. Grand Design Solitude 376RD
Length: 42′ 5″
GVWR: 16,800 lbs.
Features: The Grand Design Solitude 376RD comes loaded with great features for large families. You enter the 376RD in the middle, and you can go right to the master bedroom and bathroom or left to the kitchen and main living space. This creates a very open and spacious feeling.
A massive residential oven and refrigerator make it easy to feel like home. In addition, you’ll step up into the living area at the rear and have plenty of seating options. With two tri-fold sofas and a couple of theater-style seats, there’s room for everyone to spread out.
One of our favorite features is the dual sinks in the bathroom. Whether you’re full-timing or not, there’s something nice about not having to share a sink. We also love the vast closet and washer and dryer connections in the master bedroom.
7. Crossroads RV Volante VL240RL
Length: 27’ 10”
GVWR: 9,100 lbs.
Features: At less than 28 feet and under 10,000 pounds, the VL240RL shows that big things still can come in small packages. You can squeeze this camper into just about any campsite, which can help if you want to stay in state or national park campgrounds.
While this small fifth wheel can sleep six, it will be tight. It will require you to double up on the tri-fold sofa and into the space created by converting the booth dinette. This is likely only an option if some of your fellow travelers are small children.
Additionally, if you are traveling with little ones, you’re going to be in heaven when you walk into the master bathroom. It’s one of the few floor plans with a bathtub.
This can make it easy to get little ones clean after a day of adventuring in nature. While it might not be huge, it’s enough for small children who like to get messy.
Which Fifth Wheel Is Right for Your Family of 6?
Just because you’re a large family doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy RVing. We’ve shared several incredible fifth wheels that can be great options for families of six or more. Which ones are you adding to the list of ones you’re considering?
Let us know if we missed one at the top of your list! We’d love to check it out!
