Retirement: when weekday alarms become a relic and “rush hour” is just a bad board game.
But for some, it’s also the golden era of hitting the open road—with a touch more style and a tad less tent.
If you’re dreaming of highway adventures with your better half, but aren’t keen on piloting a behemoth, you’re in luck.
Dive into our curated list of the top 6 small fifth-wheel options, perfectly sized for two retirees and a lifetime of memories.
Because who said size matters when it comes to unforgettable journeys?
Rockwood, Grand Design, Keystone, Jayco, Coachmen, and DRV all sell excellent small fifth-wheel vehicles.
Retired couples should look at the size, weight, features, and sleeping accommodations when choosing a small fifth-wheel trailer, as each model offers something different.
| Brand and Model | Weight | Length | Sleeps | Washer-Dryer Space? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest River EXPLORE 235RW | 7,538 lbs | 28′ 11″ | 4 | No |
| Grand Design Reflection 226RK | 7,204 lbs | 26′ 11″ | 4 | No |
| Keystone Cougar Sport 2100RK | 6,815 lbs | 26′ 3″ | 4 | No |
| Jayco Eagle HT 29DDB | 8,010 – 9,205 lbs | 29′ 5″ | 6 | No |
| Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE | 9,800 lbs | 29′ 10 | 2-4 | No |
| DRV Mobile Suites 36RSSB3 | 16,600 lbs | 39′ | 3 | Yes |
Keep reading to learn more about the top 6 small fifth-wheel options for retired couples, what makes these trailers ideal, and how to select the best one for you.
Why Small Fifth Wheels are Ideal for Retirees
Small fifth-wheels offer you a host of benefits over a traditional motorhome.
They’re cheaper, for one, and tend to maintain all the amenities of a motorhome while being easier on your budget.
Fifth-wheels allow you to continue driving the truck you’re already comfortable with instead of having to adjust to the handling and size of an all-new vehicle.
They can also be swapped between vehicles, making them easy to load out to a grown child sibling for the weekend.
The small size of these models also allows them to store better. Their smaller size means a decreased weight, which is easier on your main vehicle’s engine, too.
They’re easier to park and can enter a wider range of facilities, national parks, campsites, and parking lots. So what features should you look for in a small fifth-wheel?
What Features Should I Look for In a Small Fifth-Wheel?
The first thing to consider is what you’ll be using the fifth-wheel for.
Will you need a full inside kitchen? Will you have company over, and will you need to accommodate four or more people for dinner?
Do you need extra storage space or a pantry? Do you need to do laundry on the road?
Will this fifth-wheel be easy for you to park, back, store, or drive?
Make sure you’re getting a model that meets your sleeping, cooking, washing, travel, and storage needs! Consider the towing capacity of your truck, as well, and don’t overburden your main vehicle.
So what are our top 6 small fifth-wheel options for retired couples, and what do they offer?
Forest River EXPLORE Fifth Wheel: Compact & Luxurious
The EXPLORE 2024 235RW offers a very well-designed, compact floor plan that incorporates sleeping for 4 and a full kitchen, all in a manageable size.
The pop-out sleeping and sitting sectionals give you a little extra room, while the thoughtful layout doesn’t leave you cramped.
At 28′ 11″ and 7,538 lbs, the EXPLORE 235RW Fifth Wheel is a great choice for newly retired couples seeking an all-in-one getaway trailer that’s reasonably sized and easy to move around with.
With extra space for multiple televisions, you’ll be comfortable inside or out.
Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel: Cozy with Functional Layout
The Reflection 226RK from Grand Design is a luxurious, beautifully made fifth-wheel that feels just as comfortable as home!
It seeps 4, features a lovely, modern gray and beige color scheme, and has plenty of room to move around. It’s 26’11’ long and 7,204 lbs and would work great with any HD truck.
The master sleeping area is incredibly generous, and the well-thought-out kitchen space features an island with a built-in sink as well as a three-burner stove, microwave, a 40” TV, and an electric fireplace.
You’ll feel right at home and can kick back and relax after a day of hiking, sightseeing, or boating.
Keystone Cougar Sport Fifth Wheel: Comfortable and Efficient
The Keystone Cougar Sport 2100RK is a next-level luxury fifth-wheel trailer.
The glass-top range is perfect for cooking, while a cozy sitting room area features an electric fireplace, HD TV, and pull-out sleeping for two guests.
It’s a hit heavier than other fifth wheels, but uses space economically and even has a washer-dryer prep area.
At 6,815 lbs and 26’ 3″, it’s easy to drive with and maneuver.
The sitting room area is especially roomy, and you and any guests can stretch out with ease.
Or, keep the whole place to yourself! It’s the perfect, roomy getaway during a storm or lazy day.
Jayco Eagle HT Fifth Wheel: Best For Guest
If you’re looking for a slight step up in size the Jayco Eagle HT 29DDB is a lightweight fifth-wheel that can sleep you, your spouse, your guest, or the grandkids! With room for up to 6 and a smaller footprint, it’s perfect for family outings or weekends at a national park.
Weighing in at 8,010 – 9,205 lbs and at 29’ 5″ length, it’s another great option for those new to towing.
The master sleeping area is roomy, while the dining table converts into extra sleeping space. You’ll have everything you need in this compact, well-built little fifth wheel.
Coachmen Chaparral Lite Fifth Wheel: Affordable & Stylish
The Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE is very lightweight, weighing in 9,800 lbs GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and the exterior length is 29′ 10″.
It’s perfect for those with smaller trucks and is great for getaways with just the two of you.
It sleeps 2-4 and has a beautiful, roomy entertaining area and a full kitchen. You can opt to get the version with a sofa bed instead of Theater seating.
But the theater seating makes movie nights comfy, while the easy-access bathroom is roomy enough to enjoy without feeling confined.
This fifth wheel is all about the two of you, so feel free to spread out and travel light!
DRV Mobile Suites Fifth Wheel: Upscale & Roomy
Feel like spoiling yourself and your spouse for retirement? The 36RSSB3 from DRV barely qualifies as a “small” fifth-wheel, but it’s so beautiful we had to add it.
There’s a full closet, a roomy master sleeping area, a washer-dryer area, and a beautiful sitting room space with an electric fireplace, a TV, and a full kitchen.
The interior aesthetics of this fifth-wheel are really what makes it shine.
It’s upscale, feels like a genuine home, and has tasteful, beautiful wood accents all over. No, not the hideous wood paneling from your childhood; this stuff looks nice.
The sleeping area feels more like a nice hotel suite than a camper, and it’s roomy.
At 16,600 lbs and 39′ long is pretty big for a “small,” so make sure that your vehicle can handle towing it.
Final Thoughts
Forest River, Grand Design, Keystone, Jayco, Coachmen, and DRV all make beautiful fifth-wheel campers with full kitchens and full bathrooms and ample room to seat guests.
When choosing the best small fifth wheel for your retirement, consider how many people you’ll need to sleep, the towing capacity of your main vehicle, how much space you’ll need, and the kinds of features you’re looking for.
Small fifth wheels offer the added advantage of using your own vehicle to get around, and they’re easier to get into parks, recreational areas, and parking lots.
They’re perfect for retired couples looking to get away on their own with some added independence, style, and comfort.