DID YOU KNOW THAT roughly 18 million Americans are expected to live and work in their RVs full-time this year? If you’re ready to join them, fifth wheels are a great option thanks to their large floor plans, residential appeal, and luxurious amenities. Let’s take a look at our picks for the best 5th wheel for full-time living in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Tailored for Every Household: The 2026 lineup offers specialized floor plans ranging from couple-centric “mobile offices” (like the Montana 3941FO) to massive, multi-generational family rigs (like the Sabre 37RVMILES).
- Residential Luxury & Tech: Modern 5th wheels are closing the gap with traditional homes, featuring full-sized kitchens, four-season insulation for sub-zero living, and built-in tech like Starlink prep and whole-unit water filtration.
- Strategic Full-Timing: Full-time RV success hinges on matching rig size to your travel style while utilizing remote work to fund the journey.
Best 5th Wheels for Full-Time Living as a Couple
Couples will find a plethora of perfect 5th wheels for full-time RV life. Let’s take a look at a few leading contenders:
Keystone Montana 3941FO
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 42’7”
- Dry Weight: 15,644 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,356 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
For couples working from home, the front office in the Montana 3941FO is sure to impress. With a wrap-around desk and ample storage, this dedicated space provides room to spread out while working. Plus, the large front cap window provides excellent campground views when you need a break.
The elevated front living room features theater seating and a pair of hide-a-bed sofas, perfect for guests. Step down to find an open kitchen with so much floor space you’ll forget you’re in an RV. An impressive outdoor kitchen provides additional cooking space. At the rear, you’ll find a king bedroom suite.
The Four Season Living Package in the Montana makes it one of the best 5th wheels for full-time winter living. Thanks to additional Astrofoil insulation, heat pads for the holding tanks, a heated and enclosed underbelly, and a reflective, foil-insulated front cap, this model can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F.
Learn more about what makes a true 4 season RV.
Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 43’10”
- Dry Weight: 15,448 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,752 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
With a wraparound couch that seats six or more and four freestanding dining room chairs, the Pinnacle 38FBRK is perfect for couples who enjoy entertaining. Plus, the guest bath is a feature you’re sure to appreciate when you have company.
Working from home is easier—and more comfortable—thanks to a living room ottoman that converts to a separate desk located in front of a large picture window. After work, retreat to the primary bedroom, which features an oversized cedar-lined closet, a private bathroom, and a king bed.
Jayco’s top-of-the-line Pinnacle series offers luxurious living through residential-level craftsmanship. The NuvoH2O whole RV water treatment system brings purified water to the taps. Plus, enjoy nearly endless hot water with a high-capacity tankless system and three 40-pound propane tanks to keep the burner lit even longer.
Grand Design Solitude 310GK
Specs
- Length: 34’4”
- Dry Weight: ~13,200 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: ~5,800 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Solitude 310GK is comfortable enough for full-timing but nimble enough for quick road trips, making it one of the best small 5th wheels for full-time living. You’ll be impressed by everything packed inside this 34-foot RV, including a 20-cubic-foot fridge, a kitchen pantry, and washer/dryer prep.
Despite its shorter length, the central living area is surprisingly large and can seat at least eight people. It has a tri-fold sofa, theater seats, and a freestanding dining table. The telescoping TV in the entertainment center easily pivots to create the optimal viewing angle from any seat.
Grand Design’s Solitude lineup incorporates many clever hidden features. Pet dishes can be concealed when not in use, an electronics drawer offers the optimal charging station, and the high-rise faucet has a pull-down sprayer. The construction also offers hidden benefits, such as a TPO roof covering with a limited lifetime warranty.
Forest River Campsite Elite 36AK
Specs
- Length: 43’3”
- Dry Weight: 13,383 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,817 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Brand new for 2026, the Campsite Elite 36AK offers a unique floor plan. The word “hearth room” comes to mind when looking at the cozy rear living room, which features a massive sectional, a second sofa, an electric fireplace, and an entertainment center. Nearby, even more seating is found at the freestanding dining table.
Not to be overlooked, the kitchen provides extensive counterspace, with an L-shaped workstation. The Campsite Culinary sink is outfitted with many useful gadgets for full-time living. Pets even have their own dining spot in the kitchen, with a clever hiding place for pet dishes under the counter, complete with a built-in water spout that makes refills a breeze.
You won’t have to share your personal bathroom with guests, thanks to the extra midship half bath. The hallway to the front bedroom offers a washer-dryer prepped closet and an extra-long wardrobe. Full-time RVers will appreciate the extensive dressers, king bed, and built-in desk.
Dutchmen Eddie Bauer Summit 3210RL
Specs
- Length: 36’8”
- Dry Weight: 10,705 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,625 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
When you see “Eddie Bauer” on an RV, you know the interior is going to have extra touches. In the Eddie Bauer Summit 3210RL, you’ll find a cozy blend of colors and textures, from the woodgrain ceiling elements to the plush leather sofas. Modern LED lighting accents brighten the space at night, with dimmable controls.
The rear living/kitchen combo is surrounded by panoramic windows. Head upstairs to find a deluxe bathroom, featuring dual vanities and a walk-in shower with a skylight. In the front king bedroom, the Eddie Bauer touch adds elegance to the linens.
The 3210RL isn’t all about appearances. The upgrades include features such as a tankless water heater, a water purification system, and heated tanks. Quality shines through in the construction’s Azdel composite sidewalls, Road Armor
suspension system, and the CURT Rota-Flex Pin Box, which offers improved vibration absorption.
Honorable Mentions
Best Fifth Wheels for Full-Time Living with Family
If kids are joining your rolling residence, you may be looking for the best fifth wheel for full-time living with family. We have some strong 5th wheel floor plans to explore:
Forest River Sabre 37RVMILES
Specs
- Length: 43’
- Dry Weight: 13,613 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,757 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Fans of the RV Miles podcast know that Jason and Abby Epperson have extensive experience living full-time in an RV, having spent over 7 years on the road with their family. Forest River capitalized on their knowledge by collaborating to design the Sabre 37RVMILES.
This led to a highly flexible floor plan outfitted with unique amenities, including an electric patio deck topped with a power awning and sliding doors leading inside. The bistro kitchen is packed with special amenities, and an L-shaped sectional couch provides room for the family to gather.
A unique rear flex space can be used as a bedroom, office, movie room, or lounge. It is outfitted with a projector and screen, a hidden desk, generous storage, and a sleeper sofa, all topped with a sleeping loft, easily accommodating four kids in this space alone.
Keystone Cougar 364BHL
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 39’
- Dry Weight: 11,669 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,331 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
With room to sleep up to 10, the Cougar 364BHL should be on your list if you have a large family or like to entertain guests. The rear bedroom features a 54” x 74” lower bed, storage wardrobes, and a second 54” x 74” loft bed. A nearby half bath features a secondary entrance, which is a perfect mudroom for messy pets or children.
The Climate Guard protection package promises comfortable living from 0°F to 110°F, thanks to additional insulation, heat-deflecting sidewalls, and dual heated holding tanks. During hot weather, you’ll appreciate the Furrion 18K BTU Chill Cube, which is joined by a Furrion Quick Cool 15K BTU in the bedroom. Plus, this RV comes pre-wired for a third A/C for even more cooling.
At 39 feet, this Cougar RV offers a nimble driving experience, which is especially helpful if your full-time RV living includes road trips or location changes. Keystone’s MaxTurn Technology adds agility, while the Road Armor suspension helps absorb vibrations.
Jayco North Point 390CKDS
Specs
- Length: 43’10”
- Dry Weight: 16,195 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,655 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
With two bedroom suites each offering a full bathroom, the North Point 390CKDS is perfect for multi-generational living. The rear bedroom has a queen bed and a private entrance through the attached bathroom. A roomy loft offers three sleeping pads for kids. If not needed for a bedroom, this space can be used for additional storage.
Living full-time in a small space is made easier by the many thoughtful touches Jayco has included in this North Point 5th wheel. A roll-top dining table converts easily to offer a desk or additional seating. Aside from providing a place for your feet to rest, a living room ottoman features a pop up desk and additional storage. The kitchen has clever hiding spots for your cutting board and trash can.
Near the front king bedroom, a second bathroom features a roomy walk-in shower with a teak seat. Even the holding tanks are designed for full-time living, with 137 gallons of gray water capacity and 100 gallons of black water capacity.
Keystone Montana High Country 381TB
Specs
- Length: 42’5”
- Dry Weight: 14,451 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,254 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Many family RVs offer dedicated bunk rooms, but the Montana High Country 381TB optimizes the second bedroom with a queen bed that’s perfect for teenagers, grandparents, or other guests. It even has its own full bath with a second rear entrance.
The kids still have their own space thanks to a loft above that rear bedroom. The primary suite doesn’t disappoint either, with a full bath, a king bed, and a well-appointed closet with washer/dryer hookups.
Tech-loving full-time RVers will be impressed by the goodies inside this Montana High Country, which includes a JBL audio system, Starlink internet prep, and two 50-inch 4K Smart TVs. Even the leveling system is high-tech, thanks to the Lippert Titan touchscreen system.
Prime Time Crusader 38BONUS
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 43’4”
- Dry Weight: 13,568 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,027 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The bonus part of the Crusader 38BONUS comes in the form of a midbunk flex space with an adjoining half bath and a loft. The midbunk room easily transforms from a lounge space into an office or bedroom, thanks to the fold-out sofa and pull-out desk.
The main living space features a rear kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Nearby, a plush sectional sleeper sofa provides a comfortable gathering spot in front of the electric fireplace and entertainment center. Another unique feature is the built-in desk located beside the dining table with freestanding chairs. It’s rare to find this much seating in a fifth wheel, making this one ready for your family.
The Crusader earns high marks for full-timing living thanks to the ceiling height, which adds a residential touch. The rear kitchen features panoramic windows, solid surface countertops, an accessory sink, and soft-close, real wood cabinetry.
Honorable Mentions
What Are the Best 5th Wheel Brands for Full-Time Living?
Here are some of the best fifth wheel brands for full-time living:
- Keystone Montana
- Brinkley Model Z
- Grand Design Solitude
- Alliance Paradigm
- Keystone Alpine
- Jayco North Point
- KZ RV Durango
- Forest River Sandpiper
- Jayco Pinnacle
- Forest River Sierra
While they’re in another stratosphere compared to these full-profile 5th wheel RV brands, the Forest River Riverstone, DRV Mobile Suites, and CrossRoads Redwood fifth wheels are also exceptional fifth wheel RVs for full-time living.
What Is the Best Size 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living?
To find the best size fifth wheel for full-time living, ask yourself how much you plan to move the RV and where you prefer to camp.
- If you desire nimble traveling and more campsite options, consider a small fifth wheel camper, perhaps something under 35 feet.
- For extended stays, bigger is often better, with luxury fifth wheels topping 40 feet and incorporating more slide-outs.
How To Afford Full-Time RV Living
Making full-time RV living more affordable comes down to planning, creating a monthly budget, minimizing unnecessary expenses, and generating income on the road to expand your budget as needed. Here are some full-time RV living budget tips and ideas:
- Reduce costs by camping on public lands, renting campsites at reduced monthly/seasonal rates, or buying a piece of land, instead of renting traditional nightly campsites.
- Use work camping to increase your budget. There are many ways to generate income, including finding a remote position, setting up a side hustle, doing freelance work, or working at a campground (sometimes in exchange for a free campsite).
- Examine your monthly budget to identify your highest expenses. If you’re traveling frequently, you may be eating at restaurants and buying a lot of gas. Staying longer in one spot and cooking in the RV are two ways to reduce costs, making full-time RVing more affordable.
- Sell your sticks-and-bricks home and use the equity to buy an RV outright, eliminating your mortgage payment and making full-time RVing more affordable.
- Keep your residence and rent it out to cover the mortgage and earn some extra cash to fund your RV travels. Just make sure to consider the tax implications.
Aside from fifth wheels, the RV industry has an amazing array of other rigs that work well for full-time RVing. Check out these posts for more options:
- What Is the Best RV For Full-Time Living?
- What Is the Best Class B RV for Full-Time Living?
- Best RV for Retired Couple
Would you consider living in an RV full-time? What features would you like to see in one?
The post What Is the Best 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living? appeared first on Camping World Blog.
