Travel trailer or fifth wheel
How towable RVs differ: bumper-pull travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers, with what Alberta's towing rules and the manufacturers say about each.
Most towable RVs are one of two kinds. A travel trailer hitches to a ball on a receiver behind the truck's bumper. A fifth wheel hitches to a kingpin plate mounted in the truck's box. Toy haulers, with a rear ramp and garage, come in both kinds.
What the manufacturers say
| Travel trailer | Fifth wheel | |
|---|---|---|
| Tow vehicle | Keystone says "your everyday truck or SUV" may be able to tow one | Needs a pickup with a fifth-wheel hitch in the box. Keystone says the shorter, lighter models may suit "your everyday truck", but check your towing guidelines. |
| Stability | Hitch weight sits behind the rear axle | Keystone says most of the weight rests over the tow vehicle's frame, which makes it more stable |
| Space | Keystone lists over 200 floorplans from 21 to 41 ft | More living space, taller ceilings and more slideouts, per Keystone |
| At camp | Unhitch and use the truck | Unhitch and use the truck, but the hitch stays in the box |
| Cost | Keystone calls travel trailers the least expensive RV type | Compare all-in prices for the exact units you're considering |
Sources: Keystone RV, travel trailers and fifth wheels.
What Alberta's rules say
- A trailer must be attached by two separate means, so it can't come loose if one fails. A fifth wheel doesn't need the second attachment.
- You can only tow two trailers if the lead trailer is a fifth wheel with at least two axles in tandem. The whole combination can't be longer than 20 m.
- As long as the RV doesn't have air brakes, a regular Class 5 licence is all you need to drive most RVs.
Sources: Government of Alberta, Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide (2026) and RVs and travel trailers.
For the full side-by-side breakdown, read the guide below.
Guides in this section
Travel trailer or fifth wheel
Travel trailer vs fifth wheel for northern Alberta
How bumper-pull travel trailers and fifth wheels compare on hitching, stability, space, truck requirements and Alberta's towing rules, using Keystone, Forest River and Government of Alberta sources.