Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile: Fifth Wheels

The Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile is the most comprehensive study of RV ownership ever conducted, providing deep insights and perspectives on the demographics and ownership habits of RV Owners, Former RV Owners, and RV Intenders. The study identified seven distinct clusters based on RV owners’ unique motivations, needs, and habits. It also offers a breakdown of the different types of recreational vehicles and a study of which demographics tend to prefer different types of RVs.

We recently finished our overview of motorhomes (Class A, Class B, and Class C) and now take a look at towable RVs. Trailing only conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels are the second most popular RV types, accounting for 20% of RV owners. Young families make up 27% of fifth wheel owners, while 34% are millennials and Gen Z and 24% are first time owners.

Fifth wheel are, on average, used 30 days out of the year. They are most often used often in summer (85%), followed by fall (61%), spring (50%), and winter (36%). 54% of fifth wheel owners prefer to stay at private campgrounds or state parks, while 38% favor national parks or campgrounds.

While RVing, 50% of these RV owners enjoy other outdoor recreation activities, including fishing (50%), outdoor sports such as hiking (45%), and water recreational activities (30%). 61% stated that their reasons for RVing include simply unwinding and relaxing, while 57% indicated an interest in spending time outdoors and 55% wanted to visit locations with natural beauty. Other outdoor activities they brought with them included bicycles (28%) and secondary vehicles (13%).

In terms of demographics, 46% are between the ages of 18 - 34 while 54% are ages 55 and older. 59% of those with a fifth wheel are female and 41% are male. Regarding employment, 37% are retired and 34% are employed full-time. The average annual income for 52% of fifth wheel owners is over $65,000. 71% live with no children in the home. 

We will continue to examine the owner makeup of different RVs in the coming weeks. View the full Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile here.