Wildsam Winter 2026 RV Intel: Talking Fifth-Wheels
Brand-new fifth-wheel fun, hitch tech and campsite coziness.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Grand Design
More RV talk from the Winter 2026 edition of Wildsam magazine.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
RV Intel: Grand Design Solitude 380FL
Perfect for full-timers and snowbirds alike, this fifth-wheel comes with a spacious primary bedroom suite that includes a queen bed, ample storage and a private bathroom complete with a walk-in shower, dual sinks and washer/dryer prep. Midship, you’ll find an open and airy island kitchen with a free-standing dinette and a coffee bar. The front of the trailer is dominated by a lounge area that includes a 65-inch TV, a fireplace, theater seating and two sofas that convert to guest beds. Residential-style appliances, large holding tanks and a tankless water heater round out a long list of standard features. MSRP starts at $169,530. granddesignrv.com
RV Reccos: Lightweight Fifth-Wheels
The Situation: We’re looking for a fifth-wheel trailer we can tow with a Ford F-150. Any suggestions?
Photo Credit: Alliance RV
Alliance Avenue 26RD: This rig makes clever use of space to deliver an amazing camping experience in a compact and lightweight package. The rear living space/kitchen is especially notable for a trailer with a dry weight of 7,800 pounds. MSRP: $73,171; alliancerv.com
Photo Credit: Cruiser RV
Cruiser RV Essence 25RK: A well-equipped rear kitchen is the highlight of this lightweight fifth-wheel, which has a dry weight of just 7,808 pounds. A plush queen-size bed with a pillow-top mattress is one of many amenities. MSRP: $61,875; cruiserrv.com
Photo Credit: Jayco
Keystone Cougar Sport 2400RE: At just under 29 feet in length and weighing in at 7,474 pounds, this rig is easy to tow, while still delivering great features like a spacious living room, a walk-in pantry and a queen-size bed. MSRP: $49,718; keystonerv.com
Spec Sheet: What are Laminated Walls?
Laminated walls consist of multiple layers—usually an interior panel, insulation, and an exterior fiberglass shell—that are vacuum-bonded together to create a stronger, more durable material. The process reduces the weight of an RV, while also offering better insulation and improved aerodynamics compared to traditional “stick and tin” construction methods. This approach is usually more expensive, but it also reduces wear and tear, extending the life of the rig.
Photo Credit: Gen-Y Hitch
Tech Upgrade: Gen-Y Hitch Executive Torsion Flex Fifth-Wheel Hitch
This innovative piece of hardware allows owners to connect a fifth-wheel trailer to a truck using a gooseneck ball, eliminating the need for a bulky fifth-wheel hitch that takes up cargo space in the bed. The Gen-Y product also reduces shock transfer to the trailer, which greatly smooths out the ride, reducing tire wear on both the truck and RV. The hitch is made in the USA and comes with a five-year warranty. Pricing starts at $1,725. genyhitch.com
Cold Weather Tip: Clean and Lube Your Hitch
Before prepping your fifth-wheel hitch for winter, give it a thorough cleaning with a mild soap and hot water. Apply a light coat of lithium-based grease or graphite dry film lubricant to all of the moving or rotating parts, including grease fittings, the hitch plate and jaws. Consult your manufacturer for the recommended parts that require lubrication. Cover the hitch to keep snow, ice, and slush away from the hitch mechanism.
Photo Credit: Arc’teryx
Wish List: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
A lightweight down jacket built for winter active adventures. A form-fitting cut makes it ideal as a standalone insulating layer or for added warmth under a technical outer shell. Versatile enough for cold-weather hiking, cross-country skiing, and climbing, yet it won’t feel out of place around town. Available in both men’s and women’s versions. MSRP: $400; arcteryx.com
Photo Credit: Oxy D/Getty
Road Resource: The RV Entrepreneur Podcast
The long-running podcast is an excellent listen for anyone who wants to work and be productive while on the road. Hosts Jim Nelson and Rose and Glynn Willard interview fellow RVers while sharing helpful tips on how to stay focused, motivated, and creative when working from an RV. The show is available on all major podcast platforms.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
