Interior Height of 5th Wheels v. Motorhomes - RV-Dreams Community Forum

NINK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Interior Height of 5th Wheels v. Motorhomes

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Now-a-days MH and 5th wheels pretty much have the same interior height in the living and kitchen area, depending upon the manufacturer's design.

In the past (16 years ago or more) that wasn't true. Most MH were a little over 6ft interior height and 5th wheels started to get increased head room. 7ft and then 8ft. Eventually MHs caught up.

Most of the storage area of a 5th wheel is found just below the step up into the living space above the 5th wheel hitch. The manufacturers began moving the step up back from the hitch to provide a master suite effect (bathroom & bedroom on the same or nearly same level). This step up area will typically have from 7ft to around 6ft headroom. This left a large storage compartment area below the master suite. The rear portion of the 5th wheel will have up to 9ft (most are 8ft) in headroom.

Newer MHs are flat floored from front to back due to space saver design frames specifically built to provide lower center of gravity, meaning higher interior heights.

MHs typically have many storage compartments (some large, some small) where a 5th wheel will have one big one under the step up accessible from either side and front.

The simple answer the manufacturers met the customer's demands by providing better designs with more headroom. Just like houses went from 8ft ceilings to 12 and 15 feet due to customer demand.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have not found this to be true. I almost all cases the 5th wheel has substantially more head room than nearly all MH's. Unless you are really tall though, this really makes little difference in the ability to use the space or feel comfortable in it. Storage greatly varies on all types of RV's whether 5th wheel or MH so you will have to go over each RV you are considering to ensure that storage in of the type and size that you require.

NINK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the responses. While we have been thinking that we would prefer a motorhome, we're beginning to think it might be worthwhile to consider 5th wheels too. My husband is 6'2". He would prefer not having to duck in order to walk through a doorway and he would like to be able to stand in the shower with the showerhead at a comfortable height for a 6'2" person. For you tall folks out there, is this possible in both a motorhome and a 5th wheel?

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am 6'5" and have plenty of headroom in our MH. In our jobs as hosts I have been in many 5'ers and the newer models all had plenty of headroom in the living area but not in the bed area. Our coach has a lot of storage space both inside and in the heated basement. Monaco put a skylight in the shower so no problem with headroom there.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

6'-2" should not be an issue in most MH's. You are not going to have to duck to do anything and as long as the manufacturer placed the shower head at a logical location (or on an adjustable arm) you should also not have any issues with this. I am 6'-0" and love my MH! Many 5th wheel bedrooms have a reduced ceiling height and I am not comfortable there. I know, I would only be sleeping, showering, dressing, oh, wait, I see why I would not be comfortable.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're 5'6" and 6'0", and we are constantly comparing where and what each of us can or cannot go or do when we look at coaches. One 5'er that we thought was high on our list has now been completely removed, mainly because neither one of us could make the bed! We've been told to not even consider an Airstream with a rear bath, due to a lack of headroom there. So far, every MH we've looked at has had sufficient headroom, but some lower-price 5'ers are a bit short in the bedroom area, even for me (the short one).

NINK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks again, and special thanks to Bill for the laugh. You all are such a helpful bunch! I think we'll just keep focusing on motorhomes, at least until April when we can see different rigs at the rally. A motorhome would probably be more comfortable for our dog anyway.

Happy New Year!

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

NINK wrote:
Thanks for the responses. While we have been thinking that we would prefer a motorhome, we're beginning to think it might be worthwhile to consider 5th wheels too. My husband is 6'2". He would prefer not having to duck in order to walk through a doorway and he would like to be able to stand in the shower with the showerhead at a comfortable height for a 6'2" person. For you tall folks out there, is this possible in both a motorhome and a 5th wheel?

It depends on the unit. I'm also 6'2". Some 5ers will have marginal headroom in the bedroom. Many of the newer 5ers have more than enough - for example, our New Horizons has 6'8" in the bedroom. And out living room area goes from 8' to 9' at the front - so it feel especially spacious.

Many motorhomes have lower ceilings overall....but they are high enough to walk around in without an issue. Choosing between a MH and 5er is more a personal preference thing, IMO. Rarely can you make a convincing "technical" arguement for one over the other.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

We recently learned that there is, indeed, a difference in height in the upper area of fifth-wheels. Some are barely 6' up there, and some start out tall enough at the stairs, but by the time you get to the front of the coach it is down to maybe 5' 8" or so. The only measuring stick that counts is your own head. If you don't bump it on something, the height is sufficient.

NINK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks again. There are so many things to consider. I'm only 5'2", so I doubt that interior height will be a concern for me, but it will be for my husband. We both need to be happy and comfortable in our next home. We'll just keep plugging along with our research and adding to the many spreadsheets we have in progress.

Thanks to all for the helpful advice you have given on so many different topics. This really is a great forum!

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't think you'll be unhappy with a MH or 5er thet will both have plenty of head room. I would make a decision on what you like and what meets your needs.