What it is
The fifth-wheel solves the one problem a bumper-pull caravan has. Because the nose sits directly above the pickup's rear axle, nose weight is far better controlled and the combination stays calm in crosswinds and on hills.
Why people choose it
You need a pickup, and the right one. Check the pickup’s payload before you shop for a caravan: the kingpin usually carries 15–25% of the caravan’s weight, and a crew cab with passengers and a tool box can use most of the payload on its own.
What to check before you buy
Height is the catch. A fifth-wheel with air conditioning and a roof rack is close to 4 m tall, which is illegal on most European roads and impossible on many European campsites. It is a North American answer for North American roads and campsites.