What it is
The fifth-wheel solves the one problem a bumper-pull trailer has. Because the nose sits directly above the truck'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 truck's payload before you shop for a trailer: the kingpin usually carries 15–25% of the trailer's weight, and a crew cab with passengers and a tool box can burn 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 infrastructure.