Fifth Wheel Front Living Room Layout: The Complete Guide
Fifth wheel RVs with front living room layouts have surged in popularity among RV enthusiasts in recent years. The open concept floor plan and panoramic front windows create an airy, spacious feel that many find appealing for the RV lifestyle.
But is a front living room fifth wheel right for you? This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, and key factors to consider when deciding between a fifth wheel with a front living room versus a rear living room layout.
Pros of a Fifth Wheel Front Living Room Layout
A front living room design offers several advantages that make it a top choice for many RV buyers today.
More Open and Spacious Floor Plan
One of the biggest perks of a front living room is the open, airy feel it provides. The large picture windows along the front create panoramic views and flood the space with natural light. Without interior walls dividing up the space, the living room feels much more open and less closed-in.
This open concept floor plan allows for a nice flow when transitioning between the living room and kitchen. The indoor and outdoor spaces also blend together seamlessly when the slide outs are extended.
Better Living Room Setup
A front living room layout lends itself perfectly to a great living room configuration. The TV can be positioned on the wall across from the theater seats, recliners, or sofa for ideal TV viewing. This creates a true home theater experience.
The open space also accommodates larger screen TVs and full surround sound systems. There's plenty of room for mounting speakers and integrating the ideal audiovisual equipment.
Increased Natural Light
With the main living area situated at the front, front living fifth wheels benefit from significantly more natural daylight. The large windows usher in ample sunshine, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
By relying more on natural light, front living fifth wheels cut down on electricity usage for lighting. This makes them generally more energy efficient.
Enhanced Ventilation
All that window space also translates into superior ventilation and airflow. The multitude of windows allows fresh air to easily circulate throughout the living space.
Enhanced ventilation means front living fifth wheels require less air conditioning to stay cool. This further adds to their energy efficiency.
Additional Benefits
Beyond the main advantages, front living fifth wheels offer a few other useful benefits.
More Kitchen Accessibility
The open layout makes it very simple to move back and forth between the kitchen and living spaces. This comes in handy for serving snacks or prepping meals while still engaging with others in the living room.
Ample Storage Capacity
With the living space situated up front, fifth wheel front living room models open up more storage capacity in the rear. Many offer innovative storage solutions like slide-out cargo areas and spacious wardrobes.
The extra storage is perfect for packing more gear for extended trips or bringing along plenty of groceries.
Ideal for Entertaining Guests
Front living fifth wheels are uniquely well-suited for entertaining guests. The open floor plan allows for flexible and comfortable seating arrangements. And the panoramic views out the front windows create a pleasant ambiance.
It's easy to host larger gatherings, dinner parties, or game nights in the spacious front living room.
Downsides of a Front Living Room Layout
Despite the many upsides, front living fifth wheel layouts also come with a few potential drawbacks to weigh.
Smaller Bedrooms and Bathrooms
With the master suite, bathroom, and storage areas all located in the rear, they tend to be smaller in front living models. There is less space to work with compared to a rear living fifth wheel.
Communication Challenges
The front living room placement can make communication between the living space and kitchen a bit challenging. In rear living models, it's easier for the cook to interact with people in the living area.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between a front living room or rear living room fifth wheel, there are a few important factors to take into account.
Personal Preferences
Consider your individual lifestyle needs and interior layout tastes. Try out both front living and rear living floorplans in person to get a feel for the spaces.
Energy Efficiency
As covered earlier, front living rooms allow more natural light and cross ventilation. This can potentially reduce electricity usage.
Storage Capacity
Think about the storage you'll need for extended trips and bulky gear. Front living fifth wheels often provide more storage solutions.
Resale Value
While front living room popularity fluctuates by region, research typical resale values for both layouts.
Front living fifth wheels offer pros like panoramic views, open floorplans, and optimized entertainment setups. But the smaller rear rooms and potential communication challenges are worth considering.
By weighing your priorities in terms of space, lighting, storage, and lifestyle needs, you can determine if a front living room is the right choice for your travels.
Front living fifth wheels have many benefits. But thoughtfully examining all aspects will ensure you select the perfect layout for your needs.