YES it is big ... but it doesn’t drive big.

What seems like an imposing package, the 28ft Jayco 5th Wheeler is incredibly maneuverable, fuel-efficient and a dream to drive.

That's the view of Melbourne Truck Centre fleet sales manager Roger Lake who recently took a Jayco 5th Wheeler on an 820km trip along the NSW coast.

"I hate wet roads on windy days even when towing my 17ft Work 'n Play caravan, so I was keen to make comparisons with the much larger 28ft IVECO Daily dual cab," Mr Lake said.

"On this trip, at least 200km of the journey was in extreme wet weather conditions and it performed perfectly.

"There was never an indication of instability, not when passing trucks, cornering or travelling on high bridges. Not even a wiggle."

And at the recent Coffs Harbour caravan show Mr Lake observed a couple in their mid-50s keen to test drive the rig.

"Hubby threw the wife in the deep end and sent her on the first drive," Mr Lake explained.

"She did a great job and then told me she had never even towed a caravan before and loved it so much she didn't want to stop driving it.

"They bought one, on the spot."

The IVECO Daily has been purpose-designed for the Jayco 5th Wheeler and has tremendous towing ability, making it completely non-reactive to road and driving conditions.

Although it may be heavier, higher and longer it is also easier to drive forward and backward than a medium-sized caravan.

Contrary to popular belief 5th Wheelers have a tighter turning circle than a caravan or motorhome

And when it comes to staying over, the towing vehicle can be detached easily and is trouble-free.

It has a turntable hitch instead of a ball and socket and the Hayman Reese coupling has four quick release pins for easy removal and the air bag suspension and diff lock provides quick and safe raise and lower functions.

Hayman Reese sales engineer Graham Milnes said their hitch solutions were fully compliant, no matter in which state vehicles were registered.

"Hayman Reese has developed a range of 5th Wheel solutions tailored for the Australian market and we worked closely with the national legislators in Canberra, as well as the state and territory authorities to ensure our kits are fully compliant with Australian Design Standards (ADR)," he said.

"Customers can have confidence that the product they purchase is safe, legal, tested and fit for purpose.

"Each kit is also shipped with compliance plates indicating they conform to ADR 62/02.

"The Sidewinder Pin Box enables users to make 90-degree turns without fear of damaging their vehicle cab."

If you are thinking of importing a 5th Wheeler, be warned as many are wider, may have the doors on the wrong side and is most likely to be non-compliant, requiring major work to meet Australian standards.