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05-25-2018, 08:26 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Middleboro, MA
Posts: 294
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Another Class A? Yay or Nay?
I've posted on the fifth wheel discussion forum about the differences between going from a Diesel Pusher to a 5th wheel, which is the direction we are learning towards for our next RV. (We are currently RV-less)
Some of the answers I got gave me something to think about so I thought I'd ask the same on this forum.
"Especially for those of you who have made the switch either way, what did you find you liked better about one or the other? Was it a big adjustment? Overall, which do you prefer? What are some things you can only notice by living in and driving each?"
Any thoughts welcome and appreciated!
For reference, here's a link to the responses from the folks on the 5th wheel discussion forum:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/what-...es-393086.html
Thank You.
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05-25-2018, 09:07 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Satsop WA
Posts: 1,619
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We have had a trailer, (not a 5th wheel), long ago.
For us the advantages of a class a (DP) are the big windshield, Access to the fridge/restroom, ease of set up, not getting blown around, kind of like driving in your house.
Thats just us, thats what works for us and why we would never go back.
__________________
2007 Alpine Limited SE
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05-25-2018, 09:21 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Vintage RV Owners Club Coastal Campers Carolina Campers
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Hull, GA
Posts: 103
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Age old debate. We defend what we like and have. My father in law (fifth wheel) and I (Class A) discussed many times. All preference and what suits your style the best. I like using and enjoying the house even while motoring down the road.
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05-25-2018, 09:26 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,740
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A big reason for us is we don’t have a suitable truck, and we , or specifically wife doesn’t want to drive a big truck around as a daily driver . Obviously 5 wheels are really nice , I do love the floor plans, but MH suites our needs better
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05-25-2018, 09:28 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Middleboro, MA
Posts: 294
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Maybe I should clarify. I realize there's a preference thing. I'm just wondering if there are differences people have noticed when they went from one to the other that they didn't think of beforehand.
As an example, some on the 5th wheel forum said that the 5th wheels heat up quite a bit in hot weather when travelling and take a bit to cool down once set up. That's something only someone who has owned both would realize. So that's what I'm looking for more than which is better.
Thanks!!
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05-25-2018, 09:34 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,740
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I see , yes , & with a MH you can have AC on before your get there .
Our dog in his old age wouldn’t be able to get in & out of a full size truck .
Some would argue a MH is easier to set up/ take down .
We have friend who prefers a 5 wheel but he ran into an issue a couple times where they wanted to stop to see an attraction, but 5th wheel wouldn’t fit. Nobody would allow them to drop it someplace .
The motorhomes where allowed to park someplace, they could take the car.
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05-25-2018, 09:37 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 31
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We went from a class c to a 5W and then to class a. Went to 5W when we went to relocate. If living in it for longer duration it was perfect. For occasional week long trips we found it difficult to go anywhere except concrete pad type places. Too big for more rustic campgrounds. Settled on 30 ft class a and it’s perfectly sized. Can go anywhere. Meets our needs.
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05-25-2018, 11:41 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 232
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I have a Class A and tour frequently with my friend who has an Airstream (not the same as a fifth wheel, but same challenges).
1. Setup time is longer in a FW. I am ready to chill and have a beer in under 10 minutes, he spends 30 minutes getting setup.
2. As others have mentioned, the trailer gets hot. We stop on the roadside for lunch, and he is joining us as the airstream is sweltering.
3. Driving Time - he is faster than I am, but anytime anybody wants to pee he has to stop. he has 2 kids so that may not be an issue with you. But normally we would take off at the same time, and some days I beat him to the destination just because he had to stop too many times.
4. Luxury - haven't seen a pullout for hours, all of a sudden there is one, yay! been driving 3.5 hours with no break. Pull over, park, go hop on the bed and stretch and relax. When ready hop back to driver seat and keep going. Not as easy in FW, and again AC/Heat issue.
5. Convenience - honey I need a sandwich. BAM sandwich in my hand. Can't be beat.
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05-25-2018, 11:51 AM
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#9
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Community Moderator
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 31,248
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For us the big difference is the restroom. As we get older is seems the bladder gets smaller, and rather then making a lot of stops. Having it on board is a great advantage. Especially if it's raining or there's any other bad weather. A rest area or a wide shoulder works for the driver.
__________________
Tony & Ruth........... FMCA#F416727
2016 London Aire 4519, Freightliner chassis, Cummins ISX, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Blue Ox Avail with AF1. TST 507 TPMS
No amount of money can buy you an extra second of time.
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05-25-2018, 12:00 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Manhattan (Little Apple) Kansas
Posts: 2,476
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I have no need for a truck in my day to day life so that big DRW truck is basically detached motor for our RV. Now I have Class A and get to drive a Jeep Wrangler not only day to day but trail ride when on vacation. I have Cricket Golf Cart the fits in back the Wrangler, couple Kayaks on the roof Wrangler with my bike rack on the back of the Wrangler. I can bring by toys without losing living space to a toy hauler.
__________________
2020 Newmar Baystar 3005 Gas V10 - 2020 Jeep Rubicon
1280 Watts Solar - Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 120V Inverter
300 Amp Lithium Battery
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05-25-2018, 12:18 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 345
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Trailers vs. MH's are a lot more work setting up and breaking down. Think of the times you've rolled into a CG in pouring rain... Plus, the huge length and blocking the entire half of the CG while doing the hookups, etc. I just moved from a TT to a MH and can't for the life of me...at this age...figure out why I thought a trailer would be better for me. There are so many things you've come so accustomed to that you take for granted with the MH. Bathrooms are one...quick lunch stops...naps in rest areas...riding all day in a pickup...lots of them. My vote is another A or look at the new class...the Super C's. I love mine!!!
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05-25-2018, 01:29 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 164
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We have not had either, but are searching for the answer to this and talking with or reading everyone we can. We are long term planning with full timing a probability when we retire.
Ther are a handful of advantages we have been shown but to me right now two huge issues in favor of a big DP are:
Pulling a trailer with absolutely any car you could want rather than a lumbering pick up.
Greater power/hauling capacity for larger water and fuel tanks, and the ability to bring more stuff (including space in the trailer with the car).
From all I can gather the cost of purchase and cost of maintenance is astronomically higher with a DP. For us, money will not really be a concern. Whatever we do, it will be less costly than stationary life.
Now I just have to make my wife unsee this ad I sent to her https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...New-5002358184
Or find a DP that is equally perfect. (Although being DRV it may be this 5th wheel looks so brand new because it spent 3.5 of the past 4 years waiting for warranty work so it could be used for the first time)
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05-25-2018, 01:47 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,094
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I like the part on the build sheet about the “Forced option”. If it is forced, how can it be an option? Is that like a heated refrigerator?
__________________
Marc and Jill, Wellington FL
2013 Entegra Anthem 44SL
2018 Lincoln MKX
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05-25-2018, 02:01 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 164
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MRUSA14
I like the part on the build sheet about the “Forced option”. If it is forced, how can it be an option? Is that like a heated refrigerator?
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Or a dry sink
I think my wife's favorite option on the list was $72.50 - lower the microwave. (She is 5'3")
If I were to write out the perfect 5th wheel for us this would be very close. Except I think the fake fireplaces are stupid and I think the outdoor TV makes little sense. I have difficulty thinking of situations where it would be useful. I guess if it is not taking up storage space, it is not hurting anything, may as well have it and see whether it is used. Maybe a hot rainy night we are boodocking in the middle of nowhere so we would not disturb anyone by having a TV on outside, and want to sit outside and watch a movie because it is too hot inside, the AC is broken, and too wet to do anything active outside. Otherwise, no use for it I can think of.
Still basically perfect (setting aside apparent DRV quality problems). Can I find a DP decked out like this for this price plus the cost of a truck?
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