Community Forums

NoFear · 09-01-2012, 01:45 PM

Which one did you choose over the other and why?

vsheetz · 09-01-2012, 02:14 PM

We have a Jeep and go offroading. Flat tow the Jeep with class A motorhome. So a truck/trailer setup will not work for, we have toy to tow.

GSGracie · 09-01-2012, 02:19 PM

Chose a class A. Wanted to have a small vehicle to run round in when we got somewhere (gas prices!). Also wanted to be able to drive off in a hurry without going outside. Slightly shorter overall for similar features.
These took precedence over being able to change the power plant without changing everything, or service the power plant while living in the home. Cost of a fifth wheel is lower over here (New Zealand) but tow vehicle way more expensive - around $70k for a big truck.

jfran304 · 09-01-2012, 02:33 PM

Class A.
Large window to enjoy the view as you go down the road.
Everybody including the pets can ride together.
You don't have to get out to use the facilities.
You can have a snack/drink without having to stop.
Easy to set up when you get to the campground.
In a traffic jam you get to watch everybody else suffer.

You can tow a smaller vehicle to scout the areas you stop in.

Jon

woodburner · 09-01-2012, 02:40 PM

We went to a motorhome after we decided we wanted a new coach after having our 5th wheel for 8 seasons.
We've found it to be much easier to set-up/tear down and (for us at least) it provides us with a lot more living space than our old 5ver did. But that all depends on which trailer you have or motor home.
Our's is only 2ft. bigger than our 5thwheel was and is a lot easier to park but again that could have been remedied by a different tow vehicle.
We have a little more exterior storage with the motor home; but we had really great storage with our old Everest.
The plus of a trailer is you have a vehicle to drive around after you park...
With a MH you need a towed vehicle to bring so you can get around.
I really think it's an individual decision of what suits YOU the best.
We are happy with the one we made.

Traps90 · 09-01-2012, 02:43 PM

We always had a 5'er, cause until now I've always needed a truck, now that I no longer need a truck and we are going to go fulltime next May, it will definitely be a Class A, much prefer the jeep Liberty as a daily driver than a a Dually truck. Also prefer the easiser setup of the class A too. The travel days seem like they would be a lot more enjoyable in the big A's too.

clyon51 · 09-01-2012, 03:02 PM

Already had 2 trucks (1/2 ton) certainly didn't need another. Don't like going down the road in a truck, a Class A is much nicer and much more convienient. We always take our 2 Harleys and certainly didn't want a toy hauler taking up interior room.

dls461 · 09-01-2012, 03:21 PM

We struggled with the same issue before buying a MH. The 2 deciding factors for us in a MH came down too:
1) while on the road, if we want to stop for lunch or take a nap, that 5er would be hotter than h--- and the same when arriving at a CG for the night. Also DW and grandkids can use the bathroom without having to stop.
2) After arriving at CG, the MH is a faster setup vs the 5er. Also if it is raining or dark we really don't need to get out of the MH to set up.

Now is the extra expense of the MH worth all of this? That is up to the individual to answer. Both have there advantages and dis-advantages regardless of what people tell you.
I do see more people with 5er's triple towing and sometimes I wish I could take my boat along with my toad. Many of the 5er's we looked at had as many nice features as out MH.
Let us know what you decide and happy travels!

HoleInOne · 09-01-2012, 03:25 PM

You may want to post this in the 5er section as well. People here may be a bit biased.

Gerald Duerr · 09-01-2012, 03:34 PM

Agree there are some nice 5th out there, but I wanted to take a toad or a trailer along. Triple towing does not go here. Had a class C before. You can`t beat an `A. My Tradewind uses less fuel than the C with a 460 and I have more Room.

Brockx · 09-01-2012, 03:39 PM

We have not overnighted that much yet. Heading out for a long trip next week.

Having said that it seems the Class A's get a little better treatment than Class C's and trailers. We were in the keys a few weeks ago and noticed the class A's dominated the waterview spots.

G.G. · 09-01-2012, 06:04 PM

Thought about a 5er so there wouldn't be two engines to maintain. Decided on a class A because we love them. We never tire of looking at them. Since having one we enjoy the view from the cockpit, being able to stop at a rest area & fix a sandwich, and potty. We're late afternoon coffee drinkers. When we were in a traffic snarl that was creeping at 5 miles an hr. on an interstate, we turned on the genny, and I made our afternoon coffee. That was really cool.

Having said that, we've also had engine problems on this trip and have had to get a room twice. That is something to consider when deciding between the two.

mgtr · 09-01-2012, 06:06 PM

Waterview = $$$.

Falcon35 · 09-01-2012, 06:12 PM

We went from a 5th to motorcoach last year.
Our crew cab dual wheel pickup was our second car when we were at home.
Now we have a Honda Fit as a toad and second car at home. I like that much better.
The only way I would go back would be if I needed a pickup for other reasons.
We have also found that we like the other features that other's have mentioned.