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01-06-2017, 09:02 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 17
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Confused-How is a 5th Wheel cheaper than a Class A?
I'm pretty new to the RV world but DH and I have started some serious retirement planing and those plans include 5-7 years of full time RV travel. I jumped in and started researching and quickly saw that most people who full time either purchase Class A or a 5th wheel. My question (yup finally got around to it) is how is a 5th wheel and tow vehicle less expensive? From reading we would need a pretty serious tow truck for a decent size 5th wheel and those seem to run 60K+ Add in a good quality 5th wheel is around the same (or much more). So an investment of around $120k or let's say $100k for ones that are a few years old. I see quality used Class A DP for the same investment.
I know both Class A and 5th wheels have their advantages and disadvantages but what is the cost savings of one over the other? NOT trying to start a debate but just trying to learn.
Thank you!
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01-06-2017, 09:32 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Georgie Boy Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 477
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First off, welcome to the forum. Most will say, preference. I like to drive my class A. DW likes to have the option to get up, sit different places, get something to eat, bathroom, all while traveling. We are not full timing yet. That being the case, FTers breaking down, the rig going into the shop, means your house goes into the shop. We tow a 2016 Chev Sonic.
__________________
Now in a Class C Coachman Leperchaun, trailer towing a 1950 Crosley Station wagon, or a '42 Pick-Up. Member of the Non-Affiliated Camping Group FMCA #F462997 RVM #146 Jon & Ellen
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01-06-2017, 09:46 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Citrus Springs, Fl.
Posts: 798
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To go and sit, get the fifth. Not likely to stay, get the A.
__________________
2017 Thor Freedom Elite 29fe
2015 Jeep Wrangler Toad
Making a smooth transition to senility for over 70 years
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01-06-2017, 09:50 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: western NC mountains!
Posts: 4,106
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for us it has been two major reasons, after having owned a FifthWheel, and another ClassA gas coach:
Easy to Drive-the family can choose different areas to sit and relax, use the restroom or kitchen, play games or watch tv, all while traveling; the only time we 'have' to stop is for ME or the pet : )
Easy Setup- when arriving at a park, campground, or overnight parking lot, it's a simple few buttons to drop the air bags, level the coach, and put out the slides; no need to exit the coach
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01-06-2017, 10:00 AM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 32
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To address the OP's original question about the cost savings of a 5th over class A, in some parts of the country families often already have a truck in the driveway and as long as they choose a 5th wheel that is compatible, they can save $.
However, as human nature tends to try to always push the envelope, we (yes I have done it myself) often get the trailer that is at the upper end of reasonable and end up trading up to a larger tow vehicle when we see mountains approaching on the horizon. Thereby totally negating the whole cost savings idea. Just my opinion mind you
__________________
Grumpy
2002 bounder 36U
9 kids/3 dogs/1 lovely wife
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01-06-2017, 10:05 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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As to the cost question. Both have similar house appliances, plumbing, electric etc. if the 5th wheel is equipped with Auto leveling, generator, etc. The 5th wheel does not have the power train maintenance costs of a class A, however a diesel powered TV does have those costs. Albeit the TV is likely somewhat less expensive due to being more generic and wider deployment. Overall I think the $$$ difference in comparable setups would not be large.
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Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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01-06-2017, 10:06 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA (Stick & Brick)
Posts: 2,643
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The main reason is that a 5th-wheel has no engine or transmission - that's why you need a truck!
__________________
Frank Damp -Anacortes, WA,(DW- Eileen)
ex-pat Brits (1968) and ex-RVers.
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01-06-2017, 10:08 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Prince William, VA
Posts: 157
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nosticks
To go and sit, get the fifth. Not likely to stay, get the A.
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We considered both. But got a Class A. DW doesn't want to have a truck as 'her' vehicle. She also likes to sleep when we're moving. Both of us like the convenience of having the restroom and refrigerator available without having to get out and walk.
In the motor home, the ceilings are lower, it doesn't open up as large as a 5er of the same length and it's more complicated.
The 5er would have been cheaper since I would have bought both truck and trailer used.
__________________
Leon and Karen
Was - '02 Monaco Dynasty Chancellor
Burned and destroyed Dec 15, 2017
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01-06-2017, 10:09 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas,OR
Posts: 4,584
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Towing a fiver you by default already have a vehicle to run around in. With a motor home, regardless of class dictates that you need a toad to get around in. That means two drive trains to maintain. To get the same age and same living square footage a motor home will need to be around 6 feet longer. Remember to subtract driving area from living space with motor homes. Looking strictly at age/price vs quality a motor home will cost you roughly 50% more.
Yes, you can buy motor homes cheaper than a fiver, but it will be more entry level, with a basic gas motor vs a nice diesel dually truck to pull a nice quality fiver. For long term sitting the fiver is far more economical
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Don and Lorri
Resident Dummy.
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01-06-2017, 10:19 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: michigan-tip of the mitt
Posts: 1,444
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nosticks
To go and sit, get the fifth. Not likely to stay, get the A.
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X2 above quote
__________________
2003 Class C, 29' Gulfstream
Next stop?
Previous rigs..2 Pickup campers,2 TT's, 3 DP MH's
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01-06-2017, 10:20 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 335
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Which ever type you decide on I suspect that within a few years you will try the other type. I've had them all. Mostly happy with my current setup.
__________________
DYNAMAX DX3 37TS
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01-06-2017, 10:23 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,596
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Go price out some 22" RV tires. Price out getting a DP serviced. You just don't drive a DP thru Oil Can Henry's. Add the cost of a vehicle to tow behind the MH. If the MH breaks down for a few days then you have to get a hotel. If the truck breaks down you can stay in the 5th wheel.
MH's are certainly convenient when pulling in for a night. But unless you have a pull thru site you still have to get out and unhitched the toad before backing in. Then repeat in the morning.
With a 5th and a truck you can use a pull thru or back in for the night. No need to unhitch.
Both have the pros and cons. IMO you get more living space in a 5th wheel. Plus you can get a lot more floor plans to suit your wants. Front living, rear living, rear den, etc. MH always have the bed in the rear. Many times the best view is out the rear.
A MH can have the ability to level down so entry is easier. Also no steps to the living or bedroom areas.
Good luck in your search.
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01-06-2017, 10:26 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 290
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Love a comfort and ease of driving the class A. We towed a 5er for years with a 1 ton diesel mega cab which was/is nice but not in the same league as our DP class A. Initial cost of the new 3500 and 5th wheel was over 100k. You can buy a used DP class A for the same price. But the decision should be based on how your going to use it. Going somewhere and parking for a month or two I would suggest the 5er but moving every few days would be a frustrating experience in a 5er. You need to tow something but for us a vehicle being flat towed behind the class A is the better idea. Fuel and maintenance is a bit more but comfort and convenience far outweighs the other option.
We pulled into Vegas in triple digit heat while the 5er had baked all day in the sun. Plugged in and cranked the ACs but it was a long time before it was usable... vs class A which is already at the temp you like. Comes down to comfort...
Bill & Christine
40 ft Revolution LE Diesel Pusher & Honda Fit Sport
Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum
__________________
Bill Thompson
2006 Fleetwood Revolution 40 LE
2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
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01-06-2017, 10:34 AM
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sacha
My question (yup finally got around to it) is how is a 5th wheel and tow vehicle less expensive? From reading we would need a pretty serious tow truck for a decent size 5th wheel and those seem to run 60K+ Add in a good quality 5th wheel is around the same (or much more). So an investment of around $120k or let's say $100k for ones that are a few years old. I see quality used Class A DP for the same investment.
I know both Class A and 5th wheels have their advantages and disadvantages but what is the cost savings of one over the other? NOT trying to start a debate but just trying to learn.
Thank you!
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A couple of points you left out of the cost equation:
With a class A you need a car to drive around once you get to your location.
There is huge depreciation once you buy a new class A.
Repairs are more costly then for a 5th and pick up.
With a 5th wheel people do use Ram 2500 like vehicle. What you need depends upon the 5th wheel.
I think if you fine tune the numbers a 5th wheel is probably less.
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