Switching: MH -> Fiver, your experiences ?

[Bruce 'n Pat]

We are seasoned MH owners contemplating moving to a Fiver in the near future (6 mos.). The shopping phase of this endeavor has been hectic at best. I would like to have those who have made this change give us some advise/comments about their experience. We are veterans of 30 years of MH use and ownership. We have hauled gooseneck stock trailers too. ThanX to all who respond.
Bruce 'n Pat
North Dakota

[Bruce 'n Pat]

We are seasoned MH owners contemplating moving to a Fiver in the near future (6 mos.). The shopping phase of this endeavor has been hectic at best. I would like to have those who have made this change give us some advise/comments about their experience. We are veterans of 30 years of MH use and ownership. We have hauled gooseneck stock trailers too. ThanX to all who respond.
Bruce 'n Pat
North Dakota

[mbwagoner]

my family did the multiple hop when I was a kid. started with the 18ft travel trailer, to the motorhome, to the fiver. Loved the fiver. It was better for camping since it was made strictly for that, the truck was better for driving since it was made for it. We had something to drive once we got there. We double pulled the boat so we didn't loose that ability. The biggest problem is if you can't tow, but you have that down. All in all I don't understand the love for the motorhome and don't plan on ever owning one, but that's just my opinion.

[Jim h]

we had motorhomes for 22 years and switched to a fifth wheel for mileage reasons. We have found that the fifth wheel tows with less concern than our last tow car which we towed on a dolly, when we flat towed there is no advantage in towing comfort. When set up in a campground the fifthwheel is more comfortable and has more window area for light and scenery, it is also lower than a MH and provides easier access. However, the comfort of travel, accessibility to refrigerator etc., ease of parking, storage space in a class A are second to nothing else. We miss our Class A and if we could afford it would be back in a class A MH in a minute. Having said that, we enjoy the RV lifestyle, and are content with the fifth.

[FiverBob]

We did the MH stuff for over 30 years. When we knew we would be able to spend more time on the road we switched to fiver. My observations: Motorhome - - if you have kids traveling with you, stick with the MH; if you mostly travel and don't sit much, stick with the MH. Fiver - - cheaper and less depreciation; holds the road better than even our 40' MH; harder to back up; more room inside; much easier to care for when having to store it for a period of time; mucho less problems while on the road; much better economy in fuel (13 mpg vs 6.5) and normal maintenance costs like oil changes ($50 versus 300); does not ride as nice; not as convenient for lunch of using facilities when on the road.

Would I go for the fiver again vs the MH - - in a heartbeat.

Bob

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Since I would have a pickup around anyway, a 5th wheel makes sense for me. One less motor to maintain, and I think 5th wheels hold their value better for that reason also (not as much to go wrong).

They are fairly easy to back up, but the long ones cut a much wider arc when turning than the tow vehicle, and some of the walk around bedroom ones are pretty tall and subject to snagging tree branches and stuff.

Also, when you are shopping, watch the gross vehicle weight rating and rear axle weight rating of the tow vehicle. 5th wheels can put 20% or more of their weight on the pin, and when you add the weight of the passengers, hitch assembly and whatever else is in the truck...

If you are going to spend a lot of time on the road you might think about an air ride hitch. At the very least make sure you get a 4 way pivoting hitch.

Lastly, invest in a good brake controller. I'd suggest Brakesmart or Jordan Ultima.

[Magboiler]

I echo FiverBob. We had similar experiences.

[Bill1374]

We went from a Kountry Star Fifth to a Dutch Star pusher and are now in the process of going back to a fifth. Like everyone has said, on the road, the mh is tough to beat. However, the upkeep and repairs on it take a toll on the pocketbook. Since we now spend more time sitting than taveling, its back to the fifht we go.

Bill

[TXiceman]

Pretty much what everyone has notes. We have lived for extended periods in both a motorhome and a 5er. For long term, the 5er is the way to go.

With a moho, you really need to unhook it and drive it for a minimum of 1/2 hour every 4 to 6 weeks. Also, if your moho has a chassis problem...the house goes to the shop and where do you live.

One less drive line to maintain since you can drive the truck all of the time.

The moho is a convenience on the road and if you move it often, but a 5er is not hard to hitch and unhitch. With the moho, you still have to hitch the car and hook up the dinghy brakes.

A 5er does not have the heat gain/loss due to the big windshield and are generally easier to cool of heat.

Ken