Community Forums

Riley1 · 11-05-2019, 02:01 PM

Hi all,

Is a 40' 5ver more or less difficult to maneuver into a camp site as compared to a 40' motorhome? I'm retiring at the end of the year and my wife and I plan on doing some traveling. I went back and forth on a 5ver vs. the class A and decided on a 5ver as I liked the idea of a toy hauler where I could store the Harley.

I'm committed to the 5ver at this point as I just purchased a new 1 ton dually but am still curious.

Thanks,
Rick

ByeTheWay · 11-05-2019, 02:05 PM

For me the 40' motor home is easier. But I was never good at backing a 5er

wjohnson913 · 11-05-2019, 02:26 PM

Had both and one is no doubt easier to maneuver. You can get good or even great and backing a fifth wheel but until you get to that point look for pull thru spots when camping. A site long enough will make unhooking from the trailer a bunch easier and less stressful.
Best of luck on the search and post pics of your set up when you get it all put together.
There are no doubt some wonderful bike riding locations in this country. Enjoy!

skypilot_1 · 11-05-2019, 03:51 PM

One of the big differences Ive found in vehicle maneuvering ability is the amount of front wheel steering degree cut.

When comparing a Class A DP to a long wheel base crew cab pick-up. The Class A has in most cases twice the angle of steering cut then the pick-up does. Not goin to get into brand name callin here. But our IFS has nearly a 60 degree turning angle cut. Check it out

winniman · 11-05-2019, 04:01 PM

My cottage lot is a bit tight to get into. My 38 ft class A, and my friends 40 ft have an easier time than my friends with their 40 ft fifth wheel trailers.

powerboatr · 11-05-2019, 04:02 PM

had a 40 foot fiver and long bed crew cab
now have a 40 foot bus.
hands down easier to get into tight spots or out of

turning the fiver with the pickup, is just not as easy imo as the bus

robertkathy · 11-05-2019, 04:11 PM

i would say the mh would be easier. that being said i have the trailer making my length 64 ft so it aint easy anywhere

Gary RVRoamer · 11-05-2019, 04:28 PM

There will always be spots where a truck & 5W can manage but a motorhome cannot, but a 40 ft MH with a good front end (the steering angle mentioned) is easier in most situations that require any maneuvering at all. I've owned both and was very confident backing our 5W's, but a MH is easier 99% of the time.

igave · 11-05-2019, 04:50 PM

I’m with the other guys. We’ve had both and put on a lot of miles, fuel stations, rv parks, etc. The motorhome is much easier the vast amount of the time. That said, if you’re paying attention and hone your skills the 5th can be talked into most places you’d reasonably want to take it. Either one, it’s about developing the skill set.

Riley1 · 11-05-2019, 06:41 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. It sounds like I'm going to want to practice with the trailer a bit. Anything has got to be easier than backing up my 10' enclosed motorcycle trailer.

Rick

dbfrv3 · 11-05-2019, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riley1

Thanks for all of the replies. It sounds like I'm going to want to practice with the trailer a bit. Anything has got to be easier than backing up my 10' enclosed motorcycle trailer.

Rick

Amen! I had a short cargo trailer for a while - it had a mind of its own when backing up. Most times I would just drop it and maneuver it by hand after parking the RV.

Backing a 5er takes time, practice and above all - a good co-pilot. Work out a signal system before you start!

V3600 · 11-05-2019, 07:10 PM

I own a 40' 5th wheel. At work I drive motorhomes and they are much easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Dutch Star Don · 11-05-2019, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riley1

Hi all,

Is a 40' 5ver more or less difficult to maneuver into a camp site as compared to a 40' motorhome? I'm retiring at the end of the year and my wife and I plan on doing some traveling. I went back and forth on a 5ver vs. the class A and decided on a 5ver as I liked the idea of a toy hauler where I could store the Harley.

I'm committed to the 5ver at this point as I just purchased a new 1 ton dually but am still curious.

Thanks,
Rick

Rick.....the big thing about backing a 5th wheel is being able to "visualize" where you need to make your turns. If you can visualize them, you'll be pretty effective at backing it in. We have friends that has NEVER been able to visualize when to start and stop turns and pulls forward and back at least 10 times at every campsite.

Keep in mind, you'll typically request pull thru sites that make life easier.

**NLOVNIT** · 11-05-2019, 07:50 PM

If you think about it, you can disconnect the toad (if attached) from the motorhome & then you are maneuvering ~40 ft of vehicle in the campground. But you can't disconnect a 5-r from its tow vehicle. A 40ft 5-r will most likely have a full-size, long-bed dually hauling. Even with 6ft-8ft of it sitting in the bed of the truck, combined you're trying to maneuver 55 ft or more of vehicle in the campground.

Lori-