Which way to go? Diesel Pusher or Truck & Fifth Wheel

[IronRick]

Hi All,

I just joined this group and I have been addicted all day just reading the different threads.

I plan on going full time by late summer and am at a loss on whether to buy a Diesel Pusher or Truck & Fifth Wheel.

I plan to spend no more than $150 K for the complete setup. I like the look that you get in a motorhome such as a Holiday Rambler / Monaco and the convenience of towing a toad. It looks impressive going down the road and the ease of setup when you get to your location.

However by going with a Truck & Fifth Wheel it will be less expensive but then I would need a large truck to pull it and using that truck as a driver vehicle when I get to my destination will probable create problems, in addition to the extra work involved in setting up your camp site.

I plan on traveling quite a bit in the western states so I will need power pulling the grades.

What makes this more difficult is that it is me alone making this decision as I am single and there is no one to blame if I make the wrong decision

I will be doing some camping in the middle of Nowhere USA so I need to be completely self sufficient.

Help me make the right choice people.

Thanks in advance,

IronRick

[IronRick]

Hi All,

I just joined this group and I have been addicted all day just reading the different threads.

I plan on going full time by late summer and am at a loss on whether to buy a Diesel Pusher or Truck & Fifth Wheel.

I plan to spend no more than $150 K for the complete setup. I like the look that you get in a motorhome such as a Holiday Rambler / Monaco and the convenience of towing a toad. It looks impressive going down the road and the ease of setup when you get to your location.

However by going with a Truck & Fifth Wheel it will be less expensive but then I would need a large truck to pull it and using that truck as a driver vehicle when I get to my destination will probable create problems, in addition to the extra work involved in setting up your camp site.

I plan on traveling quite a bit in the western states so I will need power pulling the grades.

What makes this more difficult is that it is me alone making this decision as I am single and there is no one to blame if I make the wrong decision

I will be doing some camping in the middle of Nowhere USA so I need to be completely self sufficient.

Help me make the right choice people.

Thanks in advance,

IronRick

[retired2001]

Hi y'all & welcome! As far as making the choice between 5er & M/H, I've tried both. I started out with a 3/4 ton Chevy w/350 engine and a 24' 5th wheel = under powered (even for the 24'); bought 2001 PSD Ford & 33' 5th wheel w/2slides. I liked it but my wife didn't like sitting for hours and not being able to move around. I traded that for a used 36' Monaco w/250hp Cummins. For us, this is the way to go, as I pull a 2002 SuperCrew as a toad. Not as much room as a lot of 5th wheels, but we like it. Good luck & have fun!

[RV Wizard]

IronRick, welcome to our website and forum. It is nearly impossible for someone else to determine what is right for you. We went fultime three years ago and I needed a service truck and so a motorhome was what we were going to need and a pretty good one to pull all the weight and servive the rigors we would put it through living in it. I did; like you, started researcing what would be the best chassis, mfg of coach, price, floor plans and when the time came I think we did alright for what we spent. Enjoy the reseach and hunt for the right unit. Good luck and if I can help with any specifics, just ask.

[jperry29]

Fulltiming books! I can't tell you how much help they have been to me. Each one I have read has at the very least a short discussion on the logic for choosing the kind of rig that would fit your needs. Beyond that they discuss things large and small that you should be sure you are familiar with.

There are also some great web sites that chronical the trials and tribulations of people making the transition from a fixed dwelling to fulltiming. Just keep reading through this site, or do a search, there are dozens of links.