Quote:
Originally Posted by 2014-3585RL
Adam mind listing out your biggest pro/con list. I am a retired truck driver so size has some bearing for local traffic mor turning radius with a 24' car hualer behind.
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Well we now know what your hauling now.
So even in a 45' unit with a 24' trailer and tongue you will still be under legal length limits. We tow a 1/2 ton Supercrew and most of them are @ 20 + feet long and its no issue. Your length is not an issue with your configuration.
I will assume that your car hauler is not empty so now you should even take a longer look at a tag axle for towing. The ride and stability will pay for itself tenfold with a heavy(ier) type trailer behind.
As far as handling, don't worry about that with your previous experience. You do lose the articulation of a FifthWheel but with tag release or even passive tag steering on newer units there is lots of technology to make the job a little easier.
As far as pro/cons go, I hesitate to put my list down....as it will be different from yours and the next posters and so on and so on. And by no means is this meant to take away from all of the RV'ers that have awesome truck/5Wheel set-ups. So my list will obviously point towards the benefits of a motorcoach.
But that being said some of the obvious items that come up are things like;
1. The coach will not be a lot more to maintain from a "regular" service standpoint than your 1 ton P/U. Do as much service as you can yourself and allow a fund for tires and scheduled chassis service.
2. Your ride and enroute luxury items go up. Way up. Like the ability to pull into a rest stop and have all of your services available. No getting out for food, washroom, etc. (really handy when you have pets or children) Same rules apply if you pull into a resort or campsite late at night or in inclement weather. Set-up is way easier and a lot less levelling, unhooking and blocking. You have a lot more flexibility. You will lose floor space in the motorhome as a Fifthwheel is much better for long term set-ups IMHO.
3. I have had a F450 and Ram 3500 combo's pulling average FifthWheels like Heartlands Cyclone toyhaulers or the Landmark. The trucks are awesome but you will not get the same ride like that on a airbag chassis. Period.
Pulling, stopping is much easier in a properly loaded and equipped motorhome. Keep in mind you lose the benefits of having a nice truck but if you need one that bad both of the above can be set up for flat-towing....
4. Durability. Unless your looking at New Horizons or Space Craft FifthWheels your stepping into a "commercial" grade chassis when you pick the right motorhome. Now please don't take what I just said the wrong way and I will start by saying not all motorhomes are created equal either. Some are terrible, some are good, some are great and some are Prevost - You get the idea. There is something for every budget. But I wonder how your Lippert framed Heartland has stood up to 40,000 mi a year?? You see what I'm saying? After years in the trucking business you know what quality and reliability means.
I could go on and on. And I'm sure others will add more points of interest. The 4369 is a popular floor plan and other owners will comment I'm sure.
Thanks
Adam
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