Community Forums

Greytraveler · 11-02-2013, 03:41 PM

Over the years we have talked a great deal about a MH vs. a 5th. For our life style the 5th is the answer. One reason is we only travel 2 to 3 months of the year. The rest of the time the 5th is in storage. To get what we would like in a MH it would mean a lot of money tied up in something that is not used much.

If you are spending a week or more in one spot the setup and then later hooking up to leave is such a small part of time spent not worth considering IMO.

We stop every few hours to run the dogs, get a drink, make a sandwich, enjoy the view, use the potty, whatever. Not being able to walk down the hall while on the road is not something we have even thought about. We are what is called "slow travelers".

Maintenance and breakdown, a failure on the road, can be much more expensive with a MH as unless you have the right kind of insurance. Tires which need to not get too old, can be something to consider when it comes to cost. Oil change for my diesel truck, with my own oil and filter, is 19.95. Wonder what a regular service for a MH might be given the local car person cannot do it, normally.

When it comes to the tow capacity of a truck, there is plenty of information and advice here if you search around. And to be safe you need to do your homework. And if you are in an accident, hopefully not, and you are not within limits you could be sued and that could have a really bad outcome.

If you do not own a truck then one thing to consider is finding a previously owned rig you really like and save a few buck to put toward the truck that will do the job.

Have fun,

GT

Tumble Weed · 11-02-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishermark

The new tradition has only 1 floor plan that allows you to get to the bath with the slides in.

Also look at Carriages they made there own frames. I don't think any other company made the frames like they did.
All 5vers I've seen/had you can stop and potty!

I agree if you park a MH very long you could have a problem. and that was told to me by a MH dealer.

Good luck.

fishermark · 11-02-2013, 07:09 PM

We are not necessarily looking for new, just something with hydraulic levelIng system. Spoiled after the motor honor

Tumble Weed · 11-02-2013, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishermark

We are not necessarily looking for new, just something with hydraulic levelIng system. Spoiled after the motor honor

I agree! We love our big foot for our Carriage.
It don't take us long to pack up and go, if we every get in a hurry.

Happy hunting

road dogs · 11-02-2013, 07:33 PM

We struggled with the MH/TT/5thW decision for months and settled on a used 5th wheel and truck due to our limited budget. For the money, it offered the most living & storage space and stability on the road. I can do all the maintenance on my truck and 5th wheel myself, I don't think a MH would fit on my hoist and access to maintenance and repair can be a PITA on a MH. We outgrew our small 5th wheel and upsized but kept our TV for now, can't do that with a MH. In the off season, I still have a truck I can drive around while the 5th wheel rests. We have done about 24K miles of long coast to coast trips, shorter 2-3 week jaunts and lots of weekends at the coast and mountains since we're 1-2 hours from both. I take my time hooking up and unhooking, takes about 25-30 minutes, I could probably do it in 15 minutes but why rush things if you don't need to. I typically get 11.5-12.7 mpg calculated on diesel. I wouldn't consider any other RV for our individual needs. I would take a close look at Northwood Arctic Fox, we liked our first one so much we stayed with the brand.

2500HD · 11-03-2013, 04:48 PM

I wish some of the folks who posted in the TT Vs. Motorhome debate could see some of the responses here.

oldbeek · 11-04-2013, 01:00 AM

When I bought my rv in 1994 Diesel was in the stone age. Had I bought a MH, I would have been stuck with an antique engine and trans. With a 5r you can update the tow vehicle as I have done. My 2001 TV is more economical than the 2013 dodge and still in good shape.

caissiel · 11-04-2013, 03:58 AM

I always have the chance to check the TV on the road before towing the RV.

The MH is parked most of the time and only chance of breakdown is on the road on vacation.

But leveling systems on MH are better and much safer. I personally opt out of it on 5th wheels because I have been leveling my unit I so little time and efforts. Most pads are level anyway side to side. Front to back is so eazy with the landing gear. Hardly any maintenance required and cheaper. Also much liter.

12 Tires · 11-05-2013, 01:36 AM

Take a look at Continental Coach, they are a full-custom unit built like a tank. Several model lines and price points. We researched all of the major full-time units--New Horizons, Spacecraft, DRV, etc but after one visit to the Continental Coach factory the decision was obvious. Craftsmanship like no other fifth wheel.

http://www.forksrv.com/continental/index.php

Half Dimes · 11-05-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kro1957

... I think there is perhaps more work with a 5vr, not a lot but hooking up for travel and unhooking process is what I am talking about. Only takes me about 10 minutes but that is 10 minutes you don't spend with a MH. ...

Unless the fellow with the MH has a toad. Then, from what I've seen, it's a wash time wise.

RustyJC · 11-05-2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kro1957

I think there is perhaps more work with a 5vr, not a lot but hooking up for travel and unhooking process is what I am talking about. Only takes me about 10 minutes but that is 10 minutes you don't spend with a MH.

Actually, if we're just overnighting, I don't even unhitch. Just drop the jacks, hook up the utilities, run out the slides and that's it. In that situation, I'd say the time spent is a wash.

Rusty

caissiel · 11-05-2013, 07:39 PM

I spend the weekend in Pigeon Forge and around me was mostly similar sized large units. Next to me was a 30ft high end unit towed with a nice Ford duelly.

He came to me and asked me one question.
How old is your unit and does it stay together well.
I told him in four years no problems.
He answered back that he had one of those heavy MS (exact word ) and it was always breaking down, couldn't keep it on the road long.
I answered "Really"
Then we talked a while and he told me he was a retired paster.
Nice old fellow.

troyrice76 · 11-06-2013, 02:28 PM

We are actually considering going this route as well. We have a 2007 Eagle and every time we head out there just seems to be a problem. I know that there will be problems with any type of coach but I feel like they would be easier and cheaper to fix with a 5th wheel. We are looking at the Heartland Cyclone 4100 King, and I have found several used Ford F450 diesels that are very reasonable. This will be a huge change for my family. I feel like it is a little selfish on my part. I just drive so sitting in a truck or a coach is no different for me. They will now have to be buckled in and I am not sure if they will enjoy traveling as much any more.

Tumble Weed · 11-07-2013, 06:30 AM

That be tough to me 2 be in a wreck in a MH and not buckled in!
I could always see where it be nice being able to get up and go potty
or firg, of course not for the driver.
Do they have it where every one can be buckled in?
It always amazed me that school bus don't have seat belts.
That be a good reason not to MH if that's the case.