Community Forums

lrh111 · 10-18-2013, 08:34 PM

I'm hoping someone can help with this issue. My wife and I want to travel the U.S. from June through Sept/Oct during the next 5-6 years. We'd like to spend anywhere from a week to a month at various locations.

We've been seriously considering the purchase of a 40 ft/4 slide 2010 Tiffin Phaeton; but we've been hesitating on finalizing the deal. Even though we are retired, we can afford it but it would mean we'd have to budget our money more. Currently, we're pretty free to splurge when we want to or when one of our kids or grandkids need a little help.

We can much more easily afford a new 27 to 32 foot travel trailer. We've looked at Winnebago and also Crossroads.

Would really appreciate hearing from experienced travel trailer folks about whether taking a travel trailer on extended trips (3-5 months) is doable and advisable. We have a SUV that can pull up 9600 lbs. Any advise on TT brands would be helpful too.

Also, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has traveled with both a travel trailer and a motorhome. (Pros/Cons)

Thanks much,
Larry

glarnold · 10-18-2013, 08:45 PM

Have travelled (a lot) with both. Won't do a travel trailer again.

GL Arnold

Mr_D · 10-18-2013, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glarnold

Have travelled (a lot) with both. Won't do a travel trailer again.

Same here and I've been RV'ing since 1957. Had numerous TT's up until 1988 when we got a Type B MH and have never looked at TT's or 5vers again.

TDI-Minnie · 10-18-2013, 08:56 PM

We love our Winnebago TT. Much cheaper to buy and you use a LOT less fuel. Next to no insurance cost either. Just because you have the money does not mean you should waste it. None of these rigs are an "investment"... Just a question of how much $$ can you avoid losing and still do everything you want.
Not to mention your tow vehicle can go to town without having to buy another car to drag along! Unhooking a TT is easier than disconnecting a towed car, too!

TeJay · 10-18-2013, 09:00 PM

In our opinion there is nothing like a MH with a TOAD. We've had both and first of all there is very little quality when it comes to a TT. Secondly I am the driver of both and driving a MH is great compared to driving a TT of any sorts. Yes the MH is bigger and setting up the suspension to handle correctly can be a job. You mentioned a 40+ Diesel so you will be all right when it comes to ride and control. The bigger coaches are all of that. We have a 31' gasser so it's different.
We just came back from a 2,500 mile trip up to IN, MI and back to AR. Drove 8 hours today and it was great. When we pull into a CG it takes about 10 minutes or less to level, hook-up and set out the slides. With a TT it's about an hour.

When you stop for a break everything is right there. Make a cup of coffee, hit the john, make a sandwich, stretch your legs and then drive some more. It's the only way to really travel. Well unless you have the $$$$ to buy an airplane and have everybody else do your bidding, but we're not in that budget range.

Enjoy

TeJay

TXiceman · 10-18-2013, 09:22 PM

We have had pop ups, C's, A's, TT and 5ers. Each type has had its pluses and minuses.

For full time living we prefer the 5th wheel and a diesel truck. Less $$ to maintain. With a motorhome and a dinghy, you now have two drive lines to maintain. But we can do without the convenience of not having to stop for a potty break. We need to get out and walk a bit every couple of hours anyway.

But we generally only run about 300 miles per day.

Ken

Scarab0088 · 10-18-2013, 09:40 PM

I have always towed...from a couple of pop-tops to several travel trailers.
Always had a truck, so it made sense to just get a towable.

But as the years passed, I got really tired of the hook-up routine and driving a big truck at the destination can be difficult too...so, we got the Class A - towing a midsized SUV and love it! It is so easy to get going, we love having everyone together in the RV's main room during the drive, and all the space makes the drive a real pleasure.

Having said that, if I was to spend more longer periods of time in the RV or become a fulltimer, then letting a Class A sit for over a month or few before moving would be a real detractor. I think getting the biggest 5th wheel or TT that I could afford and safely operate would be better for that.

Finally, I think that the hook-up/drop on a big towable might get to be too much when I get to my very senior years...so it will be back to a Class A for me in my golden years.

Wow...guess I will just stay with a Class A and learn to exercise the driveline as needed.

Best luck

TXiceman · 10-18-2013, 10:04 PM

With the newer generation of 5ers, the Big Foot Quadra leveling system is so nice. All controlled from a single control panel (some with remote fobs). Once off the truck, push one button for auto level and you are done.

About the same difficulty as hooking up or unhooking a dinghy....electrical cable, safety cables and dinghy braking system.

Ken

**JohnRR** · 10-18-2013, 10:19 PM

Wi1dBill · 10-18-2013, 10:28 PM

I prefer a 5th wheel for some of the same reasons others have mentioned, but I have one more. Both a TT and a MH roof are the same height. Even with slide I still feel like I'm just in a box. Where as the 5th wheel has a higher interior roof and is just feels bigger. At 5'10" I'm no giant but I feel like I have to duck in TT or MH. Just me!

As far as potty breaks, any off ram. Pull off, 4 ways, hit the water pump or a couple of one gallon water jugs.

CampDaven · 10-18-2013, 10:40 PM

I cannot possibly describe well enough.

If had video clips to show you of how we travel, how we camp, how we hook-up and the reverse, you would say, "that is soooo simple, so much fun, why would I do it any other way?"

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schrederman · 10-18-2013, 11:00 PM

I've never owned a motorhome, but have taken 3 trips with friends in them, for a couple of weeks at a time. My lifestyle requires that I have a pickup, so I have a TT. I lived in it for 8 weeks while we sold our last home because my employment had moved, and enjoyed it. I now use it for it's intended purpose and have taken several 2-week trips. I can't see spending the extra money for a motorhome... but that's me... I can get to where I am going without breaking the bank. I can be totally set up in 15 minutes. There are quality issues, but there are in all RVs... even motorhomes... even in mega-buck motorhomes... My TT quality really ain't all that good... but it ain't that bad, either...

Do what seems best to you... and enjoy. Welcome to the forum.

JW

stepside454 · 10-18-2013, 11:08 PM

For me, I can't see spending the money for the truck suitable for pulling the trailer.

Dog Folks · 10-19-2013, 09:41 AM

It is such a personal decision, that it is hard to give advice. Motor homes seem to be a lot easier to set up and tear down and fit well whit folks that move a lot.

Travel trailers have less "automatic systems" to go wrong. Tires and maintenance overall is less. There are a growing number of folks that are downsizing out of motor homes into travel trailers for what ever reason.

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of both, make a list and then make a decision on what features are important to you. You will never find the rig that is perfect.

We have lived full time in a travel trailer for 7 years now, and would not want a motor home for many reasons. That is not to say motor homes are bad, but for us, personally, a travel trailer is the best choice.