Community Forums

cruzbill · 05-29-2017, 09:00 AM

I much prefer driving my toad for sightseeing, groceries, while the MH stays parked in the campground. I love my 1T dually truck I used to haul our 5ver, but the toad is a better daily driver.

affreeman · 05-29-2017, 09:18 AM

For traveling, a MH is incredibly convenient. As others have mentioned, DW can use the bathroom whenever she wishes. We can pull over anywhere and make lunch or even take a nap.

For me the real convenience comes when we stop overnight along the way. We pull into the closest Walmart that allows overnight parking and find a reasonably level spot along the edge of the parking lot. Set the parking brake, turn off the engine,and we're set for the night.

If it's particularly hot or cold I can fire up the generator and run the AC or heat pumps. We can cook a nice dinner, watch some TV, fire up the laptop and plan tomorrow's route, then take a shower and go to bed.

Some folks seem to be concerned about security when overnighting at Walmart. If we were to wake up to a bunch of rowdies hanging out in the parking lot all I need to do is start up the MH and drive away.

Greytraveler · 05-29-2017, 09:26 AM

Interesting thread. Some great points.

The choice comes down to life style and how much use. We do not spend all that much time traveling with our fifth wheel. And the truck is available for other things besides towing.

Maintenance and cost of ownership play a part in any decision we make. And of course how much time it will be used vs. sit. And a tow vehicle is almost a must so that is one more expense.

Consider going to RV parks and talking to people. In my experience people love to talk about their rigs.

Have fun looking and planning and good luck.

GT

hohenwald48 · 05-29-2017, 11:59 AM

I always tell folks that if they are going to go somewhere and stay for several weeks or months at a time they should get a 5th wheel or travel trailer. More living space but more difficult to set up and take down.

If you're going to travel and only stay in one location for a week or less a motorhome makes more sense. I can set up and take down in less than 10 minutes.

Additionally, a motorhome usually (not always) can carry more junk inside and tow an additional vehicle (toad, trailer, etc). 5th wheels and travel trailers seem to be more sensitive to loading characteristics.

dexters · 05-29-2017, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by affreeman

For traveling, a MH is incredibly convenient. .

A MH is incredibly convenient ... when you can get it on the road. Reading all the problems people have with them I'm surprised anyone buys one. Engine, transmission, chassis alignment, slides ... all have problems. Then there is the expense of buying and maintenance. Then you need a toad to get around.

Don't forget the terrible mpg.

You can exchange all that hassle and expense for a butler to make and present you wife with lunch and stay at an RV resort with the money you save so you don't have to stay at a Walmart overnight.

affreeman · 05-29-2017, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexters

A MH is incredibly convenient ... when you can get it on the road. Reading all the problems people have with them I'm surprised anyone buys one. Engine, transmission, chassis alignment, slides ... all have problems. Then there is the expense of buying and maintenance. Then you need a toad to get around.

Don't forget the terrible mpg.

You can exchange all that hassle and expense for a butler to make and present you wife with lunch and stay at an RV resort with the money you save so you don't have to stay at a Walmart overnight.

So you're voting for the 5er then?

THenman · 05-29-2017, 02:39 PM

When we started looking wife wanted a class A and I wanted a 5th wheel. As I researched I keep climbing up the ladder on what I would accept. It got to where I would need a rather large truck for the 5th wheel. That made me consider a class A a lot more as it could tow something much easier to drive around when we were camped. Plus we tend to eat out a lot even camping and traveling so a smaller car is nice. Anyhow we wound up going class A and I'm glad we did if for no other reason than wife is happy.

Plus I like something easier to park than a big truck when we are out and about.

NOW we could have gone 5th wheel and truck cheaper but the cost difference for us was worth it. Others may well feel the cost difference is not worth it.

Tom

slickest1 · 05-29-2017, 03:04 PM

We have had everything from tent trailers to campers travel trailers and fifth wheels.We have had a Diesel Pusher for the last seven years and it is great. That said we have sold it and are going back to a fifth wheel.
The DP is the nicest way to travel by far for all the reasons listed above. We have not been able to use ours very much in the last couple years and the year to year maintenance is getting up there. We decided to sell after putting new tires and batteries in and a few other things while we could still get a decent price out of it.

It will be a huge step down going back to a fiver but the yearly costs for it and the truck we already have will be significantly less. It will also be a little more versatile for us to go to some of the places we used to go camping years back that we would not take the coach to.
When it comes to build quality most of the mid to higher end coaches are built better than most trailers. Not all but on the average.
That is our story and after using a fifth wheel for awhile we will see.

Fiesta48 · 05-30-2017, 07:59 AM

We've had everything too. We keep stepping up. Now in a DP. The amenities and luxury are number one. Setup and breakdown times are minimal. Conveniences on the road.
The expenses are less than I expected so far with a new RV.
4 times we been caught having to turn around in the street. Easier to disconnect car, than maneuver unpowered trailers. Easier parking single units. Usually can carry more junk.
No steps inside.
Advantage of 5th wheels, lower cost, better in winds, better MPG (less weight), and more living space.

Waiter21 · 05-30-2017, 08:06 AM

We never owned a real tow vehicle, so to go the fiver route would require purchasing a TV.

With the Class A, our TV is also our house..

When towing a car behind the MH, I have a spare vehicle in case of an emergency.

Traxless · 05-30-2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba1

We've have had a TT, gas Class MH and a diesel Class A. For us it comes down to the convenience of the MH vs, a fifth wheel.

I couldn't have said it better and this post explained precisely the reason we chose a MH. Well written.

dexters · 05-30-2017, 09:22 AM

Confused-How is a 5th Wheel cheaper than a Class A?

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/confu...-a-322545.html

jrocker · 05-30-2017, 10:20 AM

As far as longevity, for the majority of RV owners that's not an issue. A couple of articles I've read stated that most (one said 60%) owners trade in every three to five years.

With that said, I suppose longevity depends on the individuals perseverance. A motor and trans can be rebuilt/replaced. I've seen plenty of "classic" motorhomes on my travels. Just like the old Shasta's, they were rebuilt...it just took a little more money.

Okay, maybe more than a little.

Myself, I have a motor home now, and I'm not looking back. I think even after we push off into the world of full timing, I don't see a problem with a hotel stay when it heads to the shop for a visit. I have my toad, the hotel stay can be where I choose.

Even if the hotel only has parking for smaller vehicles.

wildeflowers · 05-30-2017, 11:15 AM

My very good friend has a 5th wheel and we have a Class A. I don't think either of us would trade with the other. Friend's husband already had a big truck, and he wanted the 5th wheel for easier towing. We have a big truck that we will use to pull a trailer, but I like riding in the main cabin, being able to use the restroom, get drinks or food, and rest while we are on the road. Our kids prefer being able to lounge, play games, whatever. It makes the travel more part of the trip, rather than being stuck in a smaller vehicle.

They purchased a very nice new 5th wheel, but they've already pulled out furniture and redesigned some things. (He's handy so that's easier for them), but imo the build quality is not quite as good as our MH. I'm not sure just how high end the build goes on 5th wheels. We don't currently have a tow vehicle so the advantage is to them for that. They drop the 5th wheel and go in the truck. Personally, I don't enjoy towing the length of a larger 5th wheel, neither does she, so her husband is always the one to drive.

I just really like our class A, and I don't think I would base my decision on what might last longer. I don't feel a 5th wheel will necessarily "outlive" an RV.