Community Forums

Bill Killen · 07-15-2009, 09:49 AM

is there any benefit on the insurance front? is it cheaper to insure/register a 5th/TT and a 1ton Pickup versus a MH?

My dad loves his 5th wheel, but he also uses his truck to tow his boat when they are not camping. They have 2 small dogs, and no more kids (we are all grown up now) so room is not an issue in the rig while cruising.

We have no interest whatsoever in a TT or 5th wheel, or having a huge pickup truck. We have 2 kids and 2 50lb dogs, so packing them into the back of a pickup, even a big 4 door, for a vacation trip of some unknown distance is not appealing to us; making the MH the ONLY way to go for the Killen crew.

There is so much preference to what kind of rig you buy, you have to take all of our opinions as just that, opinions!! LOL

bk

cb5300 · 07-15-2009, 10:27 AM

Of course you over look the one big advantage of a MH over the TT or 5er, if the DW gets on your last nerve you could always get even by (accidently) bouncing her off the toliet while driving down the highway...

....of course I WOULD NEVER do anything like that, but I have heard of others doing it....

69RoadRunner · 07-15-2009, 10:56 AM

Strictly from a financial standpoint, if you use the tow vehicle as a daily driver as well, then you'll be ahead with a trailer. Buy a used 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup for a larger trailer.

The motorhome is another mouth to feed.

Convenience and what you will enjoy more is a separate question that depends on the individual.

Rich_in_Tampa · 07-15-2009, 12:14 PM

Back to cost: in our calculations it became apparent that if you needed the truck anyway, and would use it as a regular use vehicle between camping trips, the 5-er was much more economical. OTOH, if the HDT just sat next to the 5-er between camping trips, the motorhome made more cents.

We have had both trailers and now a MH. Love the MH but recognize it as a more expensive in most ways. And I do like the idea of having backup transportation while distance camping with a Toad in the event of a breakdown. Don't think I will ever go back to a trailer, but it works great for many people.

jeffinsalida · 07-17-2009, 01:21 PM

The thing that has always kept us out of a motorhome is confidence. We get to camp 5-6 times a summer. I drive my truck once every week and I have confidence in the mechanicals. Even doing maintence on the motor home I would still be worried it would break down on me. (Mice in the wires or who knows) That alone has kept our family in truck and 5th wheels. If we were retired or full timers I would switch.

Mc2guy · 07-17-2009, 01:39 PM

Where and how you travel should be considered too. I just finished a cross country trip with 5 people. That trip could not have been made in a truck/trailer. The people would not have fit, and even if they did, that long in the cab of a truck would have caused temporary insanity.

If I owned a truck anyway, I may have considered a 5'er, but I don't so it wasn't even a consideration.

Max Hubrich · 07-17-2009, 03:14 PM

Don Rob--

Your going to pull your "house" or your "wheels" with either of the choices.

If you don't mind going to the grocery store in a "diesel dually" to get milk and bread or sight seeing--- Get the 5th wheel or TT.

If the truck breaks down, your dead in your tracks. If the MH quits, you unhook the toad and head for the hills.

As mentioned several times, kids can sleep in the MH in comfort, as well as you or the bride -- while charging down the highway.

What's best for you ??? Let us know what you decide, please

dirko · 07-19-2009, 07:08 PM

Hi Ho: We have never had to make this decision because for most of the last 40 years we have pulled a boat behind the motor home. This is not practical if towing your house behind a truck.

Actually, this is one of those questions where the question itself is not very insightful. Owning and RV of any type is expensive. If cost is the issue it is much cheaper to buy a tent. A MH offers a different (if somewhat more expensive) experience than a trailer.

Dirk

melvonnar · 08-02-2009, 05:26 PM

Weigh the motorhome Weigh your money when their equal thats what they cost.
I know I've had four.

Wayne M · 08-02-2009, 10:01 PM

If you purchase a new MH with warranty, or a used one with extended warranty you will be required to keep up the maintenance schedule. For a motor home, this is costly. So, most likely in the long run, a 5er and a good truck will be less expensive.

However, as previously stated, I like arriving at a campground with the air conditioner running from the generator, and if it is pouring down rain (hasn't happened yet in the MH, but did in the 5er) I just have to push 3 buttons, one for the automatic leveling system, and one each for the slides. I can hook up water, electricity and sewer at my convenience. Or not hook them up at all. If I need the TOAD, well then I do have to get out.

tncruiser · 08-03-2009, 10:13 AM

didn,t do a cost analyze,s knew i wanted new (motor and matteress) figured my 06 pu would die b4 the coach , so decided on a mh 4 months and 5 outings very pleased w/mh leaving friday for 5 weeks ,no toad that may change after this outing oh well i always wanted an new cj any way
brianj

melvonnar · 08-03-2009, 11:01 AM

You will regret not haveing a toad; my guess, as soon as you get back from this trip you will be shopping for a toad; I wouldn't leave home without one (even for a weekend trip.)

CrossCountryNomad · 08-03-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Rob

But your choice of chassis, is limited to GM & Ford...

Why are you limiting your comparison of just gas chassis? There are very good deals right now on used DPs using Freightliner or Spartain chassis.

JimM68 · 08-03-2009, 08:11 PM

For me, we just didn't want to be married to that tow vehicle. Sometimes I want to bring the trailblazer along, sometimes the boat, but most times, the 68 Camaro convertible will be sitting on a trailer behined the motorhome.
Now there's a TOAD!
If my existing pickup was bigger, I'da bought the fiver, but my 1/2 ton silverado ain't up to pulling that.