AI currently have a 38' fifth wheel. I am interested in hearing from those of you who have had both fifth wheels and Class A's as to which you prefer and why? Whatever I get next I want to have auto leveling. I am also having to attend a rally soon in the boondocking area due to lack of FHUs. It just seems like a Class A would be so much easier. At the same time, my DW dislikes them because you are unable to replace just the living space or just the tow vehicle if something happens. Also, she has a bad knee and while there are less steps in a class a they seem to be higher rises.
PD CFK said
06:55 PM Feb 4, 2015
This topic interests me also. We've had a fifth wheel for four years; it is our first RV and our only experience. I recently developed arthritic knees and am thinking that a Class A might me easier since there would be only one set of stairs to negotiate...in and out. Everything is on one level while you are in the Class A. It seems an expensive thing to be experimenting to see if I'd like it better. We are looking at motor homes but don't know if we'll ever pull that trigger. So we would be interested in hearing from those who have done it both ways also. Pat K
A-S Travelers said
07:17 PM Feb 4, 2015
We have had a TT, 5'er, Diesel Pusher (DP), Class C and now a Class A motorhome (MH), which is 29' long.
To us the 5'er was the most home like. Nice kitchen, living area and bedroom. If we traveled so that we would go some place and stay for 2 weeks to several months that would still be our choice.
We like the Class A since we tend to move 2-3 times a week. The set up and take down is much easier, in spite of needing to hook up the small p/u we tow. Stopping for lunch and bathroom breaks is much easier. Since DW has mobility problems the single level living area is really nice. We took care of the getting in and out of the MH by having a chair lift installed to lift her from the ground to up into the living area. www.coachlift.com/rv-lift/
marianne57 said
07:30 PM Feb 4, 2015
AZbillsfan, We're certainly no authorities on this subject but we looked for well over a year at many, many different kinds and layouts. (plans to go full-time 2016) We ended up with a 36 foot 5th wheel (Grand Design Solitude 305) One of the things we loved about it beside the fact that it isn't like hauling a freaking freight train, was the openess and amount of windows. They are amazing! The storage is also tremendous and we feel pretty comfortable that we'll have more then enough room for everything we will need on the road. I know you're looking, but I'd take a look at this newer company and their products. It doesn't feel like an RV, it feels like a home. PS...has a 6 point auto leveling system. :) Take Care!
TRAILERKING said
08:14 PM Feb 4, 2015
I like the Class A Diesel Pusher.................The Bigger the Better. I like the big power train as you have the same feel as big truck and highway coaches, that's just how I was always around when growing up.
The nice thing with the motorhome when travelling is if in bad weather you don't really need to get out when stop for a break or rest.
TomW said
05:11 PM Feb 5, 2015
My wife and myself both have some mobility issues, particularly my wife (but I was really bad a year or so ago) so we enjoyed our class c for over 9 years, the last 6 were full time. It had only one set of stairs and they weren't too bad until my bad spell. We now have a large fifth wheel that we live in. Yes, it has two sets of stairs, and being further off the ground there are more outside steps. BUT, there are more of them so the rise is not too bad.
We had been avoiding fifth wheels on the general principle of the stairs. It seemed that any we looked at had outside stairs that were similar to what is found on boats. But we learned that they aren't all that way, AND replacement outside steps can be installed with more stairs, thus shorter risers.
We didn't, and still don't, like many of the DPs due to the step near the bed over the engine and it just seems that a lot of them need a little platform outside because the first step is so far off the ground.
lindy said
05:45 PM Feb 5, 2015
The DW and I have a VERY short list of 5th wheel units (3), and would have bought one of them if we hadn't run across the unit we currently own. We had not even considered MH's, THEN we found the perfect unit for us. So don't block yourself into one type of unit or another, look at them all and then one day you'll walk into a unit (5er, or MH) and KNOW this is the unit you want.
Russ Ranger said
08:55 PM Feb 5, 2015
Here's a little different take on the subject. Last year we traveled 11,000 miles in the motorhome and 34,000 miles in the Honda Fit. For us and our type of traveling lifestyle the "toad" was as important a decision as the motorhome. Three times more miles in the Fit makes a difference in our expenses and enjoyment of the areas we've visited. 35 to 39 MPG's is better than 7 MPG.
We are very happy living in the motorhome but the real joy has been getting out to see the areas we are in. For us it is more about what we see and do than what we live in.
Life is very good..... in almost any RV.
The Bear II said
10:05 AM Feb 6, 2015
I have always thought a Class A would be a better choice RV. However, now that you can get a 5th wheel with the same time and back saving goodies as a MH, I would choose a 5th wheel as a replacement instead of a Class A.
Here's my reasons:
> We need a pickup truck for other than towing. Since we have to have a pickup we might as well tow a 5th wheel.
> You get more bang for your buck with a 5th wheel. If you compare apples to apples 5th wheel vs Class A, the 5th wheel will be less expensive. Both for purchase price and maintenance costs. Even if you add in the cost of a $70,000 pickup the 5th wheel truck combo will be less than a Class A of equal quality. (for example $280,000 Class A DP vs. $190,000 for pickup & high end 5th wheel)
> This is always a controversial statement but I feel if you compare a 5th wheel and equal length Class A the 5th wheel will have more useable living space. The dash area in a Class A can protrude up to 2 feet into the living room area. Sure people use the dash to place things on like decorative items, laptops, pets...etc. But I like having floorspace.
> In the shop- my pickup can be repaired without taking my living area along with it. This doesn't happen often but when it does, it can be very inconvenient.
If we had kids... A Class A would be a better contender....it makes it easier to travel with kids.
They have room to spreadout "Bobby looked at me funny"
BiggarView said
12:57 PM Feb 6, 2015
For Cindi and I, the Bear II's comments in favor of the 5er is about 95% of the reason we are leaning that way also. As a grocery getter, the dually TV will make parking a bit of a challenge (relatively) but heh, a bit further walk shouldn't be a negative... right? I tend to laugh at those that just have to get as close as possible to the retail doors when I pull in with them. I grab the first space I find no matter how far away it is, and I am usually walking in the door as they come around again looking for that perfect spot. It's hard pass up the utility of a pickup, from hauling to helping the next guy in a jam and anywhere in between.
Still, we have a couple of MHs on our short list, just in case our "planned lifestyle" changes. Just tryin' to stay objective.
Bobc said
01:08 PM Feb 6, 2015
We are still 50-50. I like the space in a 5w and the wife likes riding in a MH. For us the price is all most the same.
It my end up being a flip of the coin when D-day comes. Both have big plus,s and minus,s.
Oh my what to do!!!
bjoyce said
06:24 PM Feb 6, 2015
Everyone can come up with pluses and minuses, but the idea is to find something for you. No one else can decide for you. But if you are 50-50, don't spend all your money on the Rv, since you might change. Even if you are sure, don't spend all your money on the RV, you still might change your mind or circumstances will change them for you.
Bobc said
06:36 PM Feb 6, 2015
We have had both in the past, so none of this is new to us, we could be very happy in either one.
Which just makes the decision a little more challenging. We do know we want new. The 5th wheel we have picked is expensive so we started looking at MH once again and finally found a floor plan we could live with, so now when the time comes we at least have two choices
kb0zke said
08:58 PM Feb 6, 2015
Welcome to the Big Debate! Lots of opinions for and against each, so you will have to look at your own circumstances and make your own decision. We started out thinking a 5'er would be the best fit for us, but decided that a DP was a better fit after doing several years of research. What tipped it for us was the realization that a MH (which gets poor fuel economy) can tow a more fuel-efficient vehicle that will do most of the traveling. With a 5'er you either have a truck to tow the coach and a separate car for running around or you use the truck for your daily driver. If you need the truck for other purposes and having the hitch take up a fair portion of the bed isn't a problem, then a 5'er may suit you.
You don't say whether you are a full-timer, but if you are, you can look at how you travel. Do you move frequently (two or more times a month) or do you tend to stay put for months on end? How you travel may have a bearing on what coach you pick.
As for the steps, if you look at a DP that uses the airbags for the leveling (Foretravel and Newell come to mind) you can dump the air to get the coach closer to the ground. Once you are inside there are no steps to deal with. Should your wife's knees get too bad there are companies that can fit a lift device to the door.
Yes, maintenance on a DP can be expensive, but oil changes/transmission fluid changes are annual events (or even longer if you do fluid analysis). The engines and transmissions are the same ones that go in the big over-the-road semis, so they are designed to last.
Terry and Jo said
09:20 PM Feb 6, 2015
Another consideration could be versatility, especially if one is planning on full-timing in one's RV. I've not dealt with the motorhome, but with our fifth wheel, we found it really easy to remove the stock recliners and replace with a La-Z-Boy Reclinaway loveseat. We've also removed the rear couch and placed a smaller recliner and Jo's sewing center in the rear of the coach.
Again, as others have mentioned, a lot depends on how one plans to RV. We have a second vehicle in addition to our Ford F450 as a "daily driver." It will also allow us to each go off in different directions with the two different vehicles. As for when we travel, we don't travel much, but when we do, we've not traveled much more than 200 miles in one day, which is easy enough for us to be in separate vehicles.
Terry
TheNewhalls said
07:06 AM Feb 7, 2015
Bill is right. You might change your mind and want something different. We researched 5th wheels and motor homes to death. Then chose a gas MH with two slides. We loved everything about it and couldn't imagine wanting something else. After six months of living in it full time, we realized it would be nice to have a little more room. We are now looking at a MH with three slides. Two opposing slides in the front. Could we live with two slides sure, but when it's your home that extra living space makes a difference. Good luck!
Bobc said
09:52 AM Feb 7, 2015
One of my major concerns with a 5th wheel is the over all height, our favorite comes in at 13'4"
. Most MH's are no more than 12'8" should this concern me
BiggarView said
10:03 AM Feb 7, 2015
You're more likely to encounter low hanging obstructions in less travelled or more restricted places. Will those extra 8 inches make a difference? Most of the time probably not, but then one should always be aware of their surroundings and be alert to low overhead clearances before they become an issue. Funny how driving a car your whole life, makes people oblivious to the clearance above them.... kinda take it for granted. You'll certainly be much more aware of it whatever rig you end up with.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 7th of February 2015 10:05:35 AM
Bobc said
10:16 AM Feb 7, 2015
Only takes one mishap to distroy a long time dream.
BiggarView said
10:51 AM Feb 7, 2015
Fortunately, you don't hear about overhead "Crunches" very often.. in fact rarely. When they do happen... they tend to get sensationalized. Awareness is the key to prevention.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 7th of February 2015 10:52:05 AM
bjoyce said
04:31 PM Feb 7, 2015
biggaRView wrote:
Fortunately, you don't hear about overhead "Crunches" very often.. in fact rarely. When they do happen... they tend to get sensationalized. Awareness is the key to prevention.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 7th of February 2015 10:52:05 AM
Most long termers have their stories. Howard and Linda damaged their RV at least once, so it happens. Most do not talk about it unless it comes up. The majority of damage is minor and easily repaired, but many have hit something because of the RV height. The most common is while getting into a campsite. Being tired at the end of the day, having other issues like uneven ground, these kind of things can distract you and "Boom" you have a scrape or an antenna that is busted. An oncoming driver hugging the center line might cause you to hit a tree branch or sign on the right side of the road.
BiggarView said
06:16 PM Feb 7, 2015
Bill, it's good to know it's minor and easily repaired. The ones that destroy dreams... well, they have to be pretty rare. Or so it seems to me.
Jack Mayer said
09:25 AM Feb 8, 2015
I would encourage people -when they are thinking about these types of things - to NOT make decisions based on "what if" scenarios that have a very low percentage chance of occurring. I make decisions based on "common useage" or likely events. Not 1% probability events.
It reminds me of a VERY common argument I hear about why people chose a MH over a 5er....."because I can get up and drive away in my underwear if I don't like something". Yeah, right. Now that happens OFTEN.... a real good reason to choose a MH over a 5er.
Bobc said
12:38 PM Feb 8, 2015
I am not A 1% guy, but I do tend to look at 80-20. We will travel the intire US. And it looks like the northeast(where we are from) would be our biggest concerns with the extra height.
ChefMom said
08:25 AM Feb 10, 2015
Bob: Yes New England, because of it's splendid historical areas certainly does have a lot of lower, older bridges and the like. However, any place is able to be negotiated if you just keep in mind the following:You need to know the exact height of your rig, no approximation will do. You can purchase a special GPS that is made for rvers that will red flag you when any low overhangs, low bridges or tight spots are up ahead. However, these devices should only be used as an additional aid. The best defense is to keep your eyes open, pay attention to signage and always be aware of your surroundings.
Here in New England we have a wonderful time all while knowing we need at least 13 feet of clearance and are always aware that we are moving along with 60+ feet of combined rv and suv.
I believe highway driving should be your way to get around in the northern part of the country and after you've found a great place to park your rv the back road adventures can then begin.
I too am considering the differences regarding full timing in a Class A or 5th wheel and height is one of those differences but I don't believe it would be a "deal killer" either way.
AI currently have a 38' fifth wheel. I am interested in hearing from those of you who have had both fifth wheels and Class A's as to which you prefer and why? Whatever I get next I want to have auto leveling. I am also having to attend a rally soon in the boondocking area due to lack of FHUs. It just seems like a Class A would be so much easier. At the same time, my DW dislikes them because you are unable to replace just the living space or just the tow vehicle if something happens. Also, she has a bad knee and while there are less steps in a class a they seem to be higher rises.
To us the 5'er was the most home like. Nice kitchen, living area and bedroom. If we traveled so that we would go some place and stay for 2 weeks to several months that would still be our choice.
We like the Class A since we tend to move 2-3 times a week. The set up and take down is much easier, in spite of needing to hook up the small p/u we tow. Stopping for lunch and bathroom breaks is much easier. Since DW has mobility problems the single level living area is really nice. We took care of the getting in and out of the MH by having a chair lift installed to lift her from the ground to up into the living area. www.coachlift.com/rv-lift/
AZbillsfan, We're certainly no authorities on this subject but we looked for well over a year at many, many different kinds and layouts. (plans to go full-time 2016) We ended up with a 36 foot 5th wheel (Grand Design Solitude 305) One of the things we loved about it beside the fact that it isn't like hauling a freaking freight train, was the openess and amount of windows. They are amazing! The storage is also tremendous and we feel pretty comfortable that we'll have more then enough room for everything we will need on the road. I know you're looking, but I'd take a look at this newer company and their products. It doesn't feel like an RV, it feels like a home. PS...has a 6 point auto leveling system. :) Take Care!
The nice thing with the motorhome when travelling is if in bad weather you don't really need to get out when stop for a break or rest.
We had been avoiding fifth wheels on the general principle of the stairs. It seemed that any we looked at had outside stairs that were similar to what is found on boats. But we learned that they aren't all that way, AND replacement outside steps can be installed with more stairs, thus shorter risers.
We didn't, and still don't, like many of the DPs due to the step near the bed over the engine and it just seems that a lot of them need a little platform outside because the first step is so far off the ground.
We are very happy living in the motorhome but the real joy has been getting out to see the areas we are in. For us it is more about what we see and do than what we live in.
Life is very good..... in almost any RV.
Here's my reasons:
> We need a pickup truck for other than towing. Since we have to have a pickup we might as well tow a 5th wheel.
> You get more bang for your buck with a 5th wheel. If you compare apples to apples 5th wheel vs Class A, the 5th wheel will be less expensive. Both for purchase price and maintenance costs. Even if you add in the cost of a $70,000 pickup the 5th wheel truck combo will be less than a Class A of equal quality. (for example $280,000 Class A DP vs. $190,000 for pickup & high end 5th wheel)
> This is always a controversial statement but I feel if you compare a 5th wheel and equal length Class A the 5th wheel will have more useable living space. The dash area in a Class A can protrude up to 2 feet into the living room area. Sure people use the dash to place things on like decorative items, laptops, pets...etc. But I like having floorspace.
> In the shop- my pickup can be repaired without taking my living area along with it. This doesn't happen often but when it does, it can be very inconvenient.
If we had kids... A Class A would be a better contender....it makes it easier to travel with kids.
They have room to spreadout "Bobby looked at me funny"
For Cindi and I, the Bear II's comments in favor of the 5er is about 95% of the reason we are leaning that way also. As a grocery getter, the dually TV will make parking a bit of a challenge (relatively) but heh, a bit further walk shouldn't be a negative... right? I tend to laugh at those that just have to get as close as possible to the retail doors when I pull in with them. I grab the first space I find no matter how far away it is, and I am usually walking in the door as they come around again looking for that perfect spot.
It's hard pass up the utility of a pickup, from hauling to helping the next guy in a jam and anywhere in between.
Still, we have a couple of MHs on our short list, just in case our "planned lifestyle" changes. Just tryin' to stay objective.
It my end up being a flip of the coin when D-day comes. Both have big plus,s and minus,s.
Oh my what to do!!!
Which just makes the decision a little more challenging. We do know we want new. The 5th wheel we have picked is expensive so we started looking at MH once again and finally found a floor plan we could live with, so now when the time comes we at least have two choices
You don't say whether you are a full-timer, but if you are, you can look at how you travel. Do you move frequently (two or more times a month) or do you tend to stay put for months on end? How you travel may have a bearing on what coach you pick.
As for the steps, if you look at a DP that uses the airbags for the leveling (Foretravel and Newell come to mind) you can dump the air to get the coach closer to the ground. Once you are inside there are no steps to deal with. Should your wife's knees get too bad there are companies that can fit a lift device to the door.
Yes, maintenance on a DP can be expensive, but oil changes/transmission fluid changes are annual events (or even longer if you do fluid analysis). The engines and transmissions are the same ones that go in the big over-the-road semis, so they are designed to last.
Another consideration could be versatility, especially if one is planning on full-timing in one's RV. I've not dealt with the motorhome, but with our fifth wheel, we found it really easy to remove the stock recliners and replace with a La-Z-Boy Reclinaway loveseat. We've also removed the rear couch and placed a smaller recliner and Jo's sewing center in the rear of the coach.
Again, as others have mentioned, a lot depends on how one plans to RV. We have a second vehicle in addition to our Ford F450 as a "daily driver." It will also allow us to each go off in different directions with the two different vehicles. As for when we travel, we don't travel much, but when we do, we've not traveled much more than 200 miles in one day, which is easy enough for us to be in separate vehicles.
Terry
Bill is right. You might change your mind and want something different. We researched 5th wheels and motor homes to death. Then chose a gas MH with two slides. We loved everything about it and couldn't imagine wanting something else. After six months of living in it full time, we realized it would be nice to have a little more room. We are now looking at a MH with three slides. Two opposing slides in the front. Could we live with two slides sure, but when it's your home that extra living space makes a difference. Good luck!
. Most MH's are no more than 12'8" should this concern me
You're more likely to encounter low hanging obstructions in less travelled or more restricted places. Will those extra 8 inches make a difference? Most of the time probably not, but then one should always be aware of their surroundings and be alert to low overhead clearances before they become an issue. Funny how driving a car your whole life, makes people oblivious to the clearance above them.... kinda take it for granted. You'll certainly be much more aware of it whatever rig you end up with.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 7th of February 2015 10:05:35 AM
Fortunately, you don't hear about overhead "Crunches" very often.. in fact rarely. When they do happen... they tend to get sensationalized. Awareness is the key to prevention.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Saturday 7th of February 2015 10:52:05 AM
Most long termers have their stories. Howard and Linda damaged their RV at least once, so it happens. Most do not talk about it unless it comes up. The majority of damage is minor and easily repaired, but many have hit something because of the RV height. The most common is while getting into a campsite. Being tired at the end of the day, having other issues like uneven ground, these kind of things can distract you and "Boom" you have a scrape or an antenna that is busted. An oncoming driver hugging the center line might cause you to hit a tree branch or sign on the right side of the road.
Bill, it's good to know it's minor and easily repaired. The ones that destroy dreams... well, they have to be pretty rare. Or so it seems to me.
It reminds me of a VERY common argument I hear about why people chose a MH over a 5er....."because I can get up and drive away in my underwear if I don't like something". Yeah, right. Now that happens OFTEN.... a real good reason to choose a MH over a 5er.
Here in New England we have a wonderful time all while knowing we need at least 13 feet of clearance and are always aware that we are moving along with 60+ feet of combined rv and suv.
I believe highway driving should be your way to get around in the northern part of the country and after you've found a great place to park your rv the back road adventures can then begin.
I too am considering the differences regarding full timing in a Class A or 5th wheel and height is one of those differences but I don't believe it would be a "deal killer" either way.