We are about 15 months from retirement, currently living full-time in our RV. Our plan is to travel about 9 months of each year, seeing the US. We plan to bring our Harley Davidson with us, and most of our sight-seeing will be on the bike. Our original plan was to purchase a higher-end 5er toy-hauler. However, after spending several months living in our current 5er, we have begun to consider the option of a Class A diesel with a Motorcycle lift on the back. We feel even with the most unique floor plans up to 45', we are giving up too much valuable living space to the garage. We have also heard that 5ers are better for prolonged stays in one place, but Class A's are better when you are traveling. We expect to stay in each place about a week when on the road.
We would appreciate any input and advice available. While we understand it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there may be pros and cons to both of these options we haven't considered yet.
Chuck and Kara
Southern Az
BiggarView said
06:17 AM Feb 21, 2017
Have you looked at Montana Highcountry 380TH or 381TH, Grand Design's pair of offerings, the Solitude 374TH or Momentum 376TH? All of those have a smaller "garage" that hides under the master bed. A fairly large motorcycle will fit in there while in travel mode. The only draw backs we can see at the moment is pantry space will have to get more creative in the Montana products and you are limited to a queen bed. May or may not an issue for you. Just tryin' to get feel for what you might be willing to compromise on.
Issues we considered a negative for MHs was maintenance. Obviously that is fairly simplistic when you consider the wide range of build quality out there but you get the point. When the rig has to be in the shop for mechanical work... your whole house is unavailable to you at times. Not quite the same issue for 5ers as mechanical issues usually relate to the tow vehicle. The trailer has it's own problems from time to time so you cannot necessarily avoid shop time but it is there nonetheless. MH repair shops are much less available than your typical service center than can handle a pickup (the most common, by far, TV for RVs of the size you are considering). MH services have higher hourly rates for shop labor, at least as far as I can tell (actual research and anecdotal evidence).
With that said, we are still open to the right MH if it fits our budget and FTing plans but at the time of this writing.. we continue to lean toward a 5er as it most fits with our needs for space, floorplan and budget.
As you said it will come down to your own preferences and what works for you is the perfect solution, for you.... until it's not.
JHMO, Brian
M
-- Edited by BiggarView on Tuesday 21st of February 2017 09:18:58 AM
NorCal Dan said
01:24 PM Feb 21, 2017
We've had both, the motor home is by far the easiest travel method. But then class A's are far more expensive to operate and maintain. In general, 5'ers GVW rating is not that good, especially for full-timers who carry everything with them. I do agree that toyhaulers cost living space, but usually you can regain some of that space once parked and the garage contents removed.
Just throwing some idea's at you...
My preference would be motorhome. A diesel pusher should have no problem hauling both the hog and toad. I'm not crazy about those lifts on the back of motorhomes...one alternative would be to use a truck as a toad and load the hog in the back of the truck.
BART said
08:09 PM Feb 24, 2017
Have you considered the DRV FullHouse line, specifically the JK450 line.
CK2018 said
10:28 PM Feb 24, 2017
Funny you should mention the DRV Full-house JX-450! We fell in love with that about a year ago, and until recently wanted nothing else. While it is definitely a beautiful rig, it still has the same issue...we are giving up valuable living space to a garage. We have been leaning towards a Class A diesel, but with over a year before decision time, who knows!
CK2018 said
10:33 PM Feb 24, 2017
Norcal, much of my research has been directed at the MC lifts, and capacities of the Class A diesels. I have to say, I don't like the idea of using a Truck-toad to hall the bike. Getting it in and out of the truck can be more adventure than I am up for! I have seen this configuration though, and clearly it does work well.
Lynn and Ed said
11:27 PM Feb 24, 2017
Chuck and Kara, I would suggest you take how you transport the Harley out of the equation, if you are considering a motorcycle lift. Some of the high-end fifth-wheels as well as likely many motorhome frames can handle a motorcycle lift. I would suggestion thinking about the pros and cons of towing a car (behind the motorhome) or having the truck (with the fifth-wheel) as your alternative daily vehicle. Also importantly, do you prefer the interior space/layout of the motorhome or fifth-wheel. Either will allow you to bring the Harley – but would a car or truck better serve you, when you might not wish to use the Harley. Alternatively, do you want the Harley to be your primary daily transportation? Another factor to consider is the type of place(s) you plan to typically stay – RV full service resorts versus State Parks and BLM land; the more uneven the terrain the easier it is to level a fifth-wheel versus a motorhome. Both can work in these places, but more site options are typically possible for a fifth-wheel if the terrain is not level. There are pros with either decision.
-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Saturday 25th of February 2017 01:10:17 AM
We are about 15 months from retirement, currently living full-time in our RV. Our plan is to travel about 9 months of each year, seeing the US. We plan to bring our Harley Davidson with us, and most of our sight-seeing will be on the bike. Our original plan was to purchase a higher-end 5er toy-hauler. However, after spending several months living in our current 5er, we have begun to consider the option of a Class A diesel with a Motorcycle lift on the back. We feel even with the most unique floor plans up to 45', we are giving up too much valuable living space to the garage. We have also heard that 5ers are better for prolonged stays in one place, but Class A's are better when you are traveling. We expect to stay in each place about a week when on the road.
We would appreciate any input and advice available. While we understand it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there may be pros and cons to both of these options we haven't considered yet.
Chuck and Kara
Southern Az
Have you looked at Montana Highcountry 380TH or 381TH, Grand Design's pair of offerings, the Solitude 374TH or Momentum 376TH? All of those have a smaller "garage" that hides under the master bed. A fairly large motorcycle will fit in there while in travel mode. The only draw backs we can see at the moment is pantry space will have to get more creative in the Montana products and you are limited to a queen bed. May or may not an issue for you. Just tryin' to get feel for what you might be willing to compromise on.
Issues we considered a negative for MHs was maintenance. Obviously that is fairly simplistic when you consider the wide range of build quality out there but you get the point. When the rig has to be in the shop for mechanical work... your whole house is unavailable to you at times. Not quite the same issue for 5ers as mechanical issues usually relate to the tow vehicle. The trailer has it's own problems from time to time so you cannot necessarily avoid shop time but it is there nonetheless. MH repair shops are much less available than your typical service center than can handle a pickup (the most common, by far, TV for RVs of the size you are considering). MH services have higher hourly rates for shop labor, at least as far as I can tell (actual research and anecdotal evidence).
With that said, we are still open to the right MH if it fits our budget and FTing plans but at the time of this writing.. we continue to lean toward a 5er as it most fits with our needs for space, floorplan and budget.
As you said it will come down to your own preferences and what works for you is the perfect solution, for you.... until it's not.
JHMO, Brian
M
-- Edited by BiggarView on Tuesday 21st of February 2017 09:18:58 AM
Just throwing some idea's at you...
My preference would be motorhome. A diesel pusher should have no problem hauling both the hog and toad. I'm not crazy about those lifts on the back of motorhomes...one alternative would be to use a truck as a toad and load the hog in the back of the truck.
Funny you should mention the DRV Full-house JX-450! We fell in love with that about a year ago, and until recently wanted nothing else. While it is definitely a beautiful rig, it still has the same issue...we are giving up valuable living space to a garage. We have been leaning towards a Class A diesel, but with over a year before decision time, who knows!
Norcal, much of my research has been directed at the MC lifts, and capacities of the Class A diesels. I have to say, I don't like the idea of using a Truck-toad to hall the bike. Getting it in and out of the truck can be more adventure than I am up for! I have seen this configuration though, and clearly it does work well.
Chuck and Kara, I would suggest you take how you transport the Harley out of the equation, if you are considering a motorcycle lift. Some of the high-end fifth-wheels as well as likely many motorhome frames can handle a motorcycle lift. I would suggestion thinking about the pros and cons of towing a car (behind the motorhome) or having the truck (with the fifth-wheel) as your alternative daily vehicle. Also importantly, do you prefer the interior space/layout of the motorhome or fifth-wheel. Either will allow you to bring the Harley – but would a car or truck better serve you, when you might not wish to use the Harley. Alternatively, do you want the Harley to be your primary daily transportation? Another factor to consider is the type of place(s) you plan to typically stay – RV full service resorts versus State Parks and BLM land; the more uneven the terrain the easier it is to level a fifth-wheel versus a motorhome. Both can work in these places, but more site options are typically possible for a fifth-wheel if the terrain is not level. There are pros with either decision.
-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Saturday 25th of February 2017 01:10:17 AM