Motorhome or 5'er - RV-Dreams Community Forum

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Motorhome or 5'er

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

I like the idea of the MH, i am leaving the trailer behind. Good luck, i am sure you will make the right choice G.

blessthisvoyage · RV-Dreams Community Member

After DH fell last year while cleaning 5th wheel breaking his heel bone, had surg with metal plate & 9 screws, we opted for MH & LOVE IT!! The 5er was totaled from having a hole in the roof & flooding inside -- ins paid us & we traded the truck in on MH deal.

2007 Winnebago Voyage
No TOAD yet
Planning to fulltime in 2010

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I doubt that what I will say will lessen your anxiety, but it may lessen a later burden should you make a ill advised choice.

If you are considering both, keep in mind that depending on the size of a fifth wheel, your current truck may not be "heavy" enough to pull what you may choose to buy in that mode. If your trailer is too heavy for the truck, safety is compromised. So, having a truck already may not be such an advantage.

Jo and I have considered both an MH and a fifth wheel. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. Jo and I have pretty much opted to purchase a luxury fifth wheel (Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 by DRV Suites) and a Ford F450. Our circumstances may be different from yours though. Once our home sells, we will live in the RV until we retire (7 or 8 or 9 years) and pay both units off. Then we will hit the road.

By having a fifth wheel, we will have both our Ford Explorer and the truck to drive, should we both need to go separate directions for a day.

You have the fortune to have this website and its bevy of knowledgeable people and the internet to use to make a decision. Don't pass up a chance to go to an RV show when one is near you. Use the experience of others to help you determine questions to ask. Just remember to not take a salesman's claims at face value. Research everything.

Should you choose to not post a question on the open forum, remember that you can send a private message to a specific individual on the forum.

Terry

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

My decision would be based upon the frequency of moving from one place to another.

I think you will find that a fifth wheel and MH are very close when it comes to creature comforts. Especially now that MHs are available with multiple slide and 5th wheels are available with automated level systems.

To me a MH makes for a better RV on long trips with weeks of travelling and lots of quick overnight stops. Everything you need is accessible for the most part, with out the need to leave the MH. Quick stop for lunch, overnight, see the big ball of twine, lay down to take a nap while travelling down the road (hopefully not the driver)... no problem.

Don't get me wrong a MH is also great for long stays in one spot.

A 5th wheel works great for the type of travelling folks like Howard & Linda do, drive for a week to get somewhere and then stay for a week to months.....

It's the quick overnight stops that are just a little tougher in a 5th wheel. You have to get out of the tow vehicle and walk back and get inside the 5th wheel. We don't mind doing this and love our 5th wheel.

Once we are able to travel more and farther distances, we will consider a MH for the reasons above.

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know decisions, decisions!

The 5th wheel is cheaper in the beginning and I'm a penny pincher but the thought of towing something that big makes me cringe. As for the truck, we can tow a mid range 5'er since it's an F350 dually but would need the F450-F550 for the top end 5'ers.

I just still picture myself in a moho and the traveling will probably be more often when we first start out.

It's just the common sense that gets me about selling the truck and taking the hit.

It's a good thing I've got some time to sort this out...LOL!

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Asking questions here is one of the best ways to narrow down your choices...just know that just about everybody who contemplates going full-time has had to make the same choice/decision.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another option is to rent a travel trailer... get as big as possible and tow it around town and out on the highway to get the feel for towing a trailer. I haven't seen any 5th wheels for rent but I have seen some travel trailers and toy haulers for rent. A 5th wheel will be more stable to tow but manuevering around town and on the highway is about the same as long as you're going forward. Backing up a 5th wheel is a little easier.

Then rent a motorhome and do the same thing... get a feel for it around town and on the road.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Having owned a TT, 5W, MH, my thoughts:

1- The 5W doesn’t have as much exterior storage as a MH, but it’s mostly all livable inside space. The exterior storage is somewhat overcome by having a pick-up bed to put the outside equipment in (hoses, lawn chairs, leveling blocks, etc). It is stable on the road and is much more maneuverable than a MH with toad.

2- The MH is absolutely the most convenient for traveling. You can turn on the generator and microwave lunch at the rest stop, go to the potty without stopping, get a cold one from the fridge, take a nap while the co-pilot trucks on, cool the rig before you get to the campground, etc. Typical push button operations for most everything is nice. You lose 5-6 feet of living space due to the driver's area. Just by the nature of it being a house and a vehicle there are many more complicated working parts. Breakdowns of either are at the very least an inconvenience, but sometimes can leave you without a place to live. A MH is usually the most expensive, so the depreciation factor is going to be greater.

For either, the cost of acquisition, maintenance, insurance, fuel, and repair bills is also something to consider.

We love our MH. But when I bought it were traveling a lot. Now that I go somewhere and stay for awhile. I would go back to a 5W in a heart beat.

It is rare than anyone buys the perfect rig for themselves the first time and I’m no exception. So keep doing your research and try to pick one that you’ll want to keep for more than a couple months before wanting to trade it. biggrin

-- Edited by TXRVr on Wednesday 2nd of September 2009 12:04:33 PM

Tim & Robyn · RV-Dreams Family Member

My wife having recently passed away, the RV lifestyle is no longer in my future.

However, I can say that you will get good advice here, and share with you what went through our minds when we began thinking about this lifestyle.

At first we thought a MH would be the way to go (and I would again caution you that you have to weigh any advice you get against what is important to you - there is no right or wrong).

The first RV show we ever went to was right here in Columbus GA. We wandered around all day, looking at and sitting in all kinds of RVs. Last of all we went into a Newmar MountainAire MH. It was spectacular... and so was the price. But our thoughts were 'we can live in this'.

However, since cost WAS an object, and they didn't have any upper-end 5ers at the show, we continued to go to RV shows here and in the Atlanta area, as well as read about the pros and cons here and on other RV forums.

We tried to learn about what 5ers were rated for fulltime living, and go to dealers that had them to take a look-see. Our object was not to be fulltime road warriors, but to be able to explore in a leisurely fashion. Based on that, and the cost issues, and what we saw in the fulltime 5ers we saw, we decided that a 5er was for us. It's like a small apartment, more homelike than a MH in our judgement. You have to judge for yourself.

So, since I have zero experience, the only recommendation I can make is to reiterate what many have said already on this forum: go see as many different types of RV as you can; sit in them, and go through the motions of doing daily activities (bathing, cooking, all of that). and then maybe things will become clearer for you.

A Ford F350 is adequate to pull (and stop!) some fulltime rated 5ers.... see the Wandering Wishnies (LUVGLASS on the forum). They are traveling in a Carriage Cameo, which is rated for fulltime living, and doing very well.

Whatever you decide to do, as many have said, there is no perfect answer... you have to decide what is important to you, and what will satisfy YOUR needs.

In a lot of ways, it seems to me that a lot of the questions asked on various forums are typical of those of us who are still in the rat race.... we want instant answers, and sometimes there aren't any. So maybe the best thing to do is to try to make the fulltime RV choice a first step into a more ralaxed lifestyle... take time, consider all the options, be introspective about what's really important, and then let that factor into your decision. You will probably get sick of hearing it - I know I did at first... but there really is no right or wrong decision, as long as it's based on what YOUR needs are.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.....

Serengeti · RV-Dreams Family Member

This being a age old question, and there is no right or wrong answer.
We chose a MH for several reasons and one of the main reasons was what do we want to have to get a loaf of bread or a dozen of eggs.
Another favorite no matter which is that is completely free of debt. That is the best kind.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you can afford the upkeep on a MH...diesel pusher go for it. Keep in mind they are not cheap to start with and they certainly are not cheap to maintain. I can't afford the tires on some of those beast!...but then I am a poor boy.

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Speed...these are the things some people overlook.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Having owned pull trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes, I have one issue that was huge for me. In a pull trailer or a fifth wheel you have one engine and one drive train, unless you have a set up like Howard and Linda. If that single drive train fails, you are stuck where ever it decides to fail. You may end up many hours seeking help along the road. Most folks with motor homes tow a car behind. If that motor home drive train fails you can at least get into the toad and drive for help or get to a safe place. The comfort of knowing that was a big factor in my decision to full time in a motor home and tow a car behind. Only you can decide which way makes you most comfortable.

-- Edited by ahoweth on Sunday 6th of September 2009 06:47:47 AM

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Fiver here and we have a setup like Howard and Linda. I drive the jeep.
southwestjudy

hyperslug · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have been fulltiming solo in a 5'er for 4 years and will eventually make the jump to a MH for several reasons. But I initially went for the 5'ver because for $65K I was able to get a decent year and half old 30' 5'er and a brand new diesel truck. A decent used DP would have been twice that. Plus I wanted to be able to get into smaller public parks. However I found a 30' trailer is still too big for some Federal campgrounds but there are still plenty of other public campgrounds that can handle up to 40'.

Here are the reasons I want a DP motor home!

1) More space! MH have much more under storage. (I want a bigger kitchen and a better layout but that could be had with a bigger 5'er.)

2) I don't like driving a truck on a daily basis. My F250 crew cab long bed is a beast and if it was dually I would have quit it a long time ago. Many people don't mind driving trucks but I am not one of them. Needed the crew cab to carry samples for my business but a mid size toad could do that.

3) Quicker set up and take down. Hitching and unhitching is a bigger chore than disconnecting a toad.

4) Auto leveling! Part of the quicker set up. Now available on some 5'ers.

5) Easier to back into campsite and pull throughs are not always available. For me I find a 5'er tough to back in. I guess it's the pivot point because I did not have the problem with a tongue pull. I have backed up a MH and found it much easier. One downside of the MH is you have to disconnect the toad anytime you need to back up.

6) Bigger black/gray tank capacity. Usually larger capacity in MH but a few 5'ers may come close.

7) Larger more durable diesel enginges available. Twice the torqe and horse power is rather common in a DP over pick ups. You can buy a really big truck with a really big engine but I don't want that as my daily driver.

I have yet to pull the trigger and will wait to have my truck paid off in about 10 months, 5'er is already paid off.

I hope my take on it is of some help in your decision making! As other have said it is a personal decision and what works for me may not be right for you.
Jeff

-- Edited by hyperslug on Sunday 6th of September 2009 11:01:53 AM

FDchief · RV-Dreams Family Member

All good stuff. As many have said, you will need to make your own decision. But let me add my own .02 cents, hoping that you will find it even worth that much.

DW and I started with a TT. Would travel a lot with it. I had the daily chores of unhooking and set-up. This is when I decided which RV I wanted.

It was 1988, we were headed to Vancouver Island in May from our home in Lake Tahoe, CA. It had been a long drive as we pulled into a quaint little park in Port Angeles, WA. The next day we were to catch a drive-on ferry early for the trip to the island. Anyway, we checked in and got our site. As I pulled into the site, it starting to rain pretty good. DW and darling Daughter stayed in the truck as I started my routine of unhooking and set-up. Mind you that now it is a torrential downpour and really no light to see what in the world I was doing. About 15 minutes into the process, I am soaked to the bone, with hardly any progress to show for my efforts. Up drives a DP and pulls into the site next to mine. He sets the Maxi, and proceeds to level the behemoth from behind the wheel. 15 seconds later he is done. He leaves the seat and returns shortly after with a drink and a salute to me. I must have been the most entertainment he had all day. 20 minutes later, the family had finally made it into the trailer. I was chilled to the bone. I told my wife, never again. That Summer I bought my first Motorhome, a 30' Jayco Class "C". I have never looked back.

I am on my second Class "A" now, and really enjoy it. I still like to drive, one of the best things about RVing is the inner peace I feel at 60 mph on a lonely stretch of road listening to my favorite music, knowing that the best people in my life are right there with me. I so enjoy the view from that huge windshield. Something you will never get from a pick-up truck. I also enjoy the snacks the DW dreams up while I am enjoying that stretch of road. And oh that feeling, that when I get there I just push the auto-level button on my jack pad, and extend the slides, I have arrived. And I didn't even have to go out in the rain!

-- Edited by FDchief on Sunday 4th of October 2009 01:49:22 PM

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

ahoweth ~ never looked at it that way. Thanks for the eye opener.

hyperslug ~ great list and it all makes sense.

FDchief ~ wow! what a vision...I like simplicity. I think the Class A is going to win.

Thanks everyone for sharing...

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Merri and Steve,

Before making any decision, find a MH dealership that will allow you to test drive one in the size you are considering. You want to make sure that both of you would be comfortable in driving something that big.

For Jo and I, we drove two different ones. One for about 80 to 100 miles and the second one for about 200 to 250 miles. Having been a professional driver, I wanted to make sure that Jo would be "comfortable" with driving something that big. Since she was raised on a farm I knew that she was "capable" enough, but would she be comfortable with one.

She has driven those and been comfortable as far as just driving them down the road. As for backing and other maneuvers, she would just have to learn those aspects. She has already driven pickups and fifth wheels as well as pickups and travel trailers, so she would be comfortable with anything.

As for FDchief's incident, a good $20 to $30 rain suit would have aleviated that issue.

One other issue that I will bring up is fire. If one is driving a diesel pusher, and if there is a fire in the engine compartment, you may not know about it until it is too late because the engine is in the back. I have seen videos online of big MH's burning up in minutes, along with the toad. Those may not happen often, and even mostly then only if the proper cleaning and maintenance is ignored. However, it is still an issue.

Serengeti · RV-Dreams Family Member

One other issue that I will bring up is fire. If one is driving a diesel pusher, and if there is a fire in the engine compartment, you may not know about it until it is too late because the engine is in the back. I have seen videos online of big MH's burning up in minutes, along with the toad. Those may not happen often, and even mostly then only if the proper cleaning and maintenance is ignored. However, it is still an issue.

We take this issue very seriously.
Last year we attended both the LOW in KY in May and the GJ Rally in Sept, and at both of those events was "Mac The Fire Guy".
He is probably the most knowledgeable person in the country on RV Fire Safety.
He is a leader in the RV world for new products that come on the market and has helped to design and market these products.
Some might say that some of the products are a little costly, but if you need to use the it would come down as being a cheap investment.
If he is not at a Rally or show near you, I would suggest that you go on line and do a search for "Mac The Fire Guy" as he has all of his products there.

tigerlilly108 · RV-Dreams Family Member

http://www.macthefireguy.com/34_fire_facts_that_can_save_your.htm

Good advice and here's the web address for the Fire guy's tip on how to save your life while RVing.

FDchief · RV-Dreams Family Member

A rain coat has never kept my hands warm, or dry. And, having been in the fire service for 37 years, I have seen more pickups on fire than Motorhomes! I will keep my mothorhome smile

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

FDchief,

Not saying that motorhomes are dangerous, but maybe the reason you saw more pickup fires is because there are a million times more pickups on the road than motor homes.

If you look at the Wikipedia listing,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automobile_sales_by_model

you will see that just with the Ford F150, there are almost 39 million of them on the road and there are probably less than 200 thousand motor homes.

FDchief · RV-Dreams Family Member

Let's not debate the safety of a trailer vs. motorhome. Just buy what works for you, and enjoy the heck out of it. aww

-- Edited by FDchief on Saturday 21st of August 2010 03:03:10 PM

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Motor Home vs 5th Wheel, we have debated this many times. We always returned to the 5th Wheels. As was said the upkeep on Motor Home is the biggest issue for us. And for a fact if your full timing and the MH breaks your in a Hotel for how ever long it takes for repair for either the living area or the chassis. And the high end 5th wheels just offer a more home type feeling. As for stopping the MH does best for having lunch, however we always travel less than 250 miles per day. So we stop ever two hours and we very seldom eat lunch in the 5er while on the road. Our trips are planned and we always have reservations. As I said we depart the RV park by 8:00 AM or so and are in the next RV park by 3:00 pm or so. We aren't campers we are RVers and want full hook-ups. We have W/D and do all our laundry in the Mobile Suites. We do double tow so we have the Chevy HHR to do our day trips. The only plus for us is with the MH you can take a toad with no problem. If we ever go to a Motor Home it will be because of the toad. Also with the 5th wheel you can on a weekly basics take the Truck for a run to keep the batteries charged and keep all seals lubricated. Diesel should be run on a regular basis. But again its a choice. We aren't full timing but are in the Suites about 8 months plus a year.

Denise · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have owned a motorhome and currently own a fifth wheel. The motorhome had some nice features but the fifth wheel has more living space and if we have engine problem we still have our fifth wheel to live in. With a motorhome you will most likely have to find some place to stay while it is in for repairs. With the fifth wheel we don't experience the wind like we did in the motorhome. We like only having one motorize vehicle to deal with instead of two (toad). It is a matter of opinion and what best fits your lifestyle.

Speed is correct that motorhome repairs are expensive!

Stay Safe

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Which is better, a Chevy or a Ford? A cat or a dog? A MH or a 5th wheel?

Only you can decide. They all have their benifits and drawbacks. What works for us, may not work for you. There are no incorrect answers.

We have a MH because, for the most part, we don't stay in one place for long periods of time, they're easy to set up, we can use the bathroom while traveling, and we don't have stairs to go up and down once we're inside. (it makes a difference once you get older or have physical problems).

We have been in many great 5th wheels and have really liked some of them, but they're not for us at this stage of our life.

Just another of my two cents worth. smile

Jim