5th Wheel vs Motorhome - RV-Dreams Community Forum

csrvingforlife · RV-Dreams Community Member

5th Wheel vs Motorhome

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hey, enjoy the search. If you find the perfect rig, send word. LOL
Seriously, if you are open, start a pro/con list on everything you look at. Then, select the ones with the most pro(s) and go back and revisit them. Sit down and stay awhile (as long as the salesman will stay away) and see how you fit. Then go back and wonder some more. It is all about the searching.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

There's no right answer, it's what you like that matters. It's like asking, should I buy a ranch house, or a colonial? Both have positives and negatives, what features are important to you?

When you see the right one, you'll know. Good luck, it's an exciting time.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Fred said it all.You will know when you find "the one".We each have our own needs and wants.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

My advice is if you plan to travel from destination to destination without stopping for more than a week at a time. Or if you need to travel often long distances in short periods of time like my Dad did, he would travel 3500 miles in 5 sometimes 4 days. A motorhome would be the way to go.

If you plan on travelling for less than 300 miles and then stop for the night or stay in one place for weeks or months at a time. the 5th wheel is the way to go.

Or if you all ready have the right tow vehicle, get a 5th wheel. You'll save 10's of thousands of dollars.

As others have said, there is no right or wrong answer. We let our hearts decide. We fell in love with the 5th wheel we have when we first saw it and probably won't get rid of it until it falls down araound us.

Tony and Eileen · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know how far you are from Chanute KS, that's where they make the Hitchhiker 5th wheels at the Nu-Wa factory. We just picked up our 2nd Hitchhiker in Feb. and we are very happy with it. Excellent customer service and they definitely stand behind their products.
Good luck in your search!

dream reachers · RV-Dreams Family Member

You might want to check out Excel built by Peterson Ind. in Smith center Kansas.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

The fifth wheel trailer and tow truck are considerably cheaper in most cases, however, motorhomes have their up sides too.

The wife and I have had both and we have opted for the motorhome path for a couple of reasons that I think are worth mentioning.

First and foremost to me is that I have a back up in case the motor coach drive train fails. It allows me to get help more easily.

Second, as we travel, we keep the interior of the coach warm or cool, depending on the time of year, and when we get to our destination, the interior of our coach is already at living temperatures. When we had our fifth wheel, it took a while to warm it up or cool it down when we parked. The wife loved that.

Third, the towed is much more economical to drive around and do sightseeing once you get parked, or even to just drive to the grocery store, than a truck used for towing the fifth wheel. Of course you could have your significant other drive another vehicle or double tow, but that just wasn't for us.

Fourth, the coach is much easier for me to level and set up once we get to our destination.

All that said, lots of folks still prefer the fifth wheel and I am all for them doing their thing. You have to just make a decision as to what is best for you, Viva La Difference!

cmdrdewey · RV-Dreams Community Member

IMHO you get the biggest bang for the buck with a Montana. the most popular model is the 3400. Check out the Montanan owners forum at http://www.montanaowners.com/.

In the last analysis it is what works out best for you.
Happy trails

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

We purchased a 2009 Montana new at a dealer. After researching and looking, looking, looking, and talking with many folks, we decided the Montana was the right fit for us. We love our rig and got a whale of a deal, including many options that were already included on the rig.

The Montana has a reputation for being dependable and has stood the test of time and usage. That's what we got from talking to so many people.

Of course, we are slightly prejudiced. biggrin

As others suggested, you might want to really think about how you plan to use the rig and decided on the option that best fits your needs/wants.

Enjoy the hunt!

Ken & Sarah · RV-Dreams Family Member

As stated before there is no perfect fifth wheel just the one that makes you feel comfortable and one you want to come home to each night. I agree the pro/con list is most likely the best way to go. First read as many of the forums as you can to get a feel for the enthusiasm of the owners and what problems they are having. But always remember you will most likely read more about the problems one has with their unit than how much they like it.
If you can visit the factories do so, you will get a better feel about the company and you will get a better understanding of their philosophy in customer service.
We chose Excel for that exact reason but their are several quality builders you need to continue your reseach and narrow down your choices and the one you pick will be the right one for YOU.
Good luck and trust your gut.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Craig and Sue,

If you truly are planning on 2013 for the beginning of your new life, then you have the time to do the job right. That will involve reading a lot on forums, searching manufacturer's websites, and visiting dealers and RV shows. So, take your time and enjoy to looking.

If you will truly be fulltiming in that you won't have a stix and brix to return to, then keep in mind where you want to go. Take into consideration two important factors if the unit you buy is going to be your home. Look at insulation and the frame that your unit is built upon.

Jo and I both looked at motorhomes and fifth wheels. Specifically, we looked at the Tiffin products like the Phaeton as far as the motorhome was concerned. Jo and I will be selling our home and living in our fifth wheel until we retire and can then begin our travels. We chose to go with a DRV Suites Mobile Suites fifth wheel for a number of reasons, including the frame and insulation factor I spoke of before.

Like some of the earlier posters said, really take the time to decide what you plan on doing, for how long, and consider whether you plan on staying in some places for long periods of time. Jo and I are considering that when we begin to travel, we will stay in one place for as long as 3 to 6 months. That way, we can leisurely travel around the area where we are located and see all that we can.

Good luck in your planning and research.

Terry

rheadabovewater · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with those who say that you'll know it when you see it. When I was looking for my rig, I saw all sorts of Class As and Class Cs - none of them really rang my bells....but as soon as I walked into my 5th wheel, I knew. I turned to the salesman and said, "Oh, I LOVE this!" And that was it. biggrin

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

ahoweth wrote:
First and foremost to me is that I have a back up in case the motor coach drive train fails. It allows me to get help more easily.

Yes... this.

Just two weeks ago our bus conversion overheated... and of course, 25 miles from the nearest cell tower. Being able to unhitch our MINI Cooper and drive to town to call for help was absolutely invaluable. We were 'stuck' on the side of the road for 24 hours before Coach-Net could locate a wrecker service to handle us and get us into a major town with the shop of our choice 120 miles away... but knowing we had our get-a-way shuttle was such a freeing feeling.

We did towables for the first 4 years of our full timing, and they were great. But having two means of motion just really opens up so many other possibilities, especially the feeling of not being stranded. But another case is that if one of us has an urgent need (sick family member, business client, etc.) - one can take off in the MINI and travel quicker miles, while the other drives the bus at a slower pace to catch up.

We're now facing a 2-3 week major engine overhaul (we get to live in the bus at the shop, which is a blessing)... but we have our little get away car to get around town and take road trips while we wait it out.

But really, the choice comes down to your style of travel. We like to mix it up between lots of short stays as we cover lots of distance with minimal setup/takedown time... and then plopping down somewhere for a month or two. And when we 'plop', having a smaller daily driver is so much more efficient and comfortable for us than driving around a large truck.

- Cherie

-- Edited by Technomadia on Thursday 27th of June 2013 10:51:57 PM

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have met very few full timers with motorhomes that are not towing another vehicle, so they have a back up. There is only one drive train for most people towing a trailer. We will have been fulltiming for 10 years in a couple weeks, with a motorhome towing a car. We have a cat and only once have we not been able to sleep in our motorhome while it was getting service and that was for non-drivetrain repairs so the same repairs would have kept us out of a fifth wheel for the night. A motorhome works for us, fifth wheels work for others, including many good friends.

Note that Craig and Sue posted this in 2010 and last logged on in September 2011. They are not likely to see your response.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Addressing the comment that a motorhome seems to have more space:

Really? None I have seen has more usable space than a comparable size 5th wheel. One of the big reasons we like a 5er is that it has more livable space, has higher ceilings, has more interior storage, and in our opinion is more "homey" than a motorhome. And, yes, we have had a motorhome. And we may one day again.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well in the space department, some friends of our traded in their MS for a 40’ Motorhome. They like the Motorhome fine – except: “No room to put anything like we had in the 5er” was the quote. Inside and out there just wasn’t nearly as much room as the 5er and this was a 40’ coach. We happen to agree with Jack based on our experience as well. But, to each their own desires and likes.

Bill

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Depending on the RV lifestyle you choose , I also agree with Jack.......There is more room and homeyness in a5Ver....motor-homes just have more travel convenience ......I travel alot and boondock in every shape and form (I'm in a motorhome) if I pay for a site more than twice a month ,I'm over budget(lol)....If I was going to do extended stays as I traveled I would go back to a 5Ver in a blink...

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am not going to argue over which has more space, but I will give multiple RV examples I know about to show that "you can't make generalizations".

1) Some friends went from a 36' gas motorhome to a 40' diesel motorhome and fully expected to have more storage. Turned out the gas motorhome, a National RV Tropi Cal, had more storage both in the basement and living area than the diesel, an Alfa See Ya. They had to get rid of stuff or put it in their tow car.

2) A solo woman had a small 5th wheel and it got in a rear end accident and was totaled. She took the insurance money and bought a truck camper for her existing truck, which was fine. She thought a camper would fit her solo lifestyle better, for similar reasons to Lucky Mike. She sorted her stuff in three piles, "Must have", "Would like to have" and "Can live without" first. All three piles fit in the camper storage, with a bit of room left over.

3) Some friends had a large 5th wheel towed by an MDT. For various reasons they decided to go with a motorhome and tow car. They found the perfect used diesel motorhome and he measured the storage and was convinced they had about the same amount. He was wrong, he had less and had to sort the three piles out at the last minute. There were reasons he miscalculated, at least one compartment had to remain empty for the diesel furnace, but they were still unhappy they got it wrong.

Yes, #3 seems to agree with "5th wheels have more storage than motorhomes", but #2 says don't generalize.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think it comes down to personal preference. Its the same arguement over whats better, 5th wheel or motorhome.

Meggie · RV-Dreams Community Member

After reading this, at least I know that our dilemma over motorhome vs 5th wheel is quite common. It feels like we change our minds twice a day. We are so early in our decision making process but this one is going to be a tough call.

In our case, we will be buying the tow vehicle too (if we go with the 5th wheel). We are buying used so you never know what deal you will stumble on but I am trying to get my head around whether (generally speaking) we would save more buying the motorhome, or the 5th wheel and the truck.

Remains to be seen

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

You pull your motor home in....you pull your motor home out

you pull your 5th wheel in and you shake it all about!!!

you do the hokey pokey and you spin your travel trailer all around!!.......thats what pick-in' your RV is all about!!!!!!!

(Got new Meds this week!! )

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we first started talking seriously about full-timing we spent many hours discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a travel trailer vs a 5'er vs a motor home. We ended up picking the motor home because it seemed to make the most sense FOR US. We honestly thought that we would end up with a 5'er, and even bought our mpg because we thought we'd be looking for a Bighorn eventually.

Take lots of time to discuss all of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of coach first. Only when you are satisfied as to the type that best suits YOUR NEEDS should you start looking at brands. There are really only a few floor plans for each type of coach, but an almost infinite number of variations on the themes. Don't get suckered into finding a coach that looks good and then trying to justify it. When we were researching I became infamous for saying that I'd rather ask a thousand questions before writing a big check than asking one question a thousand times afterward.

scrappy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
You pull your motor home in....you pull your motor home out

you pull your 5th wheel in and you shake it all about!!!

you do the hokey pokey and you spin your travel trailer all around!!.......thats what pick-in' your RV is all about!!!!!!!

(Got new Meds this week!! )

*giggle*

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Since this thread popped up again I re-read through it and saw my response from 2010. A few days ago my DW and I were discussing what we would get to replace our 19 year old 5th wheel because it is beginning to basically fall apart. Nothing so drastic that it can't be readily fixed but it's a nuisance and time consuming.

Anyway we finally decided we like our 5th wheel and will continue to update it. Next project is to replace the carpet with laminate flooring. Then replace the awning fabric and seal the roof.

It fits our needs and we have yet to find a unit that makes us want to change.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Bear II wrote:
Since this thread popped up again I re-read through it and saw my response from 2010. A few days ago my DW and I were discussing what we would get to replace our 19 year old 5th wheel because it is beginning to basically fall apart. Nothing so drastic that it can't be readily fixed but it's a nuisance and time consuming.

Anyway we finally decided we like our 5th wheel and will continue to update it. Next project is to replace the carpet with laminate flooring. Then replace the awning fabric and seal the roof.

It fits our needs and we have yet to find a unit that makes us want to change.

Larry:

I have no experience with this company or product. But I have noticed a beginning trend for RV roofs being “coated” with a similar type of material as truck bed “Rino” or "Line-X" protective coating.I know one OEM doing this. It does look interesting.

http://www.rvroof.com/

You might want to take a look at this if you’re going to replace or do serious repair to your EPDM roof. Just a thought.

Bill

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:
The Bear II wrote:
Since this thread popped up again I re-read through it and saw my response from 2010. A few days ago my DW and I were discussing what we would get to replace our 19 year old 5th wheel because it is beginning to basically fall apart. Nothing so drastic that it can't be readily fixed but it's a nuisance and time consuming.

Anyway we finally decided we like our 5th wheel and will continue to update it. Next project is to replace the carpet with laminate flooring. Then replace the awning fabric and seal the roof.

It fits our needs and we have yet to find a unit that makes us want to change.
Larry:
I have no experience with this company or product. But I have noticed a beginning trend for RV roofs being “coated” with a similar type of material as truck bed “Rino” or "Line-X" protective coating.I know one OEM doing this. It does look interesting.
http://www.rvroof.com/
You might want to take a look at this if you’re going to replace or do serious repair to your EPDM roof. Just a thought.
Bill

This looks like a very cool option and definitely one I would investigate. Based on the information listed on the website it looks like a 37 foot RV roof would run less than $5000. Much cheaper than a new rubber roof and it looks MUCH better.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the link Bill, I will look into it.

I know some RV'ers have used the Herculiner Product available at auto stores and is easy to roll-on.

I've also seen another product that can be rolled on or sprayed on but can't remember the name or website. It's available in many different colors and can be used on RV roofs or as bedliner or whatever...

I'm leaning towards www.epdmcoatings.com The reviews indicate this is inexpensive, DIY and works great.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another country heard from on fifth wheels VS motorhomes. It truly is what you like taking into consideration the frame and structure as others have said.

Recently we were talking to a salesman at Guaranty RV in Eugene, who has switched back and forth and says we'd be surprised at how many customers do the same. Also recently talked to two separate women in gorgeous MH's. both made the same comment, "they feel vulnerable and exposed in the big windows in a MH. As if they'd fall off a cliff or fly thru a window if in an accident." It seems to be I'd like the big view and comfy ride but I've not ridden in one.

Just food for thought. Many of us are on our 3, 4th or even 5th rigs as we learn what we want. I don't say need here as I think it's mostly wants.

Have fun,
Sherry

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

One "good idea" is to do the research so that you buy your third coach first. The problem with that is that until you actually live in a coach you don't really know how well it will fit your lifestyle. Even then, needs and wants may change over the years. Lots of research and some good, honest discussion before and after visiting the sales lot is in order. We chose a motorhome because we expect to move fairly frequently. As we get older and see more of the country, we may find ourselves moving less and less. At that time we may decide that a 5'er would be a better choice for us, possibly backed up with a car. We'll see.

"Also recently talked to two separate women in gorgeous MH's. both made the same comment, "they feel vulnerable and exposed in the big windows in a MH. As if they'd fall off a cliff or fly thru a window if in an accident." It seems to be I'd like the big view and comfy ride but I've not ridden in one." Another disadvantage of the big windshield is that it really gets warm when going into the sun. Some coaches have larger windshields than others, so pay attention to that. I was somewhat surprised to find that I sit at the same distance off the ground as semi drivers. Perhaps when we visit the factory again I'll try parking my coach next to a newer one and see how much difference there really is.

While I'm thinking about windshields, I've heard some stories about the cost of replacements. If one is accident-prone that may be a consideration. <grin>

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

I definitely agree with what several others have said, once you're living in it you may change your maind about what you really "need". I started with a travel trailer, never dreaming I would want to full-time. I bought a 30' rear living with a super slide since it had lots of interior space for my SO's wheelchair. When he passed away very unexpectedly I was left with a TT that really didn't do what I wanted it to do, and that really came clearly into focus as I lived in it last summer. I ride a motorcylcle but had no way to haul the bike other than in the bed of the truck where it is a major hassle for me to get loaded and unloaded. I rarely used the rear 6 feet or so of the TT. (a pair of swivel rockers, the jackknife sofa) I usually ended up with the laptop on the dinette table in the evening after spending the day outdoors or away from the TT. And I wanted something a bit smaller/lighter so my paid-for truck wouldn't be so close to the limits of hauling. I also own a Class C, but my Prius can't be flat-towed. I can't even begin to count how many RV's I looked at last year searching for the "perfect" solution. For me it boiled down to wanting a separate, more-efficient-than-a-class-C vehicle to run around in but not wanting to tow something, so DP's and Class C were out. I've got bad knees and a really bad ankle so the stairs inside a 5th wheel were problematic for me, especially since the bathroom is often 'upstairs' in a 5er, plus they are all at or over the limits of what my truck will tow safely. Toy haulers were also heavier than I wanted, and I didn't come across one that aesthetically looked like something I wanted to live in full time. In the end I went with an older (vintage? antique? destined for the scrap pile? lol) travel trailer that will be rebuilt to fit my needs and wants. There's no "right way" or "right vehicle" for everyone, and isn't that a wonderful thing! biggrin