Can I manage this? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Connie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Can I manage this?

lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you're familiar with a Class "A" why try a 5th wheel that intimidates you? Might be better to stick with what you know, and are comfortable with.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie if you are pretty healthy and more importantly really want to do it.....you definately can....It's a series of steps like anything else, nothing requires heavy lifting that would keep you from doing it...Lots of bending, not much more....and don't forget, there is no rush, take your time loading up, take your time setting up, take your time driving.....keep us posted, welcome to the Forum....

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well the nice thing with a Class A is you don't have to hook-up and un-hook unless your pulling a toad or small trailer.

Connie · RV-Dreams Community Member

We think a couple of the floor plans we've seen in a 5th wheel make a more livable full time arrangement for us. If we do this full time in a Class A we will have to have a toad this time, didn't do that last time. Just seems to be different considerations this time around and it has us re-thinking the big picture. We may be gaining nothing from that but confusion!

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Also remember the Fifth will have steps to deal with....Motorhomes have one level....

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are in almost the same position. I, (the DH) am slowly becoming more and more disabled.

As a result, my wife is taking over more and more "jobs."

As GENECOP said, If you are healthy you can do it easily.

Even if you are not as spry as when you were 20, it can be done.

Just take your time.

Connie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you all for the words of encouragement

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie,

As a consideration for choosing, take into account that a motorhome (regardless of class) might be better if you plan on moving a lot. If you would be stationary for longer periods of time, then the fifth wheel might be best. After a certain amount of time, any vehicle needs to be driven at operating temperatures to keep it exercised. I think I've heard folks say that it might be weeks or even a couple of months before a vehicle needs to be driven. If you would be stationary for an extended time, it would be easier to take the truck out for a drive instead of having to unhook everything on the motorhome and driving it.

Feel free to ask any questions that might come to mind. We've got folks here that are in just about every kind of RV, or have knowledge of them. Glad to have you as part of the "family."

Terry

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would encourage you to look at all the features that will help you do the job, like automatic levelers instead of manual. A single friend says it takes him at least 3 times as long as a couple to set up and tear down camp. The extra time is double checking himself, because there are too many things to do to make it automatic. The easier you can make set up and tear down, the better. Especially as you get older.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie,

I've never driven or handled a Class A but we've given it a lot of thought as we're in about the same position as DogFolks. We currently have a big 5th wheel and I'm doing about half the driving at present. Before long I will be doing it all. I dread the sewer part but I'll be doing that too. Backing/parking this behemoth is a bear (I choose the more polite B word!). Hooking up and unhooking isn't bad once you learn the tricks but it takes strength to unhook the hitch bar. It takes strength to lift the heavy 50 amp power cords.

I wonder about all the maintenance on a big diesel engine on a Class A yet we have a big diesel truck that does fine (mostly/sort of) with regular maintenance.

I totally agree with Bill Joyce to have as many automatic features and with Lindy who suggested you stay with what you're familiar with.

Might a nice Class C with a tow be a third option?

Sherry

Connie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for your thoughts Sherry. It's good to have a woman's prospective. I agree with all of you about having as many automatic features as possible, makes sense. I'm not a physically strong woman and that is a concern to me when it comes to the hook ups. I'll have a lot to learn when it comes to the maintenance of the truck as I have always relied on a local mechanic for all auto work. Seems like my city girl roots are showing. That being said, I think I can learn to do whatever I need to, it's the physical strength needed that scares me.
We have looked at a Class C but neither of us was thrilled with the feel of that. Maybe we need to take a second look at that option now that we have gotten more serious about doing "this thing."

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Some of the Super C's with slides are just as roomy as a class A with a wide floor plan....... just a thought....

Age , health and Disabilities take a toll in how we do things....as it has been said , you need to look at your travel plans. If you are planning on seasonal moves a trailer has its advantages...if you are going to be wandering without long stops a motorhome has its advantages , adding a toad helps....

I have traveled in all of the above modes it is going to depend on you and your comfort level and learning curve...you dont want to approach it with the "I think I Can" attitude or it will become a costly mistake that will leave you with a piece of equipment that you will most likely take a loss on to move up to what you really need.

Take you time and look at all of your options......

again... think and plan on how you are going to use the coach...once this is on paper with planning you will find the type of coach you need....(we are all different and so are our opinions)

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Connie:

As pertains to the 5^th wheel, I am not saying 5er or Class “A” or Class “C” either way, that’s a personal choice. However, with some additions to the 5^th wheel and truck you can make hitching, unhitching and leveling much easier. The selection of the truck hitch can have a lot to do with this strength issue to pull the pin latch. The sewer hose business can be mitigated a bit with a macerator allowing the use of a smaller hose. As for the 50 amp cords, you could install an electric cord reel which could make that much easier. If you needed an extension beyond the cord on the electric reel they make 15 footers which are obviously half the weight of the typical 30 foot cords.

Naturally some of these options can be used in a motorhome if that selected to ease the setup and tear down chore.

All this costs some money but might be less expensive in the long run vs. the space you can have with the 5er. Terry’s point concerning moving a lot, or not, is also an important point depending on your situation.

Just offering some thoughts for your consideration.

PS – IMO, Listen to Sherry, “WestWardHo.” This lady has her act together and can offer first hand advice regarding a big 5er. She's "been there, done that," and does it quite well.

Bill

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I want to second that motion!!!

PM WestwardHo....Sherry and ask her for advise , she just had to make the transition and I'm sure can give you some pointers

Connie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll PM Sherry

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:
I would encourage you to look at all the features that will help you do the job, like automatic levelers instead of manual.

I agree with Bill.... get the extras that will make it easier for you.

The toughest part is hitching and unhitching. It is pretty much automatic but you do have to reach in the bed to pull the lever that releases the hitch or locks the hitch. Plus plug in the cord for the lights and brakes. These can be learned fairly easily but will take some effort. When looking at trucks to tow with, consider a hauler bed, this is a custom bed on the truck with low sides to make it easier to get to the hitch.

One couple we camp with uses an RV towing service to move their 5th wheel. The driver comes hitches up the 5th wheel moves it to where the folks want it. They drive to the spot in their car. The RV tow service driver sets up the 5th wheel for them, they don't have to touch a thing.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Again as said in many other threads.......A good RV training course is the way to go.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Lucky Mike,

I am flattered & embarrassed by your votes of confidence but I am SO FAR from having my act together! I'm faking it 'till I make it, learning and adjusting as we go. There are so many more on here that have genuine knowledge and experience, especially you two!

Because so many of you have shared your knowledge with us, we just try to help where we can. We adjust, adapt, flex, go forward and even back. If something doesn't work for us we try something else.

That's what this forum and website is all about as so many have pointed out.

Sherry