5th Wheel or Class A...and why?

[clkelley]

The truck you need totally depends on the 5th wheel. My parents have an ultra light 5th wheel that they tow with an F-150 5.4 Triton.

 

[bradisgoofy]

Okay I would like to weight in on this....We have owned both and now have a motorhome. ( Click on the word Motorhome in my signature to see it ) I found pulling the 5er to be more stressful then driving a MH. We had a 36' 5er weighing 11,000 plus pounds and pulled it with a 1 ton Dodge diesel, single axle, without any trouble for two years. ( I still have the truck ) We now have the 38' MH in the picture. Both were setup, interior wise, about the same. Something no one has mentioned is setup time. It took at least 1/2 an hour to setup the 5er ( level, which is not a problem at FW, unhook, run out the slides and hookup the electric and water ) whereas the MH takes about 10 minutes. I'm not young any more so that has been a big difference to me. A couple have mentioned a MH setting around, if you check the rv forums you will find many full timers who have their coaches sitting for 6 to 9 months without reporting any problems. Last, most MH will tow anywhere from 5000 to 10,000 lbs so your DH could get his new ( or newer ) truck and there is no reason you couldn't tow it behind you. Plus, you could put a golf cart in the bed to go with you.

Oops, one more, spontaneous trips are a lot easier with a MH, just start it and go.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

A couple have mentioned a MH setting around, if you check the rv forums you will find many full timers who have their coaches sitting for 6 to 9 months without reporting any problems. Plus, you could put a golf cart in the bed to go with you.

Just when I think we've finally made a decision (leaning heavily toward a 5th wheel now), you throw in the part about the golf cart in the truck bed! That's such a good idea! Believe it or not, we have had a few discussions about bringing a golf cart, but never thought about doing it that way!

I wonder if the problems with MH sitting around not being used causing problems is more of a regional thing. We live in Georgia, so we don't get very harse winters (although we get very hot summers), so I'm wondering if that would be better for the MH???

njcampers - thanks for the info on the truck. With deals that good, it looks like we should go truck shopping regardless of what type of RV we choose!

 

[loveDmouse]

I wonder if the problems with MH sitting around not being used causing problems is more of a regional thing. We live in Georgia, so we don't get very harse winters (although we get very hot summers), so I'm wondering if that would be better for the MH???

JMHO....
I would say a lot of the problems are caused by people not doing the proper maintenance they need to on their rigs. Even with cars/trucks a lot of people don't do what they are suppose to. Checks your fluids, check you tire pressure, check the belts, change the oil, etc, etc. My husband is a mechanic and is very meticulous (sp?) about making sure things that are suppose to be done get done. But it really isn't hard for someone who isn't a mechanic to do some or most of these things.

It is amazing to me all the people who do nothing and then are shocked when their motorhomes or cars/trucks break down. What is that saying... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When we aren't going on a regular basis we will run the motorhome for a while. Sometimes driving it around. Just to keep it happy.
We usually get to go once a month for a weekend (sometimes a hair longer) from say March-April (according to the weather) to December when we head to the Fort.

 

[Donna]

Just when I think we've finally made a decision (leaning heavily toward a 5th wheel now), you throw in the part about the golf cart in the truck bed! That's such a good idea! Believe it or not, we have had a few discussions about bringing a golf cart, but never thought about doing it that way!

I wonder if the problems with MH sitting around not being used causing problems is more of a regional thing. We live in Georgia, so we don't get very harse winters (although we get very hot summers), so I'm wondering if that would be better for the MH???

njcampers - thanks for the info on the truck. With deals that good, it looks like we should go truck shopping regardless of what type of RV we choose!

holly,
whatever you decide, be sure to let me know when your first trip will be. I hope its when i'm there so i can see your new "whatever you decide", lol.

 

[NLPRacing]

I have had experiences with pop-up campers, TT, 5th wheels & motorhomes. Out of all of them, I like the motorhome the best. We've had ours for a little over 4 years now and it was the best investment we ever made. We chose to buy to MH because we like to take a lot of long trips. Having the option for the kids & DW to get up and stretch out, sleep in a real bed, use the bathroom, watch DirectTV, play video games, etc. while we're going down the road. That's a big plus for us since we have 3 kids. Before we had the third child, I set-up my 01 Mustang GT as a Toad, but now that we have 3 kids, I now have a tow bar & driveshaft disconnect for our 07 Expedition and use it as a Toad (and as a cargo trailer ). I also find that driving the MH even with a Toad is easier then pulling a trailer with a truck. Also, I found that my truck pulling a 28' TT got about 9 mpg and our MH pulling our Expedition Toad gets about 7 mpg, even with the generator running.

I have a pick-up & and SUV capable of pulling a big TT or 5th wheel, so for us, it came down whether we wanted to use it while traveling or only use it when we got there. For us, it was a no brainer.

 

[CCIntrigue]

In the MoHo we get 9-10 MPG even when towing. With the F-350 with a golf cart in the bed and towing an Airstream we got 8-9 MPG. All depends on your setup.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

holly,
whatever you decide, be sure to let me know when your first trip will be. I hope its when i'm there so i can see your new "whatever you decide", lol.

LOL! You'll be the first to know! And I'm sure our first trip will be to Fort Wilderness!

Thanks again everyone for all of your replies. You have all given us a lot to think about!

 

[Shaun and Amy]

You know it's very hard to compare mileage. You have to take an overall idea of what people say. Mileage varies a lot just is how someone drives and where they drive. I took a trip up through the mountains in Vermont and got 5 mpg and then the next week we were out towards Syracuse, NY and got 8 mpg. So, it does change. Another way I look at it all this is, is that once you've decided to buy and own one of these things, you shouldn't even worry about it. If you're going to be concerned about the mileage, then you should buy a Honda and a tent. But that's just my opinion.

Just another thought.........if you do go with a fifth wheel. Be sure to get a large enough truck to not only pull it, but stop it as well. Way too many times you see these huge fifth wheels being pulled around by these little 3/4 ton trucks. Someone else said they would only pull one with a dually truck. That's a good idea. Bigger truck, better stability, and other pluses. Obviously, I agree, since we pull ours with a freightliner.

You guys are certainly doing the right thing. Asking lots of questions and talking to everyone. That's the best way to learn about it all.

Again, good luck!

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

If you're going to be concerned about the mileage, then you should buy a Honda and a tent. But that's just my opinion.

No, gas mileage really hasn't been a consideration in all of this. Gas mileage only seems to matter to my husband when he goes out shopping for a new truck, and I think that is just an excuse...he really loves that ugly little pickup truck that he is driving now! I have no idea why!

I'm hoping that we will get to go shopping for an RV this weekend, and maybe be able to decide what to do now that I have read everyone's opinions. I'll even be sure to sit on the toilet!

 

[Donna]

No, gas mileage really hasn't been a consideration in all of this. Gas mileage only seems to matter to my husband when he goes out shopping for a new truck, and I think that is just an excuse...he really loves that ugly little pickup truck that he is driving now! I have no idea why!

I'm hoping that we will get to go shopping for an RV this weekend, and maybe be able to decide what to do now that I have read everyone's opinions. I'll even be sure to sit on the toilet!

LOL! also, don't forget to stand in the shower and see if you can shave your legs, lol. Try doing this------>

 

[stacktester]

Just another thought.........if you do go with a fifth wheel. Be sure to get a large enough truck to not only pull it, but stop it as well. Way too many times you see these huge fifth wheels being pulled around by these little 3/4 ton trucks. Someone else said they would only pull one with a dually truck. That's a good idea. Bigger truck, better stability, and other pluses. Obviously, I agree, since we pull ours with a freightliner. QUOTE]


I'm not sure I would buy this line. I happen to have a 31' 5th wheel and a crew cab 3/4 ton Silverado with a Duramax Diesel. First of all, the difference between a dually and a 3/4 ton is the 3/4 ton has single rear wheels and most I see are short wheel bases. NOT ALL, but most. I don't think it's necessary to have a Freightliner to pull a 5'er. If I could afford one or one of those big Chevy's with the Kodiak looking front end and regular dually bed, heck yeah I would.

They make many 5th wheel models now that can actually be pulled by a 1/2 ton. My truck has weight left over when I pull my camper. I bought a new dually in 93 to pull a horse trailer and it was also my daily driver. You got 2 more tires to maintain plus they're a pain to park because you need more room. Throw some good (load range E) tires on that baby and go. One suggestion I will give on no matter what you do. Make sure you've got a good set of tires and keep them properly inflated and make sure you inspect them a lot for signs of cracking or damage.

 

[Shaun and Amy]

I'm not sure I would buy this line. I happen to have a 31' 5th wheel and a crew cab 3/4 ton Silverado with a Duramax Diesel. First of all, the difference between a dually and a 3/4 ton is the 3/4 ton has single rear wheels and most I see are short wheel bases. NOT ALL, but most. I don't think it's necessary to have a Freightliner to pull a 5'er. If I could afford one or one of those big Chevy's with the Kodiak looking front end and regular dually bed, heck yeah I would.

They make many 5th wheel models now that can actually be pulled by a 1/2 ton. My truck has weight left over when I pull my camper. I bought a new dually in 93 to pull a horse trailer and it was also my daily driver. You got 2 more tires to maintain plus they're a pain to park because you need more room. Throw some good (load range E) tires on that baby and go. One suggestion I will give on no matter what you do. Make sure you've got a good set of tires and keep them properly inflated and make sure you inspect them a lot for signs of cracking or damage.[/QUOTE]


Well I truely believe there is a difference between single wheels and duals. You have a much more stable truck in respect to a side to side and rocking issue. You are very right in that there are MANY fivers made to be less weight to match up with half ton and 3/4 ton trucks. I see too many times though that trucks are overloaded. I think a lot of the time it's the salesperson's fault though. If you don't know they'll try to sell you anything. In my case I would NEVER tow my fifth wheel with anything less then a medium duty truck. The trailer itself weighs a little 21,500 pounds. That's WAY too much weight for a pickup truck. BUT....you don't need to have a trailer that heavy.

Your trailer and truck combo sound like a perfect match. You did it right in my opinion. Also in your case you probably don't need dual wheels. These are all things to consider.......if you drive your truck as a daily vehicle then yes you probably would rather not have to be driving around something with dual wheels. I can understand that. Luckily, I don't have to drive that Frieghtliner around to work.

Well anyway.......it's all a real learning curve. There's SO many different things out there these days. Seems like the choices are endless.

 

[lisa8200]

Our first camper was a 38' fiver pulled with an F-250 powerstroke. We had decided that we didn't want a Class A or C because a motor was additional maintenance. We had a blast with the 5'er and regret that decion but, now we have a class A. The reasons have all been mentioned already. Fuel cost have actually went down with the MH. Everyone is not crammed in the cab of the truck for the drive.Easier and faster to setup, Golf cart transport is easier,and spontaneous trips are easier.
The fifth wheel was less maintenance and had more room and storage.

Unfortunately it still comes down to what fits you. Some people sell class A's to go back to 5'ers because thats what works for them.Good Luck.

 

[stacktester]

Shaun is right. There are many ways to look at it and your comments are respectfully submitted without a cat fight lol. You are also correct when you say salesman will try to sale you anything. I would say my 5'er is a good match for my truck but I've seen 38' Raptors going down the road with the same truck and those bigger one's really do need a DUALLY.

 

[loveDmouse]

LOL! also, don't forget to stand in the shower and see if you can shave your legs, lol. Try doing this------>

I forgot about that. That is something you should do to. Especially if you are tall, which my husband is. Most of us short people aren't going to have to much issue but I still get in and make sure you will be comfortable for a shower in there.

 

[loveDmouse]

You are also correct when you say salesman will try to sale you anything.

That is 100% true. Do not trust a salesman. Do your own research and talk to other Rvers. They will tell you whatever vehicle you have will be fine to tow. That is what they did to us when they were trying to talk us into a travel trailer. Luckily we got online and found some great rv forums with knowledgeable people to help us out.

 

[disney4dan]

I don't see any reason why they can't just get a 5'er and tow it with the Ranger. Heck, that puppy has a good 100,000 miles left in it. Just throw in a couple of air bags on the rear suspension and yer all set

Lots of great advice on here. I'm thinking you'll be happy either way but we want to see some photos!

Got any models, sizes in mind? Love living vicariously through other peoples camp photos.

We have an arctic air blast settling in for the weekend and I wish we were connecting to the trailer and heading to the Fort!

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I don't see any reason why they can't just get a 5'er and tow it with the Ranger. Heck, that puppy has a good 100,000 miles left in it. Just throw in a couple of air bags on the rear suspension and yer all set

Lots of great advice on here. I'm thinking you'll be happy either way but we want to see some photos!

Got any models, sizes in mind? Love living vicariously through other peoples camp photos.

LOL! I don't think the Ranger would even be able to get up my driveway towing a 5th wheel!!! Sometimes I am amazed that it makes it up the driveway with nothing attached to it at all!

I have fallen in love with a 2009 Cameo by Carriage, but since we will have to buy a new truck too, I think it might be out of our price range. It had really nice leather chairs, an island in the kitchen, granite countertops, a fireplace, etc... It was gorgeous! We looked at a few Sierra 5th wheels this afternoon, but they didn't really have what I wanted. They are supposed to get more in two weeks from now, so we are going to go check them out when they come in. Tomorrow we are going to try to get to another RV dealership if my husband can get off of work in time.

 

[dtum]

Just my two cents. I'd recommend a fifth wheel. Had a TT, but we'd always wanted a 5er. We got around 14 MPG towing to FW from Ohio. There are just two of us and our Titanium only sleeps two (it was the smallest model made at that time), but we love the higher ceilings, the "two story" feel of a real house. As previously posted, the Titanium makes a model that can be towed with a smaller truck; although I would never recommend that. While Class A looks really fancy, there is so much more that can go wrong with them-- to us the 5er is more practical. Towing is a dream (both DH and I take turns towing). Don't want to sway your views, but take a look at a Titanium. Go here: http://www.titaniumrvowners.com/ and ask a few questions. We actually found our Ti on E-bay for a price that we couldn't pass up and have never looked back. You can also look at RV.net, but in the end I think we all have our own biased opinions based on what we drive/tow.