5th wheels vs motor homes
My wife and I are planning to buy a new RV that we can use for extended travel. We've looked at both 5th wheels and motor homes but can't quite decide which type is better. We've pretty much decided o...
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We've had both, here's the way I look at it:
In the past the MHs seemed to be easier. I would see a MH pull in and be setup within 30 minutes. It would take me an hour with the 5th wheel. That is no longer an issue now that the 5th wheels have automatic levelers, sat dish and awnings like the MHs do.
The biggest difference I see is more useable living space in the 5th wheel. If you compare a 40 foot MH to a 40 foot 5th wheel, the MH loses at least 3 feet of space in the driving area.
With the 5th wheel we are OK using the truck to drive around to sight see and for runs into town.
We need a pickup truck for other uses. For us it was less expensive to get a 5th wheel and use the pickup as the tow vehicle instead of buying a MH.
Also, if the drivetrain components fail in a MH you may lose the ability to live in the MH for a few days to weeks while getting repairs. With the 5th wheel if the tow vehicle fails you still have access to living in the 5th wheel.
It is nice to be able to get up and stretch while driving down the road in the MH, use the facilities without the need to go outside.
Our choice is the 5th wheel although my dream is to have a 45 foot bus type MH. I also want a Lamborgini, a yacht and a mansion on the beach in southern California.
In the past the MHs seemed to be easier. I would see a MH pull in and be setup within 30 minutes. It would take me an hour with the 5th wheel. That is no longer an issue now that the 5th wheels have automatic levelers, sat dish and awnings like the MHs do.
The biggest difference I see is more useable living space in the 5th wheel. If you compare a 40 foot MH to a 40 foot 5th wheel, the MH loses at least 3 feet of space in the driving area.
With the 5th wheel we are OK using the truck to drive around to sight see and for runs into town.
We need a pickup truck for other uses. For us it was less expensive to get a 5th wheel and use the pickup as the tow vehicle instead of buying a MH.
Also, if the drivetrain components fail in a MH you may lose the ability to live in the MH for a few days to weeks while getting repairs. With the 5th wheel if the tow vehicle fails you still have access to living in the 5th wheel.
It is nice to be able to get up and stretch while driving down the road in the MH, use the facilities without the need to go outside.
Our choice is the 5th wheel although my dream is to have a 45 foot bus type MH. I also want a Lamborgini, a yacht and a mansion on the beach in southern California.
