Forum Discussion

smokeater46's avatar
smokeater46
Explorer
Apr 02, 2013

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 on a 5th wheel, but there's a little doubt still. I'm a little leery of pulling a 5th wheel since I've never pulled anything that big. We have a pop-up now, so I can tow. However, I drove straight (fire) trucks for over 30 years and feel comfortable driving large vehicles. We are also skiers and plan (hope) to use our RV for that, so snow covered roads may be encountered.
We'd love to have opinions/reasons for selecting a 5th wheel vs a motor home. Pros and cons of both
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2013
    Cost is a bg factor. A decent MH new can coat 200K or more. Whereas a decent luxury fiver will top out around 100-125K. Throw in a suitable tow vehicle and you will end up around 175K. A MH has a drive train that needs to be maintained, plus the drive train of the toad you will need to bring along. Add maintenance and repairs like 600 dollars each for tires on a larger MH, and cost per mile can run up really fast. A quality fiver has no drive train. Although you will need to adjust brakes and grease wheel bearings about once a year. Do you plan on going to one place and sitting for a week or so? Or moving every day or two? That also can play into your decision.

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