Class A v 5th wheel

One factor to consider - if you need mechanical repairs on the powertrain/chassis of a Class A, you (1.) need to find a facility that's willing to work on a Class A motorhome chassis and (2.) must understand that your "house" is going to be in the shop along with the chassis. With a 5th wheel, any reputable dealer of your truck brand can work on the truck (as well as many independents), and you can be comfortable in the RV sitting at a campground until repairs are completed. (Not that I've ever had to do this, but it could happen.)

Rusty

We did it years ago, went from a 2004 Vectra ad model loved it. I love to drive it down the highway was so comfortable also was so much easierwith our son. my wife liked it a little better also. some day will go back just need to win the lotto. the repairs were the big issue had a 400 cummins in it and it was just starting to break down. we enjoy our fifthwheel now we go to a lot of nascar races so it works for us now.

You still need to answer these questions from your post in Class A.
OP, with only this one post in the last year it's impossible to give you good answers. How many people? How many days/year will you use it. Are you handy? Do you have a car that can be towed four down? Are you looking to travel more and further.
From the above post it sounds like you are snowbirds?

I really appreciate the input.
The only thing we use the truck for is pulling the 5th wheel, so it does sit about 7 to 8 months a year.
The other thing is when we are just driving the truck it seems to be getting more difficult to park in lots with a big truck.
Had an awful time in Sarasota yesterday so as ScottG said it would be easier driving a small toad around.
I did post on the class A forum and got 2 pages of yes to class A.
It is great to be able to get so much input from all of you.
I realize everything is opinion, but it is based on your experience
Thank you.

There was just a discussion on this exact topic that couldn't have ended much more than a day or so ago. Perhaps someone could direct the original poster to it?

I've done both. Went from a fifth wheel to a gas class A, to a dp and back to a fiver. Everyone has different experiences but our first gas motorhome was a nightmare to drive. I gave up and got a lower, mid level dp. It was much better but still required about $4K in mods to make it comfortable to drive long distances, including Koni shocks, Safe-T-Plus and front and rear stabilizer bars. We had some good times with it in 7 years but I got concerned about long term costs of repair and maintenance. New tires were over $3k.

When it came time to replace the motorhome we compared the prices, features, options and perceived quality of a new truck and fifth wheel with a new diesel motorhome. I think what we have is pretty good and my total outlay is not much more or even less than some gas class A's and a lot, lot less than most comparable dp's. I would say going down the road is much more fun in a motorhome if you're not the driver but when we set up for the night they are all just a house on wheels. Just my experience and opinion, which has nothing to do with anybody but me.

A lot depends on what you do with your truck when not hauling too. In my case, I need a 4 by 4 to launch the boat, and the insurance on a fifth wheel is a lot cheaper than having another powered vehicle.

We live in a place where fishing without camping is easy, and camping without fishing is just as much fun. Looking forward to taking the inflatable kayak with us this year to local lakes.

If money were no object I would go with the class A easy. The idea of not having to drive a big p/u truck everywhere is the main reason.
But because the potential for very costly repairs (much more expensive than a truck) is always out there, I would go with the fiver.
But if the costs don't scare one off, the A seems like a far nicer way to go.

I think it is more personal than $$$$$s. We went from class A to 5ver to TT to class A. Each have pros and cons. I like having easier access to a restroom, a smaller vehicle to drive when parked, JMHO more actual feel of the road and wx conditions in a MH. In TT you feel some wx conditions. In a 5ver you feel almost none and become over confident. In a MH you feel the wind and wx and slow down to compensate.

I probably would have asked the question on the Class A forum...Most on here own 5th wheels...

I've looked at Class A's, but still like 5th wheel over it...I paid less for my truck and my 5er than I would have paid for a comparable Class A...Other than that, there probably will be those that have gone from an A to a 5er and can tell you about that, and I would imagine, as usual, they'll be a Class A owner or more come onto this forum and tell you the pro's on their class A....