Generic questions about 5-ers
My only experience with owning RV's is Class A motor homes. As we look to part time next year (3-6 mos at a time) I am looking at new MH's. But I am curious about fifth wheels. They certainly offer mo...
Forum Discussion
way2roll wrote:
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. DW talked at length and decided a FW is the direction we will go. Mainly due to cost and I need a new truck anyway. Just doesn't make sense right now to have a $120k MH that could potentially sit idle for weeks at a time and have to buy a truck simultaneously. I really like MH's and frankly having everything at your disposal while driving is a major plus, but it doesn't eclipse the financial aspect and usability on a daily basis. So in this case a FW is the more practical solution - if practical can ever be applied to RV's :)
So the search will start for a truck and FW. We have time, looking to finalize things by fall or winter. Our trip starts next June and I know I will need several months to work out bugs and set things in order.
I am sure I will have a TON of questions during our shopping, but one that comes to mind right now - I had thought we needed a diesel truck, but someone mentioned the newer gas trucks will work as well. If this is the case I can save a lot of money - not only on the truck but maintenance as well. Thoughts?
If you are going to travel up to 6 months at a time, then you are going to have a pretty loaded 5th wheel. If you plan on a D/W in a front bedroom closet that weight goes right on the pin. Add a generator in the front storage area and a lot of the additional weight is on pin. The weight of the hitch you install in the truck and anything in the bed has to be able to be carried by the trucks rear axle along with the pin weight.
Short bed vs long bed is another decision. We bought a short bed for two reasons. Fit in the garage at the time and easy of daily driving for both DW and myself. Short bed and then the slider hitch discussion kicks in. We choose a 5th wheel with a full hight roof line front to back that provide larger windows and seems very roomie in the living area. I always look for a seating to TV viewing that is straight on. Both of our trailers have recliners directly across for the TV's.
