High Level Q: TT vs FW for Full-timing?
Hi, Planning/hoping a move to full-timing later this year – though we have never owned an RV before (go easy on me)! The lifestyle and freedom to visit family and friends is pushing us in this dire...
Forum Discussion
I have realized going with a TT (or a 5er) for full-timing was a mistake for us. A TT/5er and heavy duty 3/4 or 1 ton truck cost as much as a nice gas class A. A good Class C might also have been a better option.
When we move across the state/ country, the additional time and complexity of setting up a trailer, unhooking the truck, rehooking up and such add up, especially if we have to move often. If we are traveling far, we can't use the truck for a trip to dinner or the grocery store because we do not unhook for short night stops. So we have to plan those stops before we setup for the night.
I've met hundreds of folks with class A units and the 'extra' motor has never been an issue to any of them. The only 'issue' is that short wheelbase Class A units seem to be a bigger handful to drive than trucks. Most I know have had some additions to make it easier to drive. But be aware that Class A gas seem to get less fuel mileage than a diesel or gas heavy pickup.
If a person has a need for a heavy pickup other than towing the TT/5er - of course get a trailer RV.
If a person has no need for a heavy pickup rather than pulling the RV - look at Class A or Class C units - especially if your existing fuel efficient car can be towed flat (which we had to sell because me driving the truck and her driving the car for several thousand miles a year didn't make sense).
Since we spend 2 or 3 months at a volunteer position - it is easy to put more miles on the truck at 12-14 mpg than when actually towing at 8-9 mpg.
Right now we are at a Good Sam Club campout. Two TT, four 5er, three gas Class A and two diesel pushers. Of the five class A units - two tow flat, two tow on a dolly and one tows their van of a trailer. All are very happy.
When we move across the state/ country, the additional time and complexity of setting up a trailer, unhooking the truck, rehooking up and such add up, especially if we have to move often. If we are traveling far, we can't use the truck for a trip to dinner or the grocery store because we do not unhook for short night stops. So we have to plan those stops before we setup for the night.
I've met hundreds of folks with class A units and the 'extra' motor has never been an issue to any of them. The only 'issue' is that short wheelbase Class A units seem to be a bigger handful to drive than trucks. Most I know have had some additions to make it easier to drive. But be aware that Class A gas seem to get less fuel mileage than a diesel or gas heavy pickup.
If a person has a need for a heavy pickup other than towing the TT/5er - of course get a trailer RV.
If a person has no need for a heavy pickup rather than pulling the RV - look at Class A or Class C units - especially if your existing fuel efficient car can be towed flat (which we had to sell because me driving the truck and her driving the car for several thousand miles a year didn't make sense).
Since we spend 2 or 3 months at a volunteer position - it is easy to put more miles on the truck at 12-14 mpg than when actually towing at 8-9 mpg.
Right now we are at a Good Sam Club campout. Two TT, four 5er, three gas Class A and two diesel pushers. Of the five class A units - two tow flat, two tow on a dolly and one tows their van of a trailer. All are very happy.
