Analysis Paralysis...Class A vs 5th wheel for family
Ok, havent been on here in a while, but we keep going back and forth, going absolutely nowhere while the kids get older..want to get something this year for sure....need to pick, and appreciate input...
Heres our situation...4 young kids, oldest being 9. Probably have time for 2 week long trips in the summer, and up to 14 days or so around Christmas, plus the holiday weekends and a few extra long weekends here or there. Our kids love being outdoors, we have never owned our own camper before, but families had growing up. Would be mostly in the midwest, but want to make sure we can get around in the mountains should we choose to. I would visualize us for our week trips splitting them into a few stops of a couple days each.
Right now, we have pretty much ruled out a travel trailer, and our looking at going with a most likely gas Class A or a new F250 diesel and fiver. Here is the breakdown as I see it...
Class A - Nice view, great for travelling with kids...wife is a clean freak, our own bathroom, avoid numerous stops, snacks as needed, pullover if needed, access to all things while moving, kids play games etc. To me, this seems like the trip would be half the fun for the kids, and they are all not sitting on top of me in a crew cab.
Also, would think easy set up at camp grounds, auto level and bobs your uncle. Cost is a consideration, but something like a brand new Georgetown 351DS entry level, or maybe even a bit more and Winnie 35B or Tiffin 35QBA, something with bunks for the kids and maybe even a bunk over the front seats. This leaves us not really having to make any beds up either. Also, generator and ability to dry camp easy.
Bad part would be cant go anywhere without a toad, or driving a separate car for local trips until we make sure we are good at packing all we need. Im not sure I see any other cons with this unit, perhaps maintenance and tires.
5th wheel - This requires me to buy a new truck (45ish) and then the unit itself. We were thinking a Toy Hauler model with the electric queens in the back, figured that way we have some options with the room, and can move beds out of way when not needed, good space if we get a toy down the road.
Pros to this would be ability to unhook and have a vehicle to drive around with. The truck would be a daily driver as well. Can get with a generator but adds a bit to cost, overall probably the same total cost or maybe a little less depending on the models.
Trailers should store better as well in the winter, but then probably wouldnt take on a winter trip. Cheaper on insurance and plates? Not really sure here..
Cons - biggest concern is having 6 people in a crew cab truck on a trip. Kids can drive me nuts at that close range with stress of trailer adding. A bit longer set up time.
So long story short, from those of you in similar situations that maybe went one way vs the other...if you could do it again what would you do? Other suggestions? Its only money, right :)
Heres our situation...4 young kids, oldest being 9. Probably have time for 2 week long trips in the summer, and up to 14 days or so around Christmas, plus the holiday weekends and a few extra long weekends here or there. Our kids love being outdoors, we have never owned our own camper before, but families had growing up. Would be mostly in the midwest, but want to make sure we can get around in the mountains should we choose to. I would visualize us for our week trips splitting them into a few stops of a couple days each.
Right now, we have pretty much ruled out a travel trailer, and our looking at going with a most likely gas Class A or a new F250 diesel and fiver. Here is the breakdown as I see it...
Class A - Nice view, great for travelling with kids...wife is a clean freak, our own bathroom, avoid numerous stops, snacks as needed, pullover if needed, access to all things while moving, kids play games etc. To me, this seems like the trip would be half the fun for the kids, and they are all not sitting on top of me in a crew cab.
Also, would think easy set up at camp grounds, auto level and bobs your uncle. Cost is a consideration, but something like a brand new Georgetown 351DS entry level, or maybe even a bit more and Winnie 35B or Tiffin 35QBA, something with bunks for the kids and maybe even a bunk over the front seats. This leaves us not really having to make any beds up either. Also, generator and ability to dry camp easy.
Bad part would be cant go anywhere without a toad, or driving a separate car for local trips until we make sure we are good at packing all we need. Im not sure I see any other cons with this unit, perhaps maintenance and tires.
5th wheel - This requires me to buy a new truck (45ish) and then the unit itself. We were thinking a Toy Hauler model with the electric queens in the back, figured that way we have some options with the room, and can move beds out of way when not needed, good space if we get a toy down the road.
Pros to this would be ability to unhook and have a vehicle to drive around with. The truck would be a daily driver as well. Can get with a generator but adds a bit to cost, overall probably the same total cost or maybe a little less depending on the models.
Trailers should store better as well in the winter, but then probably wouldnt take on a winter trip. Cheaper on insurance and plates? Not really sure here..
Cons - biggest concern is having 6 people in a crew cab truck on a trip. Kids can drive me nuts at that close range with stress of trailer adding. A bit longer set up time.
So long story short, from those of you in similar situations that maybe went one way vs the other...if you could do it again what would you do? Other suggestions? Its only money, right :)
