Comparing Class A Cost To Travel Trailers

sushidog wrote:

DallasSteve wrote:
I'm looking at going full-time in an RV and I have believed from the beginning that a Class A plus toad is much more expensive than a travel trailer plus tow vehicle, but I'm having trouble comparing the two because there are so many choices. I would also throw a large Class C into the mix as a possible choice. I'd like to compare the price of a Ford F350 towing a Keystone Sprinter 319MKS. I would like to compare it to the same basic floor plan and space with the queen bed slide, closet/wardrobe, entertainment center opposite the sofa, and a W/D prep. The toad would probably be something economical like the Mazda 3 I've been driving.

That brings up a question: If the Sprinter is 35 feet long how long will a comparable motorhome run considering it has the driver's area in front? I'm wanting to compare something of a similar level quality as the Sprinter - not a luxury Class A. Can anyone suggest a Class A or Class C that would be comparable? I'll try to link the Sprinter floorplan here.



Keystone Sprinter

An equivalent MH length to that 35ft Sprinter as far as usable sq footage of living area goes (340-350 sq ft) will probably be about 40-42 ft (depending on slides).

I will be going FT in a TT when I retire in 3 years, and that Particular Sprinter is on my short list. The only detraction is the limited CCC (for full-timing of only 2975 lbs. While that's probably adequate for most, I plan on adding a heavy solar system for boondocking which will eat up about 1,200lbs of this CCC. Another TT on my short list that you may like to consider is the Open Range Journeyer JT337RLS. It has a CCC of 3925 lbs. If you are looking for TT with a basement type storage area the Jorneyer JT340FLR comes to mind, but with only 2677 lbs of CCC you can't really utilize all the volume available. Both of these models have an optional fold down porch available too.

What TT's lack in underbelly storage they make up for by not taking up your truck bed. I plan on carrying a couple small motorcycles, generator, etc. under a tall camper top. I don't think there are many class A's that offer that kind or room in their belly. A large one may have the equivalent 250 cubic ft that my covered 8ft truck bed will, but will lack the height necessary for the motorbikes, let alone the head room to ride them in like I can with a tall truck topper (which will also act as a wind deflector for the TT giving the rig better fuel mileage - important for FT use.

I already bought my tow truck, with fuel mileage in mind, an 08 F-250 6.4 Diesel (mainly cause I got a very good deal on it $11k with only 100k well maintained miles. A 3/4 ton is good for TT, but I'd go with a modern 1 ton if thinking about a fiver. Here's a couple 3/4 ton fivers I like that are right at the edge of my 3/4 ton's capability, an pen Range Mesa or Roamer 346FLR. Both have a huge rear basement but the difference is they have the CCC to fill it, at 4067 lbs.

If money is an issue a truck and a TT will more likely be cheaper than a Class A and a toad (consider insurance costs and registration too). If you will be in vacation mode (moving every few days or weekly) then a Class A will probably be a better choice, but if you will be moving every couple weeks to monthly or even seasonally, as most fulltimers do, then a TT or Fiver will probably make more sense to you.

Chip

No need to carry a generator in a class A since they already have a generator built in. You can also carry motorcycles on the back end.
Also in a class A you have a vehicle that is a lot steadier in wind condition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI