Forum Discussion

dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016

Going from 5th wheel to class A maybe?

Hello,

I currently have a bunkhouse 5th wheel that we were looking to upgrade because it is only my wife and I now.

We have been reviewing the various models when she threw a curve at me. We were watching those RV shows where the people pick their new RV. After seeing several of the class A shows she thinks she might like this more than a 5th wheel. WOW!

OK I know what a class A is and know they are either gas or diesel or diesel pushers and that's about the extent of it. I know its going to cost a lot more than any of the 5th wheels we were considering. But I could sell my truck as well as the 5th wheel and offset some of the costs.

The one thing I know is that we would have to tow a car with the class A. We would also like a golf cart as well since I am disabled and walking can be difficult. Is there a tow dolly / trailer that would accommodate both? We would probably tow her Honda CRV AWD if that is possible. Can you even use a tow dolly with an all wheel drive car?

The reason I mention the towing first is that brings me to the more important question of what size/type of drive system in the Class A? I want enough power suspension brakes to handle towing comfortably. What would be the minimum that you would recommend? I do not think I want a really large class A with tag axles etc if at all possible.

Any thing else that I need to be considering?

I want to get enough information so that we can determine if this is something we really want to do or stay with a 5th wheel.

Thanks!

Dave
Class A

10 Replies

  • RayChez's avatar
    RayChez
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    Personally I really like the class A diesel pushers, but everybody is different. Just got back from a trip to Yosemite, Ca and I noticed that there are a lot of RVer's using toy hauler fifth wheel trailers. And I was also surprised as to how many are purchasing class C motorhomes. Very few coaches in the class A with tag axles at Yosemite RV resort. I believe in the three weeks I was there I only saw about five big coaches with tag axles.
  • Cloud_Dancer's avatar
    Cloud_Dancer
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    Cloud Dancer wrote:
    Frankly, I knew I wanted a big diesel pusher in 1987. It's always been a matter of insufficient funds that always seems to keep me from buying what I really want. I "made do" with 5 different pre-owned Class a gassers, before I could afford a new diesel pusher. People like myself have a tendency to upgrade as soon as financially able. If had the cash, I would order a 45ft DP next week.
    And, if I were you I would go to some RV events/rallies and talk to gasser and diesel-pusher owners and find the ones that will talk their head off to try and help you. That way they could "show and tell".
  • Cloud_Dancer's avatar
    Cloud_Dancer
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    Frankly, I knew I wanted a big diesel pusher in 1987. It's always been a matter of insufficient funds that always seems to keep me from buying what I really want. I made do with 5 different pre-owned Class a gassers, before I could afford a new diesel pusher. People like myself have a tendency to upgrade as soon as financially able. If had the cash, I would order a 45ft DP next week.
    And, if I were you I would go to some RV events/rallies and talk to gasser and diesel-pusher owners and find the ones that will talk their head off to try and help you. That way they could "show and tell".
  • Two_Hands's avatar
    Two_Hands
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    We went from a fifth wheel to a motorhome and were very glad we did. The only mistake we made was getting a gasser instead of a diesel pusher. We have been fortunate enough to have corrected that mistake. I am of the firm belief that flat towing is much, much easier than using a dolly or trailer.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    Google tandem tow dolly and you'll see several options for towing both a golf cart and vehicle on one platform.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    You would need to either use a trailer to put both on or you would need a hitch on the toad that would hold the golf cart. There is also at least one class A that is a toy hauler so you could put the golf cart in the back of the class A. Newmar makes the Canyon Star that can have space for your golf cart in the back of the coach.

    You need to look at the lists of cars that can be flat towed. The lists are for each year. The Honda CRV cannot be flat towed if it is 2015 or newer.

    When you are looking at the Class A's, look at the weight ratings. They will tell you how much you can haul and how much you can tow. The hitch rating is just one part of the decision on how much you can tow. Look at the GCWR. That is the max total weight of everything - the coach, everything inside the coach and whatever you are towing. You do not want to exceed that amount. Take the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight), add in everything you will have in the coach (passengers, water, golf cart, clothes, food, etc) and then add in the car you are pulling. All of that should not exceed the GCWR.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    first off, are you looking for a new motorhome or just new to you? Just the two of you opens up a lot of options from say 28 ft gasser to very long diesel pusher.

    If it were me my tow car would be a pickup truck that could be flat towed, and put the golf cart in the bed of the truck. Any other option comes with a lot of pieces and parts to deal with.

    You could also look into a toy hauler mh from Newmar or Thor, load the cart in the garage, and tow the Honda. These models tend to be expensive, and perhaps longer than you want.

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