going from Class A to TT or Fifth wheel

95impala wrote:
We are thinking of moving from Class A to either a fifth wheel or a Tow behind. We currently have a 34 ft and Toad we travel with. Would be very interested in comments and advice as to what to look for.

Everyone has a different reason for down sizing but I am also looking to go from a 34 ft gas Class A to a small 24-27 ft 5 th wheel. I think a Class A is hard to beat for set up and hwy driving, storage and FW. But having been stuck out west twice and having a hard time finding a shop to work on it drove me to looking for a smaller MH like a 24 Ft class C and then to a small 5th wheel. I have been looking at the Allen camper 212RLS and similar that have a GVWR of 7600lbs, a ccc of 2100lbs and two opposing slides 25 ft long. The only down side is only 32 gals of FW. But something like this can be towed with any SRW truck even the new F150 HD model from Ford. I just don't understand the tow hitch yet or how easy it it to set up and level, but like the idea of using a truck as a second vehicle when not towing. The Class A just sits on the side of my house 90% of the time, so that is another trade off.

We have two of the kids share one of the double bunks.

Jackknife sofa is ok but that means we have to set up and break down the linens each time we arrive and depart. Plus those sofas are not comfortable to sleep on.

Why would you need triple bunks? 2 kids in the bunks, one on a jack knife bed, pull out couch, or an air mattress on the floor.

Problem solved.

Does your current TT have triple bunks?

We have a Grand Drsign Reflection 28bh with the bunk beds, towed by a 2017 F450. The combination is spectacular. Towing is easy since the truck is massive overkill for the trailer. I motor pass most semis and Class A MHs on those long 8% grades uphill and outbrake them on the way down.

Our biggest issue are:
1) not having a washer dryer
2) master bedroom is very tight on either side of the bed
3) setting up and breaking down is kind of a pain although we’ve got a good routine going now with me doing most of the work lol.

We’ve thought about buying a used class A on occasion. But we have triplet 7 yr old boys so we’d have to have a custom built triple bunk inserted somewhere. I know units like the Fleetwood Discovery 40g have a bunk room. We would still need to rip out the two beds and drawers and build a triple bunk submarine style.

On some of the class A’s it looks like I may be able to remove a couple of easy chairs up front or a jackknife sofa and out in some bunks there. But it’s a lot of work and expense.

I’d have to get rid of the trailer and truck, and then look for a used class A. Of course I’d love to have one of the older tag axle Spartan chassis coaches with the big motors. But even a nicer used Monaco of that type is $150k. And then I’d need a a toad to shuttle everyone around in after we get to the camp site. A nicely set up Wrangler is $50k easy. So we’re talking over $200k.

I own our current setup with no debt so it’s tough to turn around and blow that kind of money.

rsqquy, We have had a gas MH for 3 years and the only maintenance we have done are oil changes and a front end alignment. We have added things, but they aren't maintenance.

The comfort of a class A is hard to beat. I'm looking to switch to a TT for financial reasons. The depreciation and maintenance on the DP is bad. Two things fail before I can fix even one thing. My class A is worth half what I paid for it. With a towable a 50% depreciation isn't as painful since you start with a lower number to begin with.

Went from a TT to a class A this year. After 15 years of trailering I wish I would’ve went Class A years ago. Easier to travel, setup and level. I would never go back to a trailer.

We traveled with a 34' TT for 9 years. I ended up pulling with a 3/4 ton diesel PU. Lots of highways produce rough ride that is hard on the neck and back + leveling was a pain. Decided to quit RV'ing. Then changed mind and bought an older 40' diesel pusher. Absolutely enjoy RV'ing again. Currently on a 4 month, 6000 mile trip through the north west. Driving is so much better and the added length allow us to have a washer & dryer that the wife just loves.

We went from a fiver to a dp class a and after a few years went back to a fiver. You asked what to look for but that is more of a personal choice. We went to a 40 foot fiver with res frig, large kitchen and much more room than a motor home offers. I would make sure the fiver you look for has the auto leveling system with the auto reconnect and 6 point system if applicable, washer dryer, and whatever else you want/need. With that being said make sure your tow vehicle is capable of pulling what you like BEFORE you buy.

Again it is a personal choice but at least go apples to apples when you trade as far as amenities.

A couple years ago we went the other way, 5th wheel to Class A. Have not regretted one bit. The 5er was a large 35' had a 1 ton dully to pull it with. The truck road like a truck the wife was never happy with the ride. Even though I had the 5er for years sometimes the backing got to be a challenge I am glad that part is over. From me the trade to Class A was happy wife happy life.