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praisetoGod's avatar
praisetoGod
Explorer
Jul 10, 2016

I think I made a mistake.

After thinking about it for almost a year, we bought a 42.5 foot fifth wheel in February. This is our second camper. We didn’t think it was too big the year that we were looking and thinking about it, but now, as we maneuver it and travel with it, I think it is. My wife still really likes it, but I’m pulling it and it’s stressful for me. We only fill up at truck stops, but between stops when the kids need to go to the bathroom you can’t just pull this beast over anywhere. I’m getting better at backing up this triple axel 5th wheel, but I’ve started to think that a 35 motorhome would be a better fit. I’m curious if you’ve gone from a large fifth wheel to a motorhome and regretted that move, or gone from a motorhome to a fifth wheel and had any regrets.
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  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jul 10, 2016
    Does your wife drive it and is she comfortable doing so? If not, and you're stressed out with such a big 5th wheel then, yes, you made a mistake.

    To make your trips more enjoyable I think I'd downsize into something more comfortable for you. You will take a big loss on it if you bought new.

    This could be a safety factor if you get so anxious driving and parking it. A monetary loss would be better than an accident.

    Good luck with your decision.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2016
    I figure it is apple to oranges.
    If you camp short distance and stay for several days, trailer is way cheaper and leaves you with pickup to drive around.
    When you drive every day and want to cover 7000 miles in a month, you can't beat motorhome especially when with kids.
    But that will cost you not only in $$$ but also in your family safety.
    Any motorhome that will give you accident protection equal to truck cabin will cost you more than your stick house.
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2016
    When starting decades ago from a 29' TT - 40' fivers to. 42' MH. If we have the money in our future will be a 45' tag axle MH. I find as we've aged we enjoy larger MH style resorts anyway. Most are pull thru. I really joy driving so it doesn't bother me. But I've found slowing down makes it a lot less stressful.

    But I made sure I had the best towing platform I could too. Our was a 1 ton dually diesel. The only thing that bothered me was hooking and unhooking the fiver. That part was the most stressful for me. We had a mishap once and it bother me so bad it was part of the reason I bought the MH.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2016
    I use to camp with trailers/5th wheels than moved into a small class C than into motorhomes and as far as I am concerned motorhomes rule.

    However trading in your new 5th wheel now you will be taking a bath on trade in value, also never believe anyone that bigger is better.

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