Living in a motor home verses travel trailer

DutchmenSport wrote:
If maintaining the vehicle engine (vehicle systems) is no concern, why not?

I agree. That said, it's usually a bad idea financially to buy more machinery than you need and won't regularly use. A class A MH has far more systems than a TT/fiver that need regular maintenance that if you DON'T do, will cause the sale price to take a real hit if/when you try to sell it.

Chum lee

Well I think you answered the question, letting the engine and brakes sit up are not good. Plus the fact that Land yachts are not built like airstream TT is something I did not know.
I need to buy another TT,
Thanks, you guys are the best.

I think there is a lot a variety to the statement "park it like a travel trailer". Do you mean park it seasonally? Do you mean park it permanently in one spot? Do you mean move it every 4-8 weeks? Do you mean move it every 1-2 weeks? Basically, how long do you plan on having it parked at one spot?

If you plan on parking it permanently, then I think cost-wise you'd be better off with a trailer. You could hire someone to move it to the final location and wouldn't need to buy a tow vehicle for it (meaning whatever vehicle you're using as a daily driver now will be just fine then - saving $5K+).

If you plan on moving around seasonally or more often, then I think the motorhome has merit depending on whether you already have a sufficient tow vehicle or not. Is your current daily driver able to tow a trailer? Or is it able to be towed by a motorhome without much additional costs?

crasster wrote:
A LOT of people live in TT's and Fivers. Really for me there is "not much difference" except for 1 factor. Typically Class A RV's have simply a more "solid" feel to them. It's sort of hard to describe on text. I suppose it's the weight and frame of a powerful truck with the RV built on the back. For me it is just a bit more comfortable of a feel...

I'm speaking to just what I've "thought" about and from a ton of camping and imagining full timing it.

I was going to say the same thing. I have no problem with travel trailers and 5th wheels, but once you're used to the Class A DP, you sure can tell the difference when you step in a trailer.

I would rather have a $5K trailer and a $5K truck.

Charles,

Executive Summary:
Unless the first cost is a wash with the TT you are considering, this is not a real good bet. Even without knowing how long you are going to have the coach stationary, there are things to know.

Explanation:
There is nothing wrong with the plan, except the coach will be only scrap in about 10 years depending on just how wet it is there. At that time, it will have to be flatbedded away and vehicle scrapper won't touch it because of the mixed materials.

The engines (both) should be set for storage like marine engines going into storage. This is a well understood task, just find someone that does it a lot. There is no need to "exercise" a modern generator.

But, there is another bite that can get you. Brakes do not like long term storage. The disks and drums are both prone to corrosion. The brake fluid collects moisture and that can damage the hydraulic seals.

At about this age, lots of rubber parts are going bad. This happens without regard to climate or care. This means everything that is elastomeric in nature. All hoses, belts and seals are on that list. This is not all that expensive unless it doesn't get done.

If you doubt me on this, look up the coach in the sigfile. She is 44 now and I am one of the planned excursions for next season will be 7K+. There are lots of us doing this with these. We know about old.

Matt

1. A 1995 Airstream Land Yacht is NOT built anything like a Airstream Land Yacht Trailer.
2. You will be paying for a Drive train you obviously do not want to use
3. Land Yachts from those years were notorious for water leaks at the Passenger side front windows. So check out the interior of this motorhome. Doug

Two of the travel vlogs I watch on the uTube have the hosts transitioning from a newer Class A to a much smaller travel trailer. They all seem to really enjoy their A's, not sure what's behind wanting something less. The one couple is moving from a 40ft A to a 30 ft Airstream TT. The other couple hasn't announced their trailer plans, just that they're selling the A.

Do the class A cost a fortune to maintain, versus a trailer and tow vehicle? I could see hauling an old trailer with a new truck - in theory that truck shouldn't need much service for the next 5-7 years vs a motorhome that already has 10-20 years on its mechanicals.

I guess taxes and insurance are a lot higher for an A vs a truck+trailer combo? I know annual Michigan registration is crazy $$$$ for the big A's versus a one-time payment for even the most luxurious 5R or TT.

As previously mentioned maintaining the engine and generator are a couple things to consider. Also motor home brakes could freeze up after a long period of sitting. Generally should be driven and generator ran loaded on some schedule. Just something to consider.

A LOT of people live in TT's and Fivers. Really for me there is "not much difference" except for 1 factor. Typically Class A RV's have simply a more "solid" feel to them. It's sort of hard to describe on text. I suppose it's the weight and frame of a powerful truck with the RV built on the back. For me it is just a bit more comfortable of a feel...

I'm speaking to just what I've "thought" about and from a ton of camping and imagining full timing it.