New to Class A

Pdogii wrote:
How would you compare the costs of ownership between a motor home and a fifth wheel/pick up combo? I'm interested in maintenance. Barring the driveline differences are equally equipped coach and trailer costs the same?

Considering driveline maintenance, my perception (based on doing my own suspension lube, filter and fluid changes) is that a diesel pick up would cost less than a class A
To maintain. Is this accurate?

I think the difference will depend on how many miles you're going to put on your pickup; which I assume would be a dually. If you're towing a 5th wheel you'll be using your pickup for trips out of the campground. When you're home I suspect you'll be using your dually as a means of everyday transportation (grocery store etc). You won't be using your DP for those trips so the miles on the DP will be significantly less.

When we first looked at RVs about 10 years ago we looked into a 5th wheel. The cost of the dually ($50-60K) and the cost of the 5th wheel put us in the $100k+ range. We'd also have to buy a new dually every 4+ years or so. The gas mileage on a dually is terrible for everyday transportation.

Sooooooo

We couldn't afford a high-end DP and we didn't want all of the misc expenses associated with the dually. So we opted for a 2000 DP Bounder 36' for about $65K and we towed a VW station wagon (29mpg)for everyday transportation. Worked for us and we're on our 3rd DP.

Hope this helps!

There are better opinions out their with diesel owners, whether pick ups or RV but if you are comparing a diesel PU to a gas class A I would think your maintenance costs would be more with the TT/5er set up. But no matter how you look at the maintenance costs, any way you look at the comparisons shouldn't be that much of an issue, barring break down and major repair which is a remote possibility at best, there are other considerations more important when considering TV and tow behind vs. driven class A's. If you are a pick up type of person(s) then there are some great floor plan options and available living space that 5er's offer over A's. But do you want to drive a large PU around town when site seeing areas you traveled to? I don't see any comparison of a travel trailer to a fifth wheel or class A when it comes to quality of components, especially interior cabinets and finishing's. They are made to be more light weight for ease of towing and to provide a wider range of tow vehicles that can tow them. With a class A you will be towing a car, either on a dolly or four down if you want to have your own transportation with you. Some folks will use scooters on some type of hitch mount rack or rent cars in towns they are visiting. In my opinion class A's, especially diesels, offer the best of interior accoutrements such as all wood cabinets, Corian counters, tile floors, dual pane frameless windows and more. All of these things are more important than the maintenance issue in question.

We have the Itasca 35B, and have had no problems at all, really good coach,

How would you compare the costs of ownership between a motor home and a fifth wheel/pick up combo? I'm interested in maintenance. Barring the driveline differences are equally equipped coach and trailer costs the same?

Considering driveline maintenance, my perception (based on doing my own suspension lube, filter and fluid changes) is that a diesel pick up would cost less than a class A
To maintain. Is this accurate?

Keep doing research so you don't replace in a couple years. eric99 is right. But some campsites get tough in the upper 30 footers. State Parks, small private, or big resorts will factor in size. After walking into 100+ used and more online, we aimed for a new Tiffin. (Previous maintenance is PARAMOUNT! Slide out seals are $1300 apiece; if the previous owner didn't maintain, you're hosed, etc.) Our 34' Allegro RED is dead quiet and pulls either a car, truck, or ski boat (when the grandkids are involved) with no problems. 4-down will save your hide.

If you can afford it go diesel pusher. We're on our third and like the quiet ride and suspension. The engine brake will help you on your downhill journeys. The engine will outlive the MH :-)

Tow 4 down and skip the dolly. The dolly is a real PIA at campgrounds particularly if you have a back-in site. You'll have to move it by hand and it was pretty heavy for this 60 yr old bod. Our decision to go 4-down permanently came about when the DW accidently drove the Prius off the front end of the dolly. The wrecker operator was good and didn't laugh too much.

I'm not convinced a residential refer is the way to go. I think they were designed to be in a non-moving house. I just don't know if they will withstand the rigors (shakes, bumps, potholes, etc) of the road. Kind of reminds me of basement AC which you don't see any more.

If you're going to be in it for 6 months+ at a time get a 38-40ft. You'll appreciate the storage and room. I wouldn't get anything bigger than that as some campgrounds can't accommodate 42 ft+. We took a 5 month trip from NY to Alaska and back and the room was nice.

If you're buying used I'd recommend going through a dealer. They do have a reputation to maintain and you'll have recourse to the BBB and other things should you get a lemon. We've stayed with dealers on our 3 purchases and have been pleased. Might pay more but you'll have some reassurance. Just my opinion.

Class A all the way. Could not justify the extra costs associated with DP. How many mountain passes are these people driving across? Most Rv's I have seen spend the majority of their life parked anyway after the initial travel the country urge passes.
Started with pull trailer then 5th wheel which I thought was the ultimate till I wanted to site see and found driving around in a 3/4-1 ton pickup was a pita.
Wife wanted a motorhome and I'm glad I listened.

KarenS144 wrote:



You & your wife aren't newbies to RVing so I apologize if I'm telling you what you already know.

Keep us posted on what you find.

Don't apologize...this is going to be the largest purchase we make so we are looking for the unvarnished truth...your post was very informative.

I believe the Itasca has better accoutrements interior wise than the Winnie's. Sorta like Ford and Mercury.

rr2254545 wrote:
....So no the Itasca is not a upscale Winnebago

Several years ago I was tld that the main reason for having both brands was so that Winnebago could have exclusive dealership selling rights in the same area or town.