Trading in a Fifth Wheel for a Class A
Looking for advice from those who have experience with both fifth wheeling and Class A ownership. We are a family of six, with four teenagers and two dogs. We like hiking and biking in state and na...
Forum Discussion
Almost the same situation here. First RV was a 37 ft TT with a rear bunkhose, ( 4 bunks ) Great for our 3 young children at the time ( 3,2, and a newborn.)
Then went to a small 5th wheel with a double bunk on the back wall. Still no problem cause the youngest slept on the pullout couch.
Jump ahead to last year. Kids are now 16, 15, and 13. Did not camp the year before, and had sold the truck and fifth wheel. Starting thinking about the benefits of a motor home, and researched for MONTHS!
Here is what you NEED to think about. I don't know how old your kids are, but at age 13 or 14, ( especially boys ) forget about the bunkhouse. Whether its a TT, 5er or MH, most are approx 74 inches long( except the 1.5 wide models) with no where to hang off the ends! So about 5 ft 6in or so is about the tallest they'll be comfortable.
The only A class we could fit everybody comfortably were the ones with the drop-down sleeper bunks over the cab. This is relatively new feature, and only offered on a few brands.
In a C-class, I needed the overhead bunk, a foldown couch, AND a super size dinette.( perfect folded down to fit my 6 ft tall oldest son) However, the ones I looked at did not have any storage space for any clothing.
I ended up finding the PERFECT rig for us. A 2008 Gulf stream Conquest Super C. I LOVE it!! Big Kodiak frame, 8.1 Chevy Vortec ( what a motor ). super size dinette, LOTS of storage in the rear bedroom for extra clothes, huge carrying capacity, etc,etc. Plus it only had 5K miles and was garaged every winter.
Think ahead a few years, cause as you know, if your gonna sell, make sure if your financing, your not upside down.
Good Luck! btw I absolutely LOVE the way this thing drives. Prefer it over the 5th wheel, and ESPECIALLY the TT!!
Then went to a small 5th wheel with a double bunk on the back wall. Still no problem cause the youngest slept on the pullout couch.
Jump ahead to last year. Kids are now 16, 15, and 13. Did not camp the year before, and had sold the truck and fifth wheel. Starting thinking about the benefits of a motor home, and researched for MONTHS!
Here is what you NEED to think about. I don't know how old your kids are, but at age 13 or 14, ( especially boys ) forget about the bunkhouse. Whether its a TT, 5er or MH, most are approx 74 inches long( except the 1.5 wide models) with no where to hang off the ends! So about 5 ft 6in or so is about the tallest they'll be comfortable.
The only A class we could fit everybody comfortably were the ones with the drop-down sleeper bunks over the cab. This is relatively new feature, and only offered on a few brands.
In a C-class, I needed the overhead bunk, a foldown couch, AND a super size dinette.( perfect folded down to fit my 6 ft tall oldest son) However, the ones I looked at did not have any storage space for any clothing.
I ended up finding the PERFECT rig for us. A 2008 Gulf stream Conquest Super C. I LOVE it!! Big Kodiak frame, 8.1 Chevy Vortec ( what a motor ). super size dinette, LOTS of storage in the rear bedroom for extra clothes, huge carrying capacity, etc,etc. Plus it only had 5K miles and was garaged every winter.
Think ahead a few years, cause as you know, if your gonna sell, make sure if your financing, your not upside down.
Good Luck! btw I absolutely LOVE the way this thing drives. Prefer it over the 5th wheel, and ESPECIALLY the TT!!
