RV transition (5er to Motorhome)

I just noticed that you said you were picking up a Ford Escape to use as your Toad. If you are planning on towing this 4 down, it will not be covered under warranty. I believe it was beginning with the 2011 or 2012 models, even though the owners manual says they can, they sent out a sheet of paper to add to the owners manual that it can not be towed 4 down. We purchased one a couple years ago and then they unwound the deal because they told us we could and then the factory said no and they wouldn't warrant it. The Escape's transmission was not changed during that year, they just changed the rules as they had problems with transmissions not standing up to the towing and were replacing transmissions. There is a number of threads on the Escape and the issues. Not trying to throw a wrench in your deal, but just letting you know.

Found this thread - You might want to do a Ford Escape search for additional ones

Ford Escape thread

I'm transitioning from various bumper pulls (last being a 28' Airstream) to what I have in the sig. I find the MH much easier and quicker to setup and teardown. The biggest caveat is planning ahead when pulling into spots with the toad connected. Not that you didn't have to pay attention with a TT, but there is little to no chance of backing up. Oh, and staying far enough left in the lane.

Other than that, it is so nice to hit the auto level button, open the slides and be done, well other than hookups if needed.

Ron hit on over steering it. Because of the longer wheelbase it takes longer to respond than your PU. With practice you will be amaze how little movement of the steering wheel it takes. ENJOY

MarkieBob wrote:
I agree with other comments except my owners manual says to extend slides first then level with jacks. Check what yours says

That's because you have a Monaco product with the 3 point jacks...only mfg to do it this way....so your exception only applies to Monaco, HR, Beaver, and Safari.

Ron

What I liked is the back up camera. When your turning left or right around a object once you see that object in the back up camera it's O.K. to make your turn.

I agree with other comments except my owners manual says to extend slides first then level with jacks. Check what yours says

Its funny in a way that you ask about driving a motorhome vs a 5th wheel. I drive a good size motorhome and always wonder how much more difficult it would be to pull a large 5th wheel.

Whenever I see a large 5th wheel coming towards me, outsizing the tow vehicle in every dimension I always think "wow sure glad I don't have to drive that rig around"

Perception I guess!

Of course there is a big difference between driving a 1 ton truck pulling a 5er than driving a large mh. However, it won't take long in getting use to it. We went from a truck/TT to a 36' mh and had a little problem at first with me over steering...but after a couple thousand miles, learned how to keep it straight. Backing, of course, is much easier...as is setting up or breaking camp.

Don't worry about it, you'll be an old hand at it real quick.

Ron

I just traded up 3 months ago and I am still learning. I got pretty good at backing my 5er. The first thing I noticed is that my 40 ft MH does not bend in the middle! I know, it surprised me too. Anyway that's a big difference, easier and harder all at the same time. It is way quicker to set up and tear down the MH. 15 minutes in stead of 45. Enjoy!!