Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jun 12, 2015

Class A or 5th Wheel

I apologize for even asking the question... I am sure it has been asked many, many times before... I did a search on the topic before posting but could not come up with much....

We (myself and girlfriend) live in SW Florida and want to chuck it all in for a while and buy an RV... I have never had one but we have been shopping around and asking opinions for about a year.... We want to take off the end of the year and travel to the Big Sur area of California... A very slow journey and staying somewhere different every night before we get there....

Anyway, I am thinking a Class A or a 5th wheel... I don't see us traveling the mountains unless we absolutely have to... I saw on this forum that for beginners, I should get a gas engine vs diesel...

I want to buy a used one and want to spend up to $25K.... I would so much welcome and appreciate all of your thoughts, at least to get me pointed in the right direction... Thanks so much!!!

13 Replies

Community Alumni
Jun 12, 2015
We've had both and found that if frequent travel is the plan then the motorhome was great. However, if when we stayed in one place for a couple months, I preferred the 5th wheel; just seem to have better living space.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2015
Do you already have a big truck to pull a fifth wheel? If not then you have two things to buy? Do you have a small car that can be pulled behind a motor home? You can get a nice used smaller class a for that kind of money.
et2
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
For beginners - should get gas vs diesel???

Why?

Other than the vehicle cost and a little more maintenance. The ease and pleasure of driving with a diesel vs gasser IMHO negates the negatives.

After we went to diesel we'll never go back. For $25,000 your not going to get much in diesel motorhome. Maybe a gas pickup and travel trailer would be more in line with your cash to spend.

You'll be asked for more info. Do you have a tow vehicle? If so what? What engine, transmission, etc.

Good luck