Getting ready to retire and hit the road. Only been tent camping. I don't know whether a MH or 5er would be the better option.No big truck or a 4 wheel dingy, so we are looking at the total package. Not worried about price, we have been shopping. Which system would be easier to take care and ease of driving. Consider never backing a trailer.

Big jump from tent to MH or 5th wheel. I'm doing much the same yet opted for a TT.The choice is really personal and depends on how you want to live, the length of time you'd like to use it for ( F/T or weekend or extended but short term use) as well as the viability of a suitable TV in your life.You already stated that a pickup is fine for you so I'd concentrate on figuring out which of the 2 styles you'd prefer.As for ease of care.......guess it depends on how much knowledge or cash you've on hand for maintaining a mechanical system.

Motor homes are tops in overall cost to purchase and maintain. With a MH you will have two drive trains to maintain. With a fifth wheel you only have one. With a MH you can have a small car to run around in. With a fiver your going to have to use your big truck to do your running. Fivers are better for sitting, MH's are better for long distance driving. You have to decide for yourself what is most important to you. There is no right or wrong only what your happiest with at the end of the day

donn0128 wrote:Fivers are better for sitting, MH's are better for long distance driving:hI've heard this statement in other posts and have often wondered....why?It seems to me that long term sitting then requires the use of the large truck to get around town. Wouldn't the small toad from a motor home be better.Granted, foot for foot comparisons, the 5er does have a couple more feet of living space due to the area of the mh's dashboard, but does that really make that much of a difference? On the other hand, with the MH you can reverse the driver and passenger seats and make them part of the living area for guest seating.And as far as long distance driving...why is a mh better? Seems to me that driving the large truck pulling the 5er would be just as easy as driving a monster mh pulling a toad.Where is the rational for these statements?Not being obstinate, just being inquisitive.Ron

I would rent a MH and take it on at least a one week trip of 1000 plus miles.Get a feel for it. To get the feel for towing a trailer you can rent trucks and trailers from a few sources, but your best bet is a friend or a relative that may have one and let you drive it while they instruct you.We prefer a 5th wheel but I think a MH would be a better choice for someone that has never towed or backed in a trailer.You do get more for your money with a 5th wheel- dollar for dollar. But once you add in the new truck the cost is very close to a mid-level MH.To answer the MH long drives vs 5th wheel long stay it boils down to two reasons:To go from the tow vehicle to the 5th wheel you have to get out in the weather, unlock the entrance door and get in the 5th wheel.With a MH you pull over and take a step back to the living area. No weather concerns.The other reason, before leveling jacks were added to 5th wheels it took longer to get settled in a camp site. MH would be setup in less than a half hour. 5th wheels would take up to an hour. Now that time difference has gone away due to the auto levelers on 5th wheels.

lanerd wrote:donn0128 wrote:Fivers are better for sitting, MH's are better for long distance driving:hI've heard this statement in other posts and have often wondered....why?It seems to me that long term sitting then requires the use of the large truck to get around town. Wouldn't the small toad from a motor home be better.Again, a drive train sitting is not good, especially if it is a diesel. They need to be started and run often to keep things properly lubricatedGranted, foot for foot comparisons, the 5er does have a couple more feet of living space due to the area of the mh's dashboard, but does that really make that much of a difference? yes IMHO, but that Depends on your prospective. On the other hand, with the MH you can reverse the driver and passenger seats and make them part of the living area for guest seating.And as far as long distance driving...why is a mh better? Seems to me that driving the large truck pulling the 5er would be just as easy as driving a monster mh pulling a toad.Ease of getting up and moving around while going down the road. Yea, I know but people do itWhere is the rational for these statements?Not being obstinate, just being inquisitive.Ron

MH vs 5er | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 15, 2014
Motor homes are tops in overall cost to purchase and maintain. With a MH you will have two drive trains to maintain. With a fifth wheel you only have one. With a MH you can have a small car to run around in. With a fiver your going to have to use your big truck to do your running. Fivers are better for sitting, MH's are better for long distance driving. You have to decide for yourself what is most important to you. There is no right or wrong only what your happiest with at the end of the day
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Oct 15, 2014
Big jump from tent to MH or 5th wheel. I'm doing much the same yet opted for a TT.

The choice is really personal and depends on how you want to live, the length of time you'd like to use it for ( F/T or weekend or extended but short term use) as well as the viability of a suitable TV in your life.

You already stated that a pickup is fine for you so I'd concentrate on figuring out which of the 2 styles you'd prefer.

As for ease of care.......guess it depends on how much knowledge or cash you've on hand for maintaining a mechanical system.

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MH vs 5er

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