I have recently retired and will be on a fixed income and could not afford to buy any kind of new RV with rapid depreciation. My budget is about $40,000 for my entry into an RV lifestyle.My plan would be to take some regional trips for about 6 weeks at a time initially, for the first couple of years, until my spouse retires and then possibly longer trips of 2-3 months at a time after that. I was initially thinking that I might divide my $40,000 between a diesel truck and a 5th wheel. It doesn't look like there are many used diesel trucks for less than $20,000, though, so maybe I am not being realistic?It does seem like there are quite a few used 5th Wheels that would meet my needs in the $20,000 range. I like the idea of being able to unhitch the 5th Wheel when I get to where I am going and then use the truck for local sightseeing. In further research, though, it appears that my money might go further by buying a used Class A motorhome? Apparently a lot of people buy them and then don't use them much and so the motor's don't have a lot of miles on them and there hasn't been a lot of wear and tear on the interiors. Many that I see seem to have less than 100 thousand miles and many years of life left in them and the original buyer has just aged out of wanting to use them or lost interest in them. I am interested in hearing feedback from RV'ers about this question. If you have a budget of about $40,000, is it better spend on a truck and 5th Wheel or a Class A? We have two Prius's and I read that they should not be towed so I suppose with the Class A, we might have to buy some small, used vehicle to tow behind the Class A so that would affect the price as well.

I think you can locate a very nice used diesel truck in the 20k range and a really nice used fiver in the 20k range. I don't see any issue with this budget. My first 5ver cost about 13k and was really "like new" and barely used. I'm a happy camper.

depending on the size of the fiver you might be able to buy newer,less miles truck by going gas and use the diff on the fiver or simply on travel expenses

Depending on just how you plan to use it, the choice might be "fifth wheel plus tow vehicle" vs "motorhome plus towable dinghy." When I am just travelling and staying one place no more than a night or two, the motorhome works fine. When I am staying in one place three nights or more, I want another vehicle to get around. That has meant the purchase and maintenance of a second motor vehicle for use as towed vehicle, as my pattern of RV use has changed since my wife's death.So if you are thinking about a fairly large RV (fiver suggests that) and staying anywhere for a while, cost comparisons should probably include a towed vehicle for the motorhome option.

I suggest you begin researching more in depth and it doesn't hurt to visit a lot or two as well. Initially, try looking at PPL motorhomes to give you an idea of what is out there. In just a few short minutes I saw several different rigs that could probably meet your needs. Using this as a baseline you can then hit more lots with the knowledge in your back pocket.When it comes to Class C's don't overlook some of the rentals that come up for sale. A patient buyer can get one pretty darn good deal.I've said it before and I'll say it again. Set the budget then shop the floor plans adjust as necessary to find the one you really like. 5'er, A, B, or C is just a matter of what you want and can work with - the cost and floorplan are what you LIVE with.

Thanks for your responses! I appreciate it.

Pre-owned Class A or Pre-owned 5th Wheel + Preowned Truck

C7XR7
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015
I think you can locate a very nice used diesel truck in the 20k range and a really nice used fiver in the 20k range. I don't see any issue with this budget. My first 5ver cost about 13k and was really "like new" and barely used. I'm a happy camper.
stetwood
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015
depending on the size of the fiver you might be able to buy newer,less miles truck by going gas and use the diff on the fiver or simply on travel expenses
tatest
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2015
Depending on just how you plan to use it, the choice might be "fifth wheel plus tow vehicle" vs "motorhome plus towable dinghy."

When I am just travelling and staying one place no more than a night or two, the motorhome works fine. When I am staying in one place three nights or more, I want another vehicle to get around. That has meant the purchase and maintenance of a second motor vehicle for use as towed vehicle, as my pattern of RV use has changed since my wife's death.

So if you are thinking about a fairly large RV (fiver suggests that) and staying anywhere for a while, cost comparisons should probably include a towed vehicle for the motorhome option.
DKeppner
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015
I suggest you begin researching more in depth and it doesn't hurt to visit a lot or two as well. Initially, try looking at PPL motorhomes to give you an idea of what is out there. In just a few short minutes I saw several different rigs that could probably meet your needs. Using this as a baseline you can then hit more lots with the knowledge in your back pocket.

When it comes to Class C's don't overlook some of the rentals that come up for sale. A patient buyer can get one pretty darn good deal.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Set the budget then shop the floor plans adjust as necessary to find the one you really like. 5'er, A, B, or C is just a matter of what you want and can work with - the cost and floorplan are what you LIVE with.
sylvanr
Explorer
May 14, 2015
Thanks for your responses! I appreciate it.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
May 14, 2015
Where are you looking for a used truck? Have you tried CraigsList or Auto Trader?
OutdoorPhotogra
Explorer
May 14, 2015
I'm on the decision side like you, so this is research not experience but I think it is helpful.

1. How much will you use the truck's bed or two capacity outside of towing the camper?
2. Do you intend to stay at one campground/location for longer periods or move every few days?

I never considered an RV until last few months. I have an F-150 and like trucks. but:

1. Truck as daily driver.
a. I don't need the power of anything more than a 1/2 ton for daily use.
b. Trucks in general, 1/2 ton or 1 ton have gotten amazingly expensive IF you include the amenities that I want. Got it I could get a stripped down model. I choose not to do that. $40k for late model used with 60k miles and I haven't bought a 5er yet?
c. Would like to go 4x4 for daily driver and pretty sure want Jeep JK which happens to also make a great vic to tow 4 wheels down.

2. We tend to take not stay in one location longer than a week and lots of one or two day stops. May change in retirement but either a Class C or Class A offers lots of advantages for a quick overnight stay including a free stay at Cracker Barrell/Cabellas/Casinos etc.

I'll be renting class C's for a while to help me decide. Spending a full day at an RV show walking floor models was also an amazing way to research and lots of fun!
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 14, 2015
If it were me I would go with a Class A! sell one of the Priuses and buy a 4 down towable car and have it set up for towing. this way you get more RV for your money, you have a smaller vehicle to drive around in once at your destination, you don`t have to maintain the Tow Vehicle even during non trip use. and if you say you will only use the truck for trips then that`s even more of a reason to go class A, no need to store and worry about 2 vehicles!
ncrowley
Explorer II
May 14, 2015
If you are going to move around a lot, I would consider the class A. If you are going to park for weeks at a time, I would go with the truck and trailer.
bronccat
Explorer
May 14, 2015
Hi All, newby here,

I've gone through this debate for the last week. I was all Class A until I stepped into a new 5th wheel (oops) - I even have a tow vehicle.

BUT, the main reason I want an RV to begin with is comfort and convenience on long haul trips (like a tour of the Western US).

I even considered a Super Duty conversion van and a travel trailer - but I am back to a Class A. The fact that I can roll into a rest area, walk 30' and make a sandwich, use the head or take a nap (not in the same place :p) is priceless. That and my dogs and family will be much happier with one another after a 1,000 miles in a Class A. :-)