Retired JSO wrote:
Tom/Barb wrote:
While you are setting up the 5ver, I'll push the level button, run out the slide and have a beer and watch you out in the weather doing your thing.
X-2
Went from a 35' fifth wheel into a 40' motorhome in April. My setup time went from an hour or more to 15 minutes or less. Level, hookup, slides, satellite, awning, rug, chairs, fans, beer.
I don't understand for a moment what you would be doing for an hour or more setting up your fifthwheel. I would have my fifthwheel unhooked and setup in 20 min's and be sitting back downing a cold one shaking my head watching you setup your fifthwheel for an additional 40 min's or more. Might even have time to BBQ a steak and make up a salad in that time.
I have seen people spend 15 min's just unhooking their Tow'd upon entering campgrounds. This time must be added to setup time for a Class A motorhomes as I can unhitch my pickup in equal or less time than it takes to connect or un-connect a TOW'd from a motorhome. Yes I know we both can use a pull through and both can leave our vehicles attached if we want for a quick getaway in the morning.
I agree it is a very personal choice whether you want the benefits of traveling comfort and convenience that a motorhome provides or the day to day living convenience and benefits of more space and homier floorplans that fifthwheels provide.
I have seriously considered switching to a Class A but have decided to stay fiver for a number of reasons including driving safety reasons. I have seen and read about too many front tire failures on Class A's the resulting safety risks that front tire failures produce including serious injuries and fatalities.
Cost of maintenance and repair is also a factor for me and if my pickup breaks down I still have my living quarters to enjoy while my TV is in the shop getting fixed. A rental car is cheap and easy to get so getting around while the TV is in the shop is still not an issue.
Another reason for my decision is that we travel with two dogs and if we had a motorhome and we had a serious failure we would have to try and find pet friendly emergency motel/hotel accommodations. Not very likely in most locations.
