Class A vs 5th Wheel

jwolf55 wrote:
I think people talk about DP's as if they are all the same, they very greatly.
A 40,000+ lb 45 foot isn't doing to be effected by the winds as much as a 20,000 lb 32 footer. If you open it up to all Class A the difference is even greater with the smaller class A's gassers may weigh as little as 15,000 lb. This the same way the talk about MPG on DP's my 23,000 lb 37 ft with a 300 HP Cat can get over 10 mpg constantly sometimes over 12, but the 40,000, 40+ feet with 600 Hp are going to struggle to get 7 mpg. My point is is hard to make general statements about any-type RV, 5er's go from 25' to 52' with 5 axles from 9 foot tall to 13 foot tall and very greatly in weights. So without being size specific who knows. I know my DP is not effected much by the wind or passing trucks like my old 20 foot tag trailer was.

Totally agree. I was thinking about this today while driving here in MI, LOL winds are 40-60 mpg right now. Many things to take into consideration. Too many MH configurations to say they're all the same. The weight, tire pressures, length, DP,FE, and many other things contribute to a good ride or not so good ride.

Our MH is about 41' and weighs 29,000 lbs loaded, less that the 32,400 capability GVWR. Quite a bit more than any fiver truck Combo we've owned. Many others rigs weigh a lot more. Not to mention many higher end DP MH's have adaptable steering to adjust automatically to wind side loads. Makes it virtually effortless and without thought.

I do feel side winds. But as you said not nearly as in the fiver or with the passing semi buff I've experienced with every fiver (tail wagging the dog). Not to mentioned if you've ever had to do a emergency stop with a fiver truck combo it's enough to give one a heart attack, you know that big fiver is there.

I think people talk about DP's as if they are all the same, they very greatly.
A 40,000+ lb 45 foot isn't doing to be effected by the winds as much as a 20,000 lb 32 footer. If you open it up to all Class A the difference is even greater with the smaller class A's gassers may weigh as little as 15,000 lb. This the same way the talk about MPG on DP's my 23,000 lb 37 ft with a 300 HP Cat can get over 10 mpg constantly sometimes over 12, but the 40,000, 40+ feet with 600 Hp are going to struggle to get 7 mpg. My point is is hard to make general statements about any-type RV, 5er's go from 25' to 52' with 5 axles from 9 foot tall to 13 foot tall and very greatly in weights. So without being size specific who knows. I know my DP is not effected much by the wind or passing trucks like my old 20 foot tag trailer was.

" no chucking or jarring or any feeling of tail wagging the dog as in the fiver truck combo"

The jarring I can believe, the chucking I can believe but the "TAIL WAGGING" that is where I have issue with what you are saying. A TT I would go along. I have NEVER noticed any wagging towing the 5-5er's I have owned, not noticed this on a single 5er I have been following.

We've had a couple fiver setups ( over 40') towed by a Dodge Ram dually long bed extended cab. I can say I haven't noticed any it any worse driving in winds than of the fiver truck combo. And I don't have a tag axle.

The ride in "our" MH is smooth, roomy, visuals way better, no chucking or jarring or any feeling of tail wagging the dog as in the fiver truck combo ( including the dually).Perhaps it's personal preference more that anything, but the ride is a whole lot better. Not sure that's a factor (wind) I'd use until you have experience with both. Ours is a DP, so I can't give experience on a Front engine MH or those with tag axles. Only my personal experience.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

timmac wrote:

Rock Wells wrote:
Howdy! We've had class A's for almost 20yrs, thinking about switching to a 5th wheel rig. Main reason is dealing with todes. Any thoughts...

A toad is a lot easier than a 5th wheel, hookup or towing..

I'm thinkin the 5er is a much easier combo! No need to stop n unhook before pulling into site with 5er. Irritating others because of blocking one lane doing so.

Wow a guy just got reamed out by park rangers. MH guy was blocking one lane in front of the space he wanted unhooking his toad. I was trying to pass and the ranger on his cart came flying up in my lane not allowing me to pass MH guy and gave the guy the business. MH guy said I was unhooking in front of the space I wanted. There is massive amounts of space to unhook when checking into the park.

I know all MH people are not that inconsiderate!

I had a 5er for 11 days, traded for a class c when we got home at 2 am and had to wake the babies up to put them to bed when we got home. Had the C for 10 years and traded for a huge, new 5er. Missed the MH the first trip out. Kept it for 5 years anyway. Now we've got a '07 Fleetwood Bounder 38N DP. Would never think of going back to a towable............I don't think. lol

I guess it depends on what the OP wants to spend. If you guys are talking about buying a new or newer diesel pusher with a tag axle well that is considerably more cash then a brand new pick up and 5th wheel.

Our Duramax 2500 pickup and fiver were surprisingly good in the wind too. One windy day we drove 150 miles, me with the rig and DW with our Honda Pilot. When we got there she remarked about how tough the wind was. It had not bothered me at all.

It affects us much more with our Class C. But overall the MH is less tiresome after a long day. Assuming no big wind, I guess.

DallasSteve wrote:
I didn't know what a tag axle is. Thor told me:

What is a tag axle?

That could put a lot more rubber on the road. That's an impressive looking machine.

No doubt, our tag axle DP handles WAY better than any motorhome we've owned and driven before (E450 Winnebago Aspect, 30' Winnebago Gasser). Our previous motorhomes where a handful in the wind but, obviously not all motorhomes can be placed in the same category during windy situations.

I do not tow a fifth wheel RV so cannot comment on the comparison however, the wind still catches my attention as it should with any higher profile vehicle.

I respect what aggressive wind conditions will do whether I am driving my DP, Commerical Buses, or a Semi. As I drive these, they all are affected by the wind so, if a driver of a fifth wheel isn't "fighting" the wind, then apparently a fifth wheel recreational vehicle being towed by a pickup is superior in handling to anything on the road during windy conditions. I certainly would agree that many fivers must handle better than a poorly set-up motorhome, however.

I didn't know what a tag axle is. Thor told me:

What is a tag axle?

That could put a lot more rubber on the road. That's an impressive looking machine.