newer trailer vs older class a

I don't know how you are using your TT, but if mostly for road trips, you should rent a "just big enough" C motorhome for a week-long trip. Two adults and small child, 22-24 footer should be big enough, and a week long enough to appreciate how a motorhome works for this purpose.

Having been through both, I think a TT is a lot more recreational use for the money, not just purchase price but ongoing expenses.

But they are used differently. A small motor, by itself, is a great travel vehicle and makes a decent weekend or short trip camper, if you have other means of transportation. A TT works better for taking it somewhere for a while, stting up camp, living in it, while you get around in the tow vehicle. To do this in a motorhome means towing or driving a second motor vehicle, and that combination means the MH has lost the compactness factor that makes it better for travel, leaving only the "I'm already in the house" factor.

I'm almost ready to go from MH back to TT, but there are still some RV roadtrips to make with grandkids, and for now I can haul a car or truck out to the lake with the MH, park the MH like a TT and get around in the extra vehicle. But I do know that this is costing me more, every time I fill up with fuel, pay the insurance bill, or take care of one of those little $1500-2000 "routine maintenance" items needed on a medium duty truck chassis.

Some are and some are not. It's just not as simple as classifying all in the same group. The devil's in the details about the particular motor home.

stew47 wrote:
Thanks for all the replys! After sleeping on it I'm not so gung-ho on the class a. I can do quite a bit of work myself. Which would save serious cash. However that doesn't mean I enjoy working on it :).
I've been looking at other tow vehicles. Excursions and 3/4 Burbans. Nothing nice at a good price. Even considered vans. I thought perhaps a class a would negate the need for a new tv and we would be more comfortable while driving. My 6 y/o I would just strap in the bathroom ;).

I have a 2011 GMC Savanh all wheel drive van with the 5.3 liter motor.We tow a 25 ft TT that has a dry weight of 5,000 lb.We just completed a trip from Pa to Florida through Tennesse,North Carolina,Suth Carolina,Georgia and Virginia.Towed up many mountains including the smokies and Appalacians with no problems.

Thanks for all the replys! After sleeping on it I'm not so gung-ho on the class a. I can do quite a bit of work myself. Which would save serious cash. However that doesn't mean I enjoy working on it :).
I've been looking at other tow vehicles. Excursions and 3/4 Burbans. Nothing nice at a good price. Even considered vans. I thought perhaps a class a would negate the need for a new tv and we would be more comfortable while driving. My 6 y/o I would just strap in the bathroom ;).

It's a '93....problems abound. It has been setting up, seals gaskets gone or going, or your waiting for major headaches in repairs. If you like your 30'er, why not see about another burb, or puller? There are a ton of A's being sold, but to me a '93 wouldn't be on my horizon.
Safe travels.

ScottnSherrie wrote:
Obviously, a motorhome is more complex with engine, drivetrain, etc.

If you can do most of maintenance and repairs yourself than the 1995 motorhome could be a lot of fun. If you aren't handy at various skills including automotive, carpentry, electrician and appliance repair, then an older motorhome could turn into a money pit.

Agree, depends on if you do your own maintenance or not. We had a TT and Suburban tow vehicle. Now have an older motorhome, 94 Bounder. I do all the maintenance and prefer the motorhome. Of course some prefer a trailer, there's advantages to both. Whether a motorhome or trailer just make sure everything works. Fridge, furnace, AC, water heater. If a motorhome then consider generator and drive train as well. I've done a lot of work on our motorhome but then it was only $13k 5 years ago. Things I've done didn't cost a lot because I supplied the labor. Labor rates on a class A are typically over $100 an hour.

Having owned 7 motor homes I can tell you up front, they can and most times are very expensive to maintain. The running gear alone is constantly in need of some sort of maintenance. Even the brake fluid needs changeing every 2-3 years, due to moisture build up. I like motor homes, but I do believe the TT will be the best investment.

Obviously, a motorhome is more complex with engine, drivetrain, etc.

If you can do most of maintenance and repairs yourself than the 1995 motorhome could be a lot of fun. If you aren't handy at various skills including automotive, carpentry, electrician and appliance repair, then an older motorhome could turn into a money pit.

I would certainly take it to your local garage and have it thoroughly checked out.Motor homes can have more problems than a trailer due to the motor and drive train.If it was me,I would go with a newer lighter trailer than an older motorhome.