I have been agonizing over this for too long. I really like some of the advantages of the camper but the big drawback is spending 5 months of the year in a small space that does not have a real comfortable place to sit. The camper I like is the AF 990 with a slide so its pretty spacious for a camper. The other alternative for me is the AF 295T 5th wheel. I know they are 2 different animals with advantages and disadvantages. The crazy part is, I have had both 5th wheel and a camper and should be able to figure it out. If only my budget could handle both. The other thing is, used, they are pretty close in price. What to do ? Oh, the DW is all for the 5th wheel. Maybe it's a no brainer. Happy wife, happy life.

Go for the 5er,this way you will make the wife Happy and still have a great RV.

5TH W for sure !! I cannot stand not having a recliner for my bad back. I have had both but I will never go back to a camper even if it has a slide out which one of my did. Still not enough room for us

Well, in the end, the decision is yours, but you are absolutely correct about the wife. Now, if you have a specific reason why you want to keep the bed of the truck open, then ... there ya go. But if the bed of the truck is not a factor (for example you don't need it for storing stuff or transporting stuff when the 5er hitch is in there, then go for the 5er.)In my case, my choice was a TT because I did not want to give up the shell (actually, that shell is a construction-contractor style cover with 2 full length shelves ... called tool boxes ... on each side, and the ladder rack is used to carry our canoe. So, no 5er). But if you don't mind loosing that space, go for the 5er and keep the wife happy.

Keep the D.W. happy and get the A.F. 29 5T. It is a great 5'vr--we have been all over the place in ours--nothing better than sitting in the rocker/recliner-looking out huge rear window at Muncho Lake, in the Northern Rockies, in the evening with the sun setting--of course with a single malt in hand. Lars

Well... I have a TC because it's been conducive to my need for constant business travel. But, the older I get, the longer I desire to sit for a spell with water/electric hookups. The longer I sit in one place, the more conscious I am of the lack of space in a TC. I spect I'll transition to a trailer or 5er at retirement in 9 months. Then I'll spend at least 2 weeks at each government venue and up to a couple of months in private parks. While I like the mobile lifestyle, there will be no need to hurry. If momma prefers the AF, that's the way I'd go.

Camper or 5th wheel ? | Good Sam Community

69_Avion
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
homefor2 wrote:
I have been agonizing over this for too long. I really like some of the advantages of the camper but the big drawback is spending 5 months of the year in a small space that does not have a real comfortable place to sit. The camper I like is the AF 990 with a slide so its pretty spacious for a camper. The other alternative for me is the AF 295T 5th wheel. I know they are 2 different animals with advantages and disadvantages. The crazy part is, I have had both 5th wheel and a camper and should be able to figure it out. If only my budget could handle both. The other thing is, used, they are pretty close in price. What to do ? Oh, the DW is all for the 5th wheel. Maybe it's a no brainer. Happy wife, happy life.

In your situation I would get the fiver.
Grodyman
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
I would go for a small fiver.
Gman
Crowe
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
We had a 5'er, then the Class C, and now are considering the TC. Biggest concern on the TC is space. However, the TC would allow us to easily take bikes and kayaks by using our trailer. 5'er allows bikes but not kayaks. 5'er may have more space but the TC will allow us to visit places like Algonquin Provincial Park. So, is it the unit or the destination? I'm willing to sacrifice some space for better utility.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Oct 14, 2013
It all depends of what your definition of camping is. Campgrounds with full hook ups and pull throughs, fifth wheel or class A

Back woods boondocking, back in campsites in National Parks, winding mt or dirt roads. TC hands down
usmcshepherd
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2013
Of course the DW is the most important part of that equation but just to be different have you shown her a little larger camper that would give you more room and provide a dedicated sitting area? Lance's 1172 has the recliners in the rear and today I just saw a new double slide...an Adventure 116DS with a rear kitchen and separate chairs as well...pretty nice. Just a thought....
Eycom
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Well... I have a TC because it's been conducive to my need for constant business travel. But, the older I get, the longer I desire to sit for a spell with water/electric hookups. The longer I sit in one place, the more conscious I am of the lack of space in a TC. I spect I'll transition to a trailer or 5er at retirement in 9 months. Then I'll spend at least 2 weeks at each government venue and up to a couple of months in private parks. While I like the mobile lifestyle, there will be no need to hurry. If momma prefers the AF, that's the way I'd go.
lhenry8113
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Keep the D.W. happy and get the A.F. 29 5T. It is a great 5'vr--we have been all over the place in ours--nothing better than sitting in the rocker/recliner-looking out huge rear window at Muncho Lake, in the Northern Rockies, in the evening with the sun setting--of course with a single malt in hand. Lars
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Well, in the end, the decision is yours, but you are absolutely correct about the wife. Now, if you have a specific reason why you want to keep the bed of the truck open, then ... there ya go. But if the bed of the truck is not a factor (for example you don't need it for storing stuff or transporting stuff when the 5er hitch is in there, then go for the 5er.)

In my case, my choice was a TT because I did not want to give up the shell (actually, that shell is a construction-contractor style cover with 2 full length shelves ... called tool boxes ... on each side, and the ladder rack is used to carry our canoe. So, no 5er). But if you don't mind loosing that space, go for the 5er and keep the wife happy.
samsontdog
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
5TH W for sure !! I cannot stand not having a recliner for my bad back. I have had both but I will never go back to a camper even if it has a slide out which one of my did. Still not enough room for us
danoren
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Go for the 5er,this way you will make the wife Happy and still have a great RV.

Forum Discussion

Camper or 5th wheel ?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Shortest 5th wheel?

5th Wheel Qustions

5TH wheel insurance

5th Wheel Frames

5th Wheel Tailgates