5th wheels vs motor homes
My wife and I are planning to buy a new RV that we can use for extended travel. We've looked at both 5th wheels and motor homes but can't quite decide which type is better. We've pretty much decided o...
Forum Discussion
First thing--Snow covered roads will be bad news with either one.
IMO-it depends on what you like to do. We like to move around a lot so we prefer the MH. We also take our dog with us. The generator on the MH pulls fuel from the 100 gallon tank so it will run for days if that is what we need. The MH stays cool in the summer or warm in the cooler months all the time. The dog think she is at home so we can go out and she is fine. We also like to sleep late and then drive late when we travel. We usually stop at Cracker Barrel or Wal-Mart and spend the night (no we do not camp at these places, just sleep and move on). Even when we arrive at our destination we usually just spend 3 or 4 nights and we are ready to move on. I also do not want to drive a DRW diesel pickup around at home or at our destination as I love my Jeep to find the road less traveled. This is what works for us.
Now on the 5th wheel. If you are planning to stay a long time at the destination then I think this would be better. I have had one and they are great. But if you just stop to sleep for a few hours you have to cool off or heat up the trailer. Most generators in trailers are propane fueled and you will empty your fuel in a short time. Plus, I cannot take my Jeep so that rules out the 5th wheel for me.
As far as maintenance there is no difference IMO. If you have a breakdown in the MH it is going to cost some $$$. If you have a breakdown in your diesel DRW pickup it is going to cost some $$$. Personally, I have had both and the cost to maintain them is about the same. My son had a Ford PSD and he spent a lot more on repairs that I have with my MH.
Another thing I would add. If you go for a MH, buy used. There are some 2 to 3 year old coaches out there in mint condition for half the cost of new.
Just choose whatever you think will work for you and go have fun.
IMO-it depends on what you like to do. We like to move around a lot so we prefer the MH. We also take our dog with us. The generator on the MH pulls fuel from the 100 gallon tank so it will run for days if that is what we need. The MH stays cool in the summer or warm in the cooler months all the time. The dog think she is at home so we can go out and she is fine. We also like to sleep late and then drive late when we travel. We usually stop at Cracker Barrel or Wal-Mart and spend the night (no we do not camp at these places, just sleep and move on). Even when we arrive at our destination we usually just spend 3 or 4 nights and we are ready to move on. I also do not want to drive a DRW diesel pickup around at home or at our destination as I love my Jeep to find the road less traveled. This is what works for us.
Now on the 5th wheel. If you are planning to stay a long time at the destination then I think this would be better. I have had one and they are great. But if you just stop to sleep for a few hours you have to cool off or heat up the trailer. Most generators in trailers are propane fueled and you will empty your fuel in a short time. Plus, I cannot take my Jeep so that rules out the 5th wheel for me.
As far as maintenance there is no difference IMO. If you have a breakdown in the MH it is going to cost some $$$. If you have a breakdown in your diesel DRW pickup it is going to cost some $$$. Personally, I have had both and the cost to maintain them is about the same. My son had a Ford PSD and he spent a lot more on repairs that I have with my MH.
Another thing I would add. If you go for a MH, buy used. There are some 2 to 3 year old coaches out there in mint condition for half the cost of new.
Just choose whatever you think will work for you and go have fun.
