5th wheels vs motor homes

[smokeater46]

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 on a 5th wheel, but there's a little doubt still. I'm a little leery of pulling a 5th wheel since I've never pulled anything that big. We have a pop-up now, so I can tow. However, I drove straight (fire) trucks for over 30 years and feel comfortable driving large vehicles. We are also skiers and plan (hope) to use our RV for that, so snow covered roads may be encountered.
We'd love to have opinions/reasons for selecting a 5th wheel vs a motor home. Pros and cons of both

[WyoTraveler]

If you are thinking about MH or 5ver you really need to check out both of them. There is good and bad in either type of RV. I have owned them all. TC, 5ver, TT, and MH. I can say I am less tired at the end of the day driving a MH. Plus when I park it is sure easier to set up than a 5ver and TT. Cost? When you get a completed unit, 5ver with tow vehicle or MH with a toad I'm not sure there is any difference in cost. $200K for a new MH mentioned in previous post? Probably a new DP would cost that much. A brand new good quality gas MH with a new toad behind it you are looking at about $130K. If you are looking at a brand new low end gas MH and new toad you are looking at approximately $100K. They are both easy to drive once you become familiar with them.

[JnJnKatiebug]

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.

[mpfireman]

The MH choice may involve an additional tow behind vehicle for those side trips you will always take. Plus an additional expense for that second unit. You have to compare storage space on both units. Any unit you choose will have to include a winter package.
A lot of people have trouble backing up a fiver. All it takes is practice. A fiver requires a truck capable of pulling your unit in varied road conditions, Mountain, ETC
It really boils down to personal choice. And comparing your outlay in $$$$,
I was a full time FF for 35 years, and also pulled a pop up for about 18 years prior to switching to a fiver 15 years ago. Loved the switch.

[2oldman]

5er vs MH 2012

[hone_eagle]

Cost here too,$ per square foot is a fraction of a motorhome,and when your 'living quarters' need revising due to life style or family changes you just replace the trailer ,the power train is still good.
Cheaper to work on,just suit us better ,I also drive large vehicals all day (school bus ) and would have no problem with a motorhome but truck and trailer is by far easier to get in to tight spots

[amandasgramma]

Motor home and toad (vehicle to tow) = two motors to maintain & insure
5th wheel involves large pickup for towing it = 1 motor to maintain and insure.

DH says our 5th wheel is easier to work with than the MH. I say it's easier to get in and out of........

[donn0128]

Cost is a bg factor. A decent MH new can coat 200K or more. Whereas a decent luxury fiver will top out around 100-125K. Throw in a suitable tow vehicle and you will end up around 175K. A MH has a drive train that needs to be maintained, plus the drive train of the toad you will need to bring along. Add maintenance and repairs like 600 dollars each for tires on a larger MH, and cost per mile can run up really fast. A quality fiver has no drive train. Although you will need to adjust brakes and grease wheel bearings about once a year. Do you plan on going to one place and sitting for a week or so? Or moving every day or two? That also can play into your decision.