Anyone switch from a motor home to a fifth wheel?

[MookieKat]

If you have, would love to know the reasons why!

[larry_barnhart]

Our lady friend got up and lost the use of her new shoulder when the husband did a little wiggle and she hit the corner of the kitchen cabinet. Middle entry so the cabinet was a corner next to the steps.

chevman

[Michelle_S]

To add to the "Everything flyinng in a collision". You always here the MH folks talk about using the bathroom, making lunch, or getting a soda while traveling down the road. Sounds really nice, but how many times have you been cutoff requireing hitting the brakes hard. What happens to the person wandering around when the driver hits those brakes? And if you have traveled more that a few miles, you know it's not an "If", but more a "When", and it's not something you can plan on. Would hate to see that person going through that big front windowshield.

[larry_barnhart]

Every friend we have with a MH tell about the dollars to keep them on the road. Hard to believe some times. Almost $10,000 for a new radiator. 3rd one since 04. This last one was on them. I do believe the size of the wallet is everything. Stress level is very important for owning any rv.

chevman

[northmeck0255]

It's simple. MH's don't undergo NHTSA crash testing. Roll one over on a freeway off ramp and it turns to balsa wood.

My Ram has certified crash rating, multiple airbags, and seat restraints for all passengers.

The real problem with a motorhome collision is that all the junk inside the coach will fly forward in a crash - including cabinets, seats, appliances, contents of cabinet and drawers (including all the knives in your kitchen). And unbelted children in the back will fly forward until they hit you in the back of the head.

We owned a DP, and don't miss coughing up big $$$ on 12R22.5 truck tires, air brakes, or heavy diesel maintenance.

If you have, or can justify, a 1 ton diesel pickup the fiver is clearly the best "bang for the buck"!!

[Cummins12V98]

I have about 200K invested in this combo. To get a similar MH in quality I would spend at least 400K or more, then there is the expense of a hitch and toad. I would assume insurance would be more for the MH and Toad.

The comments I hear most from the husband why a MH they will say they like seeing out ahead while driving. MH owners that have owned a 5er will say they miss all the room in a 5er. Most people I have talked to will say they prefer a 5er after owning both of similar length and quality.

[magic43]

There are distinct advantages/disadvantages to each, most if not all of which have already been identified. We went from a TT to a Class C, another Class C, then picked up an Outfitter TC, (which we still have) and now have a FW.

[mtofell1]

Both have great pros/cons. I've never owned a MH but have a close friend who did. Looking towards retirement and traveling more someday I think about this a lot. The best I can come up with is to question how it's going to be used. If you are just going to drive to one spot and stay put the 5th is probably better option. But is you plan to drive a lot and sight the class is pretty nice.

[pennysmom09]

Michelle.S wrote:
We didn't but our friends we travel with went full circle, first went thru two 5th Wheels, then two MH, gasser & DP, now gone thru two 5th wheels.
I don't understand some of the comments made, such as no generator, have had a generator in last 2 5ers, very quick and easy hookup, many 5ers now have auto leveling. When our friends had their DP with a Toad, we were generally in a tie pulling into a CG and getting setup. They had to unhook their Toad while we unhooked the TV, both auto level, put out slides, hookup electric, water, sewer, and push the button for the auto sat dish. Then time for a cold one.

Exactly!! It doesn't take "forever" to set up a 5th wheel. Easy peasy and we have lots of living space.

[Michelle_S]

We didn't but our friends we travel with went full circle, first went thru two 5th Wheels, then two MH, gasser & DP, now gone thru two 5th wheels.
I don't understand some of the comments made, such as no generator, have had a generator in last 2 5ers, very quick and easy hookup, many 5ers now have auto leveling. When our friends had their DP with a Toad, we were generally in a tie pulling into a CG and getting setup. They had to unhook their Toad while we unhooked the TV, both auto level, put out slides, hookup electric, water, sewer, and push the button for the auto sat dish. Then time for a cold one.

[gmw_photos]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Where is 'janegowest'

....her alter ego has her held hostage in the garage.....;)

[SabreCanuck]

Devocamper wrote:
We almost went the other way but for many of the reasons already mentioned we stayed with our truck and fifth wheel the two main reasons were lack of quality in the A 's we look which were high end gas and entry level DP''s considering the price points and lack of residential floor plans not much creativity in class a floor plans . Just our thoughts good luck

Our thoughts as well. Apples to apples. Fifth/truck combo was still better bang for buck.

Will revisit the decision in 5 years though 🙂

[Devocamper]

We almost went the other way but for many of the reasons already mentioned we stayed with our truck and fifth wheel the two main reasons were lack of quality in the A 's we look which were high end gas and entry level DP''s considering the price points and lack of residential floor plans not much creativity in class a floor plans . Just our thoughts good luck

[janegowest]

JTrac wrote:
I think it's pretty ingenious to reverse the question for the motorhome crowd. You get answers from both sides that way. Not sure your motive though, unless you are debating between the two.

Yes!! I am enjoying this discussion! I had started a similar thread in the past. It's kind of making me wonder if we should reconsider a motor home...

[aruba5er]

Less insurance.
down close to $600
Less maintaince
one less engine to oil tune etc
License
down around $150
More interior room
Bad part of fiver, MH is easier to park

[bgum]

Reduced insurance as we also towed Jeep. We went from 2 daily drivers + motorhome and Jeep to 2 daily drivers one of which pulled the 5th.