From a class A to a 5th wheel

[danrn]

Hi,
I have had three class A motorhomes over the years. My present one is a 38 footer. I feel very confident with my motorhome, and knock on wood; I have never had any issues. My wife on the other hand has become uncomfortable traveling in the motorhome, mostly due to winds. Sometimes I will try to sedate her with Benadryl when I know we will be hitting winds. So, on our last trip we talked about this and I suggested looking into a 5th wheel. I have heard that 5’ers don’t feel the wind as much as a motorhome, and the ride in a pickup truck would be smoother, quieter, and stabiler. If I did get a 5’er I believe I would want at least a 38 footer or longer.
I have so many questions, but I will just ask a general question. What should I consider going from a class A to a 5’er, and is the information I heard about 5’ers true that I mentioned in the above paragraph? Thanks in advance for your information.

[Cummins12V98]

larry barnhart wrote:
We call the smart car this "dumb ass car"
chevman

That's a good one!

They really are a pathetic little car that get's crappy mileage (with the gas engine) for the weight.

We have friends that full time with an KZ 36' and a Ram Dually. They also have a tiny little tin can car that she drives when they move camp. That is all they drive when camped, they think they are saving money.

I know they are not saving a penny when you think about depreciation, the insurance, maintenance. The biggest thing in my book is why they hell risk your life while you are not saving a penny.

I like my BIG daily driver truck!

[larry_barnhart]

We call the smart car this "dumb ass car"
chevman

[Cummins12V98]

Bumpyroad wrote:

slarsen wrote:
on. And bumpy: your mention of preferring to hit a little car is kinda funny. I didn't know any of us get to choose our accidents. I'd prefer that scenario, too. Beats a roll-over.

I'd make match sticks out of any tiny vehicle, which is what I will be aiming at.
I modified my "I brake for tailgaters" bumper sticker to read, "I aim at Smart Cars".
bumpy

I always wanted to get some stickers that say "NOT SO" and stick them on those stupid little Smart Cars.

So then it will tell the whole story "NOT SO...SMART CAR"

I guess if you don't value your life they are fine. I just know it won't be pretty if I run over one with my Dually.

[Bumpyroad]

slarsen wrote:
on. And bumpy: your mention of preferring to hit a little car is kinda funny. I didn't know any of us get to choose our accidents. I'd prefer that scenario, too. Beats a roll-over.

I'd make match sticks out of any tiny vehicle, which is what I will be aiming at.
I modified my "I brake for tailgaters" bumper sticker to read, "I aim at Smart Cars".
bumpy

[slarsen]

I wouldn't make the decision on a 5th vs. a MH based only on 'safety.' That is only one factor in the equation. Size of investment, the cost of maintaining the equipment, and other personal preferences are entirely valid, too.

I just mentioned safety because it hadn't been mentioned, and I think it is a valid part of the consideration. And bumpy: your mention of preferring to hit a little car is kinda funny. I didn't know any of us get to choose our accidents. I'd prefer that scenario, too. Beats a roll-over.

[silvercorvette]

Bumpyroad wrote:
how is it that I drove a Class A all those years and none of these "dire" events happened to me?
bumpy

I wish you had not said that, because I had thought about trading my 5th for an "A" a few years from now and I was almost talked out of it. There are a lot of advantages to a 5th over an "A" and as I already mentioned I have been afraid to step inside and "A" because I may wind up liking it too much. But unless I win a few million I just don't have the money to spend right now.

[Bumpyroad]

how is it that I drove a Class A all those years and none of these "dire" events happened to me?
bumpy

[Jloucks]

I have driven both. 5th wheels are less scary.

Of course 'scary' is a matter of opinion. That 5th wheel blows over while attached to the truck and you're still gonna have a scary day. (It can bring the tow vehicle with it).

Yes, what you have heard is true.

[aspen2008]

One thing to realize is there is not dead space with a 5th wheel. A 38' 5th wheel would be like having a 42' MH. You need to check out some 38' 5th wheels to see how much room you have before going any bigger.

[hone_eagle]

And I would also rather be in my 'motorhome ' if any car hits me.

[Bumpyroad]

somehow I would rather be in my Class A motor home if it hits a smart car.
bumpy

[hone_eagle]

Trucks have to be ' passenger rated' motorhomes are not ,with the exception of Bluebird ,Prevost and ,maybe Newell.
Roof crush,air bags crash tests - nada on motorhomes,crash one and it will turn back into match sticks.

[slarsen]

I haven't noted that anyone mentioned the one thing that sets a truck/5th wheel combo apart from a MH: safety.

About all that federal regulations get you in a MH is seat belts and safety glass in the windshield. No crash tests, no NHTSA oversight, no air bags (I think) and certainly not side air bags . . . etc. Trucks, on the other hand, tend to be very safe.

Take a look at motor homes that have been in collisions. It isn't pretty. Huge windshields, and aluminum and fiberglass bodies provide poor protection.

[Cummins12V98]

et2 wrote:

DRM796 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

silvercorvette wrote:
Thanks for posting this I am very happy with my 5th wheel set up but had thoughts of getting an "A" in a few years. As a matter of fact I have been afraid to step inside of an "A" because I may like it too much. In a couple more years I would like to visit Alaska and thought making the trip in an "A" would be nice, now I appreciate what I have a lot more.

PS I have been un-hooked from my 5th for over a week and the truck ride is real harsh without the extra weight of the RV sitting in the truck bed. When I am hooked up the truck rides great but when you un-hook it is not a pleasant ride.

Run your rear tires at 45psi when unloaded! I have a similar truck and mine rides like a limo!

I run 55psi loaded with 4,500# pin weight and is where it should be based on weight chart.

Tire psi makes a huge difference in ride quality. Also if you have air bags run them at 5 psi unloaded.

Change your shocks to Bilstien's Blue and Yellow forget the #.

Some one once told me that running your tires at the lower pressure when unloaded would create the sidewalls to wear quicker due to the extra flexing at the lower pressure. So I have me rear tires at 80 psi and it is like riding on bricks. Does any when know how much truth if any to what I was told. Would much rather ride at the lower pressure when not pulling.

I had mine lower. I did notice the outer edges wearing faster. Particularly in the front. Once I raised the pressure it has stopped additional advanced wear. The cummins engine is heavy. That might be my reason for the wear

I am talking lowering the REAR tires on a dually when unloaded. I leave my front at 80psi all the time.