From a class A to a 5th wheel

danrn wrote:

ReneeG wrote:
We currently have a fifth wheel and we love it. Yes, with the right setup - tow vehicle and hitch, you will hardly feel it back there. With the wrong set-up, it will push you around, enough that it's unsettling. Before we bought our rig, we test drove a Class A and I didn't like the feeling. I thought for sure that I was going to get motion sick each time - it rocked and rolled. I'm sure we could've installed stabilizers to prevent it but that was more money. We opted to not buy the Class A because of the lack of storage space. Other things to consider it the hitching and backing. - it's going to be a learning curve and sometimes a challenge. You will not always find a pull through site. I've always thought that as we get older, a move to a Class C or Class A would be the choice for us for ease in getting in and out of sites for me, when my DH couldn't do it.

ReneeG, thanks for taking the time to address my questions. You mentioned having the right equipment. Could you provide a little more information on this.Although I have had three class A's over the years, I know little about 5th wheels.
Thanks

By the right equipment, I mean hitch and TV (Tow Vehicle). Invest in a good hitch, one that will be secure as well as give you a smooth ride. We have a Hensley BD3 TrailerSaver and just like their slogan says, "the name says it all". It prevents chucking and bucking. The other piece of equipment, the TV is very important. Make sure you have the right truck for the size of fifth wheel. When we first bought our fifth wheel, we had an F250 V10 SRW. Dealership said it would work but suggested airbags to level it. After a "butt pucker" factor of 10 going up and down hills, and blowing the air bag lines due to the pin weight, many times, we bit the proverbial bullet and bought an F350 (1 ton) DRW Diesel. What a difference! Plenty of power, no need for air bags, Tow Assist going down hill so all we have to do is tap the brakes to engage braking (really engine compression holding you back) and stability with the DRW. With the SRW, we would feel the unit sway a little, kind of a mushy feeling. With the DRW, the support and stability are there giving a solid feel going down the road. Hope this helps.