motor home vs fifth wheel

My opinion is that if you travel lots of miles yearly and lots of actual days on the highway, then a motor home makes sense. If you do not travel extensively, or only expect to be actually on the road 10-20 days per year and let the RV sit for the remaining 345-355 days per year, then it doesn't.

BB_TX wrote:
My opinion is that if you travel lots of miles yearly and lots of actual days on the highway, then a motor home makes sense. If you do not travel extensively, or only expect to be actually on the road 10-20 days per year and let the RV sit for the remaining 345-355 days per year, then it doesn't.

Excellent advise - MH about double the cost of a 5th wheel - does not make sense for it to sit

Just curious, why would you need to "upsize". Couldn't you just continue using your current outfitted rig? Now, if you are wanting to move into a MH, then there is your difference.

I see 2 choices: Keep what you currently have, or go Motor Home.

(I think you want to go Motor Home though ... I just get a feeling from your post). (Keep your current tow vehicle for a toed with that new MH). :B

Motor Home you'll need a toad to trips to the stare, site seeing ect of pack up everything and use the MH. Two engines to maintain. Likely less sq footage than a 5W.

5W tow to camp spot, drop and use truck for what you want to do and you don't have to pack until you move. 1 engine to maintain.

JMHO

MH arrival at site process:

Press Auto Level
Press slide out extends
Turn off engine
Press SATV dish to "on"
Open residential fridge for cold beer and relax in A/C comfort
Attach utilities when desired

janstey58 wrote:
MH arrival at site process:

Press Auto Level
Press slide out extends
Turn off engine
Press SATV dish to "on"
Open residential fridge for cold beer and relax in A/C comfort
Attach utilities when desired

Works for us, since we got rid of our 5th wheel in 1981, 6 motorhomes ago. Set up is easy, tear down is quick.

BB_TX wrote:
My opinion is that if you travel lots of miles yearly and lots of actual days on the highway, then a motor home makes sense. If you do not travel extensively, or only expect to be actually on the road 10-20 days per year and let the RV sit for the remaining 345-355 days per year, then it doesn't.

+1 of course

After I retired, we began camping a lot more. We are primarily 'destination' campers so the trip to and from our destination are usually just a series of one night stops. We tried, then quit, using a toad as it makes pulling into stops so much harder. A Walmart or Cracker Barrel always has a double length spot the MH easily fits into and making a mistake where I have to back out is not an issue. If we will be staying at our destination any amount of time, we rent a car. The "MH arrival at site process" says it for me!

Besides all who bring up that you should think about how you plan to travel there are other issues to think about.
If you have all the money in the world and can afford a top end MH for $$$$ go for it. A 5th wheel and new dully diesel tow vehicle can also go big bucks. Now if you are not going to buy new other issues come up.

We have been full timing for many years in our 09 NuWa 38 ft Discover America 5th wheel and thought about moving to a diesel pusher motorhome. Why, because OK so I am vain and wanted to travel with like the big boys.
So we start to go looking on the internet for units to buy. Well, we are not made of money but not poor either so we're looking at mid-2000 units. Like 2006 or so. The price range was not too bad and after much research found several issues with older MHs. Like trailing arms that need to be replaced and steering box movement problems. All seems things that should have been fixed by the previous owners. THEN the big issue came up...
Full Body Paint Checking. You ask what is that. I did a search and found...
The thin plywood that is covered with the fiberglass and then paint is off-gassing an acid that is bleeding out to the surface. It is caused by heat and shows up in the dark colors first.
So the bottom line is buyer beware if you are looking buying a full paint older MH. Look at it closely for paint problems. This may not show up for years so buy at your own risk. I am not saying don't buy but be aware of all the issues. Just google "paint checking" for more info.
The above thoughts were orig. posted on rv.net in the MH section.

Now, 5th wheels also have problems to think about. Most are fiberglass gel coat and add-on decals. Yep the decals will degrade and crack and curl over the years. And without waxing often oxidation will occur.
So both MHs and 5th wheels have issues that will show up over time.
In our case, we have found it much easier to deal with oxidation and decal problems than paint checking issues.
So have decided to replace our decals (got all new ones from the factory) on our 5th wheel and put in a residential refrigerator Samsung RF18.
As most people will tell you don't buy NEW, it will be in the shop more than you get to use it.
And when on the road and you call up any dealer for service they will tell you ya bring it in in 90 days. That's works well when you are full-timing.
Hope you find an RV that suits your needs and love it.