Analysis Paralysis...Class A vs 5th wheel for family

[jlud]

Ok, havent been on here in a while, but we keep going back and forth, going absolutely nowhere while the kids get older..want to get something this year for sure....need to pick, and appreciate input...

Heres our situation...4 young kids, oldest being 9. Probably have time for 2 week long trips in the summer, and up to 14 days or so around Christmas, plus the holiday weekends and a few extra long weekends here or there. Our kids love being outdoors, we have never owned our own camper before, but families had growing up. Would be mostly in the midwest, but want to make sure we can get around in the mountains should we choose to. I would visualize us for our week trips splitting them into a few stops of a couple days each.

Right now, we have pretty much ruled out a travel trailer, and our looking at going with a most likely gas Class A or a new F250 diesel and fiver. Here is the breakdown as I see it...

Class A - Nice view, great for travelling with kids...wife is a clean freak, our own bathroom, avoid numerous stops, snacks as needed, pullover if needed, access to all things while moving, kids play games etc. To me, this seems like the trip would be half the fun for the kids, and they are all not sitting on top of me in a crew cab.

Also, would think easy set up at camp grounds, auto level and bobs your uncle. Cost is a consideration, but something like a brand new Georgetown 351DS entry level, or maybe even a bit more and Winnie 35B or Tiffin 35QBA, something with bunks for the kids and maybe even a bunk over the front seats. This leaves us not really having to make any beds up either. Also, generator and ability to dry camp easy.

Bad part would be cant go anywhere without a toad, or driving a separate car for local trips until we make sure we are good at packing all we need. Im not sure I see any other cons with this unit, perhaps maintenance and tires.

5th wheel - This requires me to buy a new truck (45ish) and then the unit itself. We were thinking a Toy Hauler model with the electric queens in the back, figured that way we have some options with the room, and can move beds out of way when not needed, good space if we get a toy down the road.

Pros to this would be ability to unhook and have a vehicle to drive around with. The truck would be a daily driver as well. Can get with a generator but adds a bit to cost, overall probably the same total cost or maybe a little less depending on the models.

Trailers should store better as well in the winter, but then probably wouldnt take on a winter trip. Cheaper on insurance and plates? Not really sure here..

Cons - biggest concern is having 6 people in a crew cab truck on a trip. Kids can drive me nuts at that close range with stress of trailer adding. A bit longer set up time.

So long story short, from those of you in similar situations that maybe went one way vs the other...if you could do it again what would you do? Other suggestions? Its only money, right 🙂

[Z71_4x4]

jlud wrote:
One other topic I thought of....I did say my wife is a neat freak...I cant imagine her taking our kids to a shower house, she would want to use our setup for that and our bathrooms exclusively. Water discipline is not her or the kids strong points, so that did concern me, especially if we did do some short duration dry camping. I was thinking tank capacity would be important for us, as well as water heater.

LOL. Sounds very similar again. My motorhome has 76 gal fresh water. It should be enough to last just my wife an myself for 3-4 days very easily. Well, she freaks out on a 2-3 day dry camping trip and ends up asking me at least twice a day if we're running too low. Funny, when dry camping I usually end up doing dishes because she is too afraid of using the water.

The 6 gal hot water heater we have is both electric and propane. When hooked up I use the elec heater and then at shower time I throw the propane on. On our three week trip with five adults we never had any problems. Water management is a no brainer when using full hookups and simple training (Navy shower) will be required when dry camping. The hot water will usually heat back up in the time required to dry and get dressed.

[jlud]

Good thought on staying up while kids go to bed....didn't think about it that way. Not sure that's a deal breaker, but something to look at. I did like that toy hauler flexibility, just cramming 6 in truck. Good points on what's more important....traveling comfortable vs comfort while there.

[hotbyte]

willald wrote:
...However, you have 4 kids. That is why I keep saying, you will be happier in something that has 4 bunks for the kids, a quad bunkhouse setup. You cannot get that (4 separate bunks) in any Motorhome, without stepping up a LOT in $$ to a bus conversion.

I've not really looked at MH based toy haulers but with some the 5'er toy haulers I've seen, the toy garage could be a great place for building out bunks and stuff for kids.

[willald]

jlud wrote:
Also if I got an A it would be a bunkhouse model so I think room for sleeping would be ok, drop down bunk up front as well so one on couch.

Yes, that'd work with 3 kids, 'cause you'd have 3 bunks - 2 in the back, and the one above the cab. You can actually get that arrangement in both Class A motorhomes as well as in some Class C units.

However, you have 4 kids. That is why I keep saying, you will be happier in something that has 4 bunks for the kids, a quad bunkhouse setup. You cannot get that (4 separate bunks) in any Motorhome, without stepping up a LOT in $$ to a bus conversion.

If you have to put one kid on a couch or dinette, you have to make and un-make that couch into a bed and back to a couch every day. Trust me, that will get old after a while. Not only that, but what I REALLY hate about that arrangement, and the reason I won't do it: Once children go to bed, adults no longer have a place to relax inside. You either have to stay outside, or go to bed when they do, basically.

Thats why I still think you're best off with a quad bunkhouse TT and an adequate tow vehicle that offers 3 rows of seating. Everyone will be happier that way, IMO.

Will

[jlud]

One other topic I thought of....I did say my wife is a neat freak...I cant imagine her taking our kids to a shower house, she would want to use our setup for that and our bathrooms exclusively. Water discipline is not her or the kids strong points, so that did concern me, especially if we did do some short duration dry camping. I was thinking tank capacity would be important for us, as well as water heater.

Again, lots of great feedback and thinking points, thank you all very much!

[jlud]

My desire for a class A isn't status. Felt roomier than a C, and I like the big view out front when driving. Maybe I am wrong but thinking safer in an A than a C but maybe it's not accurate.

From a practical sense a C with auto level provides a lot of value and checks a lot of boxes. Agreed that kids will love it no matter what it is, and that's a great way to look at it.

[Z71_4x4]

jlud wrote:
Also if I got an A it would be a bunkhouse model so I think room for sleeping would be ok, drop down bunk up front as well so one on couch.

Lots of really nice class C's out there too! Same thing is accomplished, everything inside and no hauling stuff to and from the tow vehicle. I bet you could pick up a nice newer used unit for just a little more than a new truck would cost.

I hear you on letting the RV sit. I was concerned with that too but we manage to get out at least once every two months and usually more often than that. Its really a matter of what fits you and what you can afford comfortably. It does no good to buy a nice rig then not be able to go out and use it.

Pick something that's affordable and simply be happy with it. Your kids WILL NOT care one way or another and THEY WILL have fun camping no matter what you drive or pull. No matter which you pick, great memories will be made.

[JimM68]

Wow and great thread.

Logically, a van or big suv pulling a bunkhouse TT makes a lot of sense.

But I like my class A. If you do too, then find a way to make it work.

[Aridon]

All in how much you'll be traveling with it.

Fiver is best for livability by and far. You'll also have a better floor plan selection.

MH is best when you're on the road.


Ask yourself how much will you be on the road, get a number and then compare that to how much you'll be setup.

Setup. I see people act like a MH is so much easier. They all can have auto levelers, poop hose, power hose, water hose etc. Fifth hitches are much easier and faster to drop than a toad. Backing in a fiver is more difficult but is easy once you learn to not over turn the truck while backing. They are more of a wash if you ask me unless you are adverse to learning how to back up correctly.

Truck vs toad. Each has benefits although the toad is the better around town. Is it THAT MUCH BETTER? I really don't think so. Then again I drive a decent sized motor home so the truck is pretty tiny comparatively. Really not a big deal its one of those over blown benefits.


Best way to pick is to count the days you'll be on the road. My guess is it will be tiny. Compare to how many days you'll be in the unit and then decide if you want livability or on the road comfort. With the exception of the toilet you can bring most of that comfort in a cooler or in a portable tablet / tv / blu ray.

Of course you have the "but its a CLASS A" crowd who equate some kind of status with their rig. If you might be one of those then maybe you don't want to be a filthy peasant in a towable. Personally i think its ridiculous.

[jlud]

Also if I got an A it would be a bunkhouse model so I think room for sleeping would be ok, drop down bunk up front as well so one on couch.

[jlud]

Awesome feedback. Cost on A actually more affordable when you look at just a payment....bad idea I know but I could only pay cash for the truck or trailer not both...and I have a 2nd vehicle for work. I do worry about maintenance only running an A once in a while. Diesel truck would get more use but short 22 minute trips to work and back.

[matt7591]

The best answer as previously stated is option C - van and trailer. A few notes:

* No need to buy a new vehicle if will be used mainly for camping. It doesn't sound like money is a huge concern but a $20-$30k used diesel vehicle should have excellent performance and reliability.

* There absolutely is no perfect solution in some cases. This has been hard for me in my RV pursuits. I've been from popups to toy hauler, to travel trailer, to Trailmanor to motorhome (Class C). Unfortunately there is no configuration to date which has totally satisfied me. However, if I were in exactly your situation, the van and trailer would be an excellent "least squares" fit.

* Van - an extended passenger van would allow the youngsters to spread out and invite friends. More room for the family dog if you have one. Additional storage can be had on the roof or in the TT. The van is also great or family trips without a TT. A large SUV can also do this but not as well as a van.

* TTs will have more configurations with bunkhouses - which is exactly what you need. Don't underestimate the benefit of having full time beds. In fact, I would value full time beds higher than the benefit of motorhome convenience compared to the need to hitch/unhitch, etc.

Try to test a number of units out and rent a motorhome before you buy - if only for a weekend. Then you'll have a much better view of your wants/needs.

[Z71_4x4]

jlud,

I could write so much about this topic but would bore everyone to death. I’ll try to keep it short.

Having had a toyhauler and (still) having a 3/4 ton diesel, we bought a bunkbed motorhome really late, after our kids were almost grown. DW has said many times “wish we could have had this when the kids were little”.

IMHO, If you can afford it, go with the class A and tow a car, you won't regret it. Some of our reasons: Using the restroom while traveling, having everything inside same compartment, being able to move around and change seats, having lunch and snacks while traveling, using the restroom while traveling, easy setup and easy breakdown for travel, not confined to two or three rows in vehicle, using the restroom while traveling. See a common theme here? LOL Trust me, that alone is worth the price of admission.

On our first ever three week vacation we went coast to coast with my wife, our adult daughter, two large dogs, and my two in-laws. We could NOT have done that in my truck.

PS. My wife is also a clean freak and LOVES to vacuum while I'm driving. She says it saves time so she can enjoy the campgrounds with me. She even uses the crock-pot while traveling. You arrive and dinner is ready!!

Good luck with your decision and remember, your kids are only young for a short time so enjoy it while you can!!

[smarty]

fiver

[jlud]

This is great information. I thought the c was practical, but the A has that sex appeal...