Consider moving from a 5th wheel to a small class c

We have a 5th wheel and a TC. We are using the TC most of the time. I would not rule out TC's because of cost if your willing to to look far and wide and willing to buy used. I couldn't be happier with my used TC which was almost in perfect condition. I paid IIRC 5500. Its big and has large holding tanks dry shower and lots of storage. But certainly not the space of a C. We used to own a Class C also. We would travel with no toad usually and with the kids it was really handy having everything with us at all times. At first my wife complained about the TC vs the 5th wheel. But after we took a 10 day trip she agreed the TC was much handier for road tripping. We could stop where ever she wanted to. JMHO

I have a Four Winds 28A MH that is really about 31' long. I find it much better to park the MH at the CG and use the toad for sightseeing.

As many others have said, it depends on your camping style.

I had 5th wheels for the last 15 years and switched to a 24 foot sprinter based unit two years ago. Love the ease of driving and parking the motor home. I do tow a Smart Car often and really enjoy this combo. Now for the rest of the story. Looks as if most of our 6 Grandchildren want and with home schooling have the ability to travel with us often. So have started shopping for a larger class A motor home. If just two and maybe 3 the smaller class C was a great choice for us. Hate to go bigger but do enjoy every moment we spend with our kids and grand kids.
Good Luck
Bad Bob
Really hate to sale the Smart but may just keep it

There certainly are benefits to every camper style. Having gone from tents to a trailer, to a 30 ft trailer, to a 30' 5er, to a truck camper to a 29' Winnebago Minnie Class C, I can give some personal insights.

Going from the 5er to truck camper was the biggest negative adjustment. The tightness, climbing up into bed, lack of a toilet and lack of storage were the downsides. Maybe if we had still been in our 30s we would have liked the truck camper.

With the Class C Minnie, we had to get use to not having the large front storage of the 5er, instead we have numerous smaller basement storage. We like that the house is cooled or heated (depending on the season). so when we stop it is comfortable to eat or rest. We also like traveling and hauling better in the Class C as oppose to the 5er.

If we stayed in one place for a month, it makes no difference what we have a trailer, 5er or class C, but staying in one place isn't our style right now.

We like not having to have a 250 pickup (needed for the 5er) for our daily driver. Instead, now we have a Ford 150, and use a Honda CRV for a towad and daily drivers. We only haul a boat to areas within 150 miles, so we use our Ford 150 and drive separate.

Sometimes you have to try a method to see if it is for you, in the time of your life. We would not have liked a motor home, trailer etc back when we were in our 20s and liked to backpack. :-)

Likes to tow wrote:
We owned 4 truck campers through the early years and loved the ability to take a boat or tour new places. When I retired 12 years ago we switched to a 5th wheel and have now owned two. When traveling to new destinations I find myself worrying about a suitable campsite. Can I get in and the problem of traveling back roads and small towns. Just thinking about moving back to a nimble class C under 24 feet. Has anybody done this?? What are your thoughts?? I want another truck camper but the price is profane for what you are getting and the wife is reluctant to give up her cabinet and storage space. Appreciate any opinions......

Just went through the same thing..Was looking for either a pickup camper or a small C..After looking at many and having owned both prior,we decided on a 21ft Class C..About the same length as a long bed double cab pickup with more room than any pickup camper I have seen.

I too wanted a another pickup camper and still do,I guess it's in my blood but my C has the clearance of a 3/4 HD 2500 pickup and I can park or go where ever without the worries I had with fifth wheels and long trailers and when I pull over, it's ready to use right now without leaving the cab..

donn0128 wrote:
Buy what fits your lifestyle.

What he said. When you travel do you always just stay at the camp ground? I use to have a class C for many years. The biggest pain was to try and find a parking place to see the sights. It was such a relief when I bought the 5er and could just use my truck to travel around and see the sights. Going to the grocery store or just to town. I think a C would be perfect if all you do is sit in camp. Lots of folks do that and I think that looks like fun too. But that's not what I do so I don't think changing to a C would work for me.

We have a 24/25 foot class c and really like it. No toad is used for most all trips. It is our roving hotel and we boondock a lot without worry of finding a place. WE are never closed out of rv parks.

We have been thinking about the same move, we currently have a 35 foot 5th wheel and have enjoyed it for 8 years, last year we started looking at C's but have yet to find one that we would give up what we have with the fifth wheel which is storage and a residential floor plan, almost every C floor plan has you sitting and having to look sideways to see the television or it is directly in front of you but you have to clear off you kitchen counter top to see the TV, not much creativity in the floor plans of the current class C's unless you get into the super C's and even then they are pretty much the same problems. also looked at small A's but did not like the way they handled when driving and in both the C's and The A's the quality was lacking , most everything we looked at hand broken parts and mechanical issues sitting on the dealers lot . For now we are sticking with the fifth wheel but if I did change now I think it would be a born free coach or if I hit the lotto maybe a dynamax. Good luck in your plans.

Buy what fits your lifestyle.