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I think I made a mistake.

praisetoGod
Explorer
Explorer
After thinking about it for almost a year, we bought a 42.5 foot fifth wheel in February. This is our second camper. We didn’t think it was too big the year that we were looking and thinking about it, but now, as we maneuver it and travel with it, I think it is. My wife still really likes it, but I’m pulling it and it’s stressful for me. We only fill up at truck stops, but between stops when the kids need to go to the bathroom you can’t just pull this beast over anywhere. I’m getting better at backing up this triple axel 5th wheel, but I’ve started to think that a 35 motorhome would be a better fit. I’m curious if you’ve gone from a large fifth wheel to a motorhome and regretted that move, or gone from a motorhome to a fifth wheel and had any regrets.
35 REPLIES 35

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Explorer
We had two 5ers, didn't like hitching up either one, didn't like loosing our truck box to the hitch.
We went from a 25' TT to the mountain aire, we loved it from day one.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.

2gypsies1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Does your wife drive it and is she comfortable doing so? If not, and you're stressed out with such a big 5th wheel then, yes, you made a mistake.

To make your trips more enjoyable I think I'd downsize into something more comfortable for you. You will take a big loss on it if you bought new.

This could be a safety factor if you get so anxious driving and parking it. A monetary loss would be better than an accident.

Good luck with your decision.
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
I figure it is apple to oranges.
If you camp short distance and stay for several days, trailer is way cheaper and leaves you with pickup to drive around.
When you drive every day and want to cover 7000 miles in a month, you can't beat motorhome especially when with kids.
But that will cost you not only in $$$ but also in your family safety.
Any motorhome that will give you accident protection equal to truck cabin will cost you more than your stick house.

et2
Explorer
Explorer
When starting decades ago from a 29' TT - 40' fivers to. 42' MH. If we have the money in our future will be a 45' tag axle MH. I find as we've aged we enjoy larger MH style resorts anyway. Most are pull thru. I really joy driving so it doesn't bother me. But I've found slowing down makes it a lot less stressful.

But I made sure I had the best towing platform I could too. Our was a 1 ton dually diesel. The only thing that bothered me was hooking and unhooking the fiver. That part was the most stressful for me. We had a mishap once and it bother me so bad it was part of the reason I bought the MH.

timmac
Explorer
Explorer
I use to camp with trailers/5th wheels than moved into a small class C than into motorhomes and as far as I am concerned motorhomes rule.

However trading in your new 5th wheel now you will be taking a bath on trade in value, also never believe anyone that bigger is better.

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
5er vs MH 2013

MH change to 5th 5er 2015
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman