Moving from a 5ver to Class C?

[Gigem]

We’ve owned our 5th wheel for 13 years and it was one of the best investments of our life. Having visited 48 states including Alaska, I couldn’t begin to detail all the wonderful adventures we’ve had with our Hitchhiker. In life nothing stays constant, age and some health issues have started us considering downsizing to a Class C. I know in the world of RVs there are many tradeoffs, price, space, convenience etc. I’d be interesting in hearing from other RVers that may have taken this same route. Is a Class C a bit less physical demanding than a 5er? For those of you that have made the move, has it been a good experience?

[dennislanier]

We went from a 34 foot Fiver to a 31 foot Class C about 3 years ago. As others have mentioned there are advantages/disadvantages to each. For me, I am more comfortable (physically and mentally) driving the C than a big pickup towing the fiver. Especially when it is time to "park" the rig. I was never great at backing up the fiver to fit a tight spot, but have no problem at all with the C. Also there seems to be less work and things to remember when setting up/breaking down the Class C. I have not experienced the anxiety some have mentioned about having to backup with the toad attached. Just have to be very careful where you go. As far as space is concerned, I wish I had my big shower from the fiver. There is less living space in the C but there is only the two of us so it is no big deal. If we had others who traveled with us it could be a problem. Anyway it is more of a personal preference. Just get something you are comfortable/confident with and have fun.

[avan]

Prior rig was a 40' fiver pulled with a International MDT and current rig is a C pulling a toad. I don't find hookup that much different in time or effort. If I had to pick, I think probably the fiver hookup was a bit easier. The turning radius of the fiver/MDT was significantly tighter. I could do a U turn in 2.5 lanes if I needed to. In comparison, the MH/toad combo seems to need 2.5 miles :). Backup, of course, was a lot easier with the 5ver combo and I never felt any wind effect. That said, I am enjoying the downsized rig immensely.

[ron_dittmer]

My signature shows our 23'-8" rig HERE with Jeep in-tow. My wife will drive it almost anywhere as long as I am in the co-pilot seat, but she is quick to volunteer only on interstates.

[Pops]

Use to have an "A",34' long, wife drove it one time, never again.
Got a "C", 26' now, I drive about 60% if time, she around 40% of time.
She drives on interstates, not mountain roads, doesn't matter with me.
However she's great as navigator, I get "car sick" looking down.(I'm better
now with GPS than maps).

[wbwood]

K Charles wrote:
The wife doesn't know if she wants to drive an A but she would drive a C even with a car in tow.

Last year on our way to Destin, I stopped at a rest area so I could use the bathroom. Was getting ready to leave and asked the wife if she wanted to drive it as she never had. She said yes. About 8 miles down the road, she pulled over and told me I could have it back. lol She gained respect from driving large rigs. She said she will never ask/complain about my driving it again...lol I told her how much easier it was to drive a 33' motorhome and tow a car than it was to drive an F250 crew cab pulling a TT that was 35' (bumper to hitch) long. Way bigger difference.

Towing a car behind the motorhome is good. I can't feel any difference. Just make sure you remember it's back there when turning and before backing up. The rear view camera is great and a must have.

[Gigem]

I appreciate all the comments that were offered. Most of the responses were what I would have expected and some feedback from those that have made the switch are always helpful when planning. Thanks again.

[Jayco-noslide]

Way easier to back into a site with our 30 ft motorhome than our 25 ft 5th wheel.

[johnnyrv]

our small 24' class c is much less work than our 26' tt was.

[AJR]

Went from TT to 36’ MH to 29’ class C. I really like only three built in steps to get in. Just getting out of the driver’s door is so nice compared to the MH. I gave up kitchen counter space and some shower room. I did not want the cab over bed. But it does make a great sun visor plus storage area. The floorplan has lots of storage inside and outside.

[Jayco-noslide]

We likewise had a small 5th wheel for 10 years and it was great but I sort of like change and we wanted a walk-around bed and onboard generator so last fall we bought a 2003, 30 ft. class C. We like it a lot but wife does not like change and it's not perfect. She doesn't like the kitchen as well but love the bedroom and larger shower and generator. One thing I don't like is the ever present anxiety about not being able to back up while towing the car. It doesn't matter if you tow all 4 wheels down or with a dolly, you can't back up without unhooking. But so far we've avoided getting into any messes.

[K_Charles]

We went from tent, pickup camper, pop-up, and two TT. This year in April alone we stayed in 10 different campgrounds so we just started thinking of going g to a C. The wife doesn't know if she wants to drive an A but she would drive a C even with a car in tow. We could even live without a tow on some trips.
I'm going to watch this one and see what others think the pros and cons are.

[ron_dittmer]

Assuming downsizing into a tiny class C will be too drastic of a change for you, I would suggest you consider towing a car. Though it will add a little work in one area, it will be quite convenient otherwise.

To further the "Ease Of Operation" with any motor home, get hydraulic leveling jacks.

[Duck]

I just sold our 5th wheel and plan on buying a Class C in a few years. I like the Winnebago Aspect series.
Don

[Duck]

I just sold our 5th wheel and plan on buying a Class C in a few years. I like the Winnebago Aspect series.
Don