RV transition (5er to Motorhome)

[GreenSalsa]

Minor question for the board.

I just made the transition from driving a F350 and towing a 40ft 5er (sold last May) to driving a 43ft Motorhome towing a Ford Escape (picking up on Monday).

From other people that have made the transition (5er to Motorhome) what is the biggest challenge you had and why?

I am thinking driving will be a big one, camp set up will be another, but I don't know yet. Just trying to understand / anticipate those differences a little early so I can get smart on those topics early.

Thanks

[dezolen]

We have 10x more outdoor storage in our class A than our old 2008 33' 5th wheel.
I even have 2 empty bays and carry way more than I ever did before

[LenSatic]

GreenSalsa wrote:

SnugHarbor wrote:
We had used the truck bed for extras and had not...

I JUST discovered that myself when I realized I had NO WHERE to put my fire pit and a couple of bundles of wood!

Don't forget the Escape. Does it have a hitch reciever that you can put a cargo carrier on? Or a roof rack?

LS

[GreenSalsa]

SnugHarbor wrote:
We had used the truck bed for extras and had not...

I JUST discovered that myself when I realized I had NO WHERE to put my fire pit and a couple of bundles of wood!

[SnugHarbor]

We traded our truck and 5er for a Class A when we started full timing one year ago. We tow a Ford Edge.
We found driving with the 5er was more stable - wind doesn't bounce you around as much.
Set up at the campground is faster with the class a and backing in is easier. Just have to unhook toad, which we flat tow.
Went from a 30ft 5er (1 slide) to a 40ft Class A (3 slides)and were surprised to find we have less storage space in the Class A. More living space, though. We had used the truck bed for extras and had not fully appreciated how much of the under-the-coach storage areas are consumed by utilities - the propane tank, electrical panels, and aqua-hot until we started loading up.
We changed how we travel a little - stopping at a centrally located place then taking day trips instead of going to a place, sight seeing, then moving on.
Travel safe.

[GreenSalsa]

Thanks all again. Just got home. After driving the rig 150+ miles! drove like a dream (I only hit the rumble strips 2 times)!

[et2]

http://youtu.be/c6WPXEuxzNc

http://youtu.be/6SQFaNeUzCg


http://youtu.be/QBufJIjBfJU


Oh, and don't back up with tow bars attached to toad. 🙂

[et2]

Remember to use your hips as the point in which to start turning your steering wheel in the direction you wish to go. This means pulling out into the intersection more than you think is necessary. If you don't your going to hit something or ride the curb. Also the tail swing. I really have to watch pulling away from the gas pumps where I get gas. I have to make a immediated turn to the right. I barely clear getting by the pumps at the rear of the coach because of the tail swing.

Remembering the engine needs to be on when opening or closing the slides. Dumping the air bags before leveling ( and raising before leaving). Doing a walk around and make sure all the jacks retract before leaving.

Adjusting air pressure in tires to match coach weight. Making load as even as possible in the bays. More bugs to clean off windshield :B. Knowing your maintenance frequency and keeping it up. Learning the operating systems and how to use them, like when to purge the air tanks, filter changes on air driers, air brakes and operation, etc. There is definitely more systems to understand than your fiver & truck combo. But your gonna love it. Your driving a bus, not a pickup truck. That's a nice rig your getting, you're not going to regret it.

[GreenSalsa]

Thanks all for the input. I should be picking up the Rig tomorrow from the dealer.

[GreenSalsa]

rondeb wrote:
I just noticed that you said you were picking up a Ford Escape to use as your Toad.

We are NOT picking up an Escape, just using the one we have paid off. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I am aware of the issue and have purchased a tow dolly.

This was a hard decision for us, use our current vehicle (our Escape is paid off and is in great shape) or buy another vehicle that can be towed four wheels down and have another car payment.

We decided to keep our Escape, wait another couple of years, and then purchase a vehicle that can be towed four wheels down. Realistically, I will only be using the rig 4-6 months over two years (hopefully) and couldn't justify the cost of another vehicle.

[prstlk]

Remember that your front wheels are under you, good turns take a different approach.
Had em both all good.
Jw

[rondeb]

I just noticed that you said you were picking up a Ford Escape to use as your Toad. If you are planning on towing this 4 down, it will not be covered under warranty. I believe it was beginning with the 2011 or 2012 models, even though the owners manual says they can, they sent out a sheet of paper to add to the owners manual that it can not be towed 4 down. We purchased one a couple years ago and then they unwound the deal because they told us we could and then the factory said no and they wouldn't warrant it. The Escape's transmission was not changed during that year, they just changed the rules as they had problems with transmissions not standing up to the towing and were replacing transmissions. There is a number of threads on the Escape and the issues. Not trying to throw a wrench in your deal, but just letting you know.

Found this thread - You might want to do a Ford Escape search for additional ones

Ford Escape thread

[Oilbrnr]

I'm transitioning from various bumper pulls (last being a 28' Airstream) to what I have in the sig. I find the MH much easier and quicker to setup and teardown. The biggest caveat is planning ahead when pulling into spots with the toad connected. Not that you didn't have to pay attention with a TT, but there is little to no chance of backing up. Oh, and staying far enough left in the lane.

Other than that, it is so nice to hit the auto level button, open the slides and be done, well other than hookups if needed.

[Ivylog]

Ron hit on over steering it. Because of the longer wheelbase it takes longer to respond than your PU. With practice you will be amaze how little movement of the steering wheel it takes. ENJOY

[2oldman]

5er vs MH 2013