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

[lanerd]

MarkieBob wrote:
I agree with other comments except my owners manual says to extend slides first then level with jacks. Check what yours says

That's because you have a Monaco product with the 3 point jacks...only mfg to do it this way....so your exception only applies to Monaco, HR, Beaver, and Safari.

Ron

[J-Rooster]

What I liked is the back up camera. When your turning left or right around a object once you see that object in the back up camera it's O.K. to make your turn.

[MarkieBob]

I agree with other comments except my owners manual says to extend slides first then level with jacks. Check what yours says

[Wrong_Lane]

Its funny in a way that you ask about driving a motorhome vs a 5th wheel. I drive a good size motorhome and always wonder how much more difficult it would be to pull a large 5th wheel.

Whenever I see a large 5th wheel coming towards me, outsizing the tow vehicle in every dimension I always think "wow sure glad I don't have to drive that rig around"

Perception I guess!

[lanerd]

Of course there is a big difference between driving a 1 ton truck pulling a 5er than driving a large mh. However, it won't take long in getting use to it. We went from a truck/TT to a 36' mh and had a little problem at first with me over steering...but after a couple thousand miles, learned how to keep it straight. Backing, of course, is much easier...as is setting up or breaking camp.

Don't worry about it, you'll be an old hand at it real quick.

Ron

[gemert]

I just traded up 3 months ago and I am still learning. I got pretty good at backing my 5er. The first thing I noticed is that my 40 ft MH does not bend in the middle! I know, it surprised me too. Anyway that's a big difference, easier and harder all at the same time. It is way quicker to set up and tear down the MH. 15 minutes in stead of 45. Enjoy!!

[Bob___Ann]

GreenSalsa
You will love your new motorhome. You will have no problem driving it. You will not feel the wind as much and changing lanes with the side cameras is amazingly easy. You will need to swing wide but you are already used to doing that. The big difference will be that you will have to unhook your toad before backing in. Dropping the toad only takes a few minutes. Backing in is easier then a 5th wheel. Set up only takes minutes. Bottom line is you will be able to open a beer sooner and will not be nearly as stressed. Enjoy

[CG_Dawson]

First, "Thank You" for your service.
It's been a very long time since we made this switch, but the set up time is noticeable, the ability for the DW and other possible passengers to move around, the difference in driving & handling, etc. We never looked back after the switch.
Good luck and many happy miles.

[GreenSalsa]

smlranger wrote:
We towed TT's for years and setting up a Class A is much easier and quicker than any towable, IMO. Park, level, extend slides, connect utilities.... you are done. Now, putting out all the chairs, tables, grill, etc. is the same.

How you elect to tow your toad also is a factor. If using a tow dolly, that will take more time. If you tow four wheels down, unhooking the toad is pretty easy.

Thanks--how did the driving compare?

[smlranger]

We towed TT's for years and setting up a Class A is much easier and quicker than any towable, IMO. Park, level, extend slides, connect utilities.... you are done. Now, putting out all the chairs, tables, grill, etc. is the same.

How you elect to tow your toad also is a factor. If using a tow dolly, that will take more time. If you tow four wheels down, unhooking the toad is pretty easy.