Thinking about 5th trade in for class A

[Hobo2]

Were thinking about trading in our DRV FIFTH WHEEL for a new class A Enetgra , Anthem. Will needing a tow bar but don't know which is a good or bad one. Will be needing a windshield cover for wintering in Mesa AZ, again don't know what is a good one to have. Is there anything that you can think of that we might need, as a new class A owner.

[Navyskcs]

My wife and I are deciding which to buy, my point is a FW and a used Truck (need a bigger truck to haul the FW she likes) will cost about the same as a used DP. Our other problem is to many toys, my wife likes to take the 4 wheeler and I like to take my boat so now we travel with two vehicles which is a big pain or we have to leave one home.

[JimM68]

I like blue OX baseplates, they are nearly invisible.

[Mile_High]

Ocean Mist wrote:
My dad used to have a truck that he towed, and the receiver of the Tow bar was welded to the frame of the car.

I'm not sure I want to have 2 round receivers welded to the frame of my New F-150

Are there any other methods of securing the Toad?

Things have come a long way since then. Most of the base plates hidden from view when the tabs are removed, and I don't think any are welded to the vehicle anymore.

[Mile_High]

stickyeye wrote:

Mile High wrote:
All of those reason you mentioned and more is why we traded our 5er and dually for a Class A last year. Don't regret it one bit.

We just used Speedco to change oil - it was a nice experience. They did not have my fuel filters in stock so I've learned to call a few days ahead next time and they will make sure all is in stock. We also use Blue Beacon to wash it unless I have time myself.

We have Blue Ox gear and a RVi2 brake. I don't think there is a bad tow bar, but I did hear the aluminum ones had some issues.

Anthem is nice coach. We looked at a 2013 I really liked, but couldn't come to terms.

Just a thought, It's always a good idea to keep a spare fuel filter(s) in the rig. A plugged up filter can really ruin your trip if your nowhere near a place that happens to have yours in stock. Some have two different filters on the system as mine does so finding a place that has both can be even harder. Cheap insurance to keep spares.

Agreed. I'm still not sure what mine takes, and plan to visit Freightliner here in Denver tomorrow. I will probably get one set to carry.

[stickyeye]

Mile High wrote:
All of those reason you mentioned and more is why we traded our 5er and dually for a Class A last year. Don't regret it one bit.

We just used Speedco to change oil - it was a nice experience. They did not have my fuel filters in stock so I've learned to call a few days ahead next time and they will make sure all is in stock. We also use Blue Beacon to wash it unless I have time myself.

We have Blue Ox gear and a RVi2 brake. I don't think there is a bad tow bar, but I did hear the aluminum ones had some issues.

Anthem is nice coach. We looked at a 2013 I really liked, but couldn't come to terms.

Just a thought, It's always a good idea to keep a spare fuel filter(s) in the rig. A plugged up filter can really ruin your trip if your nowhere near a place that happens to have yours in stock. Some have two different filters on the system as mine does so finding a place that has both can be even harder. Cheap insurance to keep spares.

[Ocean_Mist]

My dad used to have a truck that he towed, and the receiver of the Tow bar was welded to the frame of the car.

I'm not sure I want to have 2 round receivers welded to the frame of my New F-150

Are there any other methods of securing the Toad?

[Mile_High]

All of those reason you mentioned and more is why we traded our 5er and dually for a Class A last year. Don't regret it one bit.

We just used Speedco to change oil - it was a nice experience. They did not have my fuel filters in stock so I've learned to call a few days ahead next time and they will make sure all is in stock. We also use Blue Beacon to wash it unless I have time myself.

We have Blue Ox gear and a RVi2 brake. I don't think there is a bad tow bar, but I did hear the aluminum ones had some issues.

Anthem is nice coach. We looked at a 2013 I really liked, but couldn't come to terms.

[Hobo2]

Will be coming up on a rest area and I'll ask bubba my wife if she needs to stop and she'll say no. 10 or 15 minutes later she'll want me to pull over on shoulder so she can go.
I like driving at night going around major cities and the wife can't sleep e in the front seat.
When going into the City the f-350 dually doesn't fit in those city parking spots will.

[allornothing]

Hobo,
I know this is off topic, why the switch from fifth wheel to A? DW and I are trying to decide between the two. We keep bouncing back and forth as both have advantages and disadvantages. Just trying to get peoples opinions who have lived it.

Thanks

[ncrowley]

I use a Blue Ox tow bar. I use MagneShades for the windshield cover. You want an outside cover so the sun never comes into the coach. Where you get your service depends on your location and what is available. We go to a local Freightliner/Cat/Cummins dealer. You can get the basic oil and filter change at Speedo. They have the best price but be sure you know where your filters are and that they change them all.

You also want to be sure you do all the required maintenance based on your engine, transmission and chassis.

[Hobo2]

Are truck stops a good place to service your class A instead of RV sales and service center.

[KCFDCapt]

Most things can be transferred from the FW. I bought Magneshades for our class A. Solar panels and a good battery bank will extend your time away from hook ups.

I use a Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar for our Ford Explorer. I like the idea I don't have to be level to unhook and the tow bars can be in a bind. Simply flip a lever and they telescope in and out.

On a personal note, driving practice is a consideration. Maintenance requirements are spelled out in the owners manual. If you are going to do your own, it may require tools you do not have.

Keep asking questions and you will soon learn a great deal about your new Class A.