Thinking going Class A

I think it all depends on how you plan to use it. If you are more of a traveler 2-3 days here, a week at a really nice spot I think a class A is a better choice. If you plan to stay longer in one spot like a seasonal campground, snow birding in one spot the 5 th wheel is a better choice. I think in general you will use less fuel with a Class A and small tow car than a 5th wheel and a big truck. I traveled to Alaska with a friend with a DP and 2 guys with 5th wheels, moving every day or two became a chore. They did not come with generators so has to stop at FHU cg's for recharging batteries. They were limited to the campsites that they could get into, and once set up the trucks got very poor mpgs to explore the surrounding areas.

Only chassis maintenance I expect on my new Tiffin 36LA gas puller for the first 4 or 5 years is an oil change once or twice a year depending on miles driven at cost under 50$ per lub.
The living accomodations would be same cost to maintain if needed as any other coach whether gas or deisel with the DP slightly higher due to more complex systems.
Started with pull trailer then 33' 5th wheel and now Class A. Very happy with present unit. Total luxury.

One good thing about the Class A, be it gas or a DP, is travelling "in the house".

No need to stop to make food or use the washroom. Passengers can have a drink if so inclined. A selection of seating spots, heck the passengers can even snooze on the bed if they like.

Kids don't get bored as they can watch TV, play video games etc.

The gas mileage of an "A" sucks but the bigger tank allows for a long distance between fuel stops if you like. I occasionally go on a trip with some guys hauling fivers with big pick-ups. Seems like they only get about three hours on the highway and they are looking for fuel. We go to a campground about four hours away (225 miles) and I can make it in one non-stop trip, if I want, but my buds are always needing a stop.

Technically I probably could make a round trip of that distance without a fuel stop but I would haven't and wouldn't try. (75 gals X 7 MPG = 525 miles)

Anyhow, when it comes to travel going in a Class A can't be beat.

While the "high cost maintenance issue" on DP's gets a lot of attention, we're really just talking about a little more oil and some bigger filters. Yes, annual maintenance might cost $500 instead of $200 (if you do it yourself) but the five really isn't beans, not even 2 full tanks of diesel to keep her happy for another year.

As for the "A" vs fiver thing, it's more a question of attitude. A big fiver being pulled by a "450 class" pickup is a big rig plain and simple. A DP motorhome is more like a highway bus... Big yes, but also quiet and smooth. And a view out the windshield that cannot be beat.

As far as "going camping" we did a long trip in company with a buddy with a fiver (I drove a 36' gas motorhome, no toad than)
We would pull into each campground, do our paperwork, follow each other to our side by side campsites...

And I's level, slideout, hookup, get out my mats, awning, good chairs, mix a margarita, and be camping before he got his fiver levelled and unhooked from his truck.

Cbones wrote:
You are way better and more accurate than Google! Keep up the good work:)

Hey, thanks.

2oldman wrote:
This comparison may be of help:

5er vs MH 2013

...and if you're undecided about slides:

Slide or no slide Class a 2010
Slide problems.. pros cons 2011
Slides Class A 2013
Slides..pro/con 2014

Then, there's the residential refridge issue:

household refer and inverter2009
Household refer Class A 2009
residential fridge- boondocking 09
Residential refer Class A 2010


You asked about maintenance:
Maintenance

2oldman,

I mean no disrespect, but you need to get paid for your service. You are way better and more accurate than Google! Keep up the good work:)

Make sure you purchase a high quality coach even if you have to go for an older coach. Have someone inspect it for you - obviously pick someone that is very knowledgeable about Class A's. Class As like to be used. We try and go out once per month although you can leave it unused for more than that. It is a great way to travel!

I can not speak of quality but I can of Maintenance.

Maintenance for a regularly used motor home, is not a lot different than a truck/trailer combination (Technically a semi truck, did you know that).

With your current trailer you have basically 3 systems

Truck (The tow vehicle)
Chassis (Basically wheels, bearings and brakes, not much else to go wrong there)
and HOUSE (The rest of the trailer.

With the Class A you have
Truck
House

Of course if you let it sit for extended periods of time (Months on end) you MAY have "Storage" issues.. Motor vehicles like to... Well.. Motor (Travel) Trailers do not mind being parked so much. (Basically only tires go bad in long term parking provided house is maintained).

That said.. Many motor homes sit six or more months a year with no tribble.

Recommendations: Practice driving after hours at a shopping mall at a time when the only thing to hit is the brakes.

SCALE the beast, fully loaded for travel, get the weight on all 4 corners. (Each wheel). and inflate tires per tire maker's inflation chart (Many like to add 5 PSI, myself included).

If you need help doing this, www.rvsafety.com (If I got it right) is the web page that you go to to schedule an appointment with their weighmasters who come out with PORTABLE scales.. Look about for a good weigh spot and meet you.

They do a lot of the "Leg work" too (Have the make, model and size of your tires handy when you call, IE: Mitchlin xrv 22.5xwhatever.)

2006 Country Coach, Travel Supreme or Alpine are really nice used coaches!

I have a 08 Bounder on F-53 chassis that has no issues and has good quality interior, bought used and only cost $70,000, its the pre BQ Fleetwood, can't speak for the new company.