Motorhome / fiver comparison

[et2]

We are using our new diesel pusher as I type. This is a first for us as we've always had travel trailers and fivers. I never thought I'd buy a class A. But getting older and a bad back and prodding from the wife led to our purchase.

Here are some of the things that stand out. Our MH is 42ft, old fiver was 39' and weighed 16000 loaded.

Steering does not respond at all like the 1ton dually, definitely a two hand job and no room for day dreaming. Constant minor corrections. Steering the fiver was definitely less stressful. The MH is like driving a big boat at slow speeds as it take a little time to react, so you pay attention to try not oversteering.

Ride was definitely better due to the air suspension.
Much better braking with air brakes.
View is superior when driving.
Better power, even though I had the same engine in PU.
Fuel - too soon to say
Noises you don't here in the truck ( expected) but not that bad.
Turning corners not as bad as I thought it would be.
Hooking up toad ( tow bars) about 10 minutes ( brake buddy too) but can probably get that down
Disconnection of toad about 6-7 minutes.
Setup at camp about 4 minutes to level and slides out,all from inside.
The rest of the hookup is the same.
Awesome room while driving.
Dogs love it instead of the back seat.
Tons more storage.

So in conclusion we really enjoy our decision, the only thing that probably needs getting use to is the difference in steering. Jus wanted to share my opinion for those who are on the fence.

Our choice was a 2013 Fleetwood expedition 40x

[2gypsies1]

OP: I think you may be trying to 'oversteer'. When we got ours new, the salesperson took us up a curvy mountain road. Right away he said "you're oversteering, just put light pressure on the wheel and plan for your next turn beforehand and the motorhome will steer into it just fine". He was absolutely right. We love mountain driving now and steering is a breeze. Just allow yourself for getting used to it. You'll see a difference. Glad you're enjoying it!

Bluedog: You stated you wouldn't have a car to drive if you got a Class A. In my opinion you'd be very limited if you like to tour the area you're visiting. No, you shouldn't have to drive the 40' to get groceries or drive it around to sitesee. I can't imagine going to campground and just staying there for days until it's time to leave. The fun for us, is getting out there and exploring the area. Plan on towing a car and you'd be a much more happy camper!

[Bluedog]

Someone brought up that you have a car to drive. What if you don't? Does the Class A then become less desireable? I am considering going from TT to C lass A but still trying to compare the advantages and disadvantages which are present with most decisions. Mostly, if you are at a place for a week and have to fire up the 40 ft. Diesel to go get groceries

Maybe some more owners can weigh in.

[Traveler_II]

We’ve had 3 Class A, 2 pushers and one gas; we are now on our 2nd fiver during retirement. The steering on the “A” is a bit different than your pick-up. At first I had it back to the dealers and had them check it out. They didn’t find anything wrong with it and you will get use to it. Our fiver going down the road is just like driving a car, “MH” a little bit different. Now backing up a trailer is a whole different ball game

For us the real big difference is the ride in the “MH” is far better and we had more storage in the HM. Living space our 35’ fiver has more living space than our 42’ Holiday Rambler Imperial; reason the slides go out further. I find we need to be more aware of weight with fiver than our MH.

With the new self-leveling systems they have now for trailers hook-up and unhooking is about the same maybe a bit faster with the fiver if you are using a tow car.

We did have more maintenance on the MH’s than we have now and they cost more to both buy and fix. The better fivers are as nice inside as our last MH and far better than our first two. Today you can get a real nice new fiver for around $100,000 and a new tow truck all decked out ready to hook up with a good hitch for around $65-$70,000 a MH with the same quality will be $280-$350,000 new or higher, I’ve been out of that market for a few years.

You do have some bragging rights and when meeting another MH most of the time they always wave, not fiver. I do miss our last MH we thought we were done RVing it took us over a year to sell it and we lost a good deal of money. Than after about two years we really missed RVing so we bought our first fiver in 07.

[msmith1199]

My Class A is a 35 foot diesel and steering is no problem at all. Sounds like something may be wrong with yours.

[JaBob]

My class mA is one hand driving. Get it fixed before your experience becomes the norm.

Bob

[wbwood]

Never had a fiver, but have pop ups and a TT. Now a class c. And there is a world of difference to me. I'm no driving a unit that was the same simple as the TT. No more accordion effect when making slight adjustments on the steering wheel.

As other had said, we can pull in or back in and sit there if weather is bad. Not have to get out of the unit at all. Do everything except turn on the ac or run the microwave unless we were somewhere we can crank up the Generator. Once again, all within inside.

[1fastdad]

If your rv use is for a place to stay for long periods of time(2 weeks or more) then a fifth wheel or tag is the way to go but if you plan on traveling there is no comparing the comfort and convenience of a MH. The other advantage is when you get where you are going you can have a car to drive.

[2chiefsRus]

Agree with others that the steering on your Class A should be as good, if not better than your truck was. I would look into having the coach weighed (four corners, not just each axle) to check the load is distributed evenly. Second thing I would try is checking the tire pressure is in line with the weight. After that if you haven't seen enough improvement, I would have the front end alignment checked either by the dealer or a place like Josam's in Orlando that specializes in that sort of problem - http://www.josamusa.com/

[lizbard]

I put a steer safe on my 2002 gasser class A. One advantage that I like with having a class A, if it is raining or bad weather, we can pull into a parking lot or rest area and use the bathroom inside and not get wet or cold. Since you have the dogs, someone has to get wet and cold.

I agree with the others, you need to take your rig back to the dealer and have the steering looked at and maybe be adjusted.

Get a Atlas for truckers, in the front they have several pages by state where the low bridges are. When we first got our RV, I had a post it note on the dash to remind us how tall we are. It is helpful, especially if you are planning on going into a Walmart, only to find they have those stupid barriers up. I do not camp overnight in their parking lots, I just want to get some food, magazines, etc. Our last trip, if the barriers were up, unless I could see an easy way to get in, I just left to find somewhere else to spend my money.

Enjoy your new Class A.

[joeprinter]

Congratulations, might consider a stabilizer bar of sorts to tighten up the steering, Having had bumper pull multiple an 2 Class A, I really do enjoy the ease of the class A. But seeing as it is a new unit, I cant imagine why the steering would need so much correction, (weight distribution, alignment?) Have it checked out an enjoy.

[robatthelake]

Sounds like You need to sort that steering out and soon!

You may just need to balance Your weight to get more on the front end, or it might require an alignment.

Properly balanced Your Rig should handle better than that pickup!

[fireman93514]

Glad you like the new rig. We have had a pup, a TT three different sizes of fiver's, but I do love my MH. Even if it is a C and not an A.

[pkunk]

Steering can be fixed. I'm one handed on my old gasser.