HELP -- Class A or 5th Wheel? (2 Viewers)

RV EXPERTS, should I buy a Class A motorhome or a 5th Wheel


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Good morning peeps,

Please note that this is NOT a debate about cost, brand, or alternatives (e.g., buying a vacation home instead of an RV). Ideally what I am looking for is feedback from people that have first hand knowledge, or close friends, that have owned a 5th wheel (or Class A) and wound up selling it to buy the other. Why?

EDIT: PLEASE ALSO SHARE POSITIVES OR NEGATIVES ABOUT YOUR OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS UNUSUAL THINGS TO CONSIDER THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW BEFORE BUYING. I'm just trying to avoid endless debates about whether or not this is a waste of money.

Some ground rules:
  • We plan to retire in 3 years and will RVing 3 to 6 months out of the year, so I'm looking for advice from full-time or semi full-time RVers.
  • I'm not looking for advice on whether or not this is a worth while adventure. I'm trully trying to focus on which direction to continue our RV journey--5th wheel or class A--and why?
  • We plan to rent (a class A) before buying. Probably hard to rent a 5th wheel since I don't currently own a large enough truck.
  • Budget? $200k - $250k, but might consider higher. This would allow us to keep our VA home if we want to, but higher than that (e.g., $400k+) would likely require us to sell our primary residence. Looking for advice on this as well.
    • Budget is all in for truck + 5th wheel, or class A motorhome.
    • Yes I know, I need a turbo diesel 3500 high output full ton dually for the size 5th we are considering.
  • We are looking at 1 year old models (new) or slightly used. The 40%+ discount off of brand new current model year is too big to pass up.
  • We started out thinking we wanted a class A (we were pretty certain), but after looking at 5th wheels, we fell in love with a:
    • Crossroads Redwood 4150RD:
  • After researching more and watching videos about the extra work a 5th wheel requires, we went back to class A and are currently interested in:
    • Thor Challenger 37DS:
    • Jayco Embark 39T2 (if we can find one):
  • HOWEVER, I know we will go back to look again this weekend and might fall in love with the Redwood all over again.
The question is for fulltime or semi full time RVers (or people who have close friends or family that are):
  1. Have you owned a 5th wheel (or class A motohome), sold it, and bought the other?
  2. Why?
EDIT: ALSO PLEASE SHARE ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT WE SHOULD FACTOR IN THAT MIGHT NOT BE WELL KNOWN.

Tagging some people that have discussed RVing here on PCF. @Redbelly , @Boother36 , @FDLmold , @johnjohn , @mike32 .

Thank you very much in advance!!
Kev
 
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I see I’m tagged but I can’t really offer any advice. In fact we went the opposite route and bought a cottage in middle/northern Michigan as our current getaway. I am more of a fixed location kinda guy lol.
Okay, thank you! I saw you mentioned Rving or renting an RV as a recommendation in a couple of posts (I think...LOL), so I wasn't sure
 
Yes, class C 28' moved to class A 38' due to expanding family size & part-time RVing. Very important to rent the model for long weekend or even weeks to understand the pros/cons. Detailed reasons: Bunkhouse, 2nd bath and large shower sealed the deal for the mrs.

Would have loved to get diesel pusher in retrospect as gas with the size of this rig gets tricky in some parts of the country. For me, the decision variables came down to gas vs diesel. Diesel didn't have the bunkhouse I wanted with 2nd bath. Hope that helps.
 
I have no experience owning RVs, but I know several people in the industry, since I live in the county where unemployment is 2% when the RV industry is doing well, and 15% when it is going through a correction. (A correction is starting btw, RV sales from manufacturers to dealers are down 50% this year compared to last. Layoffs have begun, and at least one big manufacturer is discussing bankruptcy. That's why you are seeing the humongous dealer discounts on brand new older models. It's a good time to buy a new one.)

Given all that, I'm no good to you, because with all the people I know, I don't know any dealers. Need a place to crash while you're in town for a show at the RV Hall of Fame? I can help with that.
 
Yes, class C 28' moved to class A 38' due to expanding family size & part-time RVing. Very important to rent the model for long weekend or even weeks to understand the pros/cons. Detailed reasons: Bunkhouse, 2nd bath and large shower sealed the deal for the mrs.

Would have loved to get diesel pusher in retrospect as gas with the size of this rig gets tricky in some parts of the country. For me, the decision variables came down to gas vs diesel. Diesel didn't have the bunkhouse I wanted with 2nd bath. Hope that helps.
VERY helpful, thank you!! I was wondering if we could squeeze by with a smaller class C, but leaned against it. And, we too have been pondering the exact same questions with respect to 2nd bath and bunkhouse, which has been a large driver as we look through class As. The idea of drunk friends (and grandchildren) using our bathroom, and pissing all over the floor and toilet, would tilt my wife badly. I personally would just step around it...LOL!!

Can I ask what specifically is trickey with a gas RV? Is it just slow going when traveling in the mountains, or are there times where it feels unsafe? I don't mind slow, since I will be in zero hurry, but unsafe is a different story.
 
I have no experience owning RVs, but I know several people in the industry, since I live in the county where unemployment is 2% when the RV industry is doing well, and 15% when it is going through a correction. (A correction is starting btw, RV sales from manufacturers to dealers are down 50% this year compared to last. Layoffs have begun, and at least one big manufacturer is discussing bankruptcy. That's why you are seeing the humongous dealer discounts on brand new older models. It's a good time to buy a new one.)

Given all that, I'm no good to you, because with all the people I know, I don't know any dealers. Need a place to crash while you're in town for a show at the RV Hall of Fame? I can help with that.
Thank you very much!!

I suspected the industry is in a downward spiral, but had no 1st hand knowledge. The 2023 Redwood 5th wheel we looked at is $196k brand new. As we were getting ready to leave, the salesman said, "hang on" and got out his calculator. He then said that specific 5th wheel would be discounted to $135k if it doesn't sell by Oct when the 2024s start coming in. I told my wife, "WTF...that's the worst sales tactic I've ever seen!" :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
 
Depending on the gas station, your rig will stick way the heck out. Buc ees, TA, Loves have very large pull through gas stations so I plan accordingly. Put that on your evaluation checklist when you rent.

With the class A gas, definitely get steering stabilizers installed immediately. Will change the game when driving in most weather conditions. Mountains are fine with proper brake mgmt. Never really felt unsafe with keeping distance and active scanning while driving.
 
I will add a disclaimer that I don't meet the criteria you're looking for w/r/t feedback.

Personally, I don't want to combine an engine and my camper. I like the redundancy you get with the 5th wheel. If your powertrain needs service with a Class A you're shut down, with the 5th wheel you've got options if your truck needs service or breaks down. In addition, you've got the option to not go through the effort of towing a car if you're going on a shorter trip.

I'm sure there's mobile service options for Class A's in most major centers, but nevertheless that would be my preference.
 
I will add a disclaimer that I don't meet the criteria you're looking for w/r/t feedback.

Personally, I don't want to combine an engine and my camper. I like the redundancy you get with the 5th wheel. If your powertrain needs service with a Class A you're shut down, with the 5th wheel you've got options if your truck needs service or breaks down. In addition, you've got the option to not go through the effort of towing a car if you're going on a shorter trip.

I'm sure there's mobile service options for Class A's in most major centers, but nevertheless that would be my preference.
Thank you!! This is a huge part of what had/has us leaning toward a 5th wheel. Plus is feels like you get a TON more in a 5th wheel at a much lower price point.

I'm going to edit my criteria because this type of feedback is very helpful!! I'm just trying to avoid the endless debates about whether or not it's money well spent; trucks to pull large 5th wheels are stupid expensive, etc.

Thanks again!!
 
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being mobile without unhooking your unit is essential. Not only is it a PITA to go through the whole process of unhook and reconnecting, but there are all too many places you can't practically drive a mobile home.

I voted for the fifth wheel due to the ease of travel in your conventional truck. But I know there is an option to tow an automobile behind your mobile home. I never did that, but I saw other folks doing that. I think the price point for a 5th wheel plus truck offers more value than a class A. Repair costs on a class A are obscene, and slow, plus parts availability can be problematic.

I totally agree with your plan to rent a unit and see how you like an extended road trip. Try before you buy. We did that too, but didn't take longer trips till after we bought.

We found the cramped quarters to be more trouble than might be expected, leading us home after a couple of weeks on the road. - Just to enjoy the creature comforts. To be fair, we were in a less expensive unit. If we had spent several hundred thousand bucks and gotten a luxury unit, things might have been different. We never made it more than three weeks on the road.

It is an adventure. -=- DrStrange
 
being mobile without unhooking your unit is essential. Not only is it a PITA to go through the whole process of unhook and reconnecting, but there are all too many places you can't practically drive a mobile home.

I voted for the fifth wheel due to the ease of travel in your conventional truck. But I know there is an option to tow an automobile behind your mobile home. I never did that, but I saw other folks doing that. I think the price point for a 5th wheel plus truck offers more value than a class A. Repair costs on a class A are obscene, and slow, plus parts availability can be problematic.

I totally agree with your plan to rent a unit and see how you like an extended road trip. Try before you buy. We did that too, but didn't take longer trips till after we bought.

We found the cramped quarters to be more trouble than might be expected, leading us home after a couple of weeks on the road. - Just to enjoy the creature comforts. To be fair, we were in a less expensive unit. If we had spent several hundred thousand bucks and gotten a luxury unit, things might have been different. We never made it more than three weeks on the road.

It is an adventure. -=- DrStrange
Thank you! Our plan is to start out renting for shorter periods, 1 weekish, and then move to a month or 2. We might just hate it, in which case, we avoid @ekricket 's scenario.
Which one is easier to resale?
We LITERALLY just had this discussion. We will probably flip flop 20 times, but we are firmly back in the 5th wheel camp...maybe...LOL.

Here was our uneducated logic 20 minutes ago.

For a large 5th wheel, I'm going to need a large, stupidly expensive, 1 ton truck. Estimating $75k to $80k (used).

Then another $110k to $125k for the 5th wheel. If we sell, probably going to take a $50k to $60k hit on the 5th wheel, or just sit on it. I can live with either of those because I will still be loving the hell out of my oversized dually....GUARANTEED!!

Now, if we drop $250k for a class A, and then have to take a $100k hit with no redeeming joy (i.e., the truck). That shit is going to hurt like hell!!

Either way...1st world problems are awesome, but the hit on the class A (I think) would be more painful.
 
You planning on taking your meetup on the road? That would be sweet idea?
LMAO!!

We will be back for Memorial week!! :tup:

Although, it will give me space for 8 more people to sleep over. :)

FYI...it wouldn't be horrible sleeping conditions!! @joeyshin , it beats sleeping on my floor next to the treadmill.

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Here are my thoughts from taking 3 long trips per summer in my 33' class A gas for the last 6 summers, anywhere from 3-10 weeks at a time. I have driven more than 50K miles in my rig in that time with my wife and golden retriever (no dog the last 2 summers....:cry:). We are in Michigan and have been from coast to coast and from boarder to boarder.
  • I chose a class A because I didn't want to drive around a 1 ton pick up truck as my every day drive vehicle.
  • I went with a gas motorhome because I understand gas engines and all my other vehicles are all gas.
  • Diesel is great for the increased torque, but will cost you a lot more money upfront, and then too in maintenance. From what I understand, the mileage is not that much better between the 2 platforms when comparing apples to apples....
  • 5th wheels tend to have more living space (when you put the slides out) and in my opinion, would likely be better for staying in one place for a long time rather than driving around to many different places. We move around a lot and find the class A a better fit for the way we use our rig.
  • I would definitely buy used rather than new. You miss out on the big upfront loss in $'s, and if you think by buying new means less problems, that's definitely not true!!
  • Whatever you end up buying, I hope you are handy and can fix things. There is always something breaking/needing adjustment/wearing out and if you have to take your rig to a dealer every time something happens, it will cost you a TON of money. I think around here the RV shops are getting around $200/hr for labor. And you will lose out on valuable summer camping time waiting for parts to show up and repairs to be made.
  • RV's, like poker chips, are very personal on how you use them and what you want to get out of them. The best thing I heard you say was that you were getting samples!! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: That is the best advice going!! And once you settle on a type, then be prepared for the "2 foot-itus" that afflicts boat owners....you end up always wanting just a little bigger rig....so be prepared to buy one and potentially change your mind about it somewhere down the road.....pun intended!!
  • I agree that there is a bust coming in the RV industry. They couldn't build them fast enough back during COVID times and people were buying them up....and now, lots of folks that have bought one, find they never use it like they thought. I bet there will be some good deals on rigs coming in the not to distant future!!
  • Some of the most fun I have had RV'ing has been going to tons of different casinos across this great nation of ours!! My harvesting opportunities have been greatly expanded and even my wife has joined in on the harvesting fun!!
  • Which ever option you pick, just get something and get out there RV'ing. It is a great, friendly community and you will definitely enjoy it!!
If you have questions or want more of this guys opinion, feel free to PM me or maybe we could even chat over the phone...there is that much info to discuss/share.

Jon
 
Here are my thoughts from taking 3 long trips per summer in my 33' class A gas for the last 6 summers, anywhere from 3-10 weeks at a time. I have driven more than 50K miles in my rig in that time with my wife and golden retriever (no dog the last 2 summers....:cry:). We are in Michigan and have been from coast to coast and from boarder to boarder.
  • I chose a class A because I didn't want to drive around a 1 ton pick up truck as my every day drive vehicle.
  • I went with a gas motorhome because I understand gas engines and all my other vehicles are all gas.
  • Diesel is great for the increased torque, but will cost you a lot more money upfront, and then too in maintenance. From what I understand, the mileage is not that much better between the 2 platforms when comparing apples to apples....
  • 5th wheels tend to have more living space (when you put the slides out) and in my opinion, would likely be better for staying in one place for a long time rather than driving around to many different places. We move around a lot and find the class A a better fit for the way we use our rig.
  • I would definitely buy used rather than new. You miss out on the big upfront loss in $'s, and if you think by buying new means less problems, that's definitely not true!!
  • Whatever you end up buying, I hope you are handy and can fix things. There is always something breaking/needing adjustment/wearing out and if you have to take your rig to a dealer every time something happens, it will cost you a TON of money. I think around here the RV shops are getting around $200/hr for labor. And you will lose out on valuable summer camping time waiting for parts to show up and repairs to be made.
  • RV's, like poker chips, are very personal on how you use them and what you want to get out of them. The best thing I heard you say was that you were getting samples!! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: That is the best advice going!! And once you settle on a type, then be prepared for the "2 foot-itus" that afflicts boat owners....you end up always wanting just a little bigger rig....so be prepared to buy one and potentially change your mind about it somewhere down the road.....pun intended!!
  • I agree that there is a bust coming in the RV industry. They couldn't build them fast enough back during COVID times and people were buying them up....and now, lots of folks that have bought one, find they never use it like they thought. I bet there will be some good deals on rigs coming in the not to distant future!!
  • Some of the most fun I have had RV'ing has been going to tons of different casinos across this great nation of ours!! My harvesting opportunities have been greatly expanded and even my wife has joined in on the harvesting fun!!
  • Which ever option you pick, just get something and get out there RV'ing. It is a great, friendly community and you will definitely enjoy it!!
If you have questions or want more of this guys opinion, feel free to PM me or maybe we could even chat over the phone...there is that much info to discuss/share.

Jon
WOW...thank you!! A ton of great advice!!

I will deffinitely take you up on the chance to chat when we get closer to decision time.

And so very sorry about your dog!!
 
I’m not much help with the decision, renting a pontoon boat and then having to park it in the slip has scared me for life with regards to driving over sized vehicles- lol.

I did have a curiosity question for those with RV’s. What are the storage considerations? Are they meant to be parked outside 24/7, or do they need to be garaged?

That would be one hell of a big garage - lol.
 
Here are my thoughts from taking 3 long trips per summer in my 33' class A gas for the last 6 summers, anywhere from 3-10 weeks at a time. I have driven more than 50K miles in my rig in that time with my wife and golden retriever (no dog the last 2 summers....:cry:). We are in Michigan and have been from coast to coast and from boarder to boarder.
  • I chose a class A because I didn't want to drive around a 1 ton pick up truck as my every day drive vehicle.
  • I went with a gas motorhome because I understand gas engines and all my other vehicles are all gas.
  • Diesel is great for the increased torque, but will cost you a lot more money upfront, and then too in maintenance. From what I understand, the mileage is not that much better between the 2 platforms when comparing apples to apples....
  • 5th wheels tend to have more living space (when you put the slides out) and in my opinion, would likely be better for staying in one place for a long time rather than driving around to many different places. We move around a lot and find the class A a better fit for the way we use our rig.
  • I would definitely buy used rather than new. You miss out on the big upfront loss in $'s, and if you think by buying new means less problems, that's definitely not true!!
  • Whatever you end up buying, I hope you are handy and can fix things. There is always something breaking/needing adjustment/wearing out and if you have to take your rig to a dealer every time something happens, it will cost you a TON of money. I think around here the RV shops are getting around $200/hr for labor. And you will lose out on valuable summer camping time waiting for parts to show up and repairs to be made.
  • RV's, like poker chips, are very personal on how you use them and what you want to get out of them. The best thing I heard you say was that you were getting samples!! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: That is the best advice going!! And once you settle on a type, then be prepared for the "2 foot-itus" that afflicts boat owners....you end up always wanting just a little bigger rig....so be prepared to buy one and potentially change your mind about it somewhere down the road.....pun intended!!
  • I agree that there is a bust coming in the RV industry. They couldn't build them fast enough back during COVID times and people were buying them up....and now, lots of folks that have bought one, find they never use it like they thought. I bet there will be some good deals on rigs coming in the not to distant future!!
  • Some of the most fun I have had RV'ing has been going to tons of different casinos across this great nation of ours!! My harvesting opportunities have been greatly expanded and even my wife has joined in on the harvesting fun!!
  • Which ever option you pick, just get something and get out there RV'ing. It is a great, friendly community and you will definitely enjoy it!!
If you have questions or want more of this guys opinion, feel free to PM me or maybe we could even chat over the phone...there is that much info to discuss/share.

Jon
Great post! I will offer hopefully some insight as a counter point to diesel.

I recently (yeah right 8 months ago) traded in my 2017 Super Duty Diesel and put in an order for a 2023 Super Duty Diesel. Its been very hard for me without a truck, I did get an email that they were going to FINALLY! start production on mine 8/14.

I have no use for a 5th wheel, so I didn't spec it, but I've been around Gooseneck Trailers and man does it make it so much easier to maneuver. Diesel over gas every day of the week imo. I've always had trucks, okay a few Mustang GTs, but I grew up in the country, always trucks and just about always Fords.

The Diesel feels a lot better than any gas truck I've had, the torque is extremely noticeable and it just felt like a tank while driving it, I think it drove better pulling my (non 2ft-idce :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: ) 22' Tritoon. While I recently sold the boat, I did go with the Super High Output Diesel and it was about 12k over the stock gas option. It's 500 hp / 1200 ft lbs torque (no one takes the stock gas motor). In my last truck I could push you to the back of your seat @ 60 mph accelerating to 90, its no racecar but it put a smile on my face. There are youtubes that compare the feel of gas to diesel, I've never heard someone say of the two options they prefer the way gas feels over diesel, its always a financial decision. I would imagine it will actually come down to the deal you can find in the used option.

I get the A plan on Fords, I bought my boat new, if I had a redo I'd look at the used options first. I must say I love your post and topic @Seeking Alpha Social Club

I also enjoy off roading okay so maybe not as much as I would like, as I drive a desk, but I think it would be easier to move a 5th wheel as well as if you are in a tight spot or a muddy camp for recovery (and self recovery) would be easier in a truck than a class A. I think for a class A you have to have an endorsement but not for a 5th wheel.

While I have limited experience, I hope I've contributed. ;) Either way I can't wait to see the pics you post after purchase!

Edit: For maintenance, I find its less on the diesel in general but parts and service can be a little more costly. I also find that at least in the fords they are commercial vehicles, I've never been easy on vehicles, but I found I never needed to change the breaks in the 5 years of ownership. I think it would also be easier to find service for a truck than a class A vehicle.
 
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When I was a kid, my family went from a 26' class c motorhome, with a small 12' trailer for the race cars, to a 34' class A, with an 18' trailer for the cars.

We never had a 5th wheel. Also, this was before the invention of slide-outs on RVs or trailers.

We absolutely loved it. We traveled around every summer going to racing events, mostly in the western part of the United States. Sitting in the motor home with other drives on rain outs, playing cards was where I first started to learn about poker hands.

Maintenance can definitely be pricey. By the end of my racing 'career' , we were mostly doing local track stuff, so we were using a 1 ton diesel pickup with the same 18' trailer. It was definitely much easier to get around in.

I think that if I had unlimited funds, I would suggest to go with a class A and get a nice small tow vehicle behind it. Good luck with whatever you choose!
 
I have nothing to add here except that a pop up is way cheaper, can be pulled by a smaller vehicle, and is way easier to maneuver.

Good luck with search!
 
My parents sold their home and became full-time RVer's several years ago. They chose a class A and love it. The first couple of years they would spend the winters in Arizona at an RV resort style park and travel the country to visit family, friends and to see different places all summer (usually staying at military famcamps where available since they are much more cost effective). In the past 2 years they bought a permanent site at the park in Arizona and have traveled much less. They just recently purchased a park model for their site since they require less maintenance.

My current supervisor at work (fed contract work that is based at home but requires frequent travel) decided to sell his house about 4 years ago and full-time RV as well. He started with the class A for the first 2 years, then decided to move to a fifth wheel instead. The advantages of the fifth wheel over the class A is the greater flexibility in floor plan options and a much greater sense of space. The fifth wheel allowed him to have a den for a separate office space. Since he now spends most of his time around the San Antonio area in Texas, he bought a condo there as well just so that he could claim TX as his home of residence and enjoy the tax benefits of that state as opposed to MD.

Plenty of different options and lots of different ways to do it. Happy travels and enjoy the seasons and landscapes of your choice.
 
My parents sold their home and became full-time RVer's several years ago. They chose a class A and love it. The first couple of years they would spend the winters in Arizona at an RV resort style park and travel the country to visit family, friends and to see different places all summer (usually staying at military famcamps where available since they are much more cost effective). In the past 2 years they bought a permanent site at the park in Arizona and have traveled much less. They just recently purchased a park model for their site since they require less maintenance.

My current supervisor at work (fed contract work that is based at home but requires frequent travel) decided to sell his house about 4 years ago and full-time RV as well. He started with the class A for the first 2 years, then decided to move to a fifth wheel instead. The advantages of the fifth wheel over the class A is the greater flexibility in floor plan options and a much greater sense of space. The fifth wheel allowed him to have a den for a separate office space. Since he now spends most of his time around the San Antonio area in Texas, he bought a condo there as well just so that he could claim TX as his home of residence and enjoy the tax benefits of that state as opposed to MD.

Plenty of different options and lots of different ways to do it. Happy travels and enjoy the seasons and landscapes of your choice.
Thank you, great information!!
 

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