We were looking at a similar scenario. We had an older GMC one ton truck with a Lance camper. When considering replacing the old GMC truck with a new one ton truck with extended cab and dual rear wheels, we found that we could spend (in 2005) as much as $50,000. If we were to choose this option, we would have a new truck and still have an “oldie” but goodie camper.
We also considered a new Titanium fifth wheel which would cost a minimum of $35,000, and we still would be stuck with the old truck.
In 2005, we found a used class A which was still much newer than the old camper/truck unit. We loved the many conveniences of the class A and eventually purchased a used Jeep for our toad. The total cost still did not hit the $50,000, range. If you look at our profile you will see a photo of that coach.
We loved the class A so much we purchased a new Itasca 35L in 2007. Still rolling down the road and loving every minute!
Just a thought. Bet your new TT and your tow vehicle could cost more than a nice used class A, if you look at it that way. But, maybe your tow vehicle is used on a daily basis too?
Good luck with your decision. Either way your will be certain to have fun, fun, fun!
* This post was
edited 04/11/08 03:12pm by HIDEOUT *
Kevin & Dawn
Doggies:
Persalina, We love you & miss you so very much!
Moonbeam
Chloie Pearl
'07 Itasca Suncruiser 35L
Workhorse 24-8.1 Vortec w/6 sp. Allison
93 Jeep Wrangler Toad
Roadmaster Even Brake
For me, the difference is in the driving. You have the opportunity to fishtail that TT in high winds and other circumstances. Smacking your tow vehicle with a fishtailing TT is quite a bit different that smacking a class A with a toad.
wow! lots of thoughts, thank you. i do already habe a tow vehicle, i am in wheelchair so i have to drive a van, i just bought a 2007 chevy express 3500 with 6.0 and 3.73, i think the tow rating is 8200, i am lokking at the lightweight trailers, 5000 and below, i already have the old class a in signature that have been fixing up to be easily accessible for me, but some things with house have popped up last couple years and slowed down my progress. i am now in position to get major work done on it and with gas prices now, i am just weighing options. seems like van and trailer should get little better mileage, thats biggest expense, since my motorhome old, insurance property tax is nothing. so thanks for all considerations, ill be doing lots of thinkin in next month or so.
steve t.
74 discoverer 25'
p-30 454
sydney the half blue heeler
What about the tow vehicle for the TT? Is it one you own and have for everyday use or will you have to purchase one especially for this purpose and have little or no other use for it.
Both take up a lot of driveway space, but the class A can't be beat for going down the highway in my opinion...and you do realize that the Class A section is somewhat biased towards MotorHomes, don'tcha?
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey."
1998 36ft. National Tropi-Cal, with a tag axle and one slide, on a 1997 P32 Chevy chassis....7.4 Vortec Engine
We were faced with the same situation as Hideout except out F350 was only 6 years old. We also looked at new TT and could not believe the price in the floor plan we wanted. So in 2006 we sold the truck and TT with this money and a little from savings we were able to purchase a new Class A. mind you its a gasser and not one of the upper class MH. I like to refer to it as a TT with an engine. It has the floor plan we were looking for at a cost we felt good about. We tow a trailer with our motor bike inside so I guess this is our toad. When we have a need for a car at a camping spot we rent one for a few days. I have no regrets in crossing over to the Class A. I was able to purchase me a smaller truck for every day use, I hated to drive the F-350 just for running around in. And as mentioned the set up of a Class A is MUCH easier.
I just switched from a large diesel pickup and 30 ft TT to a 30 foot gas powered class A.
For me,the ability for passengers to be able to use bathroom, microwave,etc. is well worth the expense.
Also instead of having the tedious process of hooking up an almost 60 foot setup with the trailer, I now turn the key and go.
Setup now takes 15 minutes instead of an hour, and auto leveling is a nice plus. I tow a Toyota Tacoma so I have penty of space for bikes, etc.
We also find we camp more often due to the fact that weekend trips are so much easier.
If you can afford it, and you want the ease of use an A gives you, I would do it.
Fossil Hunter
2008 Winnebago Sightseer 30B
2008 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed 4x4 Remco Disconnect
We've done both TT and Class A, and for our situation we much prefer the motor home. I like riding high and my family REALLY enjoys the rolling potty breaks or the quick trip to the ice box for refreshments and snacks. We are 2 adults, 2 teens and a full sized Akita that occupies a fair amount of real estate. Everyone has plenty of room in transit for them to do their own thing be it in the co-pilot seat, on a couch, lounge chair or at the kitchen table.
When I get to where I'm going, I very much like the ability to pull into my spot, drop the jacks and roll out the carpet and awning -- done. I appreciate it even more when it's cold and raining outside! Hit the generator switch and make a fast pot of coffee for that fast warm up and never have to exit the coach.
My 5er buddy and his wife on the other hand spend more time jockeying the rig, blocking tires, manually leveling it up and dragging stuff outside. Then he has to fuss with his Honda generator and extension cords...and then there's the gas. Regardless of all that, they still seem to love it -- but I still like my way much better.
So get whatever meets your needs the best. Decide what you would like to have and what you HAVE to have. There's some good information in all the above posts. If cost is your major driver, there are some great values out there in the used market.
74discoverer25 wrote: hi everyone, not sure which forum i should have posted, but thought here would be best bet. for economic reasons, i am considering getting a new travel trailer as opposed to motorhome. i see a lot of models that easily fit my specs anywhere from 10-15 grand. i guess what i would like to hear thoughts on, are from people who have switched either way from trailer to motorhome and vice versa. i think i would actually like a trailer when actually camped, but one of my big allures to rvs is actually traveling down the road in your house, could i be happy with travel trailer? i am not and will not ever full time, i am talking about 3-4 one to two week trips and quite a few weekend roadtrips all year long.
Really hard to beat driving your HOUSE down the road.
What we decided was that the trip begins when we get in the Coach so the Class A gives us more time on Vacation.
For me it has always been that half the fun of these things is the Drive, so in the Class A you just will enjoy it more.
JMHO,
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
MDX-FMCA--M&G Brake
States traveled in this Coach
I saw some huge Frieghtliner trucks, costing over $100K pulling some huge 5th wheel TT...on the road last summer, also people who planned on purchasing one, since their present truck wasn't up to the job. Now, my question is, what do you use this very expensive, vehicle for, when not on the road....possibly commute back and forth to the stores and church, maybe?...
I guess what I'm saying is, the TT that can be pulled with your family vehicle, might be an option, otherwise go with a MH, which is much the same as buying a Truck, anyway.
Got 9.5 mpg towing my old TT I get 9.5 mpg in my '99 Class A. When you arrive at a campground set-up in TT about 40 min, Class A 15 min. Easier to drive a class A than to tow a 6000+ lb.TT. Generator in Class A gives you more versatility. I feel safer boondocking in a class A than a TT. While travelling, I can say "Honey,go make me a sandwich" in a Class A. Traded in my gas-guzzling pick-up for a Honda (my '97 Ford F150 5.4 + $3000 got a 2001 Accord EX)...Now the minuses ...higher insurance for a motorhome ...higher price of a Class A means a greater cash depreciation. For me ,I think it's worth it ,and I'm tight as a clam's ass with a buck.
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