Will be retiring for good this year and intend to go full time. Have been doing a lot of research on which type of RV to get. As for the majority of the differences between the two, I find them minor and can live with either one. One area though that has me leaning to the FW is costs. If I buy a FW it and the truck to pull it will be new. If I go with the MH it will have to be used. I can't absorb that depreciation if I have to give it up after a few years. I have looked at several Fleetwood Discovery and Excursion models with low mileage 10-15k around a 2008 model year. The price should be at or below what the new FW and truck will cost. My concern is the costs for maintance on the MH. Not fuel, just normal service and unexpected breakdowns. Could I get some input from your experience what I should expect. Also are these extended warranties worth the cost or are there too many exclusion clauses. Thanks
If you get a diesel mh there will no doubt be extra cost in the annual maintenance. Ours seem to average about $800 - 900 a year, but you will find that full timing in a pusher that the ride is much nicer and generally you have more power to go over mountains. You also generally have a higher weight capacity to carry other "stuff". Ofcourse, we also tow a car and the car is also a cost saver, because when the mh is parked you use the car and you can drive around cheaper.
With a FW, your initial cost may be lower, the hills over the mountains can be more difficult, and ofcourse you then park the FW and drive the truck around your fuel mileage may not be any better than when your towing, so that affects your local travels and your overall operating costs. Also, if you buy a diesel pickup, your costs for it will not be as high as mine, but it surely wouldn't be peanuts either.
Oh, and one last thing, buying a cheap or inexpensive FW or Mh may cause other problems, so look for a unit that has a good reputation to start with, we're glad we did.
Good advise above, there is no need to look for a low mileage motor home if you are looking at a diesel, they run forever. Did not know if these you mentioned were or not.
2012 Winnebago Journey 36M Cummins 360
131 Campgrounds since we retired in July 2009
In my 7 years of MH vs 5 years of FW this is my take on it.
A motor home cost more PERIOD, the question is how much more and is it worth it. I was told by a motor home owner just after I got my 5 year old DP it would go down in value a grand a month as a rule of thumb. This is not a bad rile of thumb.
You have to look at a lot of factors such as a lot of short stays vs staying like a month or so at each place. MH are so easy to set up.
What is the nice ride in a DP worth.
Pick Ups as a bum around rig is the pits but will work. Love my Jeep that I tow.
Do a search and I will bet you will find a week of reading from the forum.
RV Jim
Jim & Joyce
Central Oregon Coast
No RV at this time but looking!
Treat the earth well, It was not given to you by your parents,“It was loaned to you by your children”
Indian proverb
I have been doing a lot of reading of these forums and others. A LOT of information to absorb.
My big concern with the MH is the cost of repairs.
My big concern with FW, the ones I have looked at will require a 1 ton dually. "Never" in my life did I even once have a desire to own a dually! That said it does have a 5 yr 100k power train warranty.
wanderer69 wrote: Will be retiring for good this year and intend to go full time. Have been doing a lot of research on which type of RV to get. As for the majority of the differences between the two, I find them minor and can live with either one. One area though that has me leaning to the FW is costs. If I buy a FW it and the truck to pull it will be new. If I go with the MH it will have to be used. I can't absorb that depreciation if I have to give it up after a few years. I have looked at several Fleetwood Discovery and Excursion models with low mileage 10-15k around a 2008 model year. The price should be at or below what the new FW and truck will cost. My concern is the costs for maintance on the MH. Not fuel, just normal service and unexpected breakdowns. Could I get some input from your experience what I should expect. Also are these extended warranties worth the cost or are there too many exclusion clauses. Thanks
Look at "older" DP units of quality build. Heck mine is a 2000 model with 50K miles on it! MANY like that and even with 100K miles on it they arent hurt. Tires needed maybe...OIil change...etc...but as far as on their last legs...no way.
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
The other posts have talked about cost, aside from that there is usage.
We've had both and have found that the motorhome is a much more pleasant and convenient experience when traveling. Having said that, if we were going to sit in one place for several months at a time, I would have a tendency to go with a 5th wheel.
Eric
2009 Holiday Rambler Admiral 33SFS (34' 3")
2008 Jeep Liberty - North Edition (4x4 auto)
FQCC/Camping Quebec, KOA, Good Sam, Coach-Net
All the posts above provide great information. We have owned a teardrop, 2 popups, a Scamp, 3 class A diesel pushers, and now a class B Sprinter based Winnebago ERA. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Our 20 years of owning DP'ers has sold us on the concept---if you move around the country that is. Nothing beats a MH for riding and living in as you move from place to place. However, if I was going to park in one place for 3-4 months at a time, a FW would be hard to beat as they look to be very well laid out and comfortable. We have always had a car behind us (towed 4 wheels down) and find that we much prefer the car to a large pickup to drive on a daily basis.
I think you'll find the "house" systems on a HM vs a FW to be about the same to maintain. That is where we've had most of our expense in getting things fixed, not the chassis of the HM.
The chassis on the diesel mh's are pretty reliable, however, they are more expensive to maintain on a annual basis as the periodic maintenance is much more expensive. 24 qt's of oil, $50 oil filters, $125 air filters, $25 x2 fuel filter are much more expensive than those of a gas coach or a diesel pickup.
Personally, I'd go with a nice used dp'er, but it's really a personal choice. I guess that's why they make every size and every type RV that anyone might want! Good luck!!!!
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