First off gas is gas. Driving a class A nets about the same millage as pulling a big 5th wheel. Most trucks capable of pulling a 5th wheel get low mileage without the trailer being pulled and it only gets worse when you saddle it up.
So here are my reasons for going class A:
I dont require a separate vehicle to pull my trailer. This allows me to drive what ever I want when I am not MHing. My Caddy delivers 22 MPG. Not many tow trucks will do that.
I am fully self contained. I have a generator and can produce electricity wherever I am. Some 5th wheels do to but all Class A's do.
When I pull in, I am there and ready. No set up time.
I love the room to stretch out when traveling. I can take a crew of people and everyone has room to breath and be comfortable.
I like to tailgate at Patriot games. its much easier in a Class A.
I think on of my favorite things is the ease of it all. When I pull into a campground I shut of the motor and I am ready to kick back. No unhooking. No unpacking. I am ready to rumble. then when its time to leave I roll up the oning, crank down the antenna and off I go.
One last thing is stowage. Everything fits! and it fits in bins so I dont have to fill the inside full of******and then unload it when I want to park.
OK a few more things:
Did I mention the bathroom is always open and clean? I can pull into a rest area and use MY toilet. That in its self is a good enough reason to buy a MH.
When tired I can pull into a rest area or a Wal-Mart and go to sleep for the night. I dont need to find a campground.
Pets. do you travel with them? Imagine having room for them instead of packing them in your truck. Room for 6 and 2 large dogs? Yes.
Would you like a snack? Open the fridge and help yourself. its right there. No need to stop, get out and open a cooler.
Fell like microwaving a sandwich? Fire up the generator, make a sandwich, put it in the micro and 30 seconds later your having a toasty warm lunch and you never had to stop (assuming you have another driver with you). dont try this one if your driving alone. Ii fully recommend stopping first.
[/b]Magilla
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I've had a TV + TT got 7-11 MPG out of it, and it was close to 50' long, which made for real fun in some tight places (e.g. some gas stations, parking lots). Also had to be a bit pickier about where we stayed due to overall length, couldn't fit into some camp places we went with our PU. MH is 30' long, gets similar mileage 7-11 mpg. But I'm a good 20' shorter now, so I can still fit in all the camp places we did with the PU. Plus with small kids, nice having a bathroom onboard, or being able to sit on the dinette, sofa, chair, etc. on long trips. Also, got a 75 gal gas tank in the MH vs 26 in the truck, can be pickier about where/when we stop for gas. Also, much larger tanks (fresh, grey, black, propane) over the TT, so we can boondock longer. Love the visibility out the front on the A as well.
We have had 1 travel trailer, 2 Class C's & one fifth wheel. Prefer the motorhome overall for many reasons.
-when weather is cold we all arrive at our destination toasty warm. No going back & opening up a freezing cold trailer anymore.
-physically, it's much easier to hook/unhook a toad than it is a trailer. Can unhook in under a minute & hook up in about 2.
-the toad tracks inside the motorhomes tracks so no big wide sweeping turns to get the trailer around a tight corner.
-no more jerking & bucking bronco rides & no more clunky squeaky & scary sounds coming from hitch assemblies.
-our dogs are far more comfortable & have room to wander around while traveling.
-sitting higher is a huge advantage in heavy traffic & the panoramic view out the windshield can be spectacular.
-we have solar power but it's re-assuring to have the onboard generator.
-our sewer pipes are all enclosed now & not hanging out in the wind underneath.
-waaaaay more bin storage than we have ever had before.
-our 33' motorhome length is very maneuverable & compatible with small spaces. Always surprises me where I can wiggle that rig into.
-I like the stability & solid footing of 6 tires plus 4 automatic jacks.
-if you have forgotten to close something in a motorhome (fridge door, cupboard door, etc.) you are immediately aware of it & can promptly secure the situation. No nasty surprises like you would find in a trailer at the end of a day.
-on downhill steep grades I like the thought that the main weight is under me & not behind me trying to push me into oblivion. Never liked the idea of the 5th wheel trailer coming through the cab in event of an accident.
-I could go on but I think everybody else pretty much has all the bases covered
One thing in defense of fifth wheels though.......best floor plans & lots of interior space.
Kelly & Al
2003 Damon Challenger, model 329 Chevy Workhorse 8.1 & Allison transmission. Towing '03 Hyundai Santa Fe 4 cyl 5 speed.
3 lovable doggy guys. Max, Checkers,& Cora..aka, Buddy Bear, Swamper, & Motormouse
I don't want to drive a truck as regular or TOAD vehicle. The other main reason is kids and dogs. I don't want my three kids and three dogs sitting right behind me stuck in a seat. The MH means they can have a couch, or even the floor to sit or lay on, and the dogs can find other parts of the floor. Not to mention I can pull over anywhere that's safe on the road and use the restroom - a feature that my prostate voted for - twice!
Joel & Bonnie
3 teen boys and 3 dogs
2006 Monaco Diplomat 40PDQ w/4 slides, 40.5', Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2001 Town & Country, Falcon All-Terrain, Roadmaster EvenBrake. Rallies Attended: 8;Gatherings Attended: 3
I don't like to stop if I need a drink or want something to eat. My wife can prepare all of that. She can use the bathroom or go take a nap. When we do stop, I can go to the bathroom without leaving the vehicle or take a nap or whatever. I just feel that it works better deal fo us.
A lot of the fun is the getting there. I just love to drive the diesel (but not fill it up). Air suspension and brakes. A 10 to 12 hour drive is easier than in most cars. Sightseeing is better along the way too. Wife is also rested when we get there. So, with the convenience and security, it is no contest. If I were going south for a few months and then straight back home, I would still want the smaller toad for commuting. Of course that is all subjective. That's why the build both.
Jerry and Katie
More than 20 great years motorhoming and still loving it...
2004 DSDP 3810 (more than I needed...less than I wanted)
2004 Trailblazer (too heavy but well worth dragging)
If you pull a trailer you and the kids ride in a pick up . In a MH we all ride with 37ft of elbow room and the giant windows that sit high allow a much bigger view of the scenery . There is a bathroom , beds to lay down in , a refrigerator , and couches to lounge in while we drive .
I don't think there is any differences in the fuel economy in either setup .
A 5th wheel has its advantages when you arrive , but the trip seems easier in a motor home.
We have had both or all three. travel trailers, fiver, and motohomes. I agree a really nice 5er has more living space, however there is the problem of climbing up to go to bed or the bathroom. We are now on our fifth motorhome. We have been fulltiming and working for almost 6 years. I stll prefer my Class A for all the reasons others have mentioned. Yes, it is easier to hitch a small car to our Class A that drive a large pickup to the grocery store or shopping.
Have fun with whichever is the right rig for you. I will not put you down for the one you choose. I believe that's why there are so many kinds. Just get out there and enjoy it.
Happy trails
Bud and Jeannie
Living our dream
Fulltiming since '01
'02 Monaco Diplomat
'03 XL-7 Suzuki
Went from a cab-over to a 5er, and loved the 5er. My CTD got 14mpg pulling the HR 5er and got almost 20 mpg unloaded. Setup to 45-75 minutes, the truck was cramped with the dogs, the DW hated to drive the rig, and REALLY hated to pull over to do bathroom or meal.
Now we have the MoHo....the DW drives it and the dogs love it. Setup is 15-25 minutes and I dont need to "plug-in" right away. Bottom line is the DW IS HAPPY....SO EVERYBODIES HAPPY! lol!
Chuck,Ruth,Dixie,& Hanna
05 Holiday Rambler 34SBD W-22 (maxed out) (FOR SALE)
97 Dodge CTD Duallie (wicked) 375hp 650tq
Looking for a 5er
05 HD Road King (retro style) 9 Years 6 Months and Counting till retirement
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