TugCamp
Long Beach, CA
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Joined: 01/10/2003
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Hello all,
Ok, we have been out and around this summer with the 5er and Im getting an itch for a class A. We currently have a 30' Fleetwood Wilderness bunkhouse, its comfortable were towing with a 07 Dodge Mega Cab and it does an awsome job. We recently went to a dealer expo in my area and are starting to like the idea of the class A. We have looked at several models and have been most interested in the Fleetwood (I know there are Fleetwood haters) Fiesta/Terra 34' bunk model. After I have done the math (including the "rearkicking" im gonna get on the Dodge trade) the payment will be about the same as my current combo. Here are the two main reasons were considering going to a class A. 1) we feel it will be more comfortable, easier to use, and we would use it more often. 2) Because of the price of diesel I dont drive the Dodge at all, only when I tow. Here are my biggest concerns. Is a gas powered moterhome this size underpowered thus hard to drive? Salespeople say MPG on these units is around 7-9, is this right? Also, what is the best way to go for the drivetrain, Ford or GM? Im going to be asking for a lot of help in the next couple weeks while the mrs and myself think this over. Please give us your honest opinions. Thanks so much.
95 24' Mallard (old)
2004 Wilderness Advantage 2952BS
03 Dodge 2500HD 5.9 Cummins TD Quad Cab (old)
07 Dodge 2500 SLT 4X4 Mega Cab 5.9 CTD 6 speed manual
Prodigy Brake Control
EU2000i
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bldrbuck
Boulder, Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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A motorhome handles entirely different from a fifth wheel. It does not bend in the middle and you will need a toad. Just some points to consider.
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RealtyRoy
NW Oregon
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Joined: 08/09/2006
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For us their is much more comfort in the class A and everyone enjoys the trip there almost as much as being where we are going.
You will probably want to tow something if you want to tootle around when you get there.
Have fun looking!
Roy
May the roads and skies always be clear, and the firewood nice and dry!!
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cybrfalcon
Monroe, Oh
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Joined: 09/02/2003
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MPG estimate is pretty much right on the money. I drive a 2002 32' Fleetwood Fiesta on a Ford chassis with the V10 and it has plently of power, even when towing a Ford Focus on a dolly and loaded down with passengers and supplies.
Of course, it's not a race car nor a caddy. Accleration will probably be par with what you have now. Ride will probably be harsher as the motorhome is riding on a truck chassis.
I chose a motorhome for the comfort while in motion.
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FamilyCamping
CA
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Joined: 08/19/2005
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I tow a trailer and while it suites us well (and fits our realtivly small budget). A motorhome aways seems neater for traveling in. They also set up and break camp quicker than a pickup & trailer.
Remember, living here in California, after a few years, you have to get the 'gas' motorhome smogged, while a diesel pickup will never require smog checks.
We will stick to towing the trailer & loving it, but... if I could, I'd seriously consider a Motorhome.
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Dshultz50
Oregon
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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Remember to consider the MH will need an oil & lube job ($250 approx) and insurance. You have a 2nd motored vehicle to take care of and do maintenance.
Dee & Bob
1990 Fleetwood Fifth Wheel
2 cats - Donner and Dasher
kids are grown and on their own
12 grandkids
life is good!!!!
Your account balance is 2¢, to continue reading my quality opinions please remit payment as soon as possible.
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asian_driver
North Tustin, CA.
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Joined: 06/06/2008
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We moved from a Ford Excursion towing a Vortex Toy Hauler 2500 SRD to a Class A Georgetown SE 350DS with bunk beds, MPG is about 7-9. We have the ford V-10 motor. I don’t feel that it’s underpowered at all or hard to drive. I think it’s the best thing we did. The kids love being in the MH and there no more restroom stops for the kids. We went camping this weekend and get to the camp site late that evening the set up was much easer than a SUV & trailer. The only thing I had to do was push the auto level bottom then put out the slides and we where ready for bed, very much quicker then with a trailer. The Fiesta/Terra 34' has the same floor plan we do and I think you will like it.
2008 Georgetown SE Bunk Beds
2005 HD Road King Classic
ATVs for the whole family
Wife and 2 boys age 8 & 6
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cjalphonso
Columbia, SC
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Joined: 08/22/2006
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Gaser oil change is only $25 if do it yourself.
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RVJimofOregon
Central Oregon Coast
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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When we were thinking about moving from a fiver to a MH we made a list of the pro and cons. Everything was a pro (easier to drive and set up, backing up, etc.) except for the cost. It was a good thought process as four years later we love the MH except it does cost a lot more. Have to have a tow car plus the systems in a MH are more complex and costly to maintain. Everyone has a differnet need or desire and what they are willing to pay. The only thing different I would do is to get a smaller unit (maybe a 32 footer) gas. While I love the DP, gas is a cheaper unit to drive and maintain.
Just something to think about.
Jim
Jim & Joyce
Central Oregon Coast
2000 Fleetwood Discovery 36T Diesel Pusher
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2007 Prius
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talonguy
Schertz, TX
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Joined: 06/11/2008
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My DW and I seriously considered trading in our TT for a Winnebago Sightseer 35J about a year ago. The cost of maintaining another drivetrain and insurance costs (approximately $800/year higher) talked us out of it. I still dream that I'm driving that 35J down the road though.
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