Class A vs 5th Wheel

Argo · Jul 21, 2015

I think that would really boil down to personal preferences. I could argue both ways for many reasons.

For me...

I already own a 1 ton dodge so getting a 5th wheel makes more financial sense. The amenities are similar in both. If you blow a drive train part in the truck, you still can stay in your trailer during repairs or buy a new truck. If your trailer has issues you can disconnect and drive off for repair parts. You can also get a large bay toy hauler and bring a small car along if you want ...

I'm traveling with a large truck camper this summer and it's great to be able to pull in wherever I want on dirt roads in NF land. No way I could do that with either trailer or class a.

NedRN · Jul 21, 2015

I'm not an RV owner however I have several friends who are. Based on my observations and your truck, I would go for the trailer. Integrating all the systems in a class A is a recipe for problems unless you are purchasing something new. I had a friend this summer with electrical gremlins and had to get an onsite mechanic.

Of course, if you can handle the lifestyle, your camper makes the most financial sense. Especially if you can park it readily.

BigT · Jul 26, 2015

I travel in a fifth wheel and beleive its a better approach. I had this same question when I was deciding what to do. What led me to decide on the fifth wheel was the following conclusions... If something happens to the truck its easier to get it to a service station or easier to get it towed than a motor home..... Fuel mileage will be terrible only when towing the fifth wheel- motor homes fuel mileages constantly stink.... If the fifth wheel needs service you can drop it off at a service center and drive away, if the motor home needs service you would have to leave it there and either be stuck there till fixed or haul an additional vehice around.... Fifth wheels can give you more room verses most motor homes.... fifth wheels tend to be easier to sell if that time comes than a motor home.

But in the end you need to decide what fits your needs.

NedRN · Jul 26, 2015

Just in case anyone might be interested, I ran across a 1986 34 ft HoneyBee class A with 34,000 miles for $6,000. Seems like a good deal. Missing a generator. Search Craigslist San Francisco Bay Area for HoneyBee RV.