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Started By
Message
5th Wheel or Class A Bus?
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:46 pm
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:46 pm
If you were going to leisurely travel across the USA for a year or two which would you pick? The wife and I are trying to decide and we are weighing out the pros and cons that we see but I am curious to hear suggestions from others.
5th Wheel Pros
Better floor plans and better use of space
Less upfront
Less maintenance
Cheaper insurance
Cons
Towing a trailer across the country
Depreciates faster
Need 1-ton truck
Class A Pros
Easier to pack up and go
The wife and animals can ride in the back while I drive
Better resale
More storage
Cons
Driving a 40' bus with a vehicle in tow
Horrible gas mileage
Have to cool the whole bus down while driving during summert
Maintenance
Operating expenses are more
I know I am missing a lot but that's off the top of my head
5th Wheel Pros
Better floor plans and better use of space
Less upfront
Less maintenance
Cheaper insurance
Cons
Towing a trailer across the country
Depreciates faster
Need 1-ton truck
Class A Pros
Easier to pack up and go
The wife and animals can ride in the back while I drive
Better resale
More storage
Cons
Driving a 40' bus with a vehicle in tow
Horrible gas mileage
Have to cool the whole bus down while driving during summert
Maintenance
Operating expenses are more
I know I am missing a lot but that's off the top of my head
14
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:50 pm to stout
Sounds like you are retired. In which case, do what you want, not what you think is the best decision.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:54 pm to stout
Class a bus and it ain’t even close
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:55 pm to deeprig9
quote:
Sounds like you are retired.
I am not. I can however work from anywhere as long as I have a cell signal and internet. It has been that way for 10+ years now so we want to hit the road while we are in our 40s so we can enjoy it.
quote:
In which case, do what you want, not what you think is the best decision.
My biggest thing is comfortability since we will be in it for months at a time.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 5:55 pm to Tigerpaw123
quote:
lass a bus and it ain’t even close
Can you expand as to why?
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:04 pm to stout
Looking at your cons on both the only thing bad about the bus is money, if you can afford it and you want it, get it, but don’t think of it as an investment
I can’t imagine a guy traveling down the highway In a bus and seeing another guy pulling a fifth wheel and him thinking “ I sure wish I had a fifth wheel instead of this bus”
I can’t imagine a guy traveling down the highway In a bus and seeing another guy pulling a fifth wheel and him thinking “ I sure wish I had a fifth wheel instead of this bus”
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:08 pm to stout
You missed the main "Pro" for a class A, bride and kids can go potty without stopping.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:13 pm to Tigerpaw123
quote:
I can’t imagine a guy traveling down the highway In a bus and seeing another guy pulling a fifth wheel and him thinking “ I sure wish I had a fifth wheel instead of this bus”
I thought the same way until I started going and really looking at the floor plans. In my opinion, 5th wheels make great use of the space and they feel more like a small apartment than a bus does.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:25 pm to stout
2008 Tiffin Alegro Bus 40QDP. Dad is selling one in Gulf Shores, AL.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:29 pm to stout
I just don't see how the bus doesn't crush this one unless it is cost prohibitive.
Having said that, I also don't see how an amazing fricking car and hotel rooms don't crush either of your options.
Having said that, I also don't see how an amazing fricking car and hotel rooms don't crush either of your options.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:30 pm to rebelrouser
Trying to avoid something older since we are looking to be constantly on the road.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:33 pm to Ace Midnight
quote:
I just don't see how the bus doesn't crush this one unless it is cost prohibitive.
Cost will be about the same since I currently don't have a 1 Ton and we would not be buying anything used so it's not that.
My wife is all in on the bus but I truly felt more comfortable in the 5th wheels we looked at with the exception one bus that was out of our budget.
quote:
Having said that, I also don't see how an amazing fricking car and hotel rooms don't crush either of your options.
I don't think this is even comparable but to each his own
Posted on 7/14/20 at 6:37 pm to stout
I can’t help you. Right now I’m lookin at black series 17 vs opus caravan 15
I need something that sleeps 4
Want inside bathroom
A/c and heater
Outside kitchen.
Something to take the family or friends plus dog hunting /camping in
I need something that sleeps 4
Want inside bathroom
A/c and heater
Outside kitchen.
Something to take the family or friends plus dog hunting /camping in
Posted on 7/14/20 at 7:11 pm to i10Duck
I have a 40' class A diesel motorhome. I had a 33' class A gas motorhome before that. Before that I had a fifth wheel.
Several things had me work up to my current motorhome.
1) I had not use of a truck except to pull the fifth wheel.
2) How good are you backing up a fifth wheel. In a motorhome if I can see the spot in my mirrors I can back into it.
3) I upgraded to a diesel model due to wanting to take longer trips. There is a saying that if you don't want a diesel MH don't test drive one.
If you are doing short camping trips get a fifth wheel if you need a truck anyway. I had not use of truck except for pulling the fifth wheel. If you don't need a truck get a short gas motorhome. My gas rig got about 8 MPG. My diesel rig gets between 9 and 10 MPG.
Several things had me work up to my current motorhome.
1) I had not use of a truck except to pull the fifth wheel.
2) How good are you backing up a fifth wheel. In a motorhome if I can see the spot in my mirrors I can back into it.
3) I upgraded to a diesel model due to wanting to take longer trips. There is a saying that if you don't want a diesel MH don't test drive one.
If you are doing short camping trips get a fifth wheel if you need a truck anyway. I had not use of truck except for pulling the fifth wheel. If you don't need a truck get a short gas motorhome. My gas rig got about 8 MPG. My diesel rig gets between 9 and 10 MPG.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 7:50 pm to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
DO NOT BUY NEW. Was that clear for you? Depreciation is horrible for all rvs, but since Class A's cost more the depreciation is also more. And most warranty work will need to be done at the dealer, but you will be traveling. So you will not be near the dealer. Buy a older high end coach, they are built more solid. 2010 and older engines don't use Def. I don't own one currently but have been researching and shopping, so I have plenty of information about class a motorhomes.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 7:58 pm to Cool Hand Luke
I would be more comfortable buying used if we were only doing local travel but we aren't. I want very low mileage or new with warranty.
10 years old is too old for me to be comfortable with
10 years old is too old for me to be comfortable with
This post was edited on 7/14/20 at 7:58 pm
Posted on 7/14/20 at 8:29 pm to stout
quote:
class a cons
The astronomical upfront cost
Eta: money is the only factor here. A big diesel motorhome is without question the best option for what you want if it is in your budget. Be sure to factor in maintenance. It's all the problems of a truck and a house rolled into one and doubled.
This post was edited on 7/14/20 at 8:33 pm
Posted on 7/14/20 at 8:38 pm to stout
Just look around. Rvs are not like a auto, where new means trouble free. Rvs are built shoddy, you will have issues if you buy new. Many stay in the shop for much of the first year of ownership because the dealer is so backed up. And they will not repair something until they get the OK from the manufacturer. Do your research, it is a very large expenditure. Join the Facebook group of the various manufacturers that you are considering.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 8:40 pm to Cool Hand Luke
Also, have a professional inspection done on it, even if it new. If buying used, get an appraisal done. I am finding that people think their rv is worth much more than it is.
Posted on 7/14/20 at 8:43 pm to Cool Hand Luke
How much are you looking to spend?
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