Densher
League City, Tx.
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Joined: 10/26/2004
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My wife and I are in a dilemma. We are somewhat new to RV'ng and we are trying to decide on the right RV. We have two medium sized dogs that like to travel with us. My wife says that a Class C mh would be good for the convenience of having everything right there. I am leaning towards a 5th whl trlr. The class C when not used and in storage will require periodic starting, etc. A trailer when not used just sits there. The class C will still require a tow vehicle for convenience. The 5th whl uses the towing vehicle -- and I am in need of a new pickup anyway. But, the dogs can't ride in the trailer. Any ideas? Comments?
Dennis L. Sherman
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PapawFor2
Az
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Joined: 09/19/2002
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I own a 5th wheel for the 5th wheel "pros" you mention. Obviously there are many motorhome owners and there are pros in that direction as well. Regarding the pooches, would an extended cab or 4 door truck offer them enough space or are we talkin Saint Bernards?
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Sorney1
MD
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Joined: 11/30/2003
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my main problem with a 5th wheel is that for any decent one I would need a huge dually pickup truck. Way too large to tool around in, park in malls, hit the back roads, etc. So basically I would have a $45,000 TV which I wouldn't want to drive by itself anyway.
with the Class C you can tow a small toad, little 4x4 etc. to cruise the back roads. Have everything there when you stop at rest stops without having to go back to the trailer in the rain, etc. at night security, etc.
But I would get a A myself if at alll possible.
Partly depends on how you plan on using it.
Now if you are talking about full timing, or just parking in one location for a month or more, then hopping to the next destination, a large 5th wheel with 4 slideouts ;o) would be great. But I would have to have someone drive a little "toad" along side of me anyway so I would have "fun" transportation.
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dgo1369
Georgetown, TX, US
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Joined: 11/22/2003
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I've had both (and have a Class A now). I'd rather have the 5th wheel anyday rather than a Class C. It's generally bigger (is there a Class C longer than 31' - I don't know), and generally more spacious and flexible in the floor plans. If you are going to spend any length of time in your RV, a 5th will suit you better. I enjoyed my (31') Class C, loved my 5th wheel(s) and my wife loves the Class A. It truly is a matter of your taste, finances, and wishes.
Dennis Osha
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Red-Rover
NW Indiana
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Joined: 11/17/2004
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I voted for a 5th wheel and our 55 lb. dog rides in the extended cab with us. Sorney1 makes a good point about the large truck needed to tow being a little awkward in the parking lot, and the long bed models won't fit in the car wash either. Just my $.02.
'93 Prowler, 5'er
2002 F250, V10, Super Cab
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relic hunter
cullman al.
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Joined: 04/28/2004
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Let me comment on this. We have what we think is a "decent" 5th wheel that we pull with a 2500HD ( 3/4 ton pickup ) that does an excellent job. We run the backroads with it(4 wheel drive), park in the parking lot at the mall and tool around in it. Dont know what that means but I am sure we can do it. Why, sometimes i even drive it to church. We get where we are going, unhook and we have our "fun" transportation. I will admit it does take a little more skill to pull a 5er but we enjoy ours. Even my wife can do it.
2005 Fleetwood Bounder
1999 Jeep Cherokee toad
1943 Co-pilot
"Never corner something that is larger or meaner than you"
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Keech
Ossining, NY
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Joined: 11/27/2002
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OK, I’ll add my $.02! I have two problems with motor home type RV's. One, you ride with all your rattles. Two, maintenance and repair, for most part require more than a gas station, like a truck stop. Just the cost of a flat tire, even in your driveway, can be many more times more bucks for a class C RV than a TT or 5er.
Keech T. LeClair
Ann (wife) and Oscar & Felix (mini dachshunds)
2000 Chevy Suburban K2500 6.0/3.73
2003 Sunline 2753 Solaris TT
Trailering since 1976, 4th TT, 2nd New Sunline!
Click here for My RV Web Pages.(Pics & Mods)
Click here for My Home Page.
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buster13h
Phoenix AZ
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Joined: 08/14/2003
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We own a fifth wheel for the same pros you mentioned. I thought about it for a long time before buying it instead of a Class C or A
By the way there are now 36 foot Class C's with diesel engines
I have no problem driving my dually to work every day. I can not park in regular spaces here or at the malls or can't fit in a car wash but I walk more, hand wash the truck, and I live with it fine.
2003 Dodge 3500 DRW 6 spd CTD 4:10
2004 Fleetwood Triumph 365FLQS
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sue.t
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/05/2004
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Having had both a Class C and now a fiver, our preference is the fiver:
1. less cost to insure. This was a big factor.
2. less maintenance costs than a Class C -- no additional engine, drivetrain, exhaust, oil changes, etc. Another big factor.
3. DH can drop me and the trailer and take off 4 wheelin' any time he wants.
4. don't need to secure everything in the fiver when we take a quick trip somewhere ... to town, sightseeing, etc.
5. our Class C didn't have a queen size bed, the fiver does.
And our 100 pound dog rides in the truck with us, which has an extended cab.
sue t.
Pictures from our many RV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska
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JimAndCat
Melrose, Florida
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Joined: 11/03/2004
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Whoa - you are going to travel with two dogs - we travel with four (very small) dogs. In our opinion trying to drive with us and poor pooches stuck in a small truck space towing the rv(don't care how big the truck it is too small for people and multiple dogs)is insane.
For us it had to be a motorhome and we compared Clss C to Class A.
We found that 30ft. class C is pushing the size range and it is usually build on a smaller van chassis than a larger and more powerful truck chassis.
Plus the van cab of the class C by it's nature causes the vehicle to feel smaller than a Class A of same length.
After test driving, sittin in and comparing a bunch of both we chose a Holiday Rambler 35 ft. Class A pre-owned gas rv.
We chose gas and pre-owned bacause should we learn after a year or so (or less) that this kind of doggy travel is not for us we can get out of it without taking a huge financial hit which we simply cannot afford.
Want to check out A's and C's and TT's side-by-side and most all makes, models and price ranges??? Then engage with Lazy Days RV Center near Tampa Florida.
Why Lazy Days?? Try 150 acres holding daily average of 1700 rvs of all types and both new and used. You cannot imagine the convenience of having so many in one place where you can kick the tires and test drive to your heart's content. Most major rv makers have dedicated reps onsite so you can ask the factory guy in addition to your sales guy. Plus, in our opinion, Lazy Days has the purchase, rv prep and delivery process down to a science.
Want a Step Better?? After you check out their inventory online (lazydays.com) call them and ask for Mr. Marc Ferry - imagine a vehicle sales guy who knows his business and is honest and dependable.
I am a cynical and untrusting old guy and we were extremely impressed by our experience with Lazy Days and Marc or I wouldn't be spending my valuable time typing this. Send me a Private Message if you care to and we will share the details. Regardless of where you ultimately decide to buy and whatever you decide to buy your time invested with Marc Ferry will be informative and of value.
Good Luck
JimAndCat
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