Choosing a Motorhome vs Fifth Wheel RV. Watch this first! 

One thing I like about my class A is the panoramic view while you’re on the road. It’s an ah ha moment like being in a convertible the first time

Dude I was considering the RV nomad life about a year ago and I loved watching your videos. I decided for a while that I wasn't interested and I Unsubscribed from your channel. Now my wife and I are back to considering it and I rediscovered your channel. I realized now that I had taken for granted your unbiased and super technical approach you RV buying. I am grateful for your videos and opinions!

5w all the way. Only 1 engine to worry about. Cheaper to maintain too.

Thanks for this video. A lot of good information. One unaddressed topic I wish you had covered was driveability/handling/maneuvarability/safety. Even if you assume the Class A is towing a small vehicle, it's still a significantly different setup than a pickup towing a fifth wheel. I would have liked to see this topic addressed in some depth. Perhaps its worthy of its own dedicated video. Most of us can probably remember the first time we got behind the wheel after hooking up a trailer or fifth wheel. YIKES! Everything changes. And heaven forbid if we have to back up! I've never driven a Class A, but I can imagine that would be a whole different level of FREAK-OUT! There was a cable show a few years ago that featured people going to a Florida RV dealer to buy a Class A. I remember one show where the couple bought their Class A, then the wife got behind the wheel and the couple drove off into the sunset. She said she'd never driven one of these before. OMG. That caused me to keep more distance between me and any Class A I encounter on the highway. You never know who's driving it and how much skill they have. Anyway, IMO, this would be an excellent topic for a video. Thank you.

5th wheel all the way.

I have owned both a fifth wheel and a class A. I currently own a diesel pusher motorhome. The advantages of the fifth wheel were: cost of owning and maintaining is less expensive, this includes insurance. Less complicated, so less things to go wrong. The advantages of the motorhome: I sit much higher and my windshield is about 5' x 8', so much better view of road and scenery. The bathroom is available while driving, so my wife can drink coffee to her hearts content. I had a 2000 Super duty with a V-10, gas mileage was about 7.5 mpg , then I had a 2008 super duty with a 6.4 power stroke, mileage was about 8.5 mpg pulling a 10,000 pound fifth wheel. My motorhome gets 7.5 mpg, so not much difference. The big difference is in range, I have a 100 gallon fuel tank, I can drive an easy 600 miles on a tank. With the truck I would have to stop two or three times to refuel in a day. On a travel day, the only time we stop is when I need to get up. When traveling on freeways, I just use rest areas for bathroom brakes and lunch. This can also contribute to safety in rest areas, don't have to leave the coach. I am also less fatigued after driving the motorhome then the truck. The seats are much more comfortable on a long day of driving. Now, I will admit my motorhome is twice the range you were talking about, so not everything will apply.Thanks for the great video.

I have to say that looking around at diesel pushers and so on I am coming to the idea that a super C just might be the way to go.

I have owned both and you are basically spot-on about the pros and cons of both. For me, departure time is slightly quicker with the MH because I can hook-up the towed the night before if I am in a drive through. I've been in many sites being hooked to the truck and using the leveling jacks won't work. Storing and repairing a Class A is a pain! When you do find places to work on them, the "shop-rates" can be outrageous. I know places that will only store trailers and 5th wheels. They're afraid of gas or diesels MHs leaking fuel.

Thank you for the awesome advice ,being I'm both thinking about getting on the road with a fifth wheel and haven't a clue of what I'm doing ,atleast now I know what to expect

43' toy hauler with a 18' garage. Arrive to your destination you have your RV, and Polairs Rzr, and your tow vehicle to explore in.

My father's 32' class A (20,000 GVW) 6.8 V-10 with a Cherokee flat towed averages 8 mpg. I tow a 32' 5th with an '05 F-350 deisel and average 10 mpg. Crew cab long bed 4x4 SWR.

If I can't sleep or cook while someone else is driving, it's a deal breaker for me. Building a skoolie :)

I like my Grand Design Solitude really well. Another con with fifth wheel I have came across is while traveling in California and you have the need to disconnect and park your fifth wheel on the street. The police will give parking tickets after 2 hours on any disconnected trailer. We had the circumstance that we needed to to do this a few times. In a motorhome it would not have been a problem. At least where we were parked.

Thank you! Excellent non biased information.

One issue that stopped me from getting a Class A was safety while driving. I have children, and there are real concerns for occupants in the living area of the RV if there is an accident. Safety belts on side seats are inadequate as people will easily slide out of them. Tables, chairs, and who knows what can fly around in a crash. Even drivers are less safe in a Class A with a frontal crash because there is no engine buffer there. Even though it is less convenient, I am happier with my family buckled in my tow vehicle. I enjoy your videos!!

I tow a 40' toyhauler 16.5k , with a 11 ford f250 diesel, 8 -9 mpg.

You never mention the dolly towing option with a Class A, that has it's own braking system. This allows you to tow most FWD vehicles with no modifications or expensive braking/hitch systems. I respect and appreciate all your guys no-nonsense approach to this lifestyle and I have gotten so very much from it. Thank you !!! Love to hear what you have to say about "dolly towing" before I make my final decision next year.

WOW! Excellent video with so much great info! I appreciate your in depth knowledge on both versions of motor home travel!

Nice to see a successful channel from the valley! Another pro for 5th wheels if you work away from home most dealers in different cities offer moving service around 1.50 a mile so you can also leave it to someone with adequate equipment and in essence travel safer with the family and keep you smaller vehicle.

I liked your unbiased comparison

Great video, I do love my class C. Thanks!

Absolute thumbs up and lots of great information! Packed with info. Thanks so much for putting it out there. Subscribed

So much information...thank you!! Your videos never disappoint! Tom

I would like to hear more about the pro's and cons of diesel pushers vs gas V10's.

I wish you had done this video years ago. I always wanted a class A but then over the years figured out what you talked about in this video that a fifth wheel was a better suit for me and my life style. The biggest being I didn't want to maintain an extra drivetrain of the motorhome. As a traveling nurse having my house moved a lot is part of my life. I also like the little extra space in a motorhome of not having the driving seats in my living area. I know they manufactures use the seats now but my old motorhome didn't. Great video keep up the great work.

Really thorough

I would have been happy with a nice fiver and a dually but the SO absolutely cannot stand riding a truck capable of pulling a big fiver due to multiple spinal cord surgeries. So we bought an 12 year old CC Magna with a 550 HP ISX and most importantly, a 10 bag suspension. Either way, do your homework and enjoy what you get! Thanks for the vid!

That last point was the deciding factor for us getting a fifth wheel. One less vehicle to do maintenance on.

Great video! We are considering between the two options as well. Currently we have a 5th wheel. All of your points we have considered, both pros and cons. For us, the determining factor is our auxiliary vehicle. With the fifth wheel, we have the Chevy crew cab dully with suspension modifications, and gooseneck hauler body. A good size truck. True that when we get to our landing location, we drop a lot of stuff to make the truck lighter, but it is still big! With the motor home, (Tiffton pusher) we opted to pull a trailer with my wife’s car inside. We also have room for extra supplies, bikes, outdoor furniture, etc as well. But when we get to the landing location, a smaller car. Much easier to run to the store, out to dinner, or visiting some other points of interest. And much better gas mileage than the truck! We like them both! And both have pros and cons. Generally I use the fifth wheel combo for my work, and the motor home and car for vacations. Love the videos and your commentary. The appear very well thought out and delivered very clearly.

I think you might be off a tiny bit on fuel mileage on the Class A motorhome. I have owned a Class A motorhome for 12 years and have kept track of every gallon of gas used (Workhorse 8.1L). I have averaged right at 6.2 mpg over the life of owning this Class A. I live in Kansas that is about as flat as a pancake.... But my Class A has been driven as far west as Washington State to the east coast of Florida.... This mileage includes towing a PT Cruiser (4 wheels down) to using a tow dolly with our Nissan Altima strapped on the dolly. Our biggest expense defiantly has been tires for the Motorhome. We have never actually worn out a set of tires but had to replace them just from age..... With 22.5 tires they do not come cheap.... One real big downside to a gas motorhome is stopping for fuel. A lot of gas stations are not really set up for a long motorhome pulling a car behind to just pop in and fill up. Where if you have a diesel pickup with a 5th wheel you can find fuel pretty easy in my opinion...

Lots of great info here. I wish this video had been around when I bought my new Forest River heritage Glen, especially the stuff about the undercarriage and wheels. I had a tyre explode, after just 1000 miles and the suspension flattened not too long after. Both expensive replacements, but it did give me the opportunity to learn and upgrade.

this video was very well thought out... thank you

nice video a lot of very solid points, I think for us the biggest difference would be the way that you travel if you're very mobile and generally only stay in one place for a day or maybe two days then a motorhome is definitely the way to go because it's quicker to break camp and you have everything you need with you as you stated in your video example generator. However if you tend to go places and stay for several days a week or maybe more it's really nice having the fifth wheel setting it up at the campground or wherever you're staying and that you're home and you're free to run around and do whatever you'd like to do without driving 35 or 40 foot motorhome around especially when you're in smaller areas imagine driving a motorhome down the streets in Pigeon Forge Tennessee or Lancaster Pennsylvania so to me it really depends on the type of travel you do primarily as with any RV no RV is right for all situations so you try to choose the one that will work out the best for you most of the time happy camping everyone!

Thumbs up. A couple more benefits of a trailer is that they are easier to get around turns because of the pivot point at the hitch, and if you have problems with your tow vehicle you can stay in the trailer while it gets repaired rather than an expensive hotel.

Very good job!

Excellent content, well done!

Like everything else in life there are pros and cons to each. I like class A's but I think one is better off with a 5th wheel because of one only has to deal with one vehicle with a motor instead of two. So the cost are less. And if something brakes i.e., the truck or the 5th wheel you will at least have the other one. One time my truck broke down while I was pulling my travel trailer. At least I had the trailer to say in while the truck was getting fixed. If I had been in a class A I would have been in a hotel room and buying every meal at a restaurant.

Opening Drive - I've driven that road, headed south was as you see, headed back north, for some reason, everyone decided it was the day to drive.

Ty for the Advice ✅

We’re having this debate right now... fifth wheel, class C, class A...🤷🏻‍♂️ I also wonder about long term maintenance costs and depreciation

2019 my sister purchased a Ford Flex as a tow vehicle. One of the few that can be towed 4 wheels down with no special preparation. Used from CarMax you're looking at $20000+.

Didn't know McAllen was that big. You sure were driving a long distance. Enjoyed this video and the information very much. Getting ready to purchase a new motorhome.

I have a 40ft class a with a Cat. I average 7.5 towing my jeep. I live in the south so the generator is constantly running to keep the whole coach cool. A pull type camper is much easier to maintain but I like the part of not having to go outside in some areas that may be a little dodgy. Batteries and tires are way more expensive and working on the engine is a pain. I just changed my turbo after 80000 miles and a an old man working upside down for hours is not any fun. I think the super C's are the way to go. They have a hood and you can walk around the engine. Nuf said. Good video

Thank you for your thoroughness. Your video crystallized my idea. Having worked in HD vehicle maintenance, i want an HD flatbed trailer(air suspension, brakes) with a single axle tractor with a minisleeper. Obviously this is seriously roughing it, but wanted for durability and longevity. i would put a shipping container on trailer containing portable kitchen rig, composting toilet, tanks, dome tent, generator, spare fire wood, personal items. Pitch the dome tent with optional air-crete insulating tiles on the remainder flatbed space. Perhaps with a deployable privacy tarp/hood to pull over 5thwheel connection between tractor and trailer. Another point for a heavier duty tractor vs pickup truck is that suspension takes a beating pulling trailer.

Perfect points for my wife and my's discussion at breakfast this morning.

I'm waiting for the day I see this guy on the road, I live in Kingsville.

The deciding factor for us was when we figured out "you're gonna be pulling something." With an A or C you usually want a car and as mentioned there are issues with that. Having been a truck driver at one point I felt much more secure pulling a 5th wheel as opposed to a tag-a-long. Pulling thru storms with high winds; I can tell you I was really glad I wasn't pulling a trailer. And as has been pointed out, hook up and setup for a fifth wheel is as fast or faster than a motorhome or a tag-a-long.

Overall I think those were all fair comparisons. I'm a class A owner....

Liking your videos more and more. One thing I'm trying to simplify is all the b.s. and different terminology when it comes to finding out what my truck can tow. Example question: to find out what the maximum carry capacity of my truck, I just need to find out what the trucks max payload is? Then compare that to the 5th wheels King pin weight?

Another great video!

You forgot the most important pro for a Class A motorhome. It's easily defensible, self-sufficient and safer in the event of a zombie apocalypse!

Great video

You dish some great intel. How about dong something on transmission's & mirror's.

Truck camper hands down

I didn't hear you mention weight capacity differences. Most 5th wheels have a weight capacity of 3000-4000 lbs, whereas a Class A in the price range you are talking about, is more likely to have 7,500 to 10,000 lbs capacity. This is a huge pro on the Class A side, for someone like myself that travels full time. Another reason I prefer a Class A over a 5th wheel, is I travel with my kids and pets. I'd have to buy a stretched truck to tow a 5th wheel and haul my brood, or an SUV and bumper pull. Lastly, storage... a Class A will typically have far more basement storage than any travel trailer.

motorhomes are for traveling from place to place (cross country Tavel).Not for setting up camp for long periods of time. Trailers take more time to set up but are better for long stays in one place since you have a separate vehicle. If used for it's intended purpose you won't have problems with a motorhome sitting since you don't let it sit.

I have considered both. The fifth wheels seem to have some great layouts, better than most Class A's I have looked at. BTW, I am looking at used, since I don't have $100,000+ to spend. Besides, I wouldn't buy a new Class A -- that seems to be a mistake. The thing that has clinched it for me for a Class A is basement storage. I intend on living in it for a few years, and I need that storage.

Something that I am considering is a Super C, like the Renegade. Best of both worlds in regards to service 😀

great video we are a family of 7 from new zealand hoping to do a 6month tour of the U.S in a years time we will probably have to get a C.A as there arent enough seats in a pick up.

Fifth wheel/travel trailer here.

very good video

I've had class C, A, 5th Wheel and Travel trailers and stayed on the road for 5 years "Full Time"! any way you go....it's very expansive and in MY OPINION the best way to go is 5th wheel.Motorhomes are expensive and COSTLY to own and Operate...If you have a Motohome you MUST tow a vehicle to use and that adds mor e expense and Work.I live in a 5th wneel now ...while building an Upscale "Tiny Hose" of 720 Sq.Ft....it isamp;e for twp people and economical to maintain and operate.

If you want to make decent trips every couple times a year, but want to have a pickup for other purposes for the rest of the year, get a decent pickup(3/4 ton minimum) and a 5th wheel. If you want to go full time over the road, and know youll be swapping drivers behind the road all the time and might need the other person to be able to sleep, or your family might be rolling with you regularly, get a Mobilehome. If you get a large pickup, you can leave the trailer at the campground and go explore the area to places you could not drive a motorhome. This also means that when you arent camping, the truck could be used to tow all sorts of things. Most places renting bobcats or certain other pieces of yard equipment wont let you tow the trailer with just a 1/2 ton pickup. They will insist that its a minimum of 3/4 ton, or even 1 ton, depending on what you're renting. You'll have to pay a delivery fee in those cases, which might be more expensive than renting the trailer. Large dump trailers are a perfect example of this, and are completely too much weight for a regular pickup trailer, sometimes even empty. Motorhomes also however, mean you can tow other things behind it that you can't tow with a pickup towing a 5th wheel, like a small car, utility trailer, or a boat. Additionally, if you are buying a 5th wheel, don't listen to the salesperson when they tell you their trailer can be towed by a 1/2 ton. Yes, some of them can do it, but you'll quickly realize there is a reason why people don't often do this. The size and weight of the truck affects how it handles the trailer, and yes, this means lower economy when not towing, but it means a LOT of safety and peace of mind when towing. Few other issues you can pay attention to in regards to diesel engines: the diesel fungus issue he mentioned can be prevented by using certain types of fuel, namely soy biodiesel, which naturally resists fungus and will often kill it. Additives work too, but sometimes just having the right type of fuel can make a difference too. The main downside to this fuel is that it will gel a lot quicker than regular diesel in low temperatures. The added issue that many will have is that it tends to flush out your fuel system, and clogs your filter with the dirt and grime that it flushes along the way. Once your system is clean, you wont have an issue and your vehicle will drive a lot smoother and get better fuel economy too, but in the mean time, you'll go through multiple fuel filters in the process. Supposedly it will also strip some of the lubrication from your engine if you use it long enough, but I imagine that would take a while as I used it for 2 years straight of driving professionally and never had an issue beyond having to change the filter a total of 5 times those first 3 weeks of using the new fuel. After that, it gradually decreased to once a month and then once every six months before I quit driving for that company. The new company wouldn't let me fuel at any place other than pilots, which typically dont carry biodiesel. Make sure tho, that when you buy biodiesel, that its a soy blend and not a restaurant grease type. Ive been told they tend to burn dirty and give you terrible economy.

I will not be buying a new Class A. Our plans are 40ft class a pulling a 24ft enclosed holding our Jeep wrangler, tools bikes etc.. our 4x4 Jeep will go into far more accessible places than any 4x4 big diesel truck.. And we plan to use solar panels on both the class a and trailer. We will be full timers. Many thanks for your videos.

Thanks again for a great video. My girlfriend and I are still debating between 5th wheel $80-90K & a class A in the $200K range.

.......think I will just stay home.......But very interesting video.....

Unless your always on the go, I feel that the 5th wheel is superior in almost every way. I also think its prone to less depreciation, and easier to sell, because it's a livable space with a powertrain to worry about.

You made a nice video.

I have about $100k invested in my 3/4 ton Ram truck and 35th foot 5th wheel. I'm hoping to find a class A gas motorhome for around the same amount $100k. I will buy a small used car for my toad vehicle and as a daily driver. We plan on selling our home for $375k and still owe $225k, down size to another home for $250k, this would give us roughly the $100k to pay cash for the motorhome. Anyway that is the plan I have so I'm still crunching the numbers.

Very helpful and informative!

I have a toad and I leave the engine running all the time. I get a little better mileage.

My option is the class "A" doesn't have any accident protection if you rear end while driving a class "A" motorhome. The bumpers are plastic, or rubber, or even fiberglass with no metal protection at all.

Quality RV parks are much nicer places to stay overnight than virtually any motel.

16:54 Safety first.😂

for me if you can tow a small car on a motorhome 5th wheel all the way cause even if you dont tow a small car you already have a tow truck so you can go into towns and stuff more easily

nice video

Wow that Walmart is the hurricane Walmart, I live right there! Lol

How about a $46,000 MSRP Tundra and a $141,000 MSRP Airstream Classic 30 with Michelin LT tires for $187,000 or less? We don't store our rig very long at a time. February is the only month we generally don't travel. Truck still has relatively low miles for a 2007- 60,000 miles.

As far as I know (regarding families), Class A's do not have a second bedroom. This relegates them to short duration trips only. Fifth wheels are better for summer cross country trips, or even full-timing.

my uncle tows a Honda CR-V behind his Winnebago, actually he had an 09 I believe then just got a brand new one a year or two ago, four wheel down, not sure if it's modified though

I don't see why the class A mechanicals should be any less reliable than the mechanicals in a tow vehicle. If the maintenance is done properly it shouldn't be a problem either way.

I picked a 2019 super c frightliner don't want to be the 1st one at the wreck.super c engines are easier to work on .can go to any frightliner dealer for repairs have air ride and brakes. Best all round rv

Just get a motor home, weld a truck bed in the back and take a fifth wheel with you.

Some people cant drive trailers. For them its a Class A or the MAriott

I was wondering if you could make a video talking about renting/ borrowing motor homes, travel trailer and 5th wheels. Also could you talk about the super c class

I found this information so helpful. Can you do one on used alternatives.

how do you get better gas mileaage on a diesel truck

You can have a person in a fivth wheel in most States , a lot of people do not know . And I would put G sever ice tries ,

What about a toy hauler? The 5th wheel or trailer with room in the back for Jeep and toys?

@Big Truck Big Rv. I don't own an RV yet, but I'm getting ready! You videos are very helpful and I thank you! I have a couple questions about a truck like a F450 dully. When you have your 5th wheel parked and you are sight seeing, is the ride really rough with the truck being empty? Is a dully too wide to go in places like Glacier National Park with very narrow mountain roads?

One con for a Class A that I didn't hear or see was the location of the door...especially on diesel pushers. Lots of places I like to camp at, the door being so far forward on the coach doesn't line up with the campsite very well. Seems like older Class A's (gas) have a door in the middle of the coach, but it's the only door. And to me, most Class A's seem to have the furniture lined up and down the sides, sort of like a doctor's waiting room.

now yes the V10 is bad on fuel but when you consider that diesel is expensive you need def there may not always be a diesel gas station and the are extremely expensive to maintain I think they come out even now if you look at the price and consider how much more it cost I think the gas is worth it.

Famous RU-vidr in the valley lol

it's fascinating this whole video and many people view these decisions purely from the perspective of buying new. Even if I was Warren Buffett I wouldn't buy my RV (or most any vehicle) new. The depreciation hit is simply too great, the abundance of pristine used RVs too plentiful. Might as well buy a used fifth wheel and a used motorhome instead of even considering the decision which one to buy new. For me it's not even a decision.

My biggest concern is getting into State parks etc. IE: length...

Basement storage is vastly different between the two rigs.

Are we there yet ?

Bottom line. Class A your driving around in your living room not in the cab of a pickup. I can watch TV, take a shower, make a sandwich, sleep in a bed and non stop travel with my partner. We drove from Michigan to Cali in 2 1/2 days.

Good breakdown it’s always a good debate

You missed one of the biggest issues with motorhomes. Safety in an Accident. You don’t have a vehicle (especially when your talking seats in the back) that provides anywhere near the safety features in the event of an accident. That’s a big part of why the Goodyear G159 tire problem was so deadly. Because if you lose control of a big motorhome it’s a death trap. Unlike modern cars and trucks that are highly survivable.