Motorhome or Fifth Wheel preference for fulltiming?

[Bird Dawg]

Not full timing yet but we went from a Diesel Pusher to a 5er and couldn't be happier. The 5er is a lot cheaper to maintain and the floor plan is more usable. The only downside is the view from the MH was superior to that of the pickup truck and there is more room for stuff in the cockpit area of the MH. While it was nice to be able to go in the back and grab something out of the fridge, we have adjusted and plan better. On our 5er, the slide has to be extended to get the fridge open, but it is a small price to pay for the reduced maintenance costs. The Freightliner Dealer in our area had two prices for labor. 18 wheelers were charged at $80.00 per hour and MH's at $120.00 per hour. If an 18 wheeler came in, they bumped the MH as the trucker needed his truck to make money.

[lx22f/c]

Not full timers yet either, but just got home from the Houston rv show. My wife and i completely agree on a fifth wheel for our retired days. Maybe sooner than later if we are lucky.

[Brownie]

Not a FT'er yet, but will be by the end of the year. I love these discussions, because I learn things I hadn't thought about. I've always said, "you can drive your car (truck) and pull your house, or you can drive your house and pull your car. Either way, you've got two vehicles to maintain & insure." Each person/family will decide what works best for them. In my case, there's just the dog & I. I wanted some space to move around in, but I didn't need the space, cost or weight of a 5er. Nor did I need the "get up and walk around" ability of a MH. If the dog or I have to go to the john, I've got to pull over. Plus, I'll be doing a lot of hunting, fishing & other activities that are better done with a 4x4 truck. And no hitch in the back gives me more room to store things . . . like my generator, blue boy, golf clubs, tools, etc. So for me, a truck & TT was the right choice. My 2011 F-150 XLT w/Eco-boost engine gives me a nice cushy ride, plenty of space, and is a lot less expensive to drive with the air conditioner on, than a MH. And I love my new 2013 Eagle 266RKS. The refr/sofa-bed/wardrobe slide and rear kitchen gives me windows on 3 sides and a very open feeling. The sofa across from the TV means I'm not cranking my neck sideways to watch TV. There's plenty of sleeping space if I have guests; and with a pantry, linen closet, three wardrobes, abundant overhead cabinets, and (of course) under the bed, there's plenty of storage space. I think I'm really going to enjoy full timing with my set-up!. And - at least for me - coming home to my trailer seems a lot more appealing than coming home to a bus.

[clutch]

With a little soul searching most of us will come up with the perfect camper for us. All have pluses and minuses that is why there are so many to choose from.

[The Happy Campers]

We just purchased a 5er in late 2013 for a 2 year full-time journey throughout the U.S., which started this January (see signature for photos link). We have owned all types of RV's and found the space the 5er provides was better for our family (3 adults). Plus we wanted the power of a truck w/ 4 wheel...Plus only one engine to maintain.

[greyhawk885]

More room in a 5er more to do to move it. As for maintainence I have a c now had a 5er I really do not see much difference in maintainence as both need maintained. The motorhome and engine the 5er and the truck. You will ultimately have to make the call. Greyhawk885