5th Wheel vs Class A

[SueAndDenM]

Any tips on backing up a 38’ 5th wheel? We’re considering getting a Class A or C because my husband has such a hard time backing it up.

[hymanykd]

Kinda of fortunate we actually have both a 355mbqs and a new to us 30’ Thor ACE class A. Have been thru them all now from a tent trailer, tt, truck camper, fifth wheels and now a Motorhome. Went everywhere with FW, Disneyland, Vegas, Zion. Hands down the motorhome! We tow a a Ford Edge as a toad, which is my daily commute vehicle. I have found the motorhome just plain easier to setup, opened options for campgrounds due to size and great for the wife and kids when traveling. Yes we are towing still but a small car vs a one ton truck to park and run around with way simpler IMO. I have found I don’t race to get there in the MH see more things and enjoy the drive. I still have have my FW but it stays parked at a lake lot and that works for us. As far as fuel costs with the difference in gas vs diesel the motorhome is cheaper to travel with! It’s a matter of preference and what suits one may not suit someone else, but having it all at one time or another. I go with the motorhome.

[TxLoser]

That’s awesome. I’d love to have two since different types of camping are better served with a different RV.

[ARoamer]

Originally Posted by SueAndDenM

Any tips on backing up a 38’ 5th wheel? We’re considering getting a Class A or C because my husband has such a hard time backing it up.

Relax, take your time. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, move hand left, trailer goes left. Move hand right, trailer goes right. Pull ahead and start over if things get too far out of track, over correcting can make it harder than just starting over. If trying to back straight up, don't over steer, small adjustments work best. I try to watch the track of the trailer tires in my mirrors and aim for my target spot, but that's not always possible. A spotter can be very helpful if they remain in sight of driver and give good feedback. Some use cell phones or walkie talkies. It does take awhile to get the feel of it, and I feel a longer trailer can be more difficult. Son in law drives semi trucks for a living and he says even professionals don't nail it every time.

[ARoamer]

Another thought on a MH vs 5th wheel is service work, oil changes, etc. It's likely much easier to find places to service a pickup than a MH.

[jpgale]

I have been going through the same thought process recently. I have been looking at the Entegra Reatta (The Jayco Embark is a reatta with a different front cap on it (maybe rear too), they are actually made on the Entegra line) and Reatta XL DP's and Mid bunk 5th wheels mainly the 355mbqs. We have a travel trailer, I have a 1 ton SRW (which may or may not be overloaded with the 355mbqs) and would trade both on a DP. My wife does not want to spend that much so we will most likely go for a fiver when we are ready. I see the benefit of the 5th wheel is pure space, and great floor plans, for a class A it is the quickest easiest setup, SWMBO can use the restroom or make a snack while unway etc. It depends on what you are looking to get out of the RV and only you can really answer what is better for you in those cases.