RVs: Class A or 5th Wheel (Toy Hauler)?

[olds]

Anyone had both?

Had a Class C for a bunch of years. Looking at an A or a 5th wheel for retirement.
Probably diesel in either configuration.
Stay a month at a time in different locations

Class A
Lots of room
Easier for wife to drive
Automatic leveling
Have to tow a car

5th Wheel
Lots of room, especially with a toy hauler
Wife probably can't back it
Automatic leveling?
No need to tow a car.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Consideration of a Super C? Front engine makes for better cooling and no need for specialized RV mechanic. I do know some parks wont allow C's.

Biggest drawback to a Class A is that if it breaks, your home is in the shop. We have friends who full time in each. High end 5th wheels are quite nice, those with onboard generator make life easy but they are long when you get to the triple axle ones. Some folks like the ability for the spouse to cook/pee while driving as well. Home appliances over specialized RV ones reduce long term costs as well.

auto leveling is built into all high end 5th wheels.

Don't go gas, you'll regret the decision every time you see a hill.

 

[NutBucket]

Why would you want a toy hauler unless you're hauling toys? There's plenty of big 5th wheels that are only for "living".

oh, and what's your budget?

 

[BurnItDwn]

Have owned neither, but have been doing some research for future plans.

Be aware that many national parks have length limits, if you desire to stay at national parks, then you're gonna wanna stay under 35 feet (some require staying under 30 feet)
If you don't care about this, then pick between class A for "ease of use" on the road, and 5th wheel for being more "homelike" at the site (and generally more bang for the buck).

 

[olds]

The Super Cs seem to be Mercedes. Don't want anything to do with Mercedes.

Toy hauler for a separate bedroom/playroom for the grandkids.
Only looking at used
$100k for Class A
$60k for toy hauler (need $40k for truck)

 

[NutBucket]

You can get a 5th wheel with a bedroom that isn't a toy hauler.

 

[BurnItDwn]

There are even some 5th wheels with 3 bedrooms


Also, there are Super C's using Ford, Dodge, or International chassis if you want to avoid MB.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Wow, 5th wheel + Jetskis ... backing up ...

 

[NutBucket]

Yeah, it can be done but doesn't look fun!

Having minimal experience I can say a Class A pusher has no rivals as far comfort and even drivability (once you get past the size).

 

[olds]

Do the beds go up into the ceiling so we can play naked twister?

You can get a 5th wheel with a bedroom that isn't a toy hauler.

But do the beds go up in the ceiling so we can set up naked twister?

 

[NutBucket]

How big is a twister board?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Since your budget is only $100K - go 5th Wheel & Cummins. I'd avoid the toy hauler if all you need are bunk beds for the grand-kids since they will only be out a few trips a year.

There are a lot of parks with 24ft RV restrictions - especially out west.

The mid 00's Ford based Super C's are junk - looking at you International.

Love the Ikon Super C's but out of your budget - https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-Renegade-IKON-34RM-5003998566

This you could do - https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2006-Dynamax-Corp-DYNAQUEST-302ST-5004718743

 

[heymrdj]

I’d definitely recommend the 5th wheel and pickup. Otherwise, plan on a toad or lots of ride sharing for a class A. The allure of the home on wheels that a Class A provides is really nice, but in a time of super shoddy construction, it’s very difficult to get a chassis that isn’t overloaded right out of the gate. They are notorious for using 18K E350 chassis, E450 22K chassis, and F53 22K chassis when they build them at 17,600, 21,400, and 22,100lbs respectively off the shop floor. There are multiple higher chassis specs such as F53 24, 26, and 30K GCWR, but that would cut into profit margins.

 

[NutBucket]

Well the issue there is you're buying a gas Class A...and I'd agree you're mostly correct. If you're not buying a pusher you're probably better off with a C.

 

[heymrdj]

Well the issue there is you're buying a gas Class A...and I'd agree you're mostly correct. If you're not buying a pusher you're probably better off with a C.

Yes, because he mentioned 100K, I didn't feel any need to go into diesel pushers as they don't exist at that price point. I've seen plenty of improperly built entry level diesel chassis as well. They have issues with the amount of money they pay the likes of Freightliner just for the chassis and powertrain, they don't put enough into the interior. But there are a lot of nice high end gas Class A's built on the F53, and I'll always recommend them over a diesel pusher to anyone not putting serious miles on the RV. The issues with emission system failures and contaminated fuel are just as common (and even more expensive) as they are on the diesel pickups. Emissions have ruined diesels for any use that doesn't include flogging it.

 

[NutBucket]

Used pusher, pre-particulate filters! I really need to get ours looked at because it seems to regen too often. Something isn't right.

 

[heymrdj]

Used pusher, pre-particulate filters! I really need to get ours looked at because it seems to regen too often. Something isn't right.

Depending on the newness, micro-regens are a pretty common setup now. I know a lot of the Cummins will do 150 mile quick regens, especially if there's been a lot of idling.

As for used, that's a whole can of works he didn't mention. Finding RV's that haven't been outdoors to avoid delamination, have had their engines maintained, and not a fortune are rare. Unless you're talking an RV that was 350K plus when it was new in 2006 pre-emission, the outside of the RV is still as cheap as possible, and can't take constant use. And those 350/400/500K RVs are still going for 150-200K. The pre-emission market is hot.

 

[herm0016]

what about a host class C that is based on the F-550? better chassis than the van or sprinter based stuff, 4x4 and you pull into a ford dealer for parts and service if you need it. No special stuff.

personally, I would go for something smaller like a provan tiger, earth roamer or similar for the ability to access a lot more areas. Visitors can bring a tent or their own camper.


or....
an older wanderlodge

https://rvs.autotrader.com/rvs/1998/Bluebird/Wanderlodge/300166175

https://rvs.autotrader.com/rvs/1993/Bluebird/Wanderlodge/300172566

 

[NutBucket]

Really, 150 eh? We don't idle ours much so I don't think it's because of that. And I certainly wouldn't call them quick either.

We have an '07 Revolution....bought used!

 

[olds]

Man, I gotta admit, there's better advice in here than I was expecting to get.
Thanks

 

[soulcougher73]

I want a 5th wheel someday. Like this with living room up front.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2019/fifth-wheel/solitude/floorplans/380fl-380fl-r

 

[olds]

I want a 5th wheel someday. Like this with living room up front.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2019/fifth-wheel/solitude/floorplans/380fl-380fl-r

Very nice

 

[NutBucket]

looks like exactly what you're looking for olds

 

[olds]

looks like exactly what you're looking for olds

Doesn't really have a place for the grandkids but a tent or the slider in the back works. It has a basement!

 

[NutBucket]

Huh? If we're talking about the Solitude 380FL / 380FL-R linked above why wouldn't the living room area above in front of the kitchen work? Sounds like you really want two bedrooms and living room. Maybe more like the 377MBS floorplan?