Class A vs. Fifth Wheel for Full Time RV Living (which one is better?)

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  • Опубликовано: 6 янв 2025

Комментарии • 82

  • @78hopper
    @78hopper 2 года назад +3

    Class a diesel coaches are also built with much higher quality furnishings

    • @starmaster191
      @starmaster191 Год назад

      agreed. I walked into a 2001 monaco diesel pusher here in July 2023 and upon stepping on the steps it felt like walking into a motorcoach

  • @brucefranklin6765
    @brucefranklin6765 2 года назад +2

    We went with a 5th wheel because we also have a 25ft boat that we tow with the truck.

  • @onboardsvtsunami7662
    @onboardsvtsunami7662 2 месяца назад +1

    We are a fulltime sailing family thinking about switching to shore after 3 years of traveling full time. Currently in Guatemala. Yes video was helpful with pointing out some features

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  Месяц назад +1

      That's awesome! We would love to do a stint of full-time living on a sailboat

    • @onboardsvtsunami7662
      @onboardsvtsunami7662 Месяц назад

      @@WilandJen It's amazing to have this much freedom and never ending learning process. We are happy to share the challenges and rewards of cruising on a sailboat

  • @billhollinshead
    @billhollinshead 2 года назад +2

    An oddball 5th wheel floorplan is (at least) the Riverstone 42FSKG. While not a typical toy hauler (it has a huge front kitchen with an island range), a road-ready Can-Am Spyder 3-wheeler should fit under its rear queen bed (when the bed is raised). However, access to the fridge and bathroom requires opening slides, and there is no outside kitchen/fridge. Plus it is not cheap :)

  • @orangecrocks
    @orangecrocks 2 года назад +7

    Thanks Will&Jen, I’ve been on the fence on this one for a while. I was convinced to the point of getting a build sheet done for a Riverstone……then I started watching Andrew, Brian, James and Matt doing videos about Class A , and add to the fact Ford or Dodge dually cost and lead time for a build ….

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Definitely pros and cons to both options!

  • @uowebfoot
    @uowebfoot Год назад +1

    Another big factor is breakdowns. With a 5th wheel you can continue to live in it and is MUCH easier to get your truck worked on vs a class A

  • @SuperSushidog
    @SuperSushidog 2 года назад +1

    Ya'll did an outstanding job on a tough, complex subject. Kudos! We are FTers living in a Class A MH with a small fuel-efficient toad. We actually put more miles on our toad than we do our MH - about 6-7k miles a year on the MH and 10-12k on the toad. YMMV. Yes, we have 2 vehicles to maintain and insure, but the fuel savings, operating and maintaining a 30+ mpg toad vs an 8 mpg tow vehicle (or MH) really adds up. We already owned a flat towable vehicle, so going this way made sense to us.
    We have been boondocking now continuously for over a year. After a few years of FT life we discovered we like both the freedom and cost savings boondocking offers. Traveling is better in a MH, as we are both looking through a massive windshield and are sitting higher too, so have a much better view of the road. When we are on the road, we often overnight at roadside rest areas, Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, etc. where extending slides is inappropriate, so it was important to us to be able to use our MH with the slides in. Not having to leave the living area to get into the cab of the truck saves getting out in inclement weather and in places where safety and security might be an issue. Having it the right temperature inside at all times is important for us and our pets too.
    Fivers have much more living space inside with the slides out - but not when they are in.
    We've also found that it's hard to find a fiver with enough weight capacity for full-timers carrying all their worldly possessions with them. Most don't even come close. I would suggest at least 3,000-3500 lbs of CCC for a couple, 4,000-4,500 lbs. if you like to boondock like we do. Boondockers look for large fresh water, waste water and propane tank capacities, and consider the weight these full tanks will add. For example, the fiver you happened to use for your comparison has 3,262 lbs of CCC (I've seen many with far less, some under 2000 lbs.). 100 gallons of water is 832 lbs by itself. Add the weight of a propane, generator and fuel, a fridge and pantry full of food, tools, batteries, solar, computer equipment, electronic entertainment hardware, camping gear and toys (we carry a couple electric bikes with us, but some carry motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, etc.) It all adds up. Typically, motorhome running gear has much more carrying capacity tires than 5ers do. If loaded to near capacity, the weight must be balanced evenly, so as not to exceed the weight on any given wheel/axle over their specs (consider your pin weight too.) This balancing act is harder to do than it sounds, as a FTer's weight is constantly shifting as water and fuel changes tanks, food gets eaten and restocked, etc.

  • @tremjar1305
    @tremjar1305 2 года назад +1

    something else you can do with a class A.... tow another smaller travel trailer/toy hauler, seen many that can be under 5k, just not big toys, a motorcycle or two at best type sizes..... a whole nother bedroom/with other sleeping areas as well and bathroom and kitchen. with more sleeping space than many 5th wheels total plus have still a motorcycle or 4 wheeler to get around on... and you can take up 2 campsites if want to and rule the area, OR use one if fit, either way... and far easier to deal with than a giant toy hauler 5th wheel all around that could sleep same amount of people... and... if motorhome need service, you can actually let them have it a few days as long as your campsite is ok on time, and have trailer to stay in and motorcycle to get around... my setup idea on this is 2 full kitchens 2 full bedrooms plus whatever other beds.... 2 full bathrooms.... and can leave half of it behind anytime you want, or whatever other trailer you want, toys only... whatever. ... but i like the idea of travel trailer matched to class A.... hella sleeping and party space for large family with so many set up possibilities. i would not need all that.... but if i had teenagers or large family, yes. and if you use a under 30ft A or C, with an under say 14 ft travel trailer.... now you can go in to national parks at will, and still have the room of a 45 foot rv basically, even if do have to get 2 campsites everytime, can be worth it..... be a lot like having a 45 foot 5th wheel smaller toy hauler for the family... without having to take the entire thing with you if you and the wife want to go alone... minus the toys, or just get little flatbed for that.... and for serious full timing, ... said trailer can be just a motorcycle or two, a laundry room, with more water storage. and small work shop. which again can be left behind anytime not need all that..... if i was going to full time, which i have considered, that is what i would probably do, get smaller c or a, with utility trailer i build out to have what it does not, washer dryer, more water, more power, place for toys, more storage etc. everything need for full time split between 2... take off with only the main half for weekend trips, leave other half wherever you live normally for the moment..... if i was someone like jayco, i would make it a matched paired set, could even possibly build it with a pass thru walk way over the hitch area you can set up once at destination if want to leave hooked together, or just a optional outside tent type thing where you can just go out the door from one to other outside but in the tent still. very similar to what some huge super c with car haulers do... just far smaller scale..... class c or a with optional trailer for 4 wheeler /motorcycle carrier and laundry room / double solar system capacity (able to plug systems together, or work independently ofcourse) and more water carrying capacity, nothing fancy, maybe the outside kitchen is on that instead of main unit too... just matched to work together. all you need for full timing if want it, but dont have to buy it. rv only 120, matched optional trailer set 150 type of thing... just another option........ i expect a commission from my ideas if you use them :) .....

  • @samanthalucas8070
    @samanthalucas8070 2 года назад +1

    WIL AND JEN THIS WAS HELPFUL GOOD VIDEO WITH A FIFTH WHEEL DOING A STORM IT IS HARD TO DO GETTING YOUR STUFF IN AND OUT OF THE OUTSIDE STORAGE US OLDER PEOPLE CAN NOT USE THE BUNK OVERCAB USE THAT FOR PILLOWS AND BLANKETS STORAGE WITH A CLASS HOP AND GO

  • @peterbu2817
    @peterbu2817 2 года назад +1

    Con to a motorhome is finding a Dealership to work on it. There are a ton of Ford dealers who will work on your pickup truck, but not many who will touch your 20,000 plus pound motorhome. Another issue it towing your motorhome when you break down.

  • @curtiscrump7153
    @curtiscrump7153 2 года назад +2

    Great video. In the end there is no wrong choice, it is all down to what you want.
    In my case a Class A make more sense in my case for a few reasons. There would be 3 humans and the 2 cats aka the owners traveling. Not having to move everyone between the truck and trailer is a huge plus. Also due to dietary concerns, the kitchen would be used while at rest areas and the fridge is always there. I also like the fact of pull into space, get out of seat, vacation mode activate!
    The prices are about what I expected as I would need to buy a vehicle in either case. I would pick up something to flat tow that I would not cry over if destroyed. One of my toys would be a soul crushing event. I also considered if only going out a few weeks out of the year, then Uber/Taxi/rental could be an option.
    5th wheels are great as well and I am not a snob that goes, look Muffy trailer people. The key is buy what you want and have fun. Anyone doesn't like your choice, drown them out with the Airhorn. :)

  • @Rose-qr4xn
    @Rose-qr4xn 2 года назад +1

    Best comparison yet. Simple & honest.

  • @williamkopti4268
    @williamkopti4268 2 года назад +1

    One thing I have seen is Class A has a big advantage with leaving pets. The switchover to generator if shore power goes down is a big con due to heat. Also most motor home is quieter.

  • @stevetsigounis6535
    @stevetsigounis6535 2 года назад +1

    Great Job. Hard to do cost, but you did a fair comparison! Keep the video's comming! We have a Cedar Creek 377BH because of the mid-bunk!

  • @michelesatterfield
    @michelesatterfield 2 года назад +1

    Great job Wil and Jen!
    My husband and I really enjoy watching your videos and the way you present each coach you show. I love the harmony you both have with each other it comes across so wonderfully and gives such a wonderful vibe. The presentation that you both bring really helps the consumer make better choices for themselves, and their needs. Great job!! Love watching your videos!

  • @Susan-pg7yc
    @Susan-pg7yc 2 года назад +2

    I really appreciate hearing the pros and cons from you just in general, full timer or not. What I could really use help with is what vehicle would I need to not have extremes of temperature inside. If you are sensitive to heat and /or want to travel all seasons, which ones would be well insulated and not require weatherizing year round? Thanks so much!

  • @davidoverholt251
    @davidoverholt251 2 года назад

    Will and Jen, please keep telling the truths about the RV life, or travel trailer! You tow with Matt and Andrea are respected on channel! Do not sell out with your acceptance to share with the people that want to live the life!

  • @tanya334
    @tanya334 2 года назад +2

    Great comparison, Thank you ! Safe Travels guy's ❤

  • @sitchad
    @sitchad 2 года назад

    Class A all the way and we tow a Jeep Wrangler. it is great and comfy plus if someone needs the potty or a snack no problem as we drive down the road.

  • @spudman12382
    @spudman12382 2 года назад +1

    Great video. I would love to be a full time RVer but I'll have to wait until I retire. When I do retire wife and I plan on getting a class b and just tour the country.

  • @PatriciaCentralFlorida
    @PatriciaCentralFlorida 2 года назад

    If I had a seasonal spot I would definitely like a 5th wheel. Traveling I want my Class A motorhome. Nothing like going to use MY bathroom on the road, sleep in MY BED. Eating and drinking out of my cold refrigerator while driving down the road. As far a full timing not for us we are "Most of the Time" RVing. We don't do campfire or s'mores. We are RVers using our Motorhome for travel, vacation and visiting friends and family. We live in our MH in Florida for 5 months as snowbirds and we own our own RV lot in Punta Gorda Florida

  • @tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579
    @tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579 2 года назад

    What truck are you driving. Class a gets like 5mpg. 450-500 miles on a fill up. My truck gets 12 towing on a 30 gallon tank. I get 360 miles on a fill up.

  • @BrianVanLoocke
    @BrianVanLoocke 11 месяцев назад

    Someone once said in a trailer the vacation doesn't start until you get to the campground, in a motorhome the vacation starts when you leave the driveway.

    • @gimeurfridchiken4615
      @gimeurfridchiken4615 11 месяцев назад

      I'm gonna be honest that doesn't actually mean anything to me

  • @pattyolson3842
    @pattyolson3842 2 года назад +1

    Great video Jen & Will!
    I never heard the term MPR (multipurpose room) before, usually mid bunk, that everyone is asking for a desk in. If you only have 1 or 2 kids, depending on age, the mid-bunk & loft are good & maybe cheaper than those with full bunk rooms in the back. In those, you tend to get less living space. Sorry for so much detail, I watch all 3 channels. 🙂

  • @AdventureRocks
    @AdventureRocks 2 года назад +1

    Great job! I'd imagine y'all have seen a lot of rigs first hand. Great points.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Thanks for watching!

  • @DivalerioKitchens
    @DivalerioKitchens 2 года назад

    Thank you for this video. It was super thorough. You raised a couple of points that I never thought about.

  • @speedbumpaaa
    @speedbumpaaa 2 года назад

    Nice video. The only quibble is not pointing out the difference between a Diesel Pusher and gas . The fit and finish in most DPs are worlds better on average than a 5th wheel where you might have some more interior space, but a lower CCC. 5th wheels and other tow behinds are very weight conscious in design. Of course, cost and maintenance is much higher with a DP, but they hold their value better.

  • @Vikingdean77
    @Vikingdean77 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for video excellent comparison. My wife and I are undecided between 5th and class A or C thanks guys 😃

  • @michaelenemirandagonzaga1771
    @michaelenemirandagonzaga1771 2 года назад +1

    I love y'all videos! Thank you, I know it takes a lot of time to make and edit. I wanted to ask what made you chose the 32rls over the 30 and if I can email to ask loads more of questions lol. I love your fur babies too!!

  • @Vlogsoup
    @Vlogsoup 2 года назад

    Glad you posted this we are going to be FT in a week and are still trying to decide.
    Hey can you give us info on the rally Matt was talking about in the used 5th wheel post

  • @tedwalford7615
    @tedwalford7615 2 года назад

    VERY helpful! But, I've still not decided .... Argh! But: since not usually traveling with kids, I'm leaning toward the motorhome.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      That makes sense! Definitely pros and cons to each choice

  • @sheelajoel8830
    @sheelajoel8830 8 месяцев назад

    Awesome. So helpful. Thank you😊

  • @dalefrye7728
    @dalefrye7728 2 года назад

    Please talk about full time solo in Class A/C vs 5th wheel. My big concern is dealing with backing that big trailer into a camping space. It seems like people with 5th wheels have at least a 2nd person that can spot the back of the trailer. Also, what other concerns would apply to full-time solo over a couple or family? Also add in any special concerns for solo retirees.

    • @justman777texas2
      @justman777texas2 2 года назад

      I have my wife stay in the truck when backing our 5th wheel. I'm in and out more often, but there's no stress of yelling back and forth, miscommunication, etc. Yes, it takes longer, but it's worth it to me.

  • @mikemanjo2458
    @mikemanjo2458 2 года назад

    Thanks for this. Good points. Have a great week. ❤️🙏🏻from SC, Jane

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад +1

      Thanks for watching! 😊

  • @markbaker3639
    @markbaker3639 2 года назад +1

    Very useful 👌 thanks.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @coachtalk1
    @coachtalk1 2 года назад

    Thank you this was very informative. I do have a request for a Wednesday video in the future. Could you show how to connect a fifth wheel to a truck, vs how to connect a travel trailer to a truck vs how to connect a toad. I am disabled and might be traveling by myself at times. I am trying to decide which would be easier for me to connect.
    My parents had a class c and I loved driving it. They had a toad for it but I never had an opportunity to connect it. I am good with dumping the tanks as long as I am not crawling on the ground to do it.
    Thank you, you all are great.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Yes we will definitely try to make a video like that!

    • @coachtalk1
      @coachtalk1 2 года назад

      Thank you so much

  • @stancass1063
    @stancass1063 2 года назад

    Great comparison , Keep up the good work
    Question. Motor home generators use the gas from their 80 gallon fuel tank. ( can run for weeks or more.)
    In the Fifth Wheel generator installation what size fuel (gas) tank is included or is it run on propane?? If Propane how long can it run??

    • @sitchad
      @sitchad 2 года назад +1

      For a Calss A I can tell you we have a 5500-watt Onan and under load it burns about a half gallon per hour. Our new Bounder has an 80 gals fuel tank but the generator will only draw up to 80% of the fuel tank. That way you never get stuck without fuel to drive off for more.

  • @batpuffer
    @batpuffer 2 года назад

    Wil what 5th wheel hitch would you recommend for my truck

  • @williambradley2562
    @williambradley2562 2 года назад

    Jen & Will thanks for this Quick Comparison Video of Class A vs 5th Wheel from the features and benefits versus the overall cost! #WillandJenRock

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Thanks for watching!

  • @pabloflaifel8442
    @pabloflaifel8442 2 года назад +1

    Great video!, Additional point and a question. When the times comes to leave the motorhome for maintenance, your home is also at the service department for whatever time is on service. Question, on a 5th wheeler, when you add the generator, do you also need to add a gas tank or is it connected to the truck gas tank?

    • @scottclarke3640
      @scottclarke3640 2 года назад

      It depends on the 5th wheel you have. In the Paradigm they toured, you would get a propane generator that uses the on-board propane. If you have a toy-hauler 5th wheel, they almost all have a gas tank included that supplies a gas generator.

    • @6582rg
      @6582rg 2 года назад

      Most 5th wheelers go with a propane generator unless you have a toy hauler with a gas tank.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Comments above are accurate!

  • @coryotto2808
    @coryotto2808 2 года назад

    Great video very informative

  • @joeblow3939
    @joeblow3939 2 года назад +1

    ❤❤ I think there are 20 states that allow people in trailers well traveling. 👍👍

    • @scottclarke3640
      @scottclarke3640 2 года назад +1

      For the most part though, most modern trailers have slide-outs that make it almost impossible to move around in a trailer or 5th wheel.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад +3

      Thanks for letting us know! Truthfully, it’s not safe for anyone to travel in the back of a trailer anyways.

  • @montygarza4987
    @montygarza4987 Год назад

    get a dead cat for your mic its a fluffy ball that goes over the mic to kill the wind

  • @kenstand
    @kenstand 2 года назад

    Will and Jen... love your comparison video... good job. I am curious about your thoughts on matching truck size to fifth wheel size. What size truck do you use for your Avenue 32RLS and are you satisfied?

  • @cooltrkin
    @cooltrkin 2 года назад

    Or if you use a HDT that's the best of all worlds. Or a schoolie

  • @rvvacation1862
    @rvvacation1862 2 года назад +2

    Done both and presently in the MoHo looking to get back to a 5th wheel.
    Boy if I only knew then, what I know now.
    The MoHo is great for full time travel but we find the fivers to be much more comfortable for longer layovers.
    For long term "snowbirding” or one to two trips a year, it's a 5er hands down.
    For long term traveling with short layovers, it's MoHo and a toad.

    • @lilyrosesoul0077
      @lilyrosesoul0077 2 года назад

      On point! Your summary shows clearly the main advantage of the 5th wheel vs motorhome because a buyer needs to clear on what they expect their mobile home to do. Neither is good or bad - its how you often you want travel that should a key deciding factor.

  • @michelle1284mk
    @michelle1284mk 2 года назад

    This was really helpful. Thank you

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @anniegao6463
    @anniegao6463 2 года назад

    really help thanks

  • @Walters803
    @Walters803 2 года назад

    Thanks for sharing just subscribed!!

  • @bque9444
    @bque9444 Год назад

    Correction, not all class A motorhomes have drop down bed.

  • @MSG3726
    @MSG3726 Год назад

    I feel like you’re going to spend a lot more money than $75k on a truck. Nice video!

  • @Chad-wk2pm
    @Chad-wk2pm Год назад

    Class c motorhome

  • @robertcampbell5355
    @robertcampbell5355 9 месяцев назад

    A

  • @Bigsky1886
    @Bigsky1886 10 месяцев назад

    Just because you can do a thing, doesn’t mean you should

  • @1957ShutterBug
    @1957ShutterBug 2 года назад

    Now compare a 45’ DP with a shorter 5er …

  • @ricktaylor6373
    @ricktaylor6373 2 года назад

    Well,,, big diesel pickup with a 22,000dollar engine it is pulling a fifth wheel camper bout the size of a big gas class “A”. Big class A 34 foot or 36 foot on average pulling a toad. Both get crappy fuel mileage and maintenance is gonna be whatever it will be. $$$ you know that so it’s all a matter of driving a pickup or sitting behind the wheel of a class A chassis, one half dozen to the other. Choices choices. Amenities are equivalent no matter how ya look at it.

    • @WilandJen
      @WilandJen  2 года назад

      Yep there are definitely pros and cons to both!

  • @albertschneider5978
    @albertschneider5978 Год назад

    lol

  • @aprils6971
    @aprils6971 2 года назад

    You don't have to buy brand new 😀 y'all sound like sales people smdh 😂