OT: Motorhome vs. 5th Wheel

[joeparules]

So we started out with a tent trailer when the girls were young before progressing to a 25 ft travel trailer when the three females in my life wanted their own bathroom. We have camped in Bellefonte on football weekends, but I've never pulled the trailer into a lot at the stadium. Now that the girls are grown, we would like to make the next step (haven't used the trailer in three years).

I know the major pros/cons in the trade-off between getting a motorhome versus a pick-up truck and 5th wheel, but thought I would ask the all-knowing board for opinions (never at a shortage here). We would use the RV for vacations about two weeks a year before retirement (about 8 years away) and hopefully more afterwards. We would also use it for some PSU games but probably not every one depending on weather conditions.

TIA

 

[lionroar88]

IF I were looking at this I would go the RV route. They are MUCH easier to maneuver in the PSU parking lots. I would also look into a small to mid-sized vehicle (if you don't already have one) that you could tow behind the RV for those short excursions while vacationing.

 

[transam2002]

My choice would be a 5th wheel and pickup truck. That way you have a vehicle to drive around when you're camped. My wife and I full timed this way for 3 years. Worked out very well.

 

[Mufasa2]

Wow, my wife and I were JUST having this same convo! We did the RV show at the PA Farm show last weekend, had a blast looking at all the different options. We saw some really nice RVs in the 90-100k range (which would be our max range), but I'm still going back and forth on the rv vrs truck/5th wheel. I really like the maneuverability factor of the RV option and really don't have much use for a large pickup truck outside of pulling the trailer... look forward to reading the responses!

Is there a higher resale value of one option over the other? Other considerations??

 

[harjeff]

Motorhome all the way! Bought one 5 years ago and LOVE it. We had never camped or anything and just went out and bought a 34' gas powered MH 1995 model, had it for 3 years and the new upgraded to a diesel pusher, which is AWESOME! Much quieter, more reliable and cheaper to take trips in with MPG being higher with diesel.

What I have learned over the years...again we have bought older cheaper models, that may have had some cosmetic issues, but the bones and functionality of everything was intact of fully operational.
You are always working on something...always have minor things I am working on...probably would be same with 5th wheel
Great for traveling as you can use all the features while driving(Not the driver). Want a sandwich, use the bathroom, play video games, watch tv...all can be done while underway, which you can't do in a 5th wheel

Get a tow dolly and any front wheel drive car can be towed for doing things once you setup camp

AWESOME at Beaver Stadium for games/tailgating!!!!

If you have any specific questions as you get into the process..let me know and I would be happy to help

 

[joeparules]

Wow, my wife and I were JUST having this same convo! We did the RV show at the PA Farm show last weekend, had a blast looking at all the different options. We saw some really nice RVs in the 90-100k range (which would be our max range), but I'm still going back and forth on the rv vrs truck/5th wheel. I really like the maneuverability factor of the RV option and really don't have much use for a large pickup truck outside of pulling the trailer... look forward to reading the responses!

Is there a higher resale value of one option over the other? Other considerations??

Looked at some used motorhomes in our area last weekend and also some new 5th wheels. The one 5th wheel had opposing slide-outs, a dual theater seat, sofa, big screen, gas fireplace and island in the kitchen. If we go the motorhome route it will have to be a used one as our budget is in the 50-60K range as I can't justify paying 100K for something we would use maybe 5% of the year.

Going to the RV show this weekend in Oaks to get some more information and data points.

 

[cment]

I had a 5th wheel for about 5 years and now have a gas MH for the last 3 years. My wife and kids love the MH. I like the 5th wheel better. When Comparing a 34' MH with a 33' 5ver: This is just my opinion and I am sure some jack on here will say I am wrong.:

5th wheel Pros:
The 5th wheel will give you more room on the inside:
The 5th wheel is easier to maintain.
You have a vehicle ad your disposal to go into town ext.

5th Wheel cons:
Make sure your tow vehicle matches the trailer weight. 5th wheels are now regularly going over the 14k lb mark.
Gan be a PIA to park sometimes, but you will get really good at it quickly.
Depending on model, it may have limited tank capacity.
You will want to get a built in generator.

MH Pros:
On board generator.
kids and wife can watch TV and relax while you try to remain on the road dealing with 50mph cross winds that you are sure is going to put you into the ditch or off the cliff.
Your wife will like it better than the 5th wheel.
Higher capacity tanks.

MH Cons:
can be costly to maintain and the systems can be complicated.
You do not have "go to town" vehicle, so you either stay put or buy a jeep to tow. (I 100% guarantee You will end up buying a jeep after about 2 trips.My wife fell in love a with a Rubicon and it has become part of family )
Ft vs ft, they have a smaller living area than a 5th wheel.
Figure you will be shelling out more $$ on an annual basis.
Add a couple of grand for the tow equipment you will need when you buy the jeep.


SInce your wife and kids are involved I would go for a used diesel pusher. (the benefit of used, is the previous owner either got all the gremlins out, or it was so full of gremlins he/she got rid of it.).


Another bit of advice: The more bathrooms and sinks you have on the RV, the more water you use (unintentionally).

 

[Jerademan74]

So we started out with a tent trailer when the girls were young before progressing to a 25 ft travel trailer when the three females in my life wanted their own bathroom. We have camped in Bellefonte on football weekends, but I've never pulled the trailer into a lot at the stadium. Now that the girls are grown, we would like to make the next step (haven't used the trailer in three years).

I know the major pros/cons in the trade-off between getting a motorhome versus a pick-up truck and 5th wheel, but thought I would ask the all-knowing board for opinions (never at a shortage here). We would use the RV for vacations about two weeks a year before retirement (about 8 years away) and hopefully more afterwards. We would also use it for some PSU games but probably not every one depending on weather conditions.

TIA

All I can say is that it is never good to be a fifth wheel as you feel like you should motor home before the night ends!

 

[Tri-Power65]

My choice: hotel.

 

[RLCookie]

I agree with everything cment just said. I actually own both. The 1989 Class C in my Avitar was my dad's. He bought it brand new to take to primarily take to state college. When he passed away I inherited it. We still take it to every home game. I'd like to upgrade but there is so much nostalgia there it is hard to let go.

I also have a 5th wheel parked on a permanent site that we use all summer. Honestly it comes down to what do you want to do with it.

Traveling back and forth to PSU the MH is much better in my opinion. Self contained, easier to park, just less of a hassle all around. No we don't have a vehicle to go downtown on Friday night but Uber makes it easy or a short walk over to the loop bus and we are good to go.

At our permanent site the 5th wheel is awesome. Tons of space, you go upstairs to go to bed. All around just better for that environment. I think there is only one MH in the entire campground.

With that being said we just upgraded the 5th wheel and I am already planning on taking it to PSU for some of the big weekends when we have a large crowd simply for the space. Who knows we may end up taking both!

Hope this helps but realize it probably won't.

 

[cment]

I will also add it may be easier to sell the 5th wheel and truck then a MH if ever needed.

 

[njlion73]

Started with a used MH and upgraded to a new unit a year later. We love it and use it for every home football game and 2 away games a year. Also, we go on 1 or 2 vacations per year it in. Ours is a gas unit, as the difference in cost just didn't seem to justify diesel. We could not be happier with it.

 

[psuro]

Motor home.

 

[sluggo72]

Motor home.

it aint really an answer until MMII weighs in!! LOL

 

[Mufasa2]

Looked at some used motorhomes in our area last weekend and also some new 5th wheels. The one 5th wheel had opposing slide-outs, a dual theater seat, sofa, big screen, gas fireplace and island in the kitchen. If we go the motorhome route it will have to be a used one as our budget is in the 50-60K range as I can't justify paying 100K for something we would use maybe 5% of the year.

Going to the RV show this weekend in Oaks to get some more information and data points.

The rv show in Harrisburg was really fun, and eye opening lol.. some of the big ones were over 225k, just beautiful inside but forever out of my price range lol.. not sure if I would ever want to drive something that expensive...

There were similiar 5th wheels in the 60-70k range, just amazing and even more interior space than the big rv units.. it was fun to check them out and dream of winning the lottery lol...

 

[Mufasa2]

I had a 5th wheel for about 5 years and now have a gas MH for the last 3 years. My wife and kids love the MH. I like the 5th wheel better. When Comparing a 34' MH with a 33' 5ver: This is just my opinion and I am sure some jack on here will say I am wrong.:

5th wheel Pros:
The 5th wheel will give you more room on the inside:
The 5th wheel is easier to maintain.
You have a vehicle ad your disposal to go into town ext.

5th Wheel cons:
Make sure your tow vehicle matches the trailer weight. 5th wheels are now regularly going over the 14k lb mark.
Gan be a PIA to park sometimes, but you will get really good at it quickly.
Depending on model, it may have limited tank capacity.
You will want to get a built in generator.

MH Pros:
On board generator.
kids and wife can watch TV and relax while you try to remain on the road dealing with 50mph cross winds that you are sure is going to put you into the ditch or off the cliff.
Your wife will like it better than the 5th wheel.
Higher capacity tanks.

MH Cons:
can be costly to maintain and the systems can be complicated.
You do not have "go to town" vehicle, so you either stay put or buy a jeep to tow. (I 100% guarantee You will end up buying a jeep after about 2 trips.My wife fell in love a with a Rubicon and it has become part of family )
Ft vs ft, they have a smaller living area than a 5th wheel.
Figure you will be shelling out more $$ on an annual basis.
Add a couple of grand for the tow equipment you will need when you buy the jeep.


SInce your wife and kids are involved I would go for a used diesel pusher. (the benefit of used, is the previous owner either got all the gremlins out, or it was so full of gremlins he/she got rid of it.).


Another bit of advice: The more bathrooms and sinks you have on the RV, the more water you use (unintentionally).

So do most rvs have an internal generator, or is that an add-on? I didn't talk to the salespeople much at the rv show since i was not planning to buy this year.. didn't want to waste their time..

 

[sluggo72]

So do most rvs have an internal generator, or is that an add-on? I didn't talk to the salespeople much at the rv show since i was not planning to buy this year.. didn't want to waste their time..

yes. They either come with or they don't, it would depend on when it was built and how much it cost. The more expensive, the more likely it will have an internal genny. But ask if it has one. That said, you can add one on if you want. Some come pre wired for that purpose, some don't. Now all this said, the genny can be a royal PIA. The best thing to do with a genny is run it a lot. Normally noise is the biggest factor with a genny, and they have gotten a lot better with that.
Many camp grounds will have electrical hook ups, so you don't need a genny, but for tailgating at PSU you would need a genny.

an internal genny would raise the cost about $8-10K depending on the size. And don't forget they need to have their oil changed too, there is some maintenance on those things

 

[Mufasa2]

yes. They either come with or they don't, it would depend on when it was built and how much it cost. The more expensive, the more likely it will have an internal genny. But ask if it has one. That said, you can add one on if you want. Some come pre wired for that purpose, some don't. Now all this said, the genny can be a royal PIA. The best thing to do with a genny is run it a lot. Normally noise is the biggest factor with a genny, and they have gotten a lot better with that.
Many camp grounds will have electrical hook ups, so you don't need a genny, but for tailgating at PSU you would.

Ok thanks! We were looking at the details re the rv lots at the stadium and they did mention that generators have to be off between midnite and 7am, so I had sort of already filed it away that i would be buying a generator to go with this thing lol... i would prefer a built in one since I don't have a lot of use for one otherwise..

The ones we were both in agreement on were diesel, and I'm pretty sure we will buy new. So that may make it easier to find one with a built-in generator..

The units at the show were all "marked down" thousands of dollars; the ones in the 100k range that we liked were marked down about 20k. They were the show models apparently, I haven't started pricing yet but will before the show next year (when we plan to buy).. if those deals are real we will probably buy a show model..

 

[cment]

So do most rvs have an internal generator, or is that an add-on? I didn't talk to the salespeople much at the rv show since i was not planning to buy this year.. didn't want to waste their time..

I will also add to Sluggo's response regarding 5th wheels and onboard generators. Most do not have a genny and are not rigged for a genny. 5th wheels that are "Generator ready" have a dedicated space that is insulated and vented for generator. If you buy a rig that is not "generator ready," it may be expensive or impossible to put one into the unit as an add-on. That said, you can always carry around two Honda 2000 gennys that can handle most of what you will be using on-board.

We switched to the MH because of two reasons: 1. The dear wife wanted one. 2. I was sick of lugging gas cans and two generators around.

 

[sluggo72]

Ok thanks! We were looking at the details re the rv lots at the stadium and they did mention that generators have to be off between midnite and 7am, so I had sort of already filed it away that i would be buying a generator to go with this thing lol... i would prefer a built in one since I don't have a lot of use for one otherwise..

The ones we were both in agreement on were diesel, and I'm pretty sure we will buy new. So that may make it easier to find one with a built-in generator..

The units at the show were all "marked down" thousands of dollars; the ones in the 100k range that we liked were marked down about 20k. They were the show models apparently, I haven't started pricing yet but will before the show next year (when we plan to buy).. if those deals are real we will probably buy a show model..

RV's are a lot like boats. I know a little about boats. Make sure the genny runs on the same fuel as the engine, that is gas engine, gas genny, Diesel engine, diesel genny, normally that's the way they come but it is best to ask to be sure. Boats have a ton of Mark up, so do RV's , they don't have a sticker on them like a car. So if they marked the show RV's down 20k, that's a starting point for all of their RV's , and I'd probably start another 10-20k below that. You'll know when you are close. The thing is , like cars and boats, you cant insult the sales person!! You may want to look at what's on their used lots as well.

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

So we started out with a tent trailer when the girls were young before progressing to a 25 ft travel trailer when the three females in my life wanted their own bathroom. We have camped in Bellefonte on football weekends, but I've never pulled the trailer into a lot at the stadium. Now that the girls are grown, we would like to make the next step (haven't used the trailer in three years).

I know the major pros/cons in the trade-off between getting a motorhome versus a pick-up truck and 5th wheel, but thought I would ask the all-knowing board for opinions (never at a shortage here). We would use the RV for vacations about two weeks a year before retirement (about 8 years away) and hopefully more afterwards. We would also use it for some PSU games but probably not every one depending on weather conditions.

TIA

I started with a travel trailer, then upgraded to a 5th Wheel, then traded the 5th Wheel in for a Class C motorhome. As you know, each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. I really liked the space and storage with the 5th wheel, but you need a truck big enough to pull it. And once you get to a certain point in size, you will need a 3/4 ton, or a Dually to tow it. Add in the cost of a dually, and the camper itself, you will be pretty close to the price of a motorhome. I really like the motorhome, because you can just hop in and go on short notice. There really is no one size fits all. It will depend on how much you use it, and how much money you want to invest. All campers have maintenance needs, but motorhomes have double. You not only have the camper itself, you have all the other mechanicals associated with it being a vehicle. Currently, I have a motorhome here in PA that is in semi-retirement. She stays only here in PA. I also have a travel trailer in Myrtle Beach, SC that is stored at a campground, and brought to the site whenever I am there. After 11 years, I was starting to worry about the reliability of the motorhome on long trips. Driving my motorhome is like wrestling a mad bull down the highway.

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

The rv show in Harrisburg was really fun, and eye opening lol.. some of the big ones were over 225k, just beautiful inside but forever out of my price range lol.. not sure if I would ever want to drive something that expensive...

There were similiar 5th wheels in the 60-70k range, just amazing and even more interior space than the big rv units.. it was fun to check them out and dream of winning the lottery lol...

I once had the opportunity to tour Robert DiNero's personal coach. Unbelievable. It also doubled as an editing studio for when he was shooting films. The designer told me that it was around 1.2 million dollars.

 

[cment]

Ok thanks! We were looking at the details re the rv lots at the stadium and they did mention that generators have to be off between midnite and 7am, so I had sort of already filed it away that i would be buying a generator to go with this thing lol... i would prefer a built in one since I don't have a lot of use for one otherwise..

The ones we were both in agreement on were diesel, and I'm pretty sure we will buy new. So that may make it easier to find one with a built-in generator..

The units at the show were all "marked down" thousands of dollars; the ones in the 100k range that we liked were marked down about 20k. They were the show models apparently, I haven't started pricing yet but will before the show next year (when we plan to buy).. if those deals are real we will probably buy a show model..

I strongly suggest you do full research on the manufactures and models prior to buying one. (I can not stress this enough, this is not something to rush into if you are buying "new.") Not all RV's are "equal" in terms of quality, warranty, and customer service. I would suggest that you take a look at what dealers are around you and research their models and the dealers reputation. I am highly confident that you will be dealing with the dealer occasionally for warranty work and service. If you buy a unit and the nearest dealer is 350 miles away, it may be a PIA to get some warranty work done. There are some excellent RV websites that have great owner forums. Most have Manufacturer sub-forums so you can ask current owners about the models you are interested in. Lots of lemons in the RV world.

 

[Mufasa2]

I strongly suggest you do full research on the manufactures and models prior to buying one. (I can not stress this enough, this is not something to rush into if you are buying "new.") Not all RV's are "equal" in terms of quality, warranty, and customer service. I would suggest that you take a look at what dealers are around you and research their models and the dealers reputation. I am highly confident that you will be dealing with the dealer occasionally for warranty work and service. If you buy a unit and the nearest dealer is 350 miles away, it may be a PIA to get some warranty work done. There are some excellent RV websites that have great owner forums. Most have Manufacturer sub-forums so you can ask current owners about the models you are interested in. Lots of lemons in the RV world.

Great adviice, I willl be doing my research before we make the plunge that's for sure.. and yes I was already thinking I would want to purchase from at least a semi-local dealer... thanks again!

 

[massimoManca II]

I believe your question is specific to FOOTBALL weekends... if that is the case I can't imagine trailering something into the RV lots - particularly the overnight lot... Enn. Eff. Way.

believe one must pay not only for an RV pass but also the Associate AD for parking has his hand out for a parking pass for the tow vehicle as well, no?

Motorhome every day... i don't see too many 5th wheels with a gen-set; no generator = no tailgate for moi... i have a 29' Class C that I'd give you a great deal on

 

[LionBull]

My father had a Class C (BT Cruiser) and really enjoyed it. He sold it though and went the 5th wheel route. While they (him and his wife) love it...they are missing the Motorhome more and more and are wishing they would have upgraded to a Class A (in hindsight). Nothing against the 5th wheel - just believe the benefits of the Class A outweigh those of the 5th wheel. Especially since they have a miata they could pull behind.
Living in Tampa, there are RV dealers every 2 miles...my neighbors recently bought a used Class A; did a lot of research. Picked up a great older model low miles, diesel engine, etc...for about $50k. They rent it out when they are not using and it pays for itself (they use: RVshare.com) plus puts money in their pocket. Not sure if that is an option you would consider...but, down here it makes a lot of sense. They actually got hooked up with some marketing companies that rent it from them for people in town doing fairs, festivals, movies, etc...The RV sits on a lot for a week or two at a time and they gladly cash the check.

 

[Mufasa2]

My father had a Class C (BT Cruiser) and really enjoyed it. He sold it though and went the 5th wheel route. While they (him and his wife) love it...they are missing the Motorhome more and more and are wishing they would have upgraded to a Class A (in hindsight). Nothing against the 5th wheel - just believe the benefits of the Class A outweigh those of the 5th wheel. Especially since they have a miata they could pull behind.
Living in Tampa, there are RV dealers every 2 miles...my neighbors recently bought a used Class A; did a lot of research. Picked up a great older model low miles, diesel engine, etc...for about $50k. They rent it out when they are not using and it pays for itself (they use: RVshare.com) plus puts money in their pocket. Not sure if that is an option you would consider...but, down here it makes a lot of sense. They actually got hooked up with some marketing companies that rent it from them for people in town doing fairs, festivals, movies, etc...The RV sits on a lot for a week or two at a time and they gladly cash the check.

I know I can probably google this easy enough but I like the conversation... lol.. so what's the difference between a class c and a class a?

 

[massimoManca II]

I know I can probably google this easy enough but I like the conversation... lol.. so what's the difference between a class c and a class a?

CLASS C Motorhome is a common heavy duty van cutaway (cab) with the bunk cantilevered over the cab.... extra sleeping area over the cab handy for families with kids. Class C owners are typically attractive and have dynamic personalities ... fun to tailgate with.

Class A motorhome is a rolling box, often built on a bus chassis.... CLASS A can be front-engined or rear-engine diesel pushers and are often owned by older people no longer sexually active.

CLASS B is an over-priced van-based coach, but unlike a Class C it won't have the bunk on top (typically some type of aero-panel above the cab... typically not as wide nor as high as a class C.... Class B owners are usually hooked on Doan's pills and yell at neighboring Class C owners who are having fun

 

[PSU Soupy]

One of the liabilities of an RV or 5th wheel is storage when not in use. If your plan is to store in your backyard/sideyard in PA or somewhere in the North East, check to see if the RV comes with Composite Exterior Walls instead of LUAN Plywood walls. If the wood gets wet, and it will if parked outside continuously, then you will have mold, mildew and possibly an exterior wall de-lamination where literally the gel coat starts to pull away from the wood core which is disintegrating due to getting wet. The composite walls like a Azdel are not effected by water and are lighter and have better insulating properties which saves you gas to transport the RV or 5th wheel and saves you energy when heating or running air conditioning. You can see a label on your RV that says....Azdel on Board.

Slight price premium that you will gain back in trade in, or your gas purchases through the life of the vehicle. Research delaminated RV Side walls and see what an issue that can become.

 

[harjeff]

Ok thanks! We were looking at the details re the rv lots at the stadium and they did mention that generators have to be off between midnite and 7am, so I had sort of already filed it away that i would be buying a generator to go with this thing lol... i would prefer a built in one since I don't have a lot of use for one otherwise..

The ones we were both in agreement on were diesel, and I'm pretty sure we will buy new. So that may make it easier to find one with a built-in generator..

The units at the show were all "marked down" thousands of dollars; the ones in the 100k range that we liked were marked down about 20k. They were the show models apparently, I haven't started pricing yet but will before the show next year (when we plan to buy).. if those deals are real we will probably buy a show model..

From my research and shopping around almost all class A MH have a built in Genny and they draw fuel from the same tank as the engine, which is super convenient. My first Gas MH 1995 Pace Arrow had the genny cutoff around1/8 tank of gas and my 2000 Georgie Boy Diesel will cut the genny off around 1/4 tank...this is so you don't run out of gas using the genny and can't move.

I think the new MH are wayyyyy over priced and you could get a real good diesel for the price of a new gas that would be a far better option IMO. The diesel will have more power and much easier to fill on the road as you can use truck stops and they are built for the larger vehicles, whereas gas sometimes can get you stuck with a tow dolly as you can't go in reverse without causing damage to your tow vehicle.

We got our Georgie Boy for 30K and it was about 15 years old with 32K miles...had some minor cosmetic water damage to the interior roof, needed new tires, roof and some other minor things, but had great bones with a Freightliner chasis, Cummins diesel engine and Allison tranny. The roof was redone using a product called liquid roof, which basically is a liquid form of the EPDM rubber originally used in manufacturing, so you can redo your roof to like new condition for about $700 and it has 10 yr warranty. and looks great when complete. Many of the newer MH have a fiberglass roof, which would be even better and last longer, but for the price I am super happy with our MH.

We use on many weekend for travel baseball tourney's and save a bunch of money not having to use hotels. PLus I get to sleep in my bed! We usually make it up to 1 PSU game each year and take a least 1 2 week trip...last year did a lap of Florida going down to Miami, Key West, Clearwater, and St Augustine over 17 days. Just so many options are open when you have a MH.

 

[massimoManca II]

From my research and shopping around almost all class A MH have a built in Genny and they draw fuel from the same tank as the engine, which is super convenient. My first Gas MH 1995 Pace Arrow had the genny cutoff around1/8 tank of gas and my 2000 Georgie Boy Diesel will cut the genny off around 1/4 tank...this is so you don't run out of gas using the genny and can't move.

I think the new MH are wayyyyy over priced and you could get a real good diesel for the price of a new gas that would be a far better option IMO. The diesel will have more power and much easier to fill on the road as you can use truck stops and they are built for the larger vehicles, whereas gas sometimes can get you stuck with a tow dolly as you can't go in reverse without causing damage to your tow vehicle.

We got our Georgie Boy for 30K and it was about 15 years old with 32K miles...had some minor cosmetic water damage to the interior roof, needed new tires, roof and some other minor things, but had great bones with a Freightliner chasis, Cummins diesel engine and Allison tranny. The roof was redone using a product called liquid roof, which basically is a liquid form of the EPDM rubber originally used in manufacturing, so you can redo your roof to like new condition for about $700 and it has 10 yr warranty. and looks great when complete. Many of the newer MH have a fiberglass roof, which would be even better and last longer, but for the price I am super happy with our MH.

We use on many weekend for travel baseball tourney's and save a bunch of money not having to use hotels. PLus I get to sleep in my bed! We usually make it up to 1 PSU game each year and take a least 1 2 week trip...last year did a lap of Florida going down to Miami, Key West, Clearwater, and St Augustine over 17 days. Just so many options are open when you have a MH.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Class C w/o a gen-set... i agree 100% with letting some other sucker take the depreciation beat-down on a new coach... soooooooooo many barely-used/next to new coaches from which to choose... i have no experience with diesel pushers but from what I hear if you're mote than an occasional RV'er then that's the route to go... the diesels are more expensive (obviously) because they're built on a commercial chassis...

I prefer class C because i need not take it to a commercial tractor garage or the notoriously overpriced RV superstores for service ... i take mine to my local independent guy and he can turn a wrench on any of the oily bits ... just gotta find a guy with a big enough lot to stage a 30-footer

 

[Mufasa2]

I believe your question is specific to FOOTBALL weekends... if that is the case I can't imagine trailering something into the RV lots - particularly the overnight lot... Enn. Eff. Way.

believe one must pay not only for an RV pass but also the Associate AD for parking has his hand out for a parking pass for the tow vehicle as well, no?

Motorhome every day... i don't see too many 5th wheels with a gen-set; no generator = no tailgate for moi... i have a 29' Class C that I'd give you a great deal on

We will be using it for football weekends and a few other things, a camping resort in the poconos that we enjoy visiting, etc...

I'm leaning toward motor home more and more, I was already leaning that way.. this convo just reassures me a bit..

Didn't mean to hijack the thread!!!

 

[Mufasa2]

One of the liabilities of an RV or 5th wheel is storage when not in use. If your plan is to store in your backyard/sideyard in PA or somewhere in the North East, check to see if the RV comes with Composite Exterior Walls instead of LUAN Plywood walls. If the wood gets wet, and it will if parked outside continuously, then you will have mold, mildew and possibly an exterior wall de-lamination where literally the gel coat starts to pull away from the wood core which is disintegrating due to getting wet. The composite walls like a Azdel are not effected by water and are lighter and have better insulating properties which saves you gas to transport the RV or 5th wheel and saves you energy when heating or running air conditioning. You can see a label on your RV that says....Azdel on Board.

Slight price premium that you will gain back in trade in, or your gas purchases through the life of the vehicle. Research delaminated RV Side walls and see what an issue that can become.

I have the yard space and would prefer to store there, would covering it in tarps help avoid this issue?? Especially for the winter etc???

 

[harjeff]

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Class C w/o a gen-set... i agree 100% with letting some other sucker take the depreciation beat-down on a new coach... soooooooooo many barely-used/next to new coaches from which to choose... i have no experience with diesel pushers but from what I hear if you're mote than an occasional RV'er then that's the route to go... the diesels are more expensive (obviously) because they're built on a commercial chassis...

I prefer class C because i need not take it to a commercial tractor garage or the notoriously overpriced RV superstores for service ... i take mine to my local independent guy and he can turn a wrench on any of the oily bits ... just gotta find a guy with a big enough lot to stage a 30-footer

Your right on the maintenance side...I take my coach to a commercial truck repair shop where they charge 150 an hour labor. That can get things pricey pretty quickly. Of course I had to take my gas coach their as well as no one wanted to full with it or had the garage space to fit it in..it was 34' Ford Motor.

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

I have the yard space and would prefer to store there, would covering it in tarps help avoid this issue?? Especially for the winter etc???

I don't recommend covering it with tarps. On the surface, it seems like a good idea. However it's nearly impossible to keep the tarps and straps from moving, especially in windy conditions, which will cause chaffing and scratching on the exterior of your camper. Make sure all your seams are well sealed, and you shouldn't have problems with de-lamination. If you do store outside, be aware that the sun will absolutely kill the finish on your rig. Especially the decals or stickers. Make sure you keep a good coat of wax on it. Best case scenario would be to keep it inside a building. But for most people, that's not an option.

 

[john4psu]

 

[joeparules]

We will be using it for football weekends and a few other things, a camping resort in the poconos that we enjoy visiting, etc...

I'm leaning toward motor home more and more, I was already leaning that way.. this convo just reassures me a bit..

Didn't mean to hijack the thread!!!

No worries! Getting a lot of good info from this. Anyone know how much it is per night in the overnight lot? Can you just stay one night?

 

[massimoManca II]

I have the yard space and would prefer to store there, would covering it in tarps help avoid this issue?? Especially for the winter etc???

NEVER EVER use a tarp on a trailer/motorhome as tarps do more damage than the help... they effectively trap condensation underneath/inside the coach and encourage mold / mildew

Get a proper ADCO or similar brand teflon treated cover... very lightweight (to a fault, expect to get three-five seasons of use out of one) ... these are about $300 new but i found a nexta new one for mine on Craigslist for a hunny... they can be a beeyotch to put on unless you fold it up with some thought.... after many seasons i've finally found a way to fold mine such that it almost self-deploys...

Common mistake is to cover the camper and not leave the vents cracked .... this air circulation / ventilation is critical to keeping moisture / condensation from accumulating inside... that's a killer

 

[VictorMet7]

The same question, I was just looking for advice.
One of my friends had rented a 5th wheel from the RV Share platform last season. The trailer is comfortable and big enough for my family. We decided to go camping together next season. I liked that trailer, but I'm afraid that my pick Up doesn't have enough towing capability. We are between motorhome versus a pick-up truck and 5th wheel. Which one is better to rent? One more thing, I don't have experience in towing any of the trailers.

 

[republion]

If the unit is being used mostly for PSU tailgating in the PSU lots, I’d go with a MH over a 5th wheel. It’s just much easier to load it up, drive it there with friends and family enjoying the ride, and set it up and start your tailgating as quickly as possible.
However, as an overall camping machine, I’d take a 5th wheel over a MH. Once you arrive at your destination, you have a vehicle to explore with. Also, not having to deal with motor, transmission, and other problems that are typical of motorized vehicles is a big bonus.