Off Topic - motorhome or travel trailer?

B

bshillam

Member
The wife and I have been talking about getting out this year into the wilderness and spreading out with the family. We have two dogs and a growing young boy. Here's the question, trailer or motorhome? I've got a truck that is big enough to pull the Empire State building should we choose. I'm either thinking of a 27 +/- pull trailer or about a 30' RV. Thoughts? Feedback?
I've had a trailer, toy hauler but never a motorhome. The thought of just being able to climb in and be ready to roll appeals to me, but then again having a trailer allows one to get into the tow vehicle and explore without having to drive the motorhome. Anyhow the floor is open Brats!
 
I'm sure there are others here with much more experience that I have had, but when our family was young we did a ton of camping. First, tents, then with a big Dodge Maxi van, set up with cots, bed kitchen box, and porta potty. Then we added a pop-up camp trailer. Traded off the pop-up, and got into a 24ft Dodge Flair motor home for most of the kids real growing time. We loved the convenience of the MH. It was kept stocked, and because of where we were living, it could be an emergency home if needed. It would take about 15 minutes to get home from work on a Friday and be on the road. Only thing loaded was the fresh stuff in to the fridge. Since I liked to be up very early, the family could be sleeping and we could be traveling. If we found a spot and conditions right for photos, we could stay there as needed. We had a ton of fun, saw many exceptional sights, and enjoyed much of it.

The MPG were not great 8-10 if I remember, and we never really towed anything with it, (car or trailer like). We did some camp trips with my sister when they had a pull trailer. We liked the advantages of the MH much better. Leveling was quick and easy, packing to leave was roll in the awning, and pick up the leveling pads. Not that backing is hard for me with either type, but positioning was always easier with the MH (and a little 2-way radio). It was amazing though that the van and pop-up could get into and out of places that neither the MH or Pull trailer would fit.

Like boats, trailer/MH systems are compromises. Prioritize your needs, wants and could ifs and weigh that list against the strengths and weaknesses of the systems.

And good Luck, By the way, a pull behind, could be quite simular to a 25 or 26 C-Dory except it would not launch as well. Might be a reason to consider a CD with a head and shower (main difference between our pop-up (or CD22) and a MH or Big Trailer.

Good luck, and great travels,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
We've run the gamut... from gas motorhomes to diesel pushers to a Class B to a toy hauler and now in a 5th wheel. They all have their appeal and best usage. If you are going to be moving frequently, it's hard to beat a motorhome - raise the jacks, pull in the slides, unplug and you are ready to roll. Realistically, you will want some kind of "toad", a tow vehicle to haul behind. It is a pain in the butt having to unhook and even more of a pain to try to find someplace convenient to park a motorhome (unless it's a small Class B). That's not a drawback of the Class A motorhome, just part of enjoying it.

A travel trailer is my least favorite type of RV, but it is generally the lest expensive entry into that lifestyle. It is not as stable as a 5th wheel... ask anyone who's towed one in big winds and with passing BIG trucks and busses. However, they are lighter. Less storage than a motorhome or a 5th wheel.

We decided on the 5th wheel this time around, because we are now staying in one place more time than we used to. These have great livability, but you definitely need a serious truck, depending on the size/weight. The drawback here is size and weight. You can get "low profile" 5th wheels, but they have less than stand-up height in the bedroom. Ours is over 13 feet tall. With the slides out, it's over 14 feet wide... but, it is REALLY comfortable. Lots of storage, leather recliners, a fireplace, surround sound, etc, etc. It takes a bit more to set up than a motorhome - maybe 15 minutes compared to 10.

At the top of the heap is the diesel pusher coaches. Get in the 40 foot range, and you have all the amenities, plus a bunch of stuff you didn't even know you need. :wink: Our last couple coaches rode like they were on rails. Great view through the windshield, you absolutely feel like you own the road. The downside: they are expensive and they depreciate. You have a big diesel motor and chassis that isn't getting used if the coach sits or if you travel to one place and stay awhile.

So, a quick view of the pros and cons from several decades of RVing. LOTS of options out there, and I really recommend that you do your homework... just like boats, there are RVs that are a lot of fluff and little substance. It's easy to have your head turned by amenities that have nothing to do with how the RV was built. If you want something that holds its value, look towards the manufacturers that build them for "full time use" (not many of those). If your use will be occasional weekends and a couple weeks in the summer, the construction may not seem to be significant... but you will feel the difference and really notice it on the resale.

Hope that gets you started.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I view the motorhome as a I/O equipped boat. More down time and expense when it comes to repairs. I've been tempted to start counting how many of these I see parked in yards missing the outdrives. For me, a trailer is like my boat. New engine and I'm good to go. I subscribe to the KISS method after my experiences.
 
I have always had trailers....mainly because I camp in remote areas and want to unhook and explore with my truck... also state campgrounds limit you to your size... I think a 26' trailer is about the largest you can fit into most campsites...with proper hitches they tow like a dream... I do like the idea of having a all in one vehicle...(and a motorcycle on the back)..but I just don't need another vehicle... I have used my 22' as a camper many times....works great....plus you get a better view.

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Lots of great advice already!

But if I had a truck like you describe and one young son, I'd consider.....


...a very good sized camper for the truck and take the CD-22 in tow as a boaterhome, so that I'd always be able to have the boat along, have sleeping accommodations for 3 or even 4, and have more overall flexibility. The son would like his own room, too, I think.

The total room and storage wouldn't be as great as a larger trailer or a motorhome, but you'd have more flexibility, and considerably less new investment to make.

Just another alternative.....

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
We have continously owned motor homes since 1962 (exept when cruising europe--and lived full time in an RV for 4 years.) Along the way, were Corvair Vans, and VW vans with pop tops, and currently a 19 foot Road Trek (my Calif. Condo). We have also had an assortment of class A's and one class C (mistake). So far our biggest was a 38 foot diesel pusher, but we just put a deposit on a 41 foot diesel with the 10,000 lb tow rating... We prefer the livability and drivability of the motor home, especially with kids. At one time we would take 4 kids and 4 adults for snow camping at Mamouth, almost every weekend. The food was available in the rV, no problem with pit stops, and no getting borred sitting the car seats. One reason we are going with a larger RV (we have a 30 no slide now), is that the Grand kids are the age to begin exploring with us.

Now the negative with the class A. Although we did 6 months in Alaska, with no "Toad" (that is a dinghy towed small car)--we did have a motor cycle. Most of the time we tow a car behind the RV, so we have a vehicle to go places when we get there. We have never considered tripple towing (truck, 5th wheel camper and boat, but there are some disadvantages to this and it is not legal many places. Our major problem with the travel trailer, is the stability, the lack of being able to ride in or use the trailer under way. Also you don't have to tow a car.

The mileage is not all that different for a heavy duty truck and big RV--We get 8 mpg in a 30 Ford V 10 powered class A--The Class B (Road Trek) gets 13 to 15 not towing, but if we tow a boat, it drops down to close to 10. On the other hand our Ford Excursion (towing Tom Cat)--gets 20 non towing and about 10 towing the cat (which is our trailer on the road)--a little better with the c dory 25.

Now how about the boat? We could tow the C Dory 22 and 25 behind the 30 foot Class A--but no car. (we had to beef up the hitch and transmission. The new unit (with 1000 ft lbs of torque) will easily tow the Tom Cat--but over all we woule be 77 feet long! This is 12 feet over the limit without permits. What we do, is to carry an inflatable and outboard either under the class A, an inflatable, kayaks, or aluminum boat on the "Toad" (a Honda Pilot) or tow a smaller boat (18 foot Caracal, comes in under the 65 foot limit).

What you feel most comfortable with is the best unit for you--and I know that people will disagree with my choices--it is worse than boats! Incidently I think that for the money Holiday Rambler (Had bankrupty -reorganiation, with no warantee on older units, like C Dory)--and any Tiffin (Allegro) are best value for money. We have also been happy with Winnebago products (and probably had more of those than any other during the years).

Have fun! Good RV's are easier to find than good Boats!--and deals are to still be made!
 
While I normally agree with Bob on most things, I don't think the right class "C" motorhome would be a mistake. I bought a 2009 24 foot Winnebago on a E-450 van chasis and it drives really nice, has plenty of power with the ford v-10, and tows, launches, and retreives my cd 22 without worries. It does suck gas though (8mpg towing@55-60mph)......but that just gives me an excuse to stay longer in Seward, Valdez, and Homer when towing the boat as this just makes economical sense :D
 
never had a Rv but lived in a 24ft travel trailer with brother,dog and folks for 2 years while dad was working.

We have a over head camper and tow the boat behind it. This allows us to adopt as needed. drop the boat in a lake or parking lot, put the camper in a camp spot and still have the truck to explore in. now if I just had time to use it.
 
Bryrick,

My two cents worth. We have a Cariboo (Cariboo boo) camper that was supposed to be top of the line, but was built with shoddy materials and workmanship, a Coleman tent camper that now resides with my daughter, and a 25' Airstream.

If you're going to pull a boat, then a camper is your best bet. Just make sure you get one of reasonable quality. If I were to do that over, I would probably go with a used Northern Lite or a Bigfoot. Both have complete fiberglass shells, no rubber roof, etc. I may still look for one, and get rid of the Cariboo boo.

I like the tent camper, as it is light to tow, roomy and well laid out. It just tends to be a bit cold if one doesn't run the furnace a lot. Not a bad option...

My favorite is the Airstream. We bought a 1998 Safari from a private party. It is well made, tows nicely, comfortable has good dealer support across the nation if you need that. These are about the same price as a good, late model Northern lite or Bigfoot. The trailer is a lot easier to tow than the constantly swaying camper. The down side is that I can not have the CDory along at the same time. I do however take the Zodiac/Canoe/Double Kayak along. The Zodiac goes in the truck, and the paddle boats go on top. I've also found that the Airstream community is much like the CBrats, only bigger in numbers. If you are into group events like the CBGTs, then the Wally Byam Caravan Club (WBCC) is your ticket. They have caravans of Airstreams going all over the world.

Hope this helps! BTW, I saw your boat at Sportcraft this week. I suspect that you will get a sale before long. The older boat they had sold, and there was a new boat that sold as well.

Steve
 
Bryrick,
I would like to thank you for your timing of this "off Topic" as it coincides with my first outing to the RV Center to scope out the 5th wheels and learn about what does what and what it takes to do what with.

Now I will just set back and learn...
 
we purchase a new 2008 class "a" 35' motor home, has one large slide, gas engine and generator. bought a 2009 jeep liberty and blue ox tow system in feb. 2009, now has 1,500. miles. both motor home and jeep are inside storage. we purchased both as one unit and only for our recreation. love both.
we looked at travel trailers, class b and c motor homes, as well as class a diesel pushers. felt that for the price and comfort our class "a" gas, was best suited for us. gas consumption was not a factor.
there are rv resorts that only allow class "a" units an then there are upper scale resorts that restrict to class "a" diesel engines only.
we generally find higher price resorts or parks, seems they tend to have full, on site service, electric, both 30 and 50amp, water and sewage, concrete pads, fewer kids running around better kept facilities.
good luck with your decision and lets us know which direction you took.
pat
 
Well, I may as well throw in our experiences. I've owned 5th wheel trailers starting in 1975 and they varied in length but never more than 29 ft. Pulled an Alpenlite around the US three times and found there are definite tradeoffs between the Class A, Class C, and a TT. The 5th wheels were easiest to tow and move between destinations and the truck was easy transportation once set up. We actually migrated down in size and for a time towed a 21 ft. 5'er and a 26 footer. But we couldn't take advantage of many campgrounds because of length restrictions. Like the Class A, you do need to fine tune your backing skills though, and the 5'er needs extra setup time which does come in play when yer in a rainstorm.

Of course we fondled and test drove lots of Class A units but I always felt it was a "Behemoth on wheels" here in So Cal 12 lane freeways and our RV lifestyle has always been "living out of the RV, not living in the RV." IOW, we didn't need all the bells and whistles. because we're tourists at heart.

This time we chose a Lazy Daze 23.5 foot Class C on an E450 chassis. Mary isn't afraid to drive it, it's small enough to park in the driveway, most every National/State park accepts our length, and it can pull a Toad/Dinghy or a C-Dory effortlessly. The rear king version can be set up as two wide twin beds or a huge king, it has expansive rear and side windows so one feels part of the park, not in a tiny studio apt., and it better fits our on-the-road gypsy lifestyle. Oh, and in a pinch we can overnight most anywhere free without raising eyebrows if we don't turn the interior lights on at night. Lots more free (and safe) camping is available if you research a bit.

You really have to know more about what your RV lifestyle will be. Empty nesters with lots of grandkids gravitate toward 5th wheels and big Class A rigs. Folks coming from tent and popup camping usually upgrade to a TT before moving to Toy Haulers and then the empty nest choices. Lots of choices.

My only advice? Don't be afraid to buy used. That way you can experience different choices without paying the huge depreciation hit we all get by buying new. Then when you find your niche, go for it.

Don
 
Well, Pat and I just purchased a 26' Winnebago Vista class A motor home built on a Ford chassis with the Triton V-10. We have been towing a fiberglass Scamp 19' 5th wheel. The Scamp only weighs about 3800 lbs. We haven't been able to tow both the 19' C-Dory and the Scamp. We put the Scamp and C-dory up for sale but if the Dory doesn't sell for several years, that's OK. Can't wait to adventure around with the living space of the Vista and tow the Dory as well. I think the Honda 90 gets better glass milage :roll:
I must say that being able to drop the trailer at a camp site and having the TV to use for transportation is a big plus.
 
I thought I was a true minimalist until meeting El and Bill on this site. I grew up camping in tents and later backpacking and canoe camping. We bought a Casita travel trailer many years ago (1996). The Casita is a 17 foot molded fiberglass trailer. It is built like a boat with the bottom and top halves connected at the middle "beltline". It weighs approximately 3,000 lbs. and tows great. Casita has two owner's forums and has a following similiar to C-Dory. We sold the '96 model for about what we paid and bought a new 2004 model with slightly different configuration. We have lived out of these for a month but would not want to for many months.

Being used to "small" I am now interested in a Class B or C motor home that would pull the C-Dory. One Class C that has appealed to me over the years is the Chinook. The company, however, went out of business a few years ago. The body is molded fiberglass and it makes great use of the space.

The Class B's look great but seem to me to be extremely expensive relative to C's and even A's. One benefit would be being able to use them as a second vehicle. I would also be interested in looking at small class A's if I could find one of high quality. Most of the smaller ones I have seen are like the majority of Class C's I am familiar with, not made for long term use.

Interesting topic.

Harper
 
The B's are basically hand built, and have all of the systems of the larger units. The A and C, are mass produced and that is where the effeciency of build comes.

Lots of the cost of the B is the van, and its components.
 
The B's are basically hand built, and have all of the systems of the larger units. The A and C, are mass produced and that is where the effeciency of build comes.

Lots of the cost of the B is the van, and its components.
 
Our class B Pleasure Way certainly has been useful. Its 19 ft. length makes it ideal as a daily driver that can park wherever a large pickup can, and the 1-ton truck chassis easily pulls the C-Dory. It has all of the class A toys -- air, generator, TV, microwave, frig, h&c water, head, shower, awning, etc. Twin beds convert to a large queen. We downsized from a large class A and are much happier. Full time? El and Bill easily, but Dusty and Diane like a week or less. :wink:

Dusty
 
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