SGM & Mrs G December 15 Hello. You are going to get numerous and widely   varied opinions on both types of RV’s. I have
never owned a Class A (orb, c or d, for that mater), but I have owned
Travel   trailers and now a 5 th
Wheel. So, with that, whi...  moreHello. You are going to get numerous and widely   varied opinions on both types of RV’s. I have
never owned a Class A (orb, c or d, for that mater), but I have owned
Travel   trailers and now a 5 th
Wheel. So, with that, which is better for you depends upon what you are looking
for; more space, yep the 5 th will do that (depending upon slides,
length,   etc) ease of set up?, not
really, you are more hands on with the initial setup for unhooking from the hitch,
leveling – after that it is the same, water, sewer,   tv. Cost? A 5thwheel CAN go into the low 100k
(MSRP), but on average they are cheaper – BUT – you also have to factor in the
truck to tow the rig. For a decent truck you might factor in at least 50k
(new).   Other advantages, might be cheaper
for the maintenance on the truck vs the MH, it certainly is easier to find
service shops. I could go on for a bit, but I will end here and allow you to
mull this and other responses over – always open for questions. PS: Welcome to
the civvy world !!!  less

SGM & Mrs G December 15 forgot to mention, if you will be full-timing, I have been impressed with Grand Design Solitude (not cheap) and Montana's. Slightly less cost in the GD line is the Reflection..

JVBV December 16 Sorry, spell checker keeps overriding me 😣

Jim Conrad Mon at 6:15 AM I've owned several 5'rs and pulled them with various pickups ranging from 1/2 ton for a small 5th wheel to a 2500 to my dually pulling my current Cedar Creek.  I've found a dually feels much more solid on the road, especially in adverse conditions or...  moreI've owned several 5'rs and pulled them with various pickups ranging from 1/2 ton for a small 5th wheel to a 2500 to my dually pulling my current Cedar Creek.  I've found a dually feels much more solid on the road, especially in adverse conditions or crosswinds.  The downside of a dually is tire replacement is 50% more than non dually trucks.   less

SJ_Cruisin Mon at 4:02 PM If you're within the payload spec of a SRW then it's a personal choice in my view. We towed the fiver with a DRW for 2 yrs and last winter we switch to a SRW. I much prefer the SRW as the truck is also my daily driver. Not much difference when towing (to ...  moreIf you're within the payload spec of a SRW then it's a personal choice in my view. We towed the fiver with a DRW for 2 yrs and last winter we switch to a SRW. I much prefer the SRW as the truck is also my daily driver. Not much difference when towing (to me). Trailer is 15k# total.  less

The Pangles November 27 This is a personal decision.  And a lot depends upon your specific style and/or desires.  Examples:  Are you going to stay in one place?  If so, then a 5th wheel might work well for you.  But if you are traveling and camping in di...  moreThis is a personal decision.  And a lot depends upon your specific style and/or desires.  Examples:  Are you going to stay in one place?  If so, then a 5th wheel might work well for you.  But if you are traveling and camping in different locations, then sooner or later you will have to back up a 5th wheel.  And you get backup cameras, but it’s safe to have human support to make sure nothing gets hit.  There are  things to consider, therefore a personal decision.  less

The WE2's November 27 We're fortunate to have our "Miss B" (a Class B) as well as our AeroLite 24' travel trailer.  Our Miss B is an older rig so we've put some serious dollars into it...but it's debt free and when we spent 10 days roaming around Texas we truly enjoy not ...  moreWe're fortunate to have our "Miss B" (a Class B) as well as our AeroLite 24' travel trailer.  Our Miss B is an older rig so we've put some serious dollars into it...but it's debt free and when we spent 10 days roaming around Texas we truly enjoy not having to hitch or unhitch.  We're seriously considering down sizing and doing our extended travel in the B. Didn't even consider a 5th because we wanted to have the cap on back of our truck when we'll pulling the TT.  Just our way.  I'm sure you'll find what's just right for you.  less

KurtO November 28 We used to pull TT but now have a 5er.  Love pulling the fifth wheel because much easier to hook and pull and tows more smoothly.  We now full time in ours with our pug and she loves it too.

Carolyn November 29 I own (63 yr female) a 35 ' 5th wheel since Dec 2009. It definitely tows better than a travel trailer. I have towed horse, boat and travel trailers.

Thistle Dew December 6 As we were planning our full time life we looked at lots of different vehicles. Fifth Wheels definitely tow better in wind and traffic. But the biggest point of interest I noticed is the fact that Fifth Wheels can carry much more cargo than travel trailer...  moreAs we were planning our full time life we looked at lots of different vehicles. Fifth Wheels definitely tow better in wind and traffic. But the biggest point of interest I noticed is the fact that Fifth Wheels can carry much more cargo than travel trailers. That's an important feature for full timing. As a couple with a medium size dog, our total cargo, including everything that is not part of the dry weight, comes to about 2500 pounds. (We are included in that weight as well). We could not find any travel trailers rated to carry that much cargo. As a single with an F-250 truck, you can comfortably shop in the 25-35ft range of Fifth Wheel. Keep an eye on all of the weight ratings. If they are confusing to you, work with a friend to be sure you are not overloading. Most of all, Good Luck and happy travels.  less

Rob_Fla November 26 Towed our 5th Wheel with a SRW Truck, locally it did OK but when we went out West, the wind blew us around quite a bit. When we came back we traded for a Dually 7 years ago, much better ride and much more stable. Also with these heavy 5th Wheels when you ...  moreTowed our 5th Wheel with a SRW Truck, locally it did OK but when we went out West, the wind blew us around quite a bit. When we came back we traded for a Dually 7 years ago, much better ride and much more stable. Also with these heavy 5th Wheels when you hit a pot hole with a SRW it is pretty harsh, but hitting a pot hole loaded with a Dually it is much larger footprint and not nearly as harsh.
The disadvantages are parking in a parking lot with the wide hips and going through any kind of drive through.
Also as mentioned above having to buy 6 tires instead of 4 at tire replacement time cost more.
I do not drive in snow with our Dually but others have mentioned that driving a Dually in snow can be a problem if the snow gets built up between the dual wheels and freezes.
Most of todays Duallys will carry more weight as the strength of most trucks today way exceeds what was available years ago. In today's truck world it is pretty easy to max out the tires on a SRW with many of the larger 5th Wheels where pin weights exceed 3,000 lbs, 3,500 lbs and some above 4,000 lbs and even some of the real large units above 4,500 lbs pin weight.
I would not want to pull a trailer with 3,500 + lbs of pin weight with a SRW but I see it every day. Many people go by what the 5th Wheels dry weight specs show and do not realize how easy it is to add 500, 800 or even 1,000 lbs to the pin weight once everything is loaded up, propane bottles are full, multiple batteries and then a nice generator.  less

Bernie & Donna November 26 Much better stability in higher wind, or when semi's pass on the interstate.

Ron&Paula November 26 Thanks for the comments moving up to a diesel unsure of single rear wheel or dually

Ron & L Dugo November 28 Have to agree with other comments much more stability. We have driven through a couple intense storms and had to look back to see the fiver still there! No more “ tail wagging the dog”

Minton Reunion December 15 Lite pull single wheel...for better stability and heavier load, dually a must plus Cummings deisel.

Kayo November 13 Where are you located and what type of "upgrades" to you want to add? II am sure that many of the members of his site may have better ideas of who can do the work in your area and if in fact the upgrades will be worth it

Rick & Lil November 27 How "handy" are you? A lot can be done yourself if you just take time to look at how your coach is put together (ie; how are things attached to the floor, walls, each other etc.). Check clearances of slide operation if you add anything around them or on t...  moreHow "handy" are you? A lot can be done yourself if you just take time to look at how your coach is put together (ie; how are things attached to the floor, walls, each other etc.). Check clearances of slide operation if you add anything around them or on the floor where the slide comes in over it. But, the most important thing is to be aware of the thickness of everything in an RV...floors, exterior walls, interior walls etc. and use appropriate length fasteners, screws, bolts so as NOT to go through the other side of the wall or floor (especially on slides). 
I've done a ton of "improvements", mods & repairs on mine over that past 5 years and give advice & pointers if you want do any of it yourself.    less

JVBV November 12 I agree with the other comment - many campgrounds have overflow areas - sometimes  even secured.  We took advantage of one at a KOA near Austin while visiting family over Memorial Day Weekend.  Rig was secure and it saved a ton of money vic...  moreI agree with the other comment - many campgrounds have overflow areas - sometimes  even secured.  We took advantage of one at a KOA near Austin while visiting family over Memorial Day Weekend.  Rig was secure and it saved a ton of money vice leaving it set up at a campsite.  Check around and I'll bet you'll find something in the area!  Enjoy the cruise!  less

Lee & Debbie November 13 Thanks. I’ll check around.

Rick & Lil November 13 We usually (always so far) park at at RV resort/campground nearest the port. If putting in storage without hook-ups (electric) would mean having to empty then do something with all the refrigerator contents. Since we full time, that would be a difficult a...  moreWe usually (always so far) park at at RV resort/campground nearest the port. If putting in storage without hook-ups (electric) would mean having to empty then do something with all the refrigerator contents. Since we full time, that would be a difficult and expensive task. We've done it in Miami twice and Tampa once. We are set to go out of Ft. Lauderdale in March and booked a site at a resort 15 minutes from the seaport. We have also looked at Galveston because we thought we were going to be in that area a couple years ago but, not yet.   less

JoeTex16 November 13 If you need any work done on your rig, just drop it off at a RV repair shop and pick it up when you get back!

Lee & Debbie November 15 Thanks for all the input.  I did find Galveston RV Resort and Marina who will give a really good discounted price for the week and even shuttle us over.  Everyone else just quoted the weekly rate.  These people just bought the park about a ...  moreThanks for all the input.  I did find Galveston RV Resort and Marina who will give a really good discounted price for the week and even shuttle us over.  Everyone else just quoted the weekly rate.  These people just bought the park about a year ago and Sandy was very nice.  Looking forward to camping with them.  less

JVBV October 28 Welcome! It's a great lifestyle. Oh the people you will meet!

Mike & Lu October 28 Welcome !

Craig n Linda November 3 If you our need a place to store it, we have used Ridge Valley, really nice folks, reasonable price and easy access.

Gipseyjoe October 27 Haven't got my 5th yet - December. But this doesn't sound very "automatic". I'll be sure to have the dealer go over this part thoroughly with me.

Rick & Lil October 27 Your opening paragraph mentions "how many holes" to lower the front legs. More info on the type of leveling system you have would help a lot. You have gotten responses above for fully hydraulic Level Up system to everything in between. If you could tell u...  moreYour opening paragraph mentions "how many holes" to lower the front legs. More info on the type of leveling system you have would help a lot. You have gotten responses above for fully hydraulic Level Up system to everything in between. If you could tell us which system & how many leveler/stabilizers you have and if manual/electric or hydraulic "legs" then, we could give you more specific advise.  less

The Pangles October 27 We also have an Open Range 3X, with the factory auto leveling system.  We carry a small level, to get a general idea of front/back level.  We almost always drop the front legs by using the holes around 6 inches, or about 6 to 8 holes.  That...  moreWe also have an Open Range 3X, with the factory auto leveling system.  We carry a small level, to get a general idea of front/back level.  We almost always drop the front legs by using the holes around 6 inches, or about 6 to 8 holes.  That gives us some room to, using the leveling system, drop to front legs with a piece of wood or plastic spacer between the ground and leg/foot.  Then manual raise the front of the 5th wheel, after blocking the tires and opening the 5wheel hitch, to clear the hitch.  Pull truck clear of trailer, and select auto level.  These are the instructions in the manual and leveling system cd.  With some experience you will get better at judging how many holes to lower/raise your front legs to not run out of stroke.  Even after using this rig for 3 years, I still encounter a few times when I need to rehook up to the truck, and adjust the front legs higher or lower.  But wife is right most of the time, so I listen to her input. 😁  less

Steve & Diane October 28 We have an auto leveling system on our 5er.  Every now and then, the ground will slope so the leveling system won't work.  When that happens, we use the stacking, square, plastic blocks under the jacks that won't reach the ground.  That "fo...  moreWe have an auto leveling system on our 5er.  Every now and then, the ground will slope so the leveling system won't work.  When that happens, we use the stacking, square, plastic blocks under the jacks that won't reach the ground.  That "fools" the leveling system into thinking the ground is "that" high and then the leveling system works fine.  less

Lyle & Jan Huff October 28 We have a Camco Acculevel attached to the pin box: if it's more than one line off center we add leveling blocks to the wheels first. Then check front to back level. Auto level really needs to LOWER one end to avoid a "wheels off the ground" situation so l...  moreWe have a Camco Acculevel attached to the pin box: if it's more than one line off center we add leveling blocks to the wheels first. Then check front to back level. Auto level really needs to LOWER one end to avoid a "wheels off the ground" situation so leave your jacks 4-6 inches off the ground on the high end then drop the front jacks using the level system and make sure the truck is clear the trailer.  Then auto level.  less

Michael Martinez October 26 Yes. Buy a toy hauler and change the electric to gas and put the name Harley in front of it.

mary & bryan warner November 14 as long as you are not a newfie trying to put the bike through a closed door lol

Kayo October 26 First, find a  big empty parking lot and learn how to back it up.
If you get better tires, have steel valve stems installed.
Hopefully you have a long be truck. Yesterday a guy in an RV park we were at took out his rear window because...  moreFirst, find a  big empty parking lot and learn how to back it up.
If you get better tires, have steel valve stems installed.
Hopefully you have a long be truck. Yesterday a guy in an RV park we were at took out his rear window because he turned too sharply  less

mary & bryan warner October 26 ok first of all nothing you buy new is great workman ship,  everything is slapped together with no care or quality.  this is our 2nd 5th wheel, first one was 30ft cougar by keystone.  keystone is known for roof leaks,(we didn't have that pr...  moreok first of all nothing you buy new is great workman ship,  everything is slapped together with no care or quality.  this is our 2nd 5th wheel, first one was 30ft cougar by keystone.  keystone is known for roof leaks,(we didn't have that problem) but 3 of our friends did.  we had a short box chev Silverado with a super glide hitch.  it was the best one we have ever had. it can turn 90 degrees and still have your back window in.   it was great for backing up hauling etc.  we had some issues so have decided never to buy keystone again.  after the keystone we purchased a 3500 dodge dually with real low kms,  as we are know full timers and purchased a 2018 heartland cyclone 4005.  it has some issues which I am dealing direct with heartland,  for example getting pre approved to have a dealer fix them.  we were dealing with camp mart and because we didn't buy from them, they have a million excuses to not get things done.  when we are on our way to florida we have made arrangements to have the dealer we bought from in the states to have the issues fixed.  make sure if you are buying a fifth wheel , its very important to know the pin weight in the box of the truck, its different then buying a travel trailer. we are Canadians and bought in the states as trailer are made there and we paid about 1/2 of what we would of paid in Canada even with exchange.  dealer did all paper work it took us only about 15 mins to come across the boarder and pay gst.  then when we came into our province we registered our trailer for Canada and then paid pst .  less

Swtpea October 26 Stay away from Forest river products,nothing but bad news and lifetime repairing.  The good brands are Mobile Suites,Winnebago, Grand Design there are others,but this is just my opinion.

Ron & L Dugo October 26 Id have to add make sure you get a floor plan and size you really like to live in! Vacationing and living in are 2 different things! As this is our 5th RV, I would advise you start with something used. Your probably not gonna stick with the same one. The ...  moreId have to add make sure you get a floor plan and size you really like to live in! Vacationing and living in are 2 different things! As this is our 5th RV, I would advise you start with something used. Your probably not gonna stick with the same one. The other thing to consider is once you do hit the road what type of RVing are you going to do? State parks ( you should look under 30’) private, boondooking etc....all use different requirements. We like state parks, therefore we ended up with a 27.5 RLS with 3 slides. The 3 give us enough room inside, but the shorter lenght allows us to get into alot more areas we like. Now we need to rethink the BAT truck we bought...always something!  less

Swtpea November 1 Ya, getting on mine too,especially this dealer in Dallas!!!