Quote:
Originally Posted by oldognewtrick
I've been looking at either a bumper pull or a fifth wheel. Now that I have some free time I'd like to take the grand kids to some of the state parks that Tennessee has. The state run parks are well maintained, with hiking trails, lakes, paved roads for bike riding and a variety of sites from full hookup to primitive camping. Then when deer season comes around, we can camp at the lease. I'd love to get a diesel pusher, but just can't justify something that might sit for long periods. My daughter mentioned the other day how much she enjoyed camping with our friends and their families when all our kids we little. Didn't think she enjoyed it, but she shared it was a great childhood memory. Seemed every time we got that dang tent out it rained.....  |
Well........ as an old Rv'er I have had all types of campers/motorhomes.
Everything from a Bumper Pull to the Diesel Pusher. I can offer a little advice from my experience with them.
The pull behind is the most economical cost wise and probably the easiest to start out with. However,
The motorhome is by far more fun to travel in and the easiest to park, sit up etc. While driving down the road in a motorhome beit a diesel pusher, class A, or even a class C is the best of both worlds. You get to use the camper while you travel anywhere from watching TV, cooking, sleeping or even using the bathroom. In a bumper pull, pull behind or even the 5th wheel you must stop , exit your vehicle in order to use anything in your camper... In the summer it will be very hot in the camper so one will not want to stay very long... In the winter it's really cold.. so either way you cannot enjoy the camper in route to or from anywhere. Against the law for anyone to be inside a camper during transportation.
The 5er or 5th wheel is an excellent alternative to home living but the same problems apply to it just as it does any pull behind plus the 5er is a lot more trouble to set up when compared to park and hook up. The 5er requires a few more steps......
Backing the monster into a camping space.
Blocking the wheels before you disconnect from the tow vehicle.
Dropping the tail gate,
Releasing the 5th wheel latch to unhook,
Unlocking the king pin,
Raising the 5th wheel to clear the hitch,
Pulling the truck forward to clear the 5er,
Leveling the 5er,
running, or hand cranking your slides out,
Put you awning out...
now we have cable for the TV, or a Satelite to set up, hookup etc.
Plus water lines,
sewer lines,
electric cables....
Now put you truck somewhere out of the way.....
Break out the folding chairs, folding tables, bug spray, lights for the awning, firewood for the bond fire.....
Anyway the motorhome can be as simple as parking, hit the automatic levelers, push button slide outs, hook up your electric, water, sewer and cable if you want and you are finished. Break out the beer and a chair.
Of all 3 types of motorhomes Diesel Pusher, Class A, or the Class C it will depend on your wallet, taste and/or preferences. For me the Class A gas model was best. The Diesel will pay off in the long run if you plan on traveling alot. If its summer camping at the lake or local camp ground then a class A or C will be best. The big pull behind campers require an additional expense for a tow truck. A good diesel truck will cost as much as a gas motorhome. Just food for thought.
Started Rving in 2-2000 and still loving it. wish I could go more......
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