In this article from RV Buyers, we go over the five most important factors to consider before buying a motorhome:
1. Space/height of ceiling:
If a fifth wheel is equipped with multiple slideouts, it has a larger living room. Motorhome slideouts are usually smaller to allow people to move around more easily, which results in less living space inside the motorhome. Additionally, fifth wheels have high ceilings, which make them more comfortable.
2. Furniture:
It is possible to equip a five-wheel motorhome with large home amenities, such as a central vacuum system, solid surface countertops, plus large air conditioners, heaters, and other appliances.
3. Storage:
You can bring anything you need inside the vehicle, in addition to its exterior space. Five-wheelers are usually bulkhead-storage heavy due to their lack of an engine or cabin.
4. Towing vs Driving:
In contrast, a fifth wheel provides a reliable tow vehicle that can be unhooked easily and taken anywhere. A fifth wheel allows you to travel without a tow vehicle for as long as you want, unlike motorhomes that require towing another vehicle behind them. In either case, something will need to be towed.
5. Expenses and maintenance:
With more moving parts, motorhomes are more expensive to own because of insurance. Motorhomes are estimated to be 30% more expensive to insure than fifth wheels. In addition, regularly replacing tires, wheel bearings, replacing brakes, replacing compressed air systems, hydraulic systems, and changing oil are all important items of general maintenance. In comparison to a fifth wheel, motorhomes require more maintenance due to their mechanics and build.
In order to determine whether you are going to be satisfied with a motorhome or fifth wheel, you need to consider several factors. Compared with motorhomes, five-wheelers offer more comfort, so they are better suited for longer stays. In order to make a more informed decision, we hope to shed light on the differences.
