Has anyone had a travel trailer and a Motorhome?
I am currently looking and cant decide which one. I see advantages to both, but I am looking for others input.
I have a 2500hd duramax crew cab for towing and I have a jeep for towing behind the motor home.
Just would like to see what people who have had both or one say.

We decided to go with the trailer. Let's us unhook and drive around when we get to our spot (you're Jeep is probably for the same thing). Was cheaper on the initial purchase and the depreciation is only about a 1/3 of what the Motorhomes see. Since we store the toys in the trailer it also gave me more room in the garage at home and we only have one item to put in storage. It also lets me drive my favorite vehicle more!):h

My Son hauls a couple of dirt bikes in the his truck and tows a 24 ft trailer and loves it. Plans to get a MH in the future. Trailer sounds best to me as you can unhook the thing and have decent transportation at your destination.

If you can afford it, motorhome is the only way to go. I've had a couple of 5th wheels, 2 slide in pickup campers, and now a big diesel pusher motorhome. It is so nice to stop for the night, hit a button and things are level, then go to bed. Don't have to get out in the cold, rain, snow, etc, Don't have to mess with the jacks. You can trade drivers going down the road to use the bathroom, take a nap, make a snack, whatever. If your significant other wants to sleep in, nothing stop you from driving down the highway.... and tons of more reasons I can think of. The only drawback in my opinion is price. We sometimes would tow another car, our boat, etc.

Hope that helps!

Biggest drawbacks to a motor home;

1) Another engine to deal with
2) Another transmission to deal with
3) The two above typically do not get used often and when they do get used they get used hard. This can lead to many headaches
4) Expense
5) Typically have to pull another vehicle to drive once camp is set up

Advantages;
1) You can move around while traveling
2) ???

MaxRock

Bottom line is that it depends on your particular use; there are advantages and disadvantages to both.





Personally, I have owned 3 trailers and two motorhomes (including the diesel pusher I currently own) over the last 10 years or so. For me and my family (husband, wife, two small kids), a motorhome is the best choice. We use it frequently for 3-day weekend trips about every 4-5 weeks. We tow a flat bed trailer with a dune buggy and motorcycles in the winter and a boat in the summer. And about twice a year, we use it for multi week vacations, which consist of probably 2000 miles each.



Traveling by motorhome is much FUNNER and more COMFORTABLE than traveling in the cab of a truck towing a trailer. The kids and wife can play, watch movies, eat lunch, go to the bathroom, sleep, read, whatever, all while I'm cruising down the road. For me, it's a lot less stressful traveling by motorhome because it's easier for me to stay on schedule too. I can drive to my hearts content without everyone else getting burnt out and bent.



Also, I'm an early bird but no one else in my family is. If we are on a multi day trip, I like to get up at 0600 hours and start down the road while everyone else is still sleeping. You just cannot do this with a trailer. You'd have to wait till everyone is up, clothed, fed etc. before you can start your day of driving.



I'll never go back to trailers and I believe that most people that start with trailers and move up to motorhomes will say the same thing. Good luck!!!

Our TT currently is the best arrangement for us. I don't like the idea of an engine sitting idle for long periods between uses, which would be the case given our current lifestyle. If we were on the road a lot we'd give closer consideration to a MH, though it would have to be diesel powered, which raises the price considerably. I like the ability to drop the trailer at the campsite and wander around in our truck. The same can be done with a toad, but then I'm not driving this marvelous truck; what's the fun in that?

TC

. The same can be done with a toad,
TC

WTF?:confused:

A toad is a vehicle pulled behind a motorhome.

I went from a motorhome to a 5er and really wish I could go back. For all the reasons posted above. Especially with kids they traveled much much better in the motorhome. much more distance between them when needed. Wife likes the 5er thou more room when you get set up. Also alot more work / time to set up.

To each his/her own, I can see the benefit of each, while travelling its easier on the family in the Motorhome, even though they are not supposed to be up and moving around while driving.

But for me the Benefit of owning a 5th wheel, its alot cheaper to own, Insurance, Registration, upkeep, more livable space. I can upgrade my tow vehicle, I can use my truck for other stuff. So my 32ft Bunkhouse fits my lifestyle quite nicely.

I agree speedracer...btw...my son & I can have the 5er leveled and fully hooked up in less than 10 minutes. It is now a challange to see if we can beat the previous record...kinda like a Nascar pitstop!!!!

I am not sure what the legal requirements are with a motorhome, but I would not feel comfortable traveling without my family seated and belted. I know if you get in an accident with a motorhome, the weight advantage is on your side, but still lots of bad things can happen if your loved ones are not strapped in. To each his own!!!

MaxRock

jhduramax,

I started with a 20' TT, then a 27' MH, then a 34' MH and now a 24' TT.
As everyone has stated, they each have their pro's and con's. For me I'll stick with the TT. For you......it will be your choice to make. ;)

Good discussion! While I haven't owned a motorhome (yet) I went through much the same analysis (AAAA) before buying my toy hauler and truck. :D A couple more points to add to this thread:

- Motorhomes are easier to maneuver since you can see the sides of the rig when cornering and maneuvering;

- Most motorhomes have back-up cameras which enables you to see what is behind you, both for parking and while traveling;

- Pulling over for the evening you already have the motorhome cooled down, simply pull over and eat supper, relax or go to bed. Trailers are going to be hot or cold unless you are running a generator. ;)

OK, so why did JJ buy a 5ver if the motorhome sounds so good. :confused: Someone already mentioned the issue with having a motor and tranny sitting without being used. This was one major point for me, just don't like engines sitting too long, and since I'm not retiring for another 5 years I elected to go with the 5ver, for now anyway. :rolleyes:

So if you will have the time to run it on a regular basis, not just around the block, really run it then a MH certainly provides some pretty good benefits as noted above. However, if the unit will sit for a month or two and used on a sporadic basis then a travel trailer may be a better option.

JJ's .02 cents worth. JJ :)

I will always own a heavy truck, so 5th wheel for me. I just can't see the expense in a motorhome. In most cases you can buy a "luxury" 5th wheel and new diesel truck and still be at least $30K cheaper than an equivalent motorhome. Bought my current 5th wheel used at 2 years old and paid less than $15K take home price. Currently my wife and I are using the 5th wheel full time (1 year already!).