Just Returned 4500 Mile Trip

[KNMIB]

We just returned from a 4500 mile 22 day adventure. This was our longest trip and we continue to learn. Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and home. We learned the wind never stops in western Kansas and an ideal speed with winds is no more then 65, with no wind we ran 70 comfortably. The front stabilizer we installed worked great made a big difference. We also ended up at several KOA's and although they are more expensive they are very well kept and well managed. Longest stay was Mesa Verde in southern Colorado for 3 days and 4 days at our sons in Phoenix. Drove about 325 miles a day and ended last day 550. Our unit is 25 foot and works fine for just us. We did think about maybe going fifth wheel so we can drop and explore plus some people say drivability is much easier. Has anyone had a fifth wheel and a motor home and what's your thoughts on both?

[JamieGeek]

yes we've had both: A 31ft Cougar (for 10 years) pulled behind an F-250 and then an F-350:

Now the 25ft Axis + Wife's car:

We went from a 27 ft travel trailer to the 5er.
It was a huge step going from the travel trailer to the 5er: 5er pulled much nicer, trucks didn't bother us at all, more room, etc. (also more $$). We liked the 5er but it really is a lot of work to setup.
Now with the Axis & Car: We have the option of not taking the car if we don't want to (don't have that option with the 5er). Even with pulling the car on a dolly it is much easier to setup the Axis (if you don't need the car you just park). (Granted if the 5er had some of the niceties of the Axis like the power awning it would have been a smidge easier to setup as well).
The biggest difference is that the 5er + truck was a lot going down the road and you really knew it was back there (don't think the wife took the wheel more than once in all the 10 years of having the 5er--so far the wife has driven on every long trip we've taken with the Axis; even the ones where we towed her car).
The total cost of the motorhome + car is also higher than the 5er + pickup (which is to be expected since we now have 3 engines to take care of instead of 1).

One of the biggest differences: With the motorhome you're not cooped up inside a tiny cab for the 6-8 hours you are driving (someone can be watching TV, using a computer or tablet, playing video games, etc.).

There have been a few days these past two winters, though, that I've really missed the F-350 4x4!

[Mr Sunshine]

KNMIB-
I must disagree with the driveablity comment. I've had a lot of experience towing trailers, but found both our Class A and our Vegas much easier to handle. Then there's the added convenience of the passenger's access to the bathroom and refrigerator en route.

We all choose different cars for different reasons, and the reasons change over time. Same with RVs. We loved our 5th wheel and diesel pickup for years. Worked great when we would go somewhere and stay awhile. When our travel style evolved to more like your recent trip, plus some weekend jaunts, trailering became a royal pain. Capacity to tow a small car for exploring was a must for us. Now, if I needed a truck anyway, the equation would be different.

Enjoy your rig, the grass ain't always greener and it's always expensive to trade!

[KNMIB]

We are very happy with our RV and like I stated it serves us well. I was just curious about the good, bad and the ugly with a 5er. Thanks for the info.