Migrating from a Class A to a Travel Trailer

[SPSchaller]

After 20 years of owning and traveling in a class A motor home, we are migrating to a travel trailer, as we are traveling less and wish not to have another motor-vehicle to maintain. During our search for the new unit, I became aware of the many differences there are between motorhomes and towables, from slide operations to leveling to tank maintenance and beyond. It made sense to me to reach out to the Forum for tips and suggestions from others who have made this transition.
Thanks for your time and knowledge...

 

[Martian]

Long time travel trailer owner with lots of friends with class A units. I think you will find the systems easy to adapt to as they tend to be simpler. An example is dumping the tanks. No sequence of levers, just pull the one lever for that tank. Propane is about the same to use but filling the tanks does not involve moving the unit. After a little practice setup can be as short as ten minutes, maybe 15 if doing a fhu.
You will have a whole different driving experience that is easy to adapt to. It will test your backing skills as I doubt you ever did much backing with a toad. The backing into sites will probably be the hardest to get used to.
You will probably enjoy the relative simplicity of a tt compared to a class A. You will probably get more answers than you expected. Happy Camping!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I think the big differences are:

• Hook/Unhook the trailer from the tow vehicle
• Backing the trailer onto a site (if you have no other trailer experience)
• Leveling the trailer (unless it is equipped with leveling jacks)
• A small difference in how you position for a 90 degree turn (trailer "track on turns is different than motorhome

As Martian said, most of the systems (shore power, battery, water & sewer) are essentially the same but smaller travel trailers tend to be simpler. In some ways that's easier but it also tends to put more onus on the operator to do it right. You didn't mention whether the current motorhome or the prospective trailer are high end, more sophisticated, models or closer to "entry level". There can be quite a difference between the two as far as equipment and we don't know what you are accustomed to.

 

[Firstime RVer]

The best advice is to adhere to the KISS principle.
The simpler the systems are on your TT, the less time you will spend fiddling with them. We camp to enjoy the outdoors, using our TT for basic comfortable shelter. Dealing with space shuttle like systems is not my idea of a good time. Even less so when problems arise. I couldn't agree more with the previous statement made by Martian.
Safe travels and all the best of the holidays.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The best advice is to adhere to the KISS principle.
The simpler the systems are on your TT, the less time you will spend fiddling with them. We camp to enjoy the outdoors, using our TT for basic comfortable shelter. Dealing with space shuttle like systems is not my idea of a good time. Even less so when problems arise. I couldn't agree more with the previous statement made by Martian.
Safe travels and all the best of the holidays.

Not being argumentative, but your idea of a RV enjoyment is just one of several equally popular styles. No worries; there is room for those who want the simpler life as well as those who bring all the comforts of home. And everywhere in between.

 

[Kirk]

for tips and suggestions from others who have made this transition.

In 1990, we moved from the towable world into our a class A, which we then kept for just over 8 years. We then moved into a new 1998 class A that became our only home a few months later and was for the next 12 years. After returning to part time we sold the now 14-year-old class A and downsized to a much smaller travel trailer that we then used for the next 11 years. The first tip that I would offer is to make sure that your tow vehicle is sufficient to safely tow the travel trailer that you move to. In our case we were moving down in size but you need to be sure that you will be comfortable in the trailer and longer trailers need a serious truck to tow them. Tank maintenance is no different. If you had an onboard generator in your class A, you probably will not have on in a trailer and if you do then you will also have an extra fuel tank or if it burns propane you can go through it very quickly. I consider a motorhome as easier to put into most camping sites if they are back-in. Unless you choose a fifth wheel the trailer will not be as tall as your motorhome. That has some advantages but it will also have much less storage space. Power leveling systems are available for travel trailers but are not nearly as common, so make sure to ask about that. With a travel trailer, you level first side to side, then after unhitching you level fore and aft. There are some very helpful leveling aids for side to side, up to one that uses and app with your smart phone to know when it is level. If you do not get a powered leveling system I would get one of the phone app type systems. Batteries do not charge nearly as quickly when towing as the motorhome, unless you have a heavier charging lead added. If you have not towed a trailer either RV or box type, then I strongly recommend spending time in an empty parking lot practicing before you start to travel.

 

[Firstime RVer]

Not being argumentative, but your idea of a RV enjoyment is just one of several equally popular styles. No worries; there is room for those who want the simpler life as well as those who bring all the comforts of home. And everywhere in between.

I can certainly agree with your statement. I have a number of friends with "well equipped" TT's and 5th wheels with all the bells and whistles and it seems like they're always repairing something, reprogramming something, or bringing their RV to a shop for repairs.

In the 9 years I've owned my TT, its only been to the shop twice. Once to replace the AC unit during the first year we owned it, and once to repair our water heater. Other than that I take it in for an annual wheel bearing repack, brake check, and roof check for leaks.

At this point in my life, simple, comfortable, reliable are the only things important to me. Just my $.02 FWIW.

Safe travels and all the best of the holidays.

 

[Derby6]

I can certainly agree with your statement. I have a number of friends with "well equipped" TT's and 5th wheels with all the bells and whistles and it seems like they're always repairing something, reprogramming something, or bringing their RV to a shop for repairs.

I dunno, I feel like that’s all RVs. From pop ups to big old diesel pushers.

 

[gwinger]

I dunno, I feel like that’s all RVs. From pop ups to big old diesel pushers.

I agree to a point. But the simpler the trailer, the less the maintenance.
Some high end TT's have the same setups as a Class A, especially if you are going with a 5th wheel.
Setup is about the same, except maybe for leveling.
You still have water, power, sewer lines to connect and slides to extend, if equipped.
Parking is not much different once you get used to it.
The equipment in a Class A is basically the same. everything eventually breaks.
One advantage to a TT is it much less expansive to maintain.
My 6 year old Toy Hauler me less than $1000 and that was complete brake work.
Just an oil change in a DP is upwards of $300.

 

[uchu]

I moved from a TT to a motorhome, years ago. I don't see myself going back.

One thing that I consider a big advantage of a motorhome is the fact that all the facilities of the house zone are readily available to us at any point of our travel.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Just an oil change in a DP is upwards of $300

This would depend on who's doing the oil change, a shop or DIY. Also, the size of the diesel engine and how many qts. of oil it takes. Last month, I did my end-of-the-year oil change on my 6.7 Cummins diesel. I got a great deal at Sam's Club on Mobil 1 semi-synthetic 15-40 diesel oil, a case of 4 gallons, or 16 qts. for $45. Fleetgard oil filter on Amazon, pack of two $35, or $17.50 for one. $62.50 total oil change.

 

[Compadre1]

I only have had TT's. Nothing against driveables, I'm sometimes jealous of them.
Some good comments so far. For me, backing up is no big deal. Be patient and willing to stop and get out of the truck to peruse a site, even if you have a rear view camera. Likely you do that now with a class A. Picking a TT should really be done with your tow vehicle in mind. Listed tow capacity/ hitch weights are rarely the same as the dealer says. Do some investigating, I went on a forum for my truck before buying to get real world towing experiences from other owners. The Ford forum enlightened me about upgraded suspension that would help etc. Make sure your vehicle can safely tow the trailer, don't believe the salesman.

Weight Distribution Hitches are a hot topic on many RV forums. I'm a believer, have towed with and without and the difference is night and day. Others disagree and don't see a need. They will add some time to the hitching/unhitching process. The ball for my wdh weighs a lot, so removing it is a chore for this 72 yr old.
I carry a small Honda generator, newer trucks have generator plugs within the truck bed. With Lithium, LiPO batteries and TT's now having AC only refrigerators, charging is sometimes an issue. Solar is good.
Best of luck

 

[SargeW]

I am on my 9th RV in 28 years. All types, all sizes. We currently have a 5th wheel (hopefully the last). We purchased a small TT before this one. Thought we would only be doing occasional short trips. Yep, wrong again. This 5ver has some things that were of significant importance to us. Both the DW and I had our own wants and needs.

The DW's list included a 12 volt refer, a dining table she could use as a desk/office and craft table, opposing slides in the dining/living area, and a couch that could seat at least 3 guests and make into a bed if necessary along with a set of recliners across from the TV. Washer/dryer hook ups were a must, and a tankless water heater.

My list was 400 watts of solar with inverter and 2 lithium batteries, self leveling jacks, only ONE dump outlet that all of the tanks fed into, a north/south bed with the closet in a small slide out, a rear ladder, and 2 roof AC units. Some other stuff I added later to suit my operational requirements like an on board surge guard, SeeLevel tank monitor system, exterior pull down window blinds, and extra storage for sewer hoses.

Just some food for thought as you start your search for the next (and maybe last) RV. All previous suggestions are spot on as well.

 

[Kirk]

Weight Distribution Hitches are a hot topic on many RV forums. I'm a believer, have towed with and without and the difference is night and day. Others disagree and don't see a need. They will add some time to the hitching/unhitching process. The ball for my wdh weighs a lot, so removing it is a chore for this 72 yr old.

There are many small, lightweight travel trailers that use of a weight distributing hitch violates the warranty because they have an aluminum frame. My last one was 20' long and had that restriction. I did use an antisway device but that was the only part of a weight distributing hitch that would have had any value to me. The trailer had a GVWR of only 3800#. It wasn't fun to tow with the 5k# rated SUV but my diesel truck hardly knew it was back there. (I was just turning 70 when we bought it and 82 when we sold it.)

We started to RV with a small popup, then moved to a very large popup which we used a lot for 9 years before went to our first fully self-contained RV also a travel trailer. Seven years later we moved to a small class A as it was then only the two of us and we loved it so much that 8 years later we traded for a new, much larger class A that we owned for 14 years, 12 of them fulltime with no stick home. After age related health issues pushed us out of that life and we bought a house again, we sold the class A and bought the little travel trailer and now are without an RV.

 

[Firstime RVer]

I dunno, I feel like that’s all RVs. From pop ups to big old diesel pushers.

Based on what I've read in many posts on this forum, my TT must be somewhere near the holy grail, regarding reliability.. Its 9 years old and still going strong. I only pay for a bearing repacking and roof leak check every year. All the appliances and utilities are original and still doing the job.
Just my $.02 FWIW
Safe travels and all the best of the holidays to you and yours.

 

[Derby6]

Based on what I've read in many posts on this forum, my TT must be somewhere near the holy grail, regarding reliability..

Yea I there with you on my almost 19yo trailer.
Exception is front/roof water damage totaled unit but I bought back and had repaired. Broke even. This was 2022 or 23. And that’s on me not resealing roof.
This year replaced toilet and microwave. But that’s it. Genny, water pump, furnace, fridge, HW heater, etc. all been fine so far. Knock on wood.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Weight Distribution Hitches are a hot topic on many RV forums. I'm a believer, have towed with and without and the difference is night and day. Others disagree and don't see a need.

That would depend greatly on both the tow vehicle capability and the trailer balance (tongue weight vs loaded trailer weight). Many trailer owners either don't know how to judge that or don't want to bother the the arithmetic, so they just use the WD hitch and hope for the best. And dealers always say the rig needs WD because they don't want to be liable for an inadequate tow set-up.

 

[Kirk]

And dealers always say the rig needs WD because they don't want to be liable for an inadequate tow set-up.

And usually, they just happen to have a hitch for sale!

 

[DonTom]

One thing that I consider a big advantage of a motorhome is the fact that all the facilities of the house zone are readily available to us at any point of our travel.

IMO, no matter how it is done, there will be advantages and disadvantages. And which way is best only depends on who is asked, regardless of how much RV experience they have had with all of it.

If I am asked, the very best way is a motorhome with a 317 lbs Zero DS electric motorcycle carried on the hitch.

-Don- Douglas, AZ

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Cool looking bikes, Don.