Are you dreaming of hitting the open road and embracing the freedom of full-time RV living? Choosing the right rig is a big decision, especially if you’re planning to make your RV your home for the long haul.
Two of the most popular options are the Class A motorhome and the fifth wheel, each with its own set of perks and quirks. But which one truly shines for full-time living?
To help answer this, we found a great video from the channel “Why Wait” where Chris and Megan share their fresh, honest, and often hilarious take on their recent switch from a fifth wheel to a Class A motorhome.
1. Driving Experience: Smooth Sailing or White-Knuckle Rides?
Chris and Megan wasted no time addressing the driving differences between a Class A motorhome and a fifth wheel. Chris enthused, “Way better than driving in Tona fifth wheel, man, I’m loving this.”
Megan confessed that travel days in the fifth wheel left her a “hot nervous wreck” even after six years, and she sometimes refused to ride in the truck, instead following in a separate vehicle.
The Class A, on the other hand, brought “a sense of peace and calm.” Chris joked about the stress of the fifth wheel: “Two days before breakdown she’d just be nervous, I’d just be like, I kind of shut down and I don’t know, like, oh crap, what’s going to happen this time.” If your idea of adventure doesn’t include white-knuckling it down the highway, a Class A might be your ticket to Zen. Bonus points if you can convince your spouse to ride in the same vehicle!
WINNER:
Class A Motorhome – It’s the clear winner for a more relaxing, less stressful driving experience. Your nerves (and your marriage) will thank you.
2. Build Quality: Fort Knox or House of Cards?
One of the standout differences for the couple was the build quality. Chris raved, “The build quality is unbelievable on there… I’m just kind of blown away about the build construction.”
He specifically praised their Newmar motorhome and noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other owners: “We haven’t heard anybody say really anything [bad].” In contrast, he described fifth wheels as having “bare minimum” construction, with lightweight materials that can lead to issues. “It was always something,” Chris lamented.
Megan chimed in that the Class A was much quieter during storms, noting, “I didn’t hear the rain hardly at all.” If you want your RV to feel less like a tin can in a hailstorm and more like a cozy bunker, Class A wins—plus, your neighbors won’t hear your top-secret bun-smacking family traditions.
WINNER:
Class A Motorhome – With sturdier construction and better insulation, it’s built like a tank (but with more throw pillows).
3. Ease of Setup and Travel: Hit the Road or Hitch Headache?
When it comes to getting on the move, the Class A makes life simpler. Chris summed it up: “It’s like, turn on the engine, put the slides in and go.” He compared it to the more complicated process with the fifth wheel: “You had to get the truck, you had to back it up, you had to hitch it up, line it up, that takes time, chains, workway cables.”
Megan added, “It just seemed like it was quicker just to get ready and go.” In the world of RVs, less time spent hitching means more time for adventure—or for searching for that one missing sock that always vanishes on travel days.
WINNER:
Class A Motorhome – The setup is so fast, you’ll have to find new ways to procrastinate before hitting the road.
4. Storage and Capacity: Pack It In or Play Tetris?
Storage is a major concern for full-timers, and the Class A delivered a pleasant surprise. Chris exclaimed, “The outside storage on this is a big bonus… this is having like four fifth wheel basements.” He also noted the higher cargo capacity: “With this we can just load it up, load all sorts of crap… somewhere around a 6,000 plus cargo capacity, we’re never going to come close to that.”
Megan joked about finally being able to take more decorations—and, less glamorously, more “poop water” if needed. If you’re tired of playing Tetris with your belongings or arguing over which throw pillow to sacrifice, a Class A might be your storage soulmate.
WINNER:
Class A Motorhome – More storage means you can bring everything but the kitchen sink… oh wait, you have that too!
5. Comfort and Insulation: Toasty or Teeth-Chattering?
Chris and Megan were impressed by the comfort and insulation of their Class A. Chris shared, “It holds the heat way better… I was up since like 4 in the morning… I was like, how come the furnace isn’t running? I haven’t heard the furnace kick on in a while.” Megan noted, “It’s sealed up awesome, just in the thicker walls, better insulation.”
They also appreciated features like heat pumps and better climate control. If you want to avoid waking up feeling like a popsicle (or sweating like you’re in a sauna), the Class A’s insulation is a major plus. And if you do get chilly, there’s always the time-honored tradition of bun-smacking to warm up the family.
WINNER:
Class A Motorhome – Toasty in winter, cool in summer, and you won’t have to sleep in a parka.
6. Lifestyle Fit: Road Warriors or Homebodies?
Finally, Chris and Megan emphasized that the best choice depends on your travel style. “If you’re going to be more stationary, which we have been, the fifth wheel makes more sense,” Chris explained. “But now we want to get on the road more, so I think this style of full-time RV living makes more sense if you’re hitting the road a little bit more.”
Megan recalled how the fifth wheel’s separate bedroom was great when their son was younger, but now the Class A fits their more mobile lifestyle. So, whether you’re a road warrior or a homebody, make sure your RV matches your plans—otherwise, you might find yourself parked in the world’s most expensive driveway.
WINNER:
It’s a Tie! – If you’re staying put, fifth wheel wins. If you’re always on the move, Class A takes the trophy. The real winner? The one that fits your lifestyle (and your bun-smacking needs).
Check Out the Full Video!
These are just the highlights from Chris and Megan’s video on the “Why Wait” YouTube channel. Be sure to watch the full video below!
