We went through a similar dilemma although a motorhome was never going to be an option as we wanted to retain mobility (without the need to tow/cycle or walk everywhere) and so it came down to a caravan or 5th wheeler. Having looked after a caravan park (as part of our travel/work life) whilst we were still making up our minds, we saw too many people struggling to get their 5th wheel rigs into spaces that were not really designed for the purpose of accommodating them we even struggle sometimes with our 30ft (overall) van.
Also, we have witnessed 5th wheeler owners being asked to pay for two spaces due to slide-outs slightly overhanging the width of the space provided or being shown to some remote part of the camp ground just so the owner could make a sale.
I'm sure there are many 5th wheel owners that will have an opposite view, hopefully my comments will prompt them to speak out and help you.
That's my opinion for what it's worth.
-- Edited by Mark on Sunday 2nd of June 2013 09:25:20 PM
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Mark & Linda
A man who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but ask no questions and your a fool for life!!
For us a motorhome is the answer, had ours for about 18 months and living in it full time as our only home and we are glad we made this choice. Whatever you choose will have some compromises, but we wanted to be able to free camp wherever possible and we didn't want to leave all our keepsakes behind. We have an 11Mt coach with huge bins under it so we can fit a lot on board, we also have lots of room for batteries and solar so freedom camping is not a problem on a regular basis. Fuel economy is not a lot different to having a big 4WD to tow a big caravan or 5th wheeler and when we get to somewhere we want to spend some time we have our little economy car for getting around.
Haven't had a lot of experience yet with caravan parks, but haven't been badly disadvantaged so far.
Our rig is about 19Mt overall with the trailer, the bus has a 15 Tonne gross and is only 10 Tonne unladen, so we have 5 tonnes of goodies we have room for, so lots of water and grey water storage, as well as all my tools and spares, and quite a lot of our belongings.
I know my wife would not have been happy to give up all her knick knacks and keepsakes, so from that point alone we have made the right choice. This is now our permanent home, no other home to go back too and nothing in storage, fits us very nicely.
But it's horses for courses, and depends on your own situation and what you plan to do.
Welcome to the forum from us too Rondavoo. I also wondered why this query was posted here. I would imagine that you will get a 50/50 answer on this one. For everyone who loves a motorhome, there will be another who recommends a caravan or a 5th wheeler (so maybe that should be 33/33/33). Have fun.
So much depends on your individual situation, not to mention preferences. I don't like towing and being solo don't need as much space. Plus I like the idea that should I feel unsafe, I can climb into the front and drive away without going outside. Get what you think you'll be happy in and get out there and enjoy
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
G'day Ronavoo. Only just saw this. As has been said, everyone has their pet ideas. If you are looking at a fifth wheeler, there is an interesting article by Collyn RIVERS on same. It appears that in the U.S. (where most of them come from) the 'turntable' style connection is set up for the U.S. roads with a camber unlike ours. It seems that on our roads the turntable can't adjust to our camber very well and can twist the anchor bolts (or worse) from the bed of your tug. I noticed at the Caravan and Camping show that many are starting to use a tow ball type set up in the bed instead of the turntable. I was advised (by salesmen) that their turntables are designed for Australian roads. Just something to bear in mind.
" .. For everyone who loves a motorhome, there will be another who recommends a caravan or a 5th wheeler (so maybe that should be 33/33/33) .. "
I would have to agree totally with neilnruth ..
and after much deliberation you will most likely make a choice that best suits you. Once made, it then is up to you to make it "your own" and enjoy the life while doing it.
It would be nice to get everything you want in one package, and you can if you can fund it. Most folk go with what they can afford and make it their comfort zone.
It's nice to aim high, but if it all falls short (once on the road) then that's something you have to sort out for yourself .. in hindsight and with gained knowledge and experiences, most GN's would be able to say how they would have made variations to their original plans (if they knew) .. but that's a personal choice .. so you will still have to make your own decision to start it all off ..
There are so many that wish to do what you are doing, but time spent waiting, financial circumstances and ones own personal status have a bearing on their direction .. Personal security, both financial and physical together with stepping off into the "unknown" is further restricted by a "fear of failure" should they not achieve the dream ..
When you're ready.. be positive .. make a choice .. follow it through !
Hi and welcome Roonavoo.
Have been making the same choices as you, except, after towing a caravan through the floods of 2010 out west Qld. Sue and I have given the caravan away.
Too much swinging and crabbing through water and mud. We had no choice as caught in floods at Birdsville during races.
Also Sue got sick of having to get out of a perfectly dry 4x4, then having to tramp through mud to get to caravan, then trying to keep mud out of the van.
We have thought of a truck slide-on but height to get in a problem, so, its a motorhome for us.
Nothing too big, either a Toyota Coaster +1993 with a 6 cylinder diesel (can be converted to 4x4) or a Hino Rainbow. With either we will tow a 750kg trailer for tools, extra fuel and water.
Rather tow a small trailer through mud than a 2.5tonne caravan.
Just my thoughts, hope it helps.
Peter
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Cheers Peter and Sue
"If I agree with you we'll both be wrong"
No, I'm not busy, I did it right the first time.
Self-powered wheelie walker, soon a power chair (ex. Nomad)
Keith that info is outdated and relates to an issue with old design which are no longer being used. All hitches are now double osscilating to cope with road conditions. Most gooseneck ball will not tow enough weight for a big rig and are only suitable for the smaller aussie made versions.
Double Oss hitches move four ways in quite a large amount to avoid cracking ect. It also makes sence not to tow your 150k rig on dirt tracks too. Nothing is indestructable. Most of that old info is related to one isolated case that happened in 2009 and has been an on going case.
We have had a 25 ft stirling for three years and did enormous research including going thru all of River's writtings ect and we have gone with the fifth wheeler now. The benifits far outweight any negs, but you have to do your homework. DONT believe everything to read, talk to multiple experts towing all brands. Go and see for yourself that what they say is correct.
although a motorhome was never going to be an option as we wanted to retain mobility (without the need to tow/cycle or walk everywhere) and so it came down to a caravan or 5th wheeler. Having looked after a caravan park (as part of our travel/work life) whilst we were still making up our minds, we saw too many people struggling to get their 5th wheel rigs into spaces that were not really designed for the purpose of accommodating them 
we even struggle sometimes with our 30ft (overall) van.
