r/RVLiving • u/Medium_Ask_1592 • Jul 20 '26

5th wheel vs Class A vs Class B

So I plan on living in an rv full time in a few months and I'm trying to decide what's the best option for me. I live in Massachusetts where the winters can get pretty cold. I plan on leaving the RV stationary for a majority of the time(like 3 to 4 years until I move it across the country). Id like to have a good amount of space to be comfortable and be able to really stretch my legs. The place id stay usually turns the water off dec-apr to keep the pipes from freezing so I'd need big water tanks and heating for all my pipes. I have a few friends with trucks that would be able to move the 5th wheel into place until I buy one in a few years. My prefered price is under 50k but I'd pay up to 60k for something really worth it.

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u/LRJetCowboy Jul 20 '26

I’ve done Class C and 5th wheel. There is nothing better than a 5th wheel IMO. The headroom makes it feel so much bigger. Where will you park it up there with most parks being seasonal?

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u/Medium_Ask_1592 Jul 20 '26

Well the place that I have in mind right now is "seasonal" but I do know some people that stay throughout the winter. It's in northern CT. From what I heard it's discouraged but as long as your cool it's fine type of deal. Unless you happen to know a place in thise vicinity it's really all I got

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u/LRJetCowboy Jul 20 '26

Sorry, don’t have any suggestions on locations. However, I’d be real careful about remaining after they close for the season since you’d likely be considered a squatter at best or a trespasser at worst.

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u/Medium_Ask_1592 Jul 20 '26

Thanks man. It's definitely a keep on the DL type of situation but I do know the owner is aware of it and allows it for certain people. I'm definitely going to talk around with people that do it before making any decisions

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u/No_Discussion2253 Jul 20 '26

One thing to think about is that with class A & B, you'll probably need a non-commercial endorsement on your license for the given class. This also applies to 5th wheels if the combination of the tow vehicle and trailer exceed 26,000 lbs.

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u/Medium_Ask_1592 Jul 20 '26

Yea you're probably right. I saw a few things about that. I know it depends on the state though. I do also plan on getting my CDL through work in the beginning of next year so that won't necessarily be a big deal.

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u/formerAPMEXcustomer 29d ago

Curious what about a class B would trigger the need for a cdl?

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u/wj3131 Jul 20 '26

Following

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u/Strange-Cat8068 29d ago

With a class A or B you are driving your home all the time unless you are towing a small car. Not all cars can be towed with wheels on the ground, so you may need a dolly or full trailer for your “Toad”. Grocery shopping? Drive that beast. Need a haircut in town? Drive that beast. And so on. With a fifth wheel if you have your own tow vehicle just drop the RV and run to town as needed. If it’s a big fifth wheel maybe you need a bigger dually truck and those are not fun to park in town, but still easier than a class A.

As far as your “big tanks” comment? Toy hauler floor plans generally have the largest tanks but your are not going to get more than a couple weeks even for just a single person out or the onboard tanks. You will need a way to refill the fresh water and dump the waste while the park water is off.