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Originally Posted by BillWill  .... I would just like to hear what you all have to say? |
Having refurbed both an "almost vintage" AS Classic MoHo and a '78 31' Sovereign (and made multiple thousand mile trips in each) I can truthfull say...each has it's own advantages.
No doubt about it - the MoHo is a maintenance hog. On the plus side, the Chevy P-3X chassis is relatively easy to work on, and parts are readily available - just know that, if you don't do the work yourself, you will be charged commercial truck mechanics rates when (not if) you bring it in for servicing. On the other hand, the MoHo as several distinct advantages - for me, as I get older, having a bathroom in the cabin is at the top of the list. When the urge "to go" hits me on the road, I simply pull over at any handy and safe wide spot in the road. Having all of the services built into one coach is also a plus - hot water from the engine, a self contained generator, a single, but larger and more complicated 12 volt system, extra capacities in the house batteries, larger potable, grey, and black water systems are among some other advantages. The MoHo is a joy to hook up once you get to the campground - slap the levelling system down, hook up the auto-coil electric and water lines, quick drop the sewer hose, and you are done.
The trailer, while MUCH easier to work on than the MoHo, also has other advantages. First and Foremost...SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) prefers housekeeping in the trailer as opposed to the MoHO - don't know why, since both are almost identical. Go figure. The MoHO sits a bit higher...
Both the MoHo and the trailer involve "towing" something....and the edge goes to the trailer in towing, since you CAN back up the trailer while backing up a four down car on the tail of the MoHo can be a trick. Entrance and egress from filling stations is about a wash - you have to be careful with either system - allow PLENTY of room with both for navigating around the fuel islands and other traffic.
Fuel economy goes to the trailer - about 10 mpg towing as opposed to 6 mpg on the 345.
"Cool Factor" the 345 definitely wins out - something about those aluminum classics that even the shined up Sovereign cannot match.
So...it's a matter of whichever floats your boat.
Remember - LOTS of heavy duty maintenance on the Motor Home, but much easier to dock and undock. The trailer, while easier to work on, seems to have more "small things" go wrong - possibly from the inherent rougher ride?
One thing for sure, look at comparable years of vintage or almost vintage AirStreams and SOB's, compare both the trailers and the MoHo's, and I'm sure that you will find that NO "cardboard and staple" construction will hold a candle to true aluminum and rivet construction.
You have already learned that "knowledge is power"...keep on learning from this site and others, the more information you have pre-purchase the happier you will be post-purchase.