With rising fuel prices, the expensive purchase cost and poor resale value, Buses & Motorhomes are fast becoming 'unrealistic' for many. Not to mention the more traditional reasons people have chosen light 5th wheelers instead... Such as:
- Having a seperate tow vehicle (far more convenient than towing a car)
- Forward facing passenger seats, usually with airbags
- More maneuverable & aerodynamic

WHY ARE MANY OF OUR BUYERS EX MOTORHOME/BUS OWNERS & EX HEAVY AMERICAN 5TH WHEELER OWNERS??

It is important to note that Hodge RV Coastal & Outback 5th Wheelers are designed & built to be towed behind Navara's, Colorado's, BT-50's etc.

FINANCIAL

• Less capital is tied up in a brand new Japanese Ute & 5th Wheeler combo ($125,000-$165,000) compared to a new “popular brand” motorhomes at over $200,000 (would be shorter), and a new American pick-up truck and

• Why for similar money purchase some high mileage, ex-Rental cast off motorhome, or a second hand Heavy 5th wheeler that requires an F-250 or similar. They may seem cheap for what they are, but try adding up the cost of maintenance and the cost of fuel?

• Fuel economy of a diesel Japanese Ute is good even when towing a Hodge RV 5th Wheeler. Compared to an F250 that will drink almost twice as much fuel or a bus that drinks over twice as much.

• Why have a motorhome/bus parked idle for much of the year? Most people use their double cab Japanese Ute as their primary drive vehicle as they are economical, safe, comfortable, and are like a car to drive.

• Generally Utes are far cheaper to work on than buses/motorhomes. ‘Charge out rates' are cheaper for Japanese Utes, as truck mechanics are often needed for bus/motorhome & pick-up truck repairs.

• When your Ute gets old/high mileage or you just want a change of ‘wheels', you can update your Ute, and keep your favourite holiday home.

• It is usually the mileage and mechanical repair costs that depreciate a motorhome/bus so rapidly. Note, caravans historically have trended up in value, and utes hold their value better than other cars and SUV's.

SAFETY

• With a double cab Japanese Ute you have five forward facing belted seats.

• Most new Japanese Utes have airbags.

• Modern Japanese Utes have very effective crumple zones, whereas forward control motorhomes/buses have less protection.

• One of the major causes of injury in Motorhomes & Buses is being hit by debris during a crash. Everything behind you in a bus/motorhome is a potential missile aimed at you (shoes, toasters, camping equip, plates, cups, passengers).

• 4WD Utes enable you to park on grass campsites and softer substrates. To exit slippery, dewy campsites just put your Ute into 4WD.

• A Ute with a 5 th Wheel is very stable and drives like a single vehicle, but conveniently bends in the middle for manoeuvring. There is no ‘fish tailing' like a caravan. Your overall length is usually reduced by 8-10ft as you have no A frame and your mounted over the rear axle.

CONVENIENCE

• Quick 3 minute separation of Ute and 5 th Wheel – much easier and quicker than having to pack everything away to take a trip to the shops.

• Most motorhomes/buses cannot fit in a typical parking space whereas a Japanese Ute will fit anywhere a car can.

• Spacious bedroom compared to a cramped cab-over.

• Guys you don't have to leave your wife on a deckchair in an empty campsite when you go fishing or catch up with your mates at the watering hole.

• Wives, you can take the Ute and have a leisurely shop while leaving your hubby at the 5th Wheeler for a snooze.