Newbies need insight , Evergreen TT is what we want. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Newbies need insight , Evergreen TT is what we want.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome fellow Dreamer! We too have been researching TTs for FT use. Exactly which model Sunvalley are you considering?

The most frequently found limiting factor I often see for FT use is carrying capacity. As I advised another dreamer recently, be sure to select one with sufficient carrying capacity for your needs. It amazes me that I often see beautiful, otherwise FT capable rigs with only 2,000-2,500 lbs ccc. Most full-timers I've talked with recommend at least 3,000 lbs CCC for a couple. Remember you will be carrying all your worldly possessions with you, which for most folks, even after pruning your possessions to a tiny fraction of what you own now will still be quite heavy. I've found that often the actual CCC of units on the dealer's lot is usually a couple hundred lbs lower than advertised because of many "options" like a spare tire, ac, awning, battery, etc. add hidden weight and are not really optional. I recommend that you look at the actual CCC on the weight sticker before you pull the trigger.

Let's look at some of the things that typically eat up an RVs CCC. First there's water. Let's say you like a unit with a 60 gal fresh water capacity - about 550lbs of it if you like to boondock and need to travel with your fresh tank full (60gal.+ 6gal hot water x 8.34 lbs/gal), next add 60 lbs of propane (plus the weight of the tanks, if not included), and 50-75 lbs of batteries- more if you like to boondock. Next, add the contents of your fridge, a full ice chest, pantry, clothes (4 seasons worth), shoes, linens, foam topper for bed, window coverings/decorations, kitchen appliances (toaster ovens, blender, mixer, rice pot, coffee pot, slow cooker, dishwasher, etc.) kitchen utensils, pots and pans, misc. household items like lamps, chairs, washer/drier, etc., toiletries, medical supplies, cleaning supplies (vacuum, mop and broom) and chemicals, folding chairs, recliners, floor/door mats, tarps, rope and chains, screen rooms/tentage, toys (bikes, hobby and sporting equipt., fishing gear, hunting gear, guns and ammo, motorcycles, ATVs, helmets and riding gear), TV/DVD/satellite equipt., stereo/music gear, game systems/computers, printers, family heirlooms/treasures, safe, locks and security system, portable heaters, generator/spare fuel, solar panels (controller, inverter, cabling and extra heavy batteries), sewage and fresh water hoses and fittings, electrical cords, surge protector, leveling gear, water filters, macerator pump, portable dump tanks, water bladder, patio/camping lights, lanterns, tables, BBQ grill/fuel, tools (very heavy), spare parts for TT and truck, topper or camper for truck, pet supplies, cages, etc.

Only you know what you will be carrying, but it could easily exceed your weight limit - even if you travel with dry tanks and live a relatively minimalist lifestyle. Then there's souvenirs you will accumulate during your travels and things you will buy later, along the road, that you didn't know you needed or wanted until you start the lifestyle.

Chip

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sushidog wrote:

Let's look at some of the things that typically eat up an RVs CCC. First there's water. Let's say you like a unit with a 60 gal fresh water capacity - about 550lbs of it if you like to boondock and need to travel with your fresh tank full (60gal.+ 6gal hot water x 8.34 lbs/gal), next add 60 lbs of propane (plus the weight of the tanks, if not included), and 50-75 lbs of batteries- more if you like to boondock. Next, add the contents of your fridge, a full ice chest, pantry, clothes (4 seasons worth), shoes, linens, foam topper for bed, window coverings/decorations, kitchen appliances (toaster ovens, blender, mixer, rice pot, coffee pot, slow cooker, dishwasher, etc.) kitchen utensils, pots and pans, misc. household items like lamps, chairs, washer/drier, etc., toiletries, medical supplies, cleaning supplies (vacuum, mop and broom) and chemicals, folding chairs, recliners, floor/door mats, tarps, rope and chains, screen rooms/tentage, toys (bikes, hobby and sporting equipt., fishing gear, hunting gear, guns and ammo, motorcycles, ATVs, helmets and riding gear), TV/DVD/satellite equipt., stereo/music gear, game systems/computers, printers, family heirlooms/treasures, safe, locks and security system, portable heaters, generator/spare fuel, solar panels (controller, inverter, cabling and extra heavy batteries), sewage and fresh water hoses and fittings, electrical cords, surge protector, leveling gear, water filters, macerator pump, portable dump tanks, water bladder, patio/camping lights, lanterns, tables, BBQ grill/fuel, tools (very heavy), spare parts for TT and truck, topper or camper for truck, pet supplies, cages, etc.

Chip

Wow, Chip. Your list of stuff is over the top. Even in our 38.5-foot fifth wheel, we don't have anywhere nearl all that stuff.

However, your advice is excellent that one must think of the extra things not included in the RV at the time of manufacture plus one's own stuff. Maybe I need to get rid of one of my three cameras.....

.....nah. I'll toss something else.

Actually, that last comment is a hint that one just might have to re-evaluate one's own needs versus wants.

Terry

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you all so much, I am trying to help my mate understand that a smaller TT will allow us to take more provisions etc as well as get into more areas as well as fuel economy help.
I have a 07 Tundra with a 5.78 L v8 and claims to be able to tow 10k( that's the manufactures statement) I will be taking lot's of my tools to be able to earn ( 25 yr+ handyman and also interested in building a) "TINY HOUSE" somewhere..She believes that an extra room to get away ,so to speak is very important to her, as well as an outdoor kitchen this model has.. We just spent a week in a (tent) in AR. recently and aside from the heat of the day, did quite nicely, even without showering for a week, :) Any thought's on boondocking places for this up and coming "Winter" we could not survive here in Indiana ,mentally, if we were trapped again. LOVE this blog spot, Thanks again!!

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

P.S. we are minimalists..

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Chip, ( I think) Long time listener, 1st time caller .. The model is a 2013 ,Ever-lite select 33QBK , what do you think.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Terry and Jo,

I forgot to add cameras! (just kidding!)

Of course no one will have all of that stuff. My list is just designed to get you thinking about what you have and how much it weighs. I am somewhat of a prepper and plan to carry more storable food, gardening, food gathering items, and other prepper stuff than most normal folks do. I guess partly because I survived several natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina. I bought my Aliner as a hurricane bug-out vehicle, and have used it as such, evacuating and housing my family to safely during Hurricane Gustav. Plus I'll admit that I'm a little paranoid since my Army days. My FT rig will essentially be a "bug-in" vehicle that will house and transport my family, avoiding dangerous situations and providing the essentials necessary to survive in harsh (but hopefully temporary) circumstances. Sure there are catastrophes no one can survive, but the flexibility that RVs provide will enhance the odds of all of us to survive those less than "end of the world as we know it" events that happen from time to time.

Hey, I didn't go over the top and list all my preps, such as: gas masks (with eyeglass inserts so I can drive with it on), potassium iodide tablets (radiation medicine), MOPP suits (chemical, biological protective suits), atropine, decon chemicals - all to prep for terrorist attacks, natural disasters and accidents to our chemical and nuclear facilities, etc., ghillie suits and other cammo/defensive gear, etc. for civil unrest, societal breakdown due to financial collapse, etc (Hey, I lived through Katrina in New Orleans and the Rodney King riots and LA - kinda gives you a different perspective on things). I'll stop there as I might be alarming some frail women and small children.

But I'm feeling much better now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8KdtJOCzOU

Chip

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

4evercamping wrote:
Thanks Chip, ( I think) Long time listener, 1st time caller .. The model is a 2013 ,Ever-lite select 33QBK , what do you think.

Well, the CCC for that model is only about 1,000 lbs, making it unsuitable for FT use, IMHO.

Will you be FTing with kids, since you chose a bunkhouse model, or do you want to use that space for storage?

If you have kids you will probably need more than 3,000lbs of CCC. If so you might possibly consider a toy hauler. Will you be boondocking or living off the grid for extended periods of time? Are you still working or will you be retiring?

Tell us a little about your family and interests. The more we know about you and your planned use the better suggestions we can make.

However if you plan on towing with a Tundra you will definitely want a little smaller trailer.

Chip

-- Edited by Sushidog on Sunday 6th of July 2014 08:08:11 PM

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

There are many places to winter over in the southwest. I'm sure a few will comment on some, but off hand there's lots of land around Quartsite, CA. There's the slabs, also in CA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slab_City A rather wild and wooly experience. Here's a website with several choices: http://www.thewanderinghobo.com/Travelling/Boondocking/index.html

Here's the BLM website: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation.html

Chip

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's a larger trailer with a little more CCC (6,200lbs UVW) and 3,200lbs CCC for temperate climate use, of course.

www.coachmenrv.com/products/freedomexpress.aspx

Here's a little smaller dual slide trailer that only weighs 5,700 lbs and has over 3,400 lbs of CCC -a better fit for your TV.

www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/Hemisphere/default.aspx

What do you think of their floorplans?

Chip

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks, more info is power.I like the suggestions.. I need to revisit my ( Cargo carrying capacity ) = CCC , I assume

more education is on docket for today, confuse

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

I/we are trying to be able to escape for the winters, yet return in summer to earn, and be with my new Grandchildren that are here.. I have a wonderful client base I have built over the years .but, It is getting harder to go to work every day as my body is wearing out slowly. still 3 yrs from SS draw.

Now I am trying to purge/sell all my stuff , I sold my house last year and need to replace with something mobile, as this apartment life is slowly draining my resources. In a nutshell. extracting myself from the rat race..

And learn a new way of life, ( exciting part ) The good news Is I can do just about everything except HVAC , as much as my old bones will allow. Mike

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike, what you describe is the snowbird lifestyle, enjoyed by many here. The TTs we've been looking at are for above freezing temps only, as they do not have enough insulation for comfort and to prevent freezing pipes in colder weather, which I assumed is what you are looking for. Your choice of a 1/2 ton TV greatly limits your choices. Most full-timers consider a 3/4 ton an absolute minimum, with a 1 ton truck being more the norm. You might consider trading up for a good used diesel truck for better mileage, a safer tow and more TT choices. I am choosing to FT in a TT like you, mainly for its lack of stairs inside and the ability to utilize the truck bed to carry my bikes, as I don't like the idea of a carrying dirty, oil dripping bikes in a toy hauler, constantly smelling gas fumes in my home, and leaving them outside, relatively unsecured and uncovered at night - against the rules in many CGs. I was able to find a good, used 3/4 ton diesel for my TV at a very good price, so I went with that. However, had I found a SRW 1 ton diesel (single rear wheels - as opposed to a DRW) I would have went with that for a little more load capacity in the truck. Both will pull equally, but a 1 ton will carry more in the bed with better suspension and better brakes.

You mentioned boondocking, which is lots of fun and offers more solitude with nature, but you might want to also consider inexpensive, monthly RV parks in the desert southwest and the RGV (Rio Grand Valley) in TX. Many are under $300/month for a campsite (some under $200/mo). Electricity is usually extra and metered, just like your S&B (stick and brick home) on monthly sites. Moving less often saves money on fuel and wear and tear on the equipment too. Not only do they provide full hook-ups (water, elec., sewer) and many welcome amenities for this fee like trash disposal, free cable TV, free wifi, proximity to a camp store and shopping, laundry, etc. but often a book/DVD sharing library, exercise room, swimming pool, hot-tubs, and recreational facilities. They also provide a sense of community of like minded individuals with pot-luck dinners and social gatherings to share information and experiences, and give the DW a sense of belonging. Remember, happy wife, happy life.

Chip

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks, you are correct about " Happy" part.. I am locked in possibly with truck, but need to explore my options.. You have been very helpful with your knowledge. Thank you!! off to make the doughnuts.. for now.. will check back!!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think it's time to get back on topic to the original poster's questions and needs, thus, I've just deleted some irrelevant posts to those needs and questions.

Terry

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I didn't know if you were planning on buying new or used so my first thought when I read that you are looking for a green TT would be to suggest buying a good used TT. It's already built so it's about as green as you can get. If you buy a new TT then you are providing the company a reason to build more TTs so they would use more of the world's resources.

4evercamping · RV-Dreams Community Member

Great point, thanks.. so much to do, so little time. smile