Just wanted to say HI!  We've just recently decided that becoming full time RVers is what our future holds for us!  We've owned and enjoyed every type of rig (except As and Bs) up to a 30' fifth wheel over the years.  DH has worked at Home Depot for over 17 years and is ready to retire.  I have my own business and now that the grandkids are all in school, it's time for us!   We do have to sell our house and since we're in So Calif, we're going to wait until after the new year hoping prices stablize somewhat.   Our target goal is June '09.

We love this site and forum and have gotten some great info!  We've looked at Cedar Crest, Heartland, Carriage,  Travel Supreme and Nu Wa DA and CE 34-36' units.  (Found a rear kitchen unit that was a real WOW!)  Since Henri is leaving the rig layout to me, he's picking out the truck of his dreams (with all the proper capacities and gear).  We are soooo excited!!!

Thank you to everyone for sharing your insights!  We're looking forward to meeting many new friends and seeing lots of new places!

Carole =)  

I can not say enough welcomes to you both...so I will give you one and I know all the other folks on this forum will join in. We are so glad to have you here with us. Sherri and I are excited for you in your choice to full time. We full time now but do not travel. I still have to work until next January and then if the Lord is willing I will get to run the roads...as my dear Mother use to say. Until then we follow all the RV Dreamers out there in their Journals. Sherri and I have a Journal too but it is just chronicling the days until we too get to travel places. Come join us in our mundane life from time to time and see how much better off you are. We aim to make you feel better about yourself. www.speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com Joe and Sherri

Hi Carole,

Welcome to the forum!

We had looked at a mid-profile rear-kitchen model awhile back that we really liked (more space), but we heard that things tend to bounce around more in the rear kitchens.  I don't know if that is true or not, but it might be something to consider.  Maybe others who have experience on this matter can share their feedback.

-Colleen 

Just something to keep in mind when purchasing a fifth wheel. This is what we looked for. When you're on the road there are three things that you might want to reach without putting the slides out - the refrigerator, the potty and the bed. You might not care about those options but thought I'd mention them.

Sandra,

When we bought ours we weren't looking for those features but they came with our rig.  I would definitely be looking for them in the future.  I can't believe it wasn't something I'd thought about.  I'd much rather use my own bathroom while Rod is pumping fuel than go inside to the public restroom.  I can also get to my pantry so I can make lunch if I want to.

Debbie

Hey, Everyone! Thank you, thank you for the warm welcome!! We looked at the rear kitchen in the Travel Supreme (it was either the Classic or River Canyon) and loved the counter space, island and openness of the room. Refer door comes mighty close to the island, so it may not open with the slides in. They have pix of the one we went in at saddlebackrv dot com. You could have a party in there!! We had a side rear kit in a 5vr before and with rubber mats in the kit cabinets, everything stayed put. Definitely want to be able to access kit & bath/bed while on the road, though. We've been in a Discover Am 348SB (very nice, but I want the big window in the back, not the entertainment set up) and the Champagne 34LKTG ~ no one out here has the rear kit model but you can see the movie/walkthrus on the Nu-Wa site for quite a few plans. For me, I need to be in the space and have it feel right, KWIM?? I keep going back to the Nu-Wa Champagne 34-35 LKRSB floor plans ~ love the closet slide, extra vanity space in the bath and the steps to the bedroom are out of the way. We've seen some good prices on new '07s and '05 & '06s, too. Definitely would have an inspection and get the extended warranty if we buy used. Debbie, how do you like your Keystone? I hear they're built similar to Nu-Wa (both use astro-foil).... We're looking at a F450, too ~ tell me what you like/don't like about yours & I'll pass it on to DH :) Thanks!! Carole (and Henri, too)

Carole (and Henri too),

First of all, welcome!!

We LOVE our Everest.  It has almost everything we were looking for and some features we weren't looking for.  As for the F450, what can I say?  It's AWESOME!!  We had our first real test over mountain passes coming into Salt Lake City.  Since we only drive 55 mph there were A LOT of people passing us on the flat but once we hit the mountain pass we passed them back.  Then they passed us again going down the pass.  LOL  It tows the rig like it's not even back there.  It's really awesome when that brake kicks in going downhill.

Debbie