Dave and I a resident managers of a self-storage facility in Texas, so we sort of "work-kamp" already, having our residence and utilities furnished with the job. We have a 26' bumper pull and our TV is a Ford F350 diesel crew cab 4x4 long bed w/towing package, and we get out camping as often as possible. I grew up with TTs, literally camping as a babe in arms. Being from Scotland, the whole RV thing is new to my DH and he enjoys it immensely. Yep, I do the towing!
We are looking at full-timing from two perspectives. First as a "backup plan" should we leave the storage biz. It can be a stressful/confining occupation and should a property sell, well, the mgmt team is typically "outta there" even if great performers. Secondly we're looking at full-timing / work-kamping just because we want to do so! It has been a dream of mine for years and seeing more of the US is something Dave would like.
If it weren't for the present economy and our both being not quite "retirement age" (in our late and early 50s), making definite plans would be a no-brainer. We'd be hittin' the road as soon as we could.
On the other hand, I'm an 8-year cancer survivor and we are both acutely aware of how short life is. We'd surely regret not taking the leap should our health change and not permit us to do so.
Decisions, decisions!
We've decided to at least research and educate ourselves on how to do it so when the time comes we'll be ready to jump.
Dave sold his property and belongings in Scotland and came here literally with a suitcase or two. I sold property and belongings in Texas and moved to Minnesota in 2005, where we started our life together. Divesting ourselves of our "stuff" to get into a 5'er would not be much of a stretch for us.
The Montana 5'er catches my eye from many aspects and we hope to actually go view that and others at a dealer this coming week. I already have in mind many of the technical specs and floorplan features I want in a 5'er and hope to learn more about that and the full-timing life in general from the forums. Whatever 5'er we get, it's gotta hold at least 3 bicycles!
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Happy trails to all!
GENECOP said
02:45 AM Nov 7, 2009
Welcome to the dream, G
Jim01 said
06:17 AM Nov 7, 2009
Welcome to the forum.
You've found the right web site to learn all about the full-timing lifestyle. You're right, life is short, so do it now, while you can.
Jim
53 Merc said
08:35 AM Nov 7, 2009
You want to be careful about "just looking". We did that 3 years ago. One of the, "I'm bored this afternoon, let's go look at 5th wheels" days. You know, the old I'm not gonna buy anything, we are just looking excursions. When we left we were the owners of a 34 ft 5er.
Sounds like you could easily become FTers quickly. Enjoy the lifestyle.
TxYellowRose said
09:22 AM Nov 7, 2009
Ken,
Thanks for the smile with your response! We certainly won't jump and purchase anything right away...at least not from the dealer where we're headed Tuesday. Once burned, twice shy...but they do have a considerable inventory so it's a place to start. We are well pleased with the dealer where we bought our TT; however, they are somewhat limited on the brands of 5ers they stock. So it's shop 'til we drop.
Even if we don't go full-time in the next couple of years or ever, we have already talked of getting a 5er at some point. It's always fun looking!
Thanks again,
Betty
Happytrails said
11:48 AM Nov 7, 2009
Welcome to the RV Dreams forum! Please let us know if there is anything we can do along the way to be of help.
Learn all you can, read as much as you can and ask questions. This is a friendly environment and everyone is so helpful.
Good luck!!!!
Terry and Jo said
07:59 PM Nov 7, 2009
Welcome to the RV Dreams family. You have found one of the most active forums that I have found. Also, there is a lot of knowledge in the heads of those that frequent here. Plus, they are friendly and helpful.
You didn't say what year Ford F350 you had, so I can't look up weights for you, but before you settle on any fifth wheel, make sure you know the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Then, when looking at the fifth wheels, inquire about the GVWR of the fifth wheel and what the pin weight is for it as well.
You will need to know the pin weight so that you can add it to your tow vehicle's weight, including fuel and passengers, so that you don't exceed the GVWR of the pickup. Also, you need to allow so that the GVWR of the Trailer and the GVWR of the tow vehicle combined do not exceed the GCWR of the tow vehicle.
In talking to experienced fifth wheel owners, many will recommend that the weights of both of your units come in about 10% under the GCWR of the pickup.
Good luck in your hunting, and may God continue to bless you with good health.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 7th of November 2009 08:00:49 PM
TxYellowRose said
08:06 PM Nov 7, 2009
Terry,
Thanks for your input. We have an '08 F350, bought used with 20k miles, still almost a year on the factory warranty. I had the specs out today, looking up the GVWR and GCWR. I like your suggestion of 10% under the GCWR. According to the way I read the specs, we should have a variety of 5ers to choose from with regard to weight.
With regard to the forums, I am learning so much reading previous posts and all the interaction I have experienced so far from folks has been helpful, friendly and supportive.
Who knows...someday this dream may become a reality...
Peace, Betty
sirwinston21 said
09:00 AM Nov 8, 2009
Well you already have the truck and it is more than adequate for any Montana model. Good luck
Dave and I a resident managers of a self-storage facility in Texas, so we sort of "work-kamp" already, having our residence and utilities furnished with the job. We have a 26' bumper pull and our TV is a Ford F350 diesel crew cab 4x4 long bed w/towing package, and we get out camping as often as possible. I grew up with TTs, literally camping as a babe in arms. Being from Scotland, the whole RV thing is new to my DH and he enjoys it immensely. Yep, I do the towing!
We are looking at full-timing from two perspectives. First as a "backup plan" should we leave the storage biz. It can be a stressful/confining occupation and should a property sell, well, the mgmt team is typically "outta there" even if great performers. Secondly we're looking at full-timing / work-kamping just because we want to do so! It has been a dream of mine for years and seeing more of the US is something Dave would like.
If it weren't for the present economy and our both being not quite "retirement age" (in our late and early 50s), making definite plans would be a no-brainer. We'd be hittin' the road as soon as we could.
On the other hand, I'm an 8-year cancer survivor and we are both acutely aware of how short life is. We'd surely regret not taking the leap should our health change and not permit us to do so.
Decisions, decisions!
We've decided to at least research and educate ourselves on how to do it so when the time comes we'll be ready to jump.
Dave sold his property and belongings in Scotland and came here literally with a suitcase or two. I sold property and belongings in Texas and moved to Minnesota in 2005, where we started our life together. Divesting ourselves of our "stuff" to get into a 5'er would not be much of a stretch for us.
The Montana 5'er catches my eye from many aspects and we hope to actually go view that and others at a dealer this coming week. I already have in mind many of the technical specs and floorplan features I want in a 5'er and hope to learn more about that and the full-timing life in general from the forums. Whatever 5'er we get, it's gotta hold at least 3 bicycles!
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Happy trails to all!
You've found the right web site to learn all about the full-timing lifestyle. You're right, life is short, so do it now, while you can.
Jim
You didn't say what year Ford F350 you had, so I can't look up weights for you, but before you settle on any fifth wheel, make sure you know the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Then, when looking at the fifth wheels, inquire about the GVWR of the fifth wheel and what the pin weight is for it as well.
You will need to know the pin weight so that you can add it to your tow vehicle's weight, including fuel and passengers, so that you don't exceed the GVWR of the pickup. Also, you need to allow so that the GVWR of the Trailer and the GVWR of the tow vehicle combined do not exceed the GCWR of the tow vehicle.
In talking to experienced fifth wheel owners, many will recommend that the weights of both of your units come in about 10% under the GCWR of the pickup.
Good luck in your hunting, and may God continue to bless you with good health.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 7th of November 2009 08:00:49 PM
Thanks for your input. We have an '08 F350, bought used with 20k miles, still almost a year on the factory warranty. I had the specs out today, looking up the GVWR and GCWR. I like your suggestion of 10% under the GCWR. According to the way I read the specs, we should have a variety of 5ers to choose from with regard to weight.
With regard to the forums, I am learning so much reading previous posts and all the interaction I have experienced so far from folks has been helpful, friendly and supportive.
Who knows...someday this dream may become a reality...
Peace,
Betty