Good thoughts on the leveling, Sonja, thank you. Have to admit that is one reason I've considered a motorhome but keep coming back to the toy hauler (and there just aren't the funds for a TH MH - LOL!).

Thanks Darrell, looks like the spreadsheet is going to come out again. <g> The fiver forces me to a bigger truck which in turn doubles my budget. Hmmmm, maybe the motorhome with a lift isn't so bad after all...then of course I still need a toad. Sigh....no perfect solutions for the budget conscious.

Thanks again everyone! Good food for thought and just the type of input I'm looking for.

I plan on full-timing so think that would be too small for me. Thanks for the thought though!

Thanks Coyate, I peeked at the Gearbox and it's too spartan for me, especially for full-timing. I'll just keep looking.....the RIGHT rig will pop up some time! <g>

Thanks, Bill. The DP is well out of my price range even used....I'm a on Woolworth's pocket book here...<g>

Good to know that Excel has a frame built to handle the Hydralift...will take a peek. Thanks again...

ROFLOL!! Thanks, Joe. I've got some interesting images in my mind.....<g>

Froggi,

I'm new here, but I noticed this thread and thought I would respond.  I have a 5th Wheel which is the 2nd one I've had.  I bought it over the travel trailer for a better ride and storage.  I had always wanted a Motor Home, however, after I looked at several and compared them to 5th wheels, I decided on a larger interior that most MH don't have including I like the tall ceilings in the 5ers, and one that looks more like a condo on wheels So, I picked my fulltime unit with all rooms separated (sliding doors in the rear den) so it was like a little condo/apt   I'm glad so glad I decided on this unit. I've enjoyed it very much.  I'm like the other poster, it can take me 2 hours to set up because that's what I do....take my time   But, don't get me wrong I can sit up fast if its raining out or the weather is bad and I need to hitch up and get out of dodge. I hitched up about 3 weeks ago in 20 minutes and was outta of there when severe weather was on its way. It included putting everything up and putting in the slides and leaving. I wish you all the luck in finding the rv that fits you best! 

Froggi, I would suggest that no matter what rv you choose, always stay behind the wheel until you feel comfortable enough with the area to sit up for the evening. I stay in my truck until I've surveilled the area for awhile. If you don't feel comfortable then its not going to get any better, so I would just leave while still behind the wheel.  Now, if you had already settled in and something strange was going on, even if you have a motor home with a toad, wouldn't you want to check on your toad before pulling out? I don't leave unless I check my entire unit over just in case.  If it was that bad, where you feared for you life that you couldn't go outside, I would call the locals ASAP and stay put and shelter in place (depending on what might be going on).  Safety is with numbers, so try to be at locations where there are other folks.  I stay in parking lot often for overnight parking and don't worry about it.  Just don't open the door if someone comes knocking and if you have the number to the store where you're parked call their security dept.  Above all, just be prepared for the unexpected any place you go and you'll be just fine.  Just think of your RV (which ever type you get) as a stick/brick house....and think what would you do at your house? most likely you would call the locals and put everything on lock down. A Class C might be a little better handling and not so much stress on your arms backing and turning. I wish you all the luck in your decision making and your plans to go fulltime!

Well Froggi,

How is it going?  Have you decided on a unit?  You can go on http://www.RVsearch.com and see if there are any used units out there.  That allows to have the Macy's taste and the Woolworth's budget while someone else ate the depreciation.  I wouldn't have any problem buying a used fifthwheel, just do your homework and stay with the top end units. 

Anyway, hope your search goes well and that we see you down the road while we are Wandering America.

Darrell

First of all let me commend you for having the courage to move on with your life after losing your partner. It sounds like you are quite a lady. As far as the comparison between a trailer and a fifth wheel, there is no comparison. We had a couple of travel trailers over the years. I would say that the only reason that I would ever have another travel trailer is if I just didn't want a pickup any longer. The difference in the way the fifth wheel tows is like night and day. It did take me a while to figure out how to back one up but that is no big problem. The stability on the highway when in wind or with passing trucks is far better. They are more spacious with much more storage. That can be a problem though as you have a tendency to take more "stuff" along with you. We are in the process of downsizing from a 1900 square foot house with a three car garage. It is going to be interesting for a while but it is becoming apparent that we sure didn't need most of what we accumulated over the years. Anyway, whatever you choose, best of luck to you. Maybe we will meet up at the rally.

Ray

Froggi,

One item I don't think anyone has mentioned is that haveing a travel trailer/toy hauler can be a risky adventure. I think it was Fleetwood that had a large problem with these models, and I hope I can explain the problem in a way that everyone can understand. Travel trailers can (and do) have issues with sway, depending on the tounge weight of the trailer. The manufacture has no idea about what you might want to put into the back of your toyhauler, and Fleetwood had a problem with early model toy haulers failing in the hitch area due to not anticipating owners  cramming everything possible into the garage! Think about a childhood see-saw, more weight in the back greatly effects the front.  This change in weight is not as critical on a 5th wheel (but it is something to remember)

If you really need a toy hauler, I would only reccomend you to stay with a 5th wheel model. They are much easier to hook up (solo) than a travel trailer, and the trailer axles are closer to your tow vehicle making it easier to drive and turn (and much less sway problems, if any at all) If you have a travel trailer, you will also need a weight distribution hitch, and re-adjusting this hitch can be difficult if you are changing the load in your garage often.

My mother full timed solo for many, many years, and her vehicle of choice was 5th's



 edit: not sure why everything ended up in Italics!!

-- Edited by D and J at 15:40, 2007-07-02

Hay Froggie!

I know you toured a lot on your motorcycle. Why not get a little trailer and hook it behind your Harley?  Think where you could go with that rig!!!!