Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> Narrowing the search
Post Info TOPIC: Narrowing the search
injunear


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Narrowing the search
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Hey All
 
  We've been searching high and low for the RV with the IT factor. Haven't found it yet but we have narrowed  the possibilities.
   Our first thought was for a DP about 40'. So we looked at Allegros, Monacos and a few Winnebagos. Then we got sticker shock.

   Last week we decided to look at 5ers. Went to the Dayton Ohio Super (not) Show.
Three that we liked were Jayco 35RLTS, Cameo 36FWS and Cedar Creek 36RE. The only thing we didn't like about the 5ers was outside storage. They all had one big box under the frount bedroom. That seems to me you could easely overload the trucks GVWR.

   Most 5er baths were small enclosers and some had angled passageway to the bedroom with linen closets that made them even smaller.
    The standard axle weights were barely enough to carry the 5er's dry weight.

  So I guess we are back to DPs, but it will have to be a well maintained used one. We realy like the Allegro Phaeton. Would like to make our purchase late this year.

  Wayne

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Terry and Jo


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Wayne,

Sticker shock can be a big factor, and we have looked at both the motorhomes and the fifth wheels.  As you discovered, there isn't as much outside storage on a fifth wheel as you find on d motorhome.  However, I think most fifth wheels have more storage on the inside.

As for the weights on a fifth wheel, one has to look at both empty and cargo carrying capacity.  Many of the 36 and larger fivers will allow 2500 to 3500 lbs, depending on the number of options that you add to the trailer.  As for the truck's GVWR, one really needs to choose a fifth wheel first and then determine what truck will handle the weights of the fiver that you choose.

If you are planning on full-timing, then that will require a mentality of down-sizing on "stuff".  For Jo and I, we are actually looking forward to that part.  We've walked through the house and garage and looked at things and decided that there is really very little that we can't do without.

Take your time in looking, read as much as you can on both motorhomes and fifth wheels, sit in them to see if they feel comfortable for you, and don't be rushed into a "deal" until you KNOW what it is that you want.

Good luck on the process, and have fun doing it all.

Terry

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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
Luvglass


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Wayne,

I don't know what brands you looked at, but there are fivers with plenty of storage out there. Our Carriage Cameo is only 36 feet long, but has 3 full width storage compartments and we have more than 3500# of cargo in it. There's also loads of interior storage.

With the huge dollar difference between a fiver and DP, you might want to look around a little more before cutting your options.

Good luck.

Fred


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Fred Wishnie

Full time since Feb 06 in Carriage Cameo 35KS3 and Ford F350


“If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”
2Markeys


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Wayne,
Not sure what your price range may be, but thought I would let you know about my parent's 2007 40' Monaco coach that they have for sale. It is listed right here on the RV-Dreams Community forum under classifieds. Fits the description of what you may be looking for. Check it out.

Here is the link:
http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=91511&p=3&topicID=32059220

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Ron and Donna
2010 Landmark Oakmont 39.6
2011 6.7L F-350 KingRanch Dually
Eagle


RV-Dreams Community Member

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Wayne,

Remember that the dry weight includes the pin weight. Most 5ers have about 25% of their dry weight on the pin. So that 16,000 lb weight on 2 7,000 lb axles will have about 4,000 lbs on the pin which is over the truck axle. That leaves 12,000 on the axles. Easily in the safe rating of the axles. With the heavier 5ers, you really need to watch the weight on the truck. Make sure you get a truck that can pull and more importantly stop the combined weight of truck and 5er. It is the GCWR that you want to keep an eye on. Many times you can have a heavy pin weight and still be safe for the truck, but the over weight of truck and trailer is over the GCWR. THen you are asking for trouble. Personally, I try to leave my self about 10% of play room, thereby making sure I am not over the GCWR. As Terry said, Choose the fifth wheel first and then the truck.

Good luck on your search!!

Wade


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Donna & Wade 2010 MS 36TKSB3 2005 3500 DRW
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