Intro - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Mike and Gloria · RV-Dreams Family Member

Intro

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike and Gloria,

Welcome to the forums. As you've probably already found out, there are a lot of helpful and friendly folks on here that have a lot of knowledge. Feel free to ask all the questions that you want, and don't hesitate because of embarrassment. Many times the embarrassment of the question is better than the embarrassment of finding out for yourselves in the most negative ways. (You know, like hitting the fuel island or something.)

As you are looking, be sure and get a truck that is big enough to handle the load of the fifth wheel that you want. In fact, I recommend searching for the fifth wheel you want first and then choose a truck that has the capabilities of towing and stopping that size of coach.

As you are looking at fifth wheels, when you take an interest in one, see if you can find an owner's group online with forums. Reading those postings can give you a good idea of what owners think of their units. However, keep in mind that on some forums, people tend to be looking for answers to problems, but it is NOT indicative that the units are not good ones. An important question to ask owners of a particular brand is, "Given the opportunity to buy ANOTHER coach, would you buy the same brand that you now have?"

We have a Mobile Suites, and the forums reflect folks having problems. But, when I've asked that question, I've seldom even gotten hesitation to answer, let alone an outright answer that they would never buy another one.

Take your time in looking, and look at a lot. Ask questions always, even for the most mundane items. After all, you may be living full-time in the coach for some time. When looking at different brands and models, picture yourselves doing the normal day-to-day chores and jobs within that model/brand. If something seems awkward or difficult, look at other options.

But, whatever you do, have fun doing it. We aren't full-time yet, but we are looking rorward to retirement and the opportunity to travel the country.

Terry

Mike and Gloria · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Terry, for all the suggestions. We understand the logic of getting the 5ver first but in our case that's not going to work. We are searching for a Ford F-350, diesel, dually. Depending on what we find, we'll then start searching for a 5ver that will be compatible and meet our needs.

We know that's backwards but circumstances are what they are. Should be an adventure.

Great idea about checking out different forums for the different 5Vers. Thanks!

Mike/Gloria

Ivey · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Mike and Gloria. We, like you, did it backwards too. We bought our truck first. That really was because we found the truck first. But we started out looking at both 5th wheels and trucks. When we bought the truck we had a pretty good idea how much the 5er we would eventually buy would weigh. Everything matches up and we are very happy with both. The only thing I am unhappy with is that the 5er is still sitting in our driveway and not in Florida somewhere. Oh well my turn will come.

I hope we get a chance to meet one day somewhere down the road.

Vicky

Mike and Gloria · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Vicky. It's nice to know we're not the only ones doing it backwards. smile

Florida.....Well, we're spending the month of March there babysitting Mike's parents. His mother has Alzheimers and his dad has some type of dementia (can't remember the name) that is much more agressive. Can't leave either one of them alone anymore. They lived in FL for 25 years but are back in New England living with Mike's sister. By us going, they'll get to spend a month there and can visit with old frilends.

But Florida - actually any place in the South - wouldn't be my first choice. High humidity can actually make me sick.

If we can't find the right camper in our budget to be north in the winters, we'll probably head out to the Phoenix area. I have a sister there. Nice thing is, we'll be able to choose where we want to be when without time constraints. THAT we're really looking forward to.

Hope to meet you too someday.

Gloria

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike and Gloria,

Since it looks like you will be spending quite a bit of time in Canada in the winter, look very closely at the insulation ratings (and the insulation itself) in any fifth wheel you look at. From what I remember, with good insulation, some RV'ers have written about wintering at about 10 below.

In our case, we have a DRV Mobile Suites fifth wheel with what is referred to by DRV as a Canadian Package. That consists of two separate 30,000 BTU furnaces, one for the bedroom and on for the kitchen and living area. It also has extra insulation about the drain elbows. However, it might be hard to find a used one with a Canadian Package.

If you are interested in a used DRV, there is a couple in Elk City, Oklahoma that buy fifth wheels at auction (usually after they have been repossessed), clean and fix anything that needs it, and then resell them. Those units are usually good used coaches. We drove over to see what they had one time and the units looked as good as the photos indicated.

If you want to check their website, follow this link:

http://www.rollingretreats.com/

Again, good luck.

Terry