Need Your Thoughts - RV-Dreams Community Forum

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Need Your Thoughts

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pam,

Rest assurred of two things-

The number of campgrounds that restrict by the age of the RV are few and far between. It is to have an out if a dilapidated, rattle trap pulls in.
And more importantly, those few campgrounds that actually enforce such a rule strictly by the age of the RV are not a place you would want to stay.

We camphosted in a wonderful campground that had such a rule on their book, but did not publicize it. Nowhere was it posted, but it was on the books to keep "falling apart RVs" from coming in and not being able to leave.

Not to worry - enjoy!

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Roz. That's reassuring.

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pam,

Only once in the last 6 years have we even been questioned about our now 19 year old MH. Then, as soon as they saw it, they said "No problem."

The park we're in right now has a 10 year rule and like Roz said, it's only used if a junky RV comes into the park, and then only if they want to stay longer than one night.

If going with an older MH, look for a high quality MH that is in good shape. Bargains can be found and if you take your time, I'm sure you'll find something older that is in excellent condition.

Good luck,

Jim

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Jim. That's encouraging. We really enjoy the 5th wheel we have now. So I could be content using it until a good deal comes along. It's just that I hate needing my husband to drive the pickup any time I need to go somewhere!

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you thought about keeping the 5er and just getting a small car? We did that 3 years ago and it works great for us. The cost of driving 2 vehicles with insurance, depreciation etc has been offset by the fuel savings and convenience when sitting. Not for everyone but it works great for us.

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

I actually had thought about that, but it didn't seem too practical. I'm glad to know it's workable. Thanks.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Why do you feel having a car is not practical? If you don't mind driving behind there is no problem having it. Most fulltimers do not cover a lot of "towing" miles after the first few years. So you would not be driving it very far following. I know MANY people that have 5ers and an extra vehicle. If you like your 5er then I would not get rid of it for that reason. But if you just like a MH, then you should go with what you feel works well for you.

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks. I guess I'll have to think harder about that. In our travels, I haven't met anyone who does that so I wasn't aware it is so common. Thanks again.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would certainly not call it common, but there are many doing this. There are drawbacks and advantages. You will have to weigh the options and see what makes the most sense for you.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pam,

Jo and I have a truck and fifth wheel and will also keep our Mercury Mariner as well. For now, we are living full-time in our coach, but once we retire, we plan on traveling a lot. Our intent is to travel to an area and plan on staying anywhere from 3 to 6 months, seeing all the sights we can in that area, and then moving to a new area. For that reason, we plan on using the Mariner for the sightseeing trips.

As mentioned before, there are a lot of RV'ers that travel less than 200-300 miles when they move. In fact, I think a number of people are keeping their smaller vehicle for a daily driver. It also gives RV'ers the option of being able to go in two different directions at the same time. That would be very valuable if one member of the family plans on workkamping or getting a part time job to help defray costs.

A second vehicle is also valuable should one decide to take the small vehicle forward to scout out a place to fuel up and the best route into that spot. If you read some of Howard and Linda's journal posts, you will notice that several times they have left the rig parked at the entrance to an RV park while they drove in and scouted out the available camp sites.

And, if one vehicle breaks down but one doesn't see the need to call a tow truck, the smaller vehicle could be used to get a part needed for the break down.

At any rate, since you already have a truck and fifth wheel, you might actually be saving a lot of money from trying to trade. You might also consider going to some RV parks near you and talking with folks there that have the configuration of RV that you are considering.

Good luck with your research and welcome to the forums. As a neighbor (residence in Oklahoma City), we hope you have a lot good travels ahead of you.

Terry

arkypam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the kind reply. You have me a lot to think about. Your blog looks interesting too!

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's another vote for driving the car. We don't fulltime but for two months out of the year we do setup at an RV resort about 100 miles from our home. I drive the truck & 5th wheel and my wife follows in her car. She hates it, but she hates not having a car to run around in even more.

What we do is use the friends and family feature on our cellphones and talk to each other as we head down to the RV resort and when we come back. That way she nearly feels like she is riding with me....it's the little things that keep her happy. And when she's happy, I'm happy.