Hi all - RV-Dreams Community Forum

granny · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi all

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Bill and Pam.

In spite of an occasional thread that goes awry, you will find these forums to be filled with friendly, helpful people with a lot of knowledge. We welcome your questions, as each of us can gain a new perspective even if the question has been asked before.

Take time to look over the various categories in the forum. For instance, one is for technology, one for tow vehicles, one for workcamping, etc. Look in the related categories for topics for which you have questions. Don't see them right off....don't worry. Ask your own question.

You will get both subjective answers and objective answers to questions about brands of trucks and fifth wheels. Most all are good, but do your homework as some will be better than others, especially if your plans include living in colder temperatures than Florida.

I usually advise folks to first look for a coach (fifth wheel) that they like and make that choice first. Then look for a truck that will safely "handle" that coach. Handling means both towing and stopping the size of rig you have. If you plan to travel mountainous areas, more truck may be needed or special equipment installed to make it safe for downhill grades. Weights are important for safety reasons.

NEVER entirely trust the word of any salesman. This coming from one who used to work in sales. Some dealerships are good in that their people are trained to ask questions of what you (the buyer) want to do with the RV. If they don't ask many questions, look elsewhere as well. But, also be open to different options. Who knows, perhaps a Class A would better suit your travel plans.

Ask questions, go to RV shows, read forums, go to dealers and look at the units, talk to RV'ers when you have a chance and ask them questions.

Good luck with the research. As for us, we chose the Mobile Suites because this will be our home for many years to come. We have none other, and our truck was chosen to be heavy enough for the heavier Mobile Suites coaches.

Terry

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

The only "perfect RV for everyone" has yet to be built. You are going to see many that will do. Don't sell yourself short and take second best. Go to dealers, look at all of them, make a decision based on what you know right then. Take a lot of pictures, sit in the RV for an hour or so (without a salesman), visualize daily routines such as cooking, dishes, where you will store (whatever), where things will fit and will you be happy. Then go home and think about it, look at pictures. Next week, go to a different dealer and do it all over again. You have time, and it is your decision.
Terry gave good advise, based on his situation, at this time. You are the decider on your situation at this time.
When you get down to a short list, then do it all again, only this time, you are comparing apples to apples. Look closely to fit and finish. Check capacities such as weight, water, waste, etc. Compare.
The search is fun. The research is great, but no one can decide for you. With all that, good luck and enjoy the event.

MNdrifters · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome!
Do lots of research and go to every dealer and Rv show you can. It took us a year before we made our choice and after that we were very confident and happy with what we chose. The truck choice was easier because we new it was going to be big. But we would rather have too much truck rather than not enough.

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome to the forum
Ditto what everyone said. RV shows allow you to look at different units with out too many pesky sales people around. This forum is just about the friendliest and most knowledgeable you will find. Ask lots of questions. Most importantly is talk to each other. I sometimes forget to do that but thankfully my wife reminds me she is half of the equation.
MNdrifters hit the nail on the head by saying it is better to have too much truck rather than not enough.
I am happy with my rig and would buy both truck and fifth wheel again.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome to the forum. Shopping for a rig is exciting...enjoy this part of the journey. If you get stuck there are plenty of knowledgeable folks around here who can help so don't be afraid to ask questions...

granny · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all of the info. This is an exciting part of the process. We are selling our house and have decided to just buy the rv and live in it fulltime instead of renting a house. My husbands job is going to be coming to an end in this area probably sooner than later and we don't want to get stuck with another mortgage or a long term lease. We are trying to decide not only on make and model but how long? I know that is personal preference but coming from a 2400 sq ft house I am worried about the room. People who use their rvs for weekend and just weeklong trips say you don't want longer than about 32 ft because of some of the state park restrictions and it is just easier to haul since we are newbies. I like the looks of the 36 fters though and like the extra room

So what do ya'll think about the length. Any trouble getting spots if you are 35 feet or more?

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have heard the same thing about the length being a factor in getting into some campgrounds, and also for workamping, so I would be interested to hear others opinions as well.

The storage is another issue. I am hoping that when I weed and downsize I can stay that way. smile It would be a first!!!

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Loretta wrote:
I have heard the same thing about the length being a factor in getting into some campgrounds, and also for workamping, so I would be interested to hear others opinions as well.
The storage is another issue. I am hoping that when I weed and downsize I can stay that way. It would be a first!!!

Length might be a problem in some of the (older) State Parks, but it is seldom an issue in a commercial park. I have never had a problem with our 35 ft 5th wheel and 4 door pickup. Our overall length when hooked up is approximately 53 ft. The older parks, both SPs and commercial were not designed for the number of slides we all have now-a-days.

I can't see where the length would be an issue for workamping.

Now as far as storage! Hot button time. (S)He will claim all the storage (in/out)side. We all of us take things that MAY be needed/wanted. evileye Over time you will reduce some of the first need/want items and replace with new need/want items. A friend of mine put a little stick on dot on all the items placed in the rig when they first got it. When an item was used, the stick on dot was removed. At the first anniversary, he totally unloaded it and reloaded only the items without a stick on dot. Of course, the removed items underwent a "negotiation" period, and his DW insisted on keeping some of them loaded. He grumbles to this day about some of it, to no avail. ( I still complain abut 3 (three) cast iron skillets that are never used.

If you are successful in your downsize, please let us all know.

Kathy Doin It · RV-Dreams Family Member

53 Merc wrote:
I still complain about 3 (three) cast iron skillets that are never used.
If you are successful in your downsize, please let us all know.

Not to mention the **weight** of one skillet, let alone three! Wow! ;)

I love the idea your friend had about the little stick-on dots. Wish I'd thought of something like that. :)

To the OP Granny: We are about 57 feet with truck, trailer and hitch tray. It has not been very hard at all to get into private campgrounds. Some federal and state parks are not easy.

Workamping hasn't been a problem with the our rig configuration.

Welcome and Good Luck!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

53 Merc wrote:
( I still complain abut 3 (three) cast iron skillets that are never used.)

Ken,

With that many skillets, I suspect their "actual" use may be as weapons.

Be very careful, my Friend.

Terry