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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> 5th Wheel shopping-quite overwhelmed
Post Info TOPIC: 5th Wheel shopping-quite overwhelmed
Terry and Jo


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5th Wheel shopping-quite overwhelmed
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Brigid,

Welcome to the RV Dreams forums.  There are a lot of knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful folks here with answers to questions about any kind of RV.

Good luck with all your research and planning.

Since heat rises, the loft area will obviously be warmer.  One thing that might benefit that area is to watch for a loft with electrical outlets so that one could put an oscillating fan in that area.  Either that or a fan set at a lower level blowing air upwards towards the loft.

As for a toy hauler to consider, one you might consider is made by Open Range.  Their list of floorplans are here.

All of the Open Range toy haulers have a GVWR rating of 18,000 lbs.  That helps with cargo carrying capacity, which may help a lot towards a family of five.  But, it may require a heavier truck for towing.

The one  I was looking at was the model # H396RGR, and one added benefit of that floorplan is that it has a second bathroom in the "garage" area.

Terry



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 15th of February 2012 11:59:06 AM

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TravelingMommaof3


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We are a family of 5, two boys age 11 & 5, one girl age 7.  We will be hitting the road full time within the next year.

I am looking at 5th wheels because they provide the most space.  5th wheel toy haulers seems to provide more.  I would like the boys to bunk together while my girl gets the loft.

I find it quite overwhelming to say the least.  So from this great community I would like to know:

 

1.  What "brands" should I be looking at that provide a bunkhouse with a loft?

 

2.  Is the loft a good option for sleeping?  Does it get too hot in summer?  We won't be staying in cold climates unless absolutely necessary. 

 

3.  Does the a/c service the loft?

 

4.  What is the R rating I should be looking for?

 

5. Is the toy hauler a better option since we will be traveling with bikes?

 

I am not concerned right now with price.  I would like to get familiar with all the models that would be a good fit for us and then go from there.  We will be attending an RV show this weekend in Maryland and want to focus on recommendations.

 

Thank you all and sorry for the long post.

 

Brigid



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rvingft


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I recommend you join RV.ORG

You can get independent ratings from an RV professional who does not take advertising from the various manufacturers.  You either purchase the trailer database or motorhome database and will be able to enter the name, model, etc. to see a rating system.

Criteria is based on design, safety, useability and customer ratings. It's WELL worth the small investment to learn about a brand/model by researching, rather than learning the hard way (buying & discovering it wasn't a well-rated rig).

It does sound from your family set-up that a toy hauler would be optimal, but a well rated fifth-wheel may also work, unless you HAVE to bring lots of toys with. That will probably be your hardest decision to make.

Enjoy the search .... it's half the fun !



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