Please help to compare ;) - RV-Dreams Community Forum

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

Please help to compare ;)

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

It would be a lot easier for us to go check these out if you set the links up as clickable :)

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

I totally agree.. just not sure how to do that.. I will see if I can figure out how

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

I dont see or understand how to make that happen. If you can explain how, I would be happy to fix this

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

sunflwrgirl wrote:
I totally agree.. just not sure how to do that.. I will see if I can figure out how

If you use the advanced Post/Edit option there is an icon on the top line that looks like a chain link. Highlight the text you want to be linked, click on the chainlink icon and type in the site address.

Currious about other's responses.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Phyllis,

I've activated your links for you in this post. As far as learning how to post links, I posted a thread up in "Forum Tips" about how to do them. I even included pictures so that one can get an idea of what icons to use for posting.

However, note that it is a good idea (and Howard likes it) of one sets the link to "Open in Another Window." Those instructions are there as well.

Here is a direct link to the thread with the instructions.

Inserting Links Into Forum Posts

Terry

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you Terry and Jo! I will be sure to study an understand the use of the html postings ;)

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Phyllis,

I have definite opinions about various features of 5ers. Even though I'm 6'3", I don't like a king bed because I don't need one and it is a waste of space(for me). Having said that, you will be hard pressed to find a better fiver designed for fulltiming that doesn't have one.

I prefer center aisle baths to side aisle.

I would not have one with the sofa and easy chairs facing each other and having the TV off to the side. Ours will have the entertainment center in a side slide. Whatever 5er we get we will replace something with theater seating.

As you can see, if you were to use my criteria for choosing a 5er, you wouldn't get any of the above! So, these are my opinions only as far as features and floor plans.

More importantly is, which units are most suitable for fulltiming? Opinion only....eliminate the Forest River Salem and the Mobile Scout. From experience....the 2011 Big Horn has the same bedroom floorplan as our Fleetwood Mallard TT. It was cramped and hard walking around the bed...not good for fulltiming, IMO.

The 2010 Grand Junction looks like a good unit at a great price. The Mobile Suite is definitely built for fulltiming. As someone else once said, My advice is worth exactly what you paid for it!

Take your time looking and good luck in the decision making process.

Vance

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you VanMar. I do appreciate your opinions on everything. It is fully noted. I think I am not so much asking about floor plans though, as I am about structure (will it last a long time while full timing) and extras that may be there that we just don't understand are a good thing to have. Such as I recently learned that the trail air is a great thing to have and really a must on the list..

Can I also ask why you say you would remove the Forest River and the Mobile Scout from the list?

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

sunflwrgirl wrote:
Thank you VanMar. I do appreciate your opinions on everything. It is fully noted. I think I am not so much asking about floor plans though, as I am about structure (will it last a long time while full timing) and extras that may be there that we just don't understand are a good thing to have. Such as I recently learned that the trail air is a great thing to have and really a must on the list..

Can I also ask why you say you would remove the Forest River and the Mobile Scout from the list?

You're right. The Trail Air air pin box is great and I hope to have one on our 5er.

My first thought was that they were light-weights. If you will go back through the threads, look for the ones about evaluating 5ers for fulltiming. I think someone, maybe Jack Mayer, said that rigs designed for fulltiming are necessarily heavier. That is not to say they all need to weigh 16-20k empty. But, one that weighs 11,800 GVW probably has 5000 lb axles. While 'adequate', I would want something more substantial for full timing. It all has to do with the foundation of the rig such as frame size. I will let you go through all the threads pertaining to this and get input from the pros with much more experience in this area than I have.

Vance

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you Vance, I guess I need to look over this site better as I did not see the discussion on evaluating 5ers for fulltiming... I do hope to hear more on other peoples thoughts but I am very grateful for your input as well.. ;)

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

I scanned through the ones on your list and here are my thoughts:
as mentioned, any of the lighter weight ones, like the Forest River Salem Hemisphere 316RETS, would not hold up well for fulltiming, so I would cross those off my list.
Next I would look at things like:
refrigerators- a small refrigerator can get really annoying when you fulltime,
generator: some have one, some don't - do you want one? If you won't use it, it takes up a lot of space and adds weight.
tank size: depending on how you plan to use it, larger tanks may or may not be important.
overall length: there can be quite a difference in length between a 36 fter and a 38 fter. Our 36 ft is actually almost 38', so a 38' will be closer to 40-41ft overall length- IF that matters to you. It did to us.
The Mor-ryde is a nice feature too. When looking at your hitch combination, consider whether you need an air ride hitch.

have fun!

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Soos gives good advice----After the structure of the trailer as mentioned above--you need to think about spending time away from the X-marts (fill in the blank) of the world. You will at some point be somewhere without full hook ups. Holding tank size is important, the bigger the better, obviously you will be able to stay longer with a 60 gallon tank than you would with a 30 gallon tank. Refrigerator size is important, hold more food allowing you to stay longer. Cabinet/closet space is important allowing you to hold more food/clothes thus able to stay longer. And then of course personal preference of the layout and the cost must be considered as well good luck---only you will know which one is right for you. And it may take a couple of trailers to find the right one, you might want to think about going cheap and small with the ideal of trading up when you figure out what is most important to you. Just my op, take it for what it's worth.

Flyone

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

As others have said, frame and axles are really the foundation of your coach. When we started our journey we were sure that we would end up with a Big Horn as our full-time coach. After two years of research, we've completely changed our minds. That part isn't important to you, but in the process we toured the DRV and Heartland factories. We saw bare frames to completed coaches. The difference in construction was amazing. After those two tours we decided that if we were to go with a 5'er it would be a Mobile Suites. The Suites sure didn't hurt themselves any by having MUCH thicker walls compared to the BH, either.

That raises the question of the truck. You are going to have something in the F350 class as a bare minimum, and if you go with a Suites you will be into the F450 or F550 class. Unless you want to drive separately, you will be using that truck as your daily driver. Are you willing to do that?

Floor plan is up to you. Spend some time sitting in different coaches, and "do" various chores in them. "Wash" the dishes; "take" a shower; "make" the bed, etc. For this type of test it doesn't matter whether the trailer you are in is one you would actually consider or not. There are only so many ways one can arrange the space in a 5'er (or any RV, for that matter). You will soon learn what floor plans will work for you.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Phyllis,

In an earlier post in the thread about comparisons between fivers and motorhomes, you mentioned that you were looking at the possibility of a fifth wheel and a Ford F350. If you are still looking at the F350 as a possibility, don't be afraid of going with a used Mobile Suites, especially if it is 36 feet long or less. I know of quite a few that are towing with those. While ours is an F450, I wanted that for our truck because it would be better than an F350 on mountain passes.

If you wouldn't be doing mountains much, the F350 would work with all of the above models you mentioned. However, keep in mind that the weights listed on those models are likely "factory empty" weight. When considering weight, if you are considering full timing, I would venture that you would need to allow for at least 2000 to 2500 lbs for cargo and personal things. The Mobile Suites would likely be the heaviest of them all. It would also have some of the largest holding tanks, which would be important if one chooses to boondock.

Something else to consider is whether you could find a good used F450. For instance, we found our 2008 F450 in late 2009 with 46,000 miles on it and it was selling for $36,000 asking price. So, I'd suggest looking for used models, whether they be F350's or F450's. Like David mentioned, the F450's aren't really good on mileage, but will tow darn near anything. In addition to our F450, we also have a F150, on which we recently added an ARE pickup topper. With that, in addition to the rear of the F450 and the storage space in our Mobile Suites, we'll also have the bed of the F150 for carrying heavy or bulky items and be under a cover.

We plan on keeping both pickups when we start on the road. It will be likely that we will not travel that far each day when traveling, so Jo can drive the F150 while I drive the F450 towing the fifth wheel. With the F150 as a second vehicle, that will be used for any sightseeing, errands, grocery trips, etc. with the F450 used primarily for towing the coach.

Good luck with your research and decision making.

Terry

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

First I would like to say thank you so much to everyone who has shared their opinions and thoughts on my posting. You all have helped us so much and to this we are grateful. Next I would like to give a shout out to Melinda at Evergreen Rv's and Steve at PPL in New Braunfels. Thanking them both for helping us in person to pick out the 5th wheel today that we really fell in love with, and helping us feel very happy and solid with our choice. We did choose No. 6 on here the 09 Grand Junction. Next.... time to purchase our "new" ride to pull our "new" home ;D

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very nice!!!!!!.........and with propane generator too!!!!!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

sunflwrgirl wrote:
First I would like to say thank you so much to everyone who has shared their opinions and thoughts on my posting. You all have helped us so much and to this we are grateful. Next I would like to give a shout out to Melinda at Evergreen Rv's and Steve at PPL in New Braunfels. Thanking them both for helping us in person to pick out the 5th wheel today that we really fell in love with, and helping us feel very happy and solid with our choice. We did choose No. 6 on here the 09 Grand Junction. Next.... time to purchase our "new" ride to pull our "new" home ;D

Congratulations, Phyllis.

With that choice, you shouldn't have any problems with an F350 towing it, as long as it is a diesel. Glad to see that the two of you have now "got a home." Oh, and please allow me to thank your husband for his service to our country and to thank you for your sacrifices as well.

Good luck and enjoy the life.

Terry

sunflwrgirl · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes Mike, 5500 propane generator as well.. ;D We was so happy when we seen this. Funny thing is that we asked Steve to hold it for us for a few hours so we can look around a lil more since it was only our 2nd RV lot we had been too since starting the day. He was so nice and held it for 4. It was not so busy there that we had much to worry about, but I for sure did not want to take any chances. lol At any rate after going to a couple more places we finished at yes, another Campersworld there in New Braunfels. I swear no more.. EVER in my life unless to go stand at the entrance to warn others to stay away.. lol What we did find funny there though was that they too had a Grand Junction as well. Only a year newer. Not anywhere as nice and also had a not so good smell. They were having a big sale this weekend so no prices posted anywhere. We were hungry and wanted to go eat but before leaving wanted to know the price first. Mind you it had the same generator as well. Them crazy people wanted 4,800 for that thing. So we of course ran from there to go eat and try to discuss our thoughts on it all. In the end, I said I think I really want the one at PPL.. My husband (being so awesome), says well lets go talk to Steve.. ;D... Long story short we get back in that RV to really "look" at it again. I'm so serious, I barely walk all the way in and right away I say ... "I want this!" lol We are so incredibly happy. Though I will say that we are going through all the emotions now that everyone talks about on here. Those "are we crazy" lol emotions. But then I right away think of all the amazing pictures and comments I see and read of others and how excited it makes me to know we get to do this too. Then we are fine and believe that all is going to be soooo good ;)

Terry, thank you and I did let my husband know your thoughts as well and he smiled and say "hoo ah" ;) Also the F350 diesel is exactly what we were starting our search for. Thank you though for confirming our thoughts on this.. ;)

Phyllis

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

and good it will be!!!!...........it good to feel the joy of the Newbies , Brings back memories of our first flites!!!!!!...........I know we will meet out there and talk ,laugh around there campfires

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV.org is an independent RV rating system ... they take no advertising so are honest based on years of experience in insurance claims and knowing the industry founders and corporate structures.

You pay a membership fee (around $150) one-time to download a database of either towables or motor homes and can see scores of 1 to 100 points based on five different criteria. I bought both towables and motor homes last year and have access to years 2000 to 2011.

If it's not something RV.org can recommend, they won't even list it!

No, I don't sell it, I just totally believe in the information provided and have learned a LOT by doing my research and homework over the last 10 years. My Mom has purchased 4 RV's based on RV.org ratings.

BTW, there is only one 5-star (the highest rating) manufacturer that I know of whose models consistently score highly ... and thats the New Horizons, built in Kansas. They are heavy, and a bit "pricey" but are VERY VERY well built and designed for full-time vs. snowbird living.

Have fun in the search!