Michelle,

Welcome to the forums at RV Dreams.  You will find this a place full of friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable folks.  In addition to the answers to questions, you are likely to get "other options" as well.  Everyone seems to have a zest for trying to help others, and offering alternative ideas is a part of that.

I fully agree that you need to do your research.  Since you've mentioned the need to perhaps be in cold climates, be sure and pay attention to the insulation "R" ratings of the various fifth wheels.  There are also other amenities that make the living in a fifth wheel easier.  As an example, our fifth wheel has 3 1/4" walls with a higher than normal "R" rating, but they also offer what is called a "Canadian Package," which includes two 30,000 btu furnaces and extra protection for elbows in the plumbing for the grey and black tanks.  A lot of RV's simply come with a single 40,000 btu furnace.

Of course, additional tank heaters are also available on many of the fifth wheels for all three types of tanks.

Many here, myself included, will advise you to choose your fifth wheel before you choose your truck.  One does not want to buy a truck and then find that the trailer they bought is too heavy to be safely handled by their truck.

Feel free to ask questions, use the search function of the forums for finding certain topics, and just simply read all that you can.  There is knowledge around every corner of these forums.  Oh, there is also a bit of humor and sarcasm and kidding around.  Glad to have you as part of the "family."

Terry

MIchelle,

I do believe the Canadian Package is available for all length of models.  When one looks at the "order sheet," they list the various models in one area and then all the options elsewhere.  I don't recall there being any disclaimer that the Canadian Package was not available for a 32' or 34' unit.  Most of the DRV Suites models are either 36 or 38 with two 32' models.  The 32-footers may actually be a foot or so longer than 32'.

As for your 6'1" height, I don't think that will be an issue, but then at 5'8", I don't bump into very many things.  Well, there is the corner of the cabinet over the desk in the 38TKSB3.

If you can, regardless of which brand you are interested in, you might want to try to go to the factory where each brand is built.  That way you may be able to see uncompleted units to get an idea of how they look "under the skin."

Good luck with the research and planning.

Terry