Getting excited - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Torn_But_Not_Ripped · RV-Dreams Community Member

Getting excited

jrzygrl64 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am assuming you 100% want a travel trailer vs a 5th Wheel?

I am not saying you cannot full-time in a travel trailer, but I believe that travel trailers are usually built with weekend/vacation camping in mind, not full-timing. If you compare for yourself, you will probably agree that a 5er will give you a great deal more storage space. Please do not underestimate how much storage you will need.

Just something (among all the other stuff) to consider.

Also - you will find that 5ers will have a table/chairs more often than a booth (I never liked the booths either).

Every single RV - be it a travel trailer, 5er or motorhome will involve compromises - just a matter of which items you are willing to compromise on and which you aren't. As you look and research - you may find that list changes. Best advice I can give is go see as many as you can. Make notes of weights and other things you like vs love vs hate vs not your fav but doable. Take your time. It's not an easy decision but after awhile you will find yourself liking one style, one floorplan, the finishes on one vs all others.

Good luck!

legrandnormand · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you do get a new trailer, make sure your truck can handle it !

Cheap leather is some times less expensive then matching material; the boots are used too give you storage under the seats and also gives you an extra bed by dropping the table between the seats when required.

I'm not a full timer and will never be, we travel 6 months/year in our 38 foot MH and I always prefered a table and standing chairs; I even removed the hide-bed to install a 2 seater lazyboy.

When having folks or kids to sleep, I pull out a large queen air mattress that I install on the living room floor but not the most confortable, so they don't stay for weeks. smile

Torn_But_Not_Ripped · RV-Dreams Community Member

Due to the limitations on DH's mobility, a 5er is out of the question :( We feel after the time we've spent in our current TT (5 yrs now, give or take...)that we would be happy with one that had one more slide (grand total of 2) and no more than 35'... The vast majority (98.999999%) of our time will be spent at our annual site unless we decide to "move" somewhere else...
legrandnormand, funny you said that cause ours came with the dinette booth & a most uncomforable fold out sofabed... Caught DH out of town on a business trip one week and *poof*, now we have a free standing table & chairs (like easy chairs) instead... All that fuss he put up and he likes it, go figure lol

I am sure my mind will change several times between now and "go" day... We just do have a few definite desires due to what we've wished we've had in our current baby... Our current one is our first ever and we had no clue then what we really wanted... At least now we know what we do not want :)

John U · RV-Dreams Family Member

"Due to the limitations on DH's mobility, a 5er is out of the question "

Have a suggestion here that has big time benefited us/my family. At the FMCA Rally few years back saw this mobility lift demonstrated and it has worked very well for us. On those days like today where the temp swings 40 degrees I can sometimes hardly walk let alone climb stairs easily so it is wonderful to have. Had one put in my Dad's 5er at that rally and couple months later we stopped in Alabama and had one installed in my Dad's Airstream and my MH. Without it would not have been able to take my mother-in-law on trips with us as she had a stroke and is paralyzed on her left side. We walk alongside her using a gate belt. Put handicap toilet/s in and the ADA bath and shower grab bars. Why? Because here in TX if you do that and with your DR signing off on the DPS paperwork there is no 6.25% State Sales Tax on your auto/truck/motor home. Ka-ching!!!!!!

I removed it from our old MH and installed it in our new MH is just 35 minutes. Pretty simply and works very well. The seat comes off and we stow it in an outside compartment so it is not in the way when not in use. Many manufacturers out there very similar but this is who we used and like. (Happy repeat customer not employee)
www.youtube.com/watch
travelliftchair.com

My Dad would not be able to get into his Airstream without it as he must use a walker now at 91 but he and my Mom full timed for 30 years in it. So be like a good Boy or Girl Scout and "Be Prepared" and make sure your new unit has handicap toilet/s, ADA grab bars in shower and toilet areas, shower anti scald water mixing valve, and a lift for ease of access into your new TT.

John

mds1 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Torn But Not Ripped;

Mid 2017 is not far away for you guys. We are also having trouble deciding on what trailer to go with. I suppose it's a process of elimination from start to finish. We decided on a fifth wheel and are now looking at floor plans we like. We also decided on having a table and chairs and wish we could find a unit with leather theater chairs but a cloth couch as a standard. Determining what construction methods we prefer is also challenging in terms of durability as we really have no idea how long we will be on the road. It helps to have a budget in mind.

Good luck.

SuzieQ · RV-Dreams Family Member

Because of hubby's height we're limited in selection. Jayco has two living room forward 5R's. That's the only 5R we've found that will handle 6'7". A little tight on the budget but I'm hoping that we'll find a used unit mid-summer.

Torn_But_Not_Ripped · RV-Dreams Community Member

I meant to update before now. We went to an RV Show last weekend, and we both (yes, both, believe that? lol) fell absolutely in love with a Shasta Phoenix 34RD 5th Wheel... It was absolutely not what we were even entertaining getting but even DH loves it as I said. Lots still to see between now & then. Every day I get more and more excited :)

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Michele,

I can't remember what your plans are, but if they are to live in the RV full-time, be sure and see if the manufacturer will warranty the unit for full-timing. Also, look beyond the floor plan to such things as the "foundation" of the RV, which is the frame size, axle size and weights, suspension, wheels and tires, as well as R-rating on the insulation. While you might not be in cold country, good insulation also helps keep the RV cooler in hot temperatures as well.

Terry