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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> Need recommendations for full-time living
Post Info TOPIC: Need recommendations for full-time living
P7M8


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Need recommendations for full-time living
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Hello,

 

I'm considering going the fifth wheel route for full-time living. It's just me with the occasional visit from my two teen kids. I like the Keystone Avalanche 300RE but from my first post in the intro forum I found it may be a little too much for my truck to handle.

 

I have an '07 F250 6.0L Crew Cab short bed FX4. GVWR is 10k, GAWR is 6100#. Getting another truck is not an option. I live in the south where it's mainly flat and hot 5-6 months a year. Initially I plan to just park it and live in it. Traveling may be an option in the future but isn't my primary objective.

 

I'm asking for make and model recommendations for fifth wheels no more than ~$40k. W/D hook up is a must.

 

TIA



-- Edited by P7M8 on Monday 7th of March 2016 01:18:05 PM

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Terry and Jo


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Glenn,

If you are willing to consider used, there are a couple or so DRV Suites models that are at Rolling Retreats in Elk City, OK.  (Check the "Pre-Owned" tab at that link.)  The wife and I have been living full time in a Mobile Suites by DRV Suites for almost 5 full years now in temperatures ranging from 115 degrees down to -6 degrees and have been comfortable.  Also, to get room for a washer and dryer, unless you go with a stacked or combination unit/set, you may need to go up to 36 or 38 feet in length.

If your truck is an issue, you can ask about delivery of the RV to your location, or you can look into hiring an RV transporter to get the trailer to you.  Then, you wouldn't be forced into making the big purchase of a bigger truck, at least not right away.  Are you likely to have no problem with being transferred?  I know you are a pilot, so I didn't know how much that might be possible.  Now, if you were to later decide to move, then you can again get a transporter to move it, or you can upgrade to a bigger truck.  Because DRV Suites models, especially the Elite Suites and Mobile Suites ones, are heavier than most RV's, but may also stand up longer than other brands.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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P7M8


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Thanks Terry, I would definitely consider used. I checked out the website. Prices are still a bit high for me with the exception of one. For that price I could get an Avalanche or similar.

A friend who also drives an F250 said I could get air bags for the suspension to increase the weight capability. I'm going to look into that too.

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Terry and Jo


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Air bags do not increase truck capacity.  They might soften the ride and help avoid bounce, but they don't do anything for capacity.  There are folks on here that have air bags on their trucks, and if I remember right, they've said close to the same as I have.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
Second Chance


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Terry and Jo wrote:

Air bags do not increase truck capacity.  They might soften the ride and help avoid bounce, but they don't do anything for capacity.  There are folks on here that have air bags on their trucks, and if I remember right, they've said close to the same as I have.

Terry

Just to reinforce what Terry has said, no aftermarket modifications can/will change the rated capacities for a tow vehicle. There is SO much more that goes into the payload and towing capacities of a truck than rear springs (the part that air bags "assist"). You not only have to get a load rolling and keep it level and under control, you have to stop it, too. Everything from brakes, power train, axles, springs and the like to tire capacities come into play. Bottom line - it is not safe to overload a tow vehicle and try to compensate with things like air bags. If you want a step-by-step on how to figure out towing and payload capacities, PM me or search this forum.

Rob



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2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7

PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox

2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows

Full-time as of 8/2015

 

 
Glenn West


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People full time in almost anything. if you travel a lot you will need a well built unit. Know lots that bought low price and then traded up to a better suited unit later. Your true full time units will be heavy. And then is your tastes. Can you be satisfied with low grade "cheap" cabinets. Engineered wood is non refinish able. Actual wood is. Triple seals and dual pane windows make for a comfortable home. Drafts and windows are the big heat loss. I do agree with Terry that you would be better served with a used DRV, Teton, or other well built unit. Your truck puts you at a disadvantage though. These units are too much for a 2500/250. Look what I tow my Teton with.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
jayc


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Consider the three Heartland models that are rated and warranted-in writing- for full time use. The Landmark 365, Bighorn and Big Country offer many floor plans. 



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Glenn West


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We looked real hard at the Heartland full time units. We passed them off due to light weight chassis and reported chassis problems on the forum for Heartland. Cabinets were not up to our tastes either.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
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