Full Time Living 5th Wheel-Which brand? I know the specs I will need - RV-Dreams Community Forum

BulldogRoad · RV-Dreams Community Member

Full Time Living 5th Wheel-Which brand? I know the specs I will need

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome. You have two reasonable possibilities there. I'd suggest that you take a look at the DRV Mobile Suites coaches. They are heavier, but better insulated and I think they have larger tanks. Others know better.

As far as major renovations of the interior, I'd hold off a bit. Changing furniture, yes. Adding solar panels, yes. (But don't go cheap. Find someone who knows what he is doing to do the job.) Painting the cabinets, no. Upgrading a coach with a good foundation to make it more like a new one is generally a good idea. You won't get your money back, but it may be easier to sell when the time comes.

As for the truck, unless you get completely crazy (a semi to tow a Casita), you can't have too much truck. A dually will give you more stability. You may even want to step up to something like an F450.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Most DRV Mobile Suites models would be larger than you want and more expensive that what you have budgeted. The DRV's Mobile Suites and Elite Suites models are built specifically for people who want to full-time in as much luxury as possible without having to go to a custom made RV. And, as kb0zke mentioned, they are heavy and need heavier trucks. Now, if you could find a good used 32' or 34' model, it might be different both cost wise and weight wise.

As for tank size, I can't speak for all sizes of DRV's, but ours is a 38 1/2-foot fifth wheel with 100 gallons of fresh water, 75 gallons of grey tank capacity, and 60 gallons of black water capacity.

Terry

BulldogRoad · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
Most DRV Mobile Suites models would be larger than you want and more expensive that what you have budgeted. The DRV's Mobile Suites and Elite Suites models are built specifically for people who want to full-time in as much luxury as possible without having to go to a custom made RV. And, as kb0zke mentioned, they are heavy and need heavier trucks. Now, if you could find a good used 32' or 34' model, it might be different both cost wise and weight wise.
As for tank size, I can't speak for all sizes of DRV's, but ours is a 38 1/2-foot fifth wheel with 100 gallons of fresh water, 75 gallons of grey tank capacity, and 60 gallons of black water capacity.
Terry

Honestly anything bigger than 34ft scares me.

I checked out couple of DRVs, they are perfect but too big for our needs and pricey.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

1. I recommend not "skimping" on your choice of TV. Towing at max weights is not fun.
2. Do an energy survey after you have the 5er to determine your solar system needs...batteries, panels & controller.
3. Have a back up plan (small inverter generator) for cloudy days or shady campsites.
4. 34 feet may scare you now but it won't once you drive it...back it up etc.
5. However, the less length you have the more campsites you can use.
6. Even at 32 feet you won't be able to go "everywhere."
7. Water is the limiting factor when dry camping/boondocking but medium size fresh water tanks can be augmented with 5 gallon jerry cans. I'd be more concerned about holding tank sizes.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another item, don't be too gaga at a claim of "solar ready." Sometimes the wire from the roof to the proposed location of the controller and, if equipped, from the proposed controller location to the batteries is not large enough...think distance and amps. Within reason wire can't be "too large" if it fits into the controller slots. And sometimes the solar "plugins" added by the RV manufacturer are proprietary and attempt to lock you into one solar company.

BulldogRoad · RV-Dreams Community Member

LarryW21 wrote:
1. I recommend not "skimping" on your choice of TV. Towing at max weights is not fun.
2. Do an energy survey after you have the 5er to determine your solar system needs...batteries, panels & controller.
3. Have a back up plan (small inverter generator) for cloudy days or shady campsites.
4. 34 feet may scare you now but it won't once you drive it...back it up etc.
5. However, the less length you have the more campsites you can use.
6. Even at 32 feet you won't be able to go "everywhere."
7. Water is the limiting factor when dry camping/boondocking but medium size fresh water tanks can be augmented with 5 gallon jerry cans. I'd be more concerned about holding tank sizes.

All valid points. The more I read, the more I get convinced about a longer rig.

It all depends on the unit actually. Any brand-model recommendations?

I guess the best option would be start with a generator and do the solar upgrades in time.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

"and do the solar upgrades in time."

If you install an adequate solar system the only question you'll be asking is "why didn't I install the solar sooner?" Solar almost removes the electrical issues when dry camping/boondocking unless you need AC. Noiseless, almost maintenance free (clean off panels once and a while if it hasn't rained), charging before you wake up most days, still charging when you are having a ****tail.

BulldogRoad · RV-Dreams Community Member

LarryW21 wrote:
"and do the solar upgrades in time."

If you install an adequate solar system the only question you'll be asking is "why didn't I install the solar sooner?" Solar almost removes the electrical issues when dry camping/boondocking unless you need AC. Noiseless, almost maintenance free (clean off panels once and a while if it hasn't rained), charging before you wake up most days, still charging when you are having a ****tail.

If I can find a good Grand Design or Arctic fox within my price range, I think I will invest in solar right away.

If I go with anything else, I will wait for solar and see how dependable the unit is before investing.

Thank you

BulldogRoad · RV-Dreams Community Member

I guess I made up my mind.
Grand Design Reflection 295RL seems like a good fit.
Good layout, adequate space, I can be a little bit flexible with the truck choice, 3 years old units are at my price range.

arcaguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I guess I missed this one before but I'll make my comment now. I wouldn't paint the cabinets, it's much easier to keep varnish looking good than it is paint. A little nick in varnish can be fixed with clear fingernail polish in a pinch. Personally I'd keep a pint or Quart of good poly around. If they have plastic caps they seal pretty well. I've had one for my apartments for 4 years and it's still good. If you do decide to paint get a good quality solvent based paint and make sure you sand the varnish well before you paint. The reason I recommend solvent based paint it two. Latex paints don't do well if you get in a high humidity environment and solvent based paints are much harder unless you get an automotive quality waterborne paint. They aren't cheap but they are much better than the home owner type latex paint. Just my two cents from taking care of apartments.