Community Forums

Osprey · 09-28-2014, 08:34 AM

Just a note. I don't know if you have any experience with RV'ing. Full timing is a lot different than weekend warriors. We have been doing it for many years and enjoy going from spot to spot and hiking, biking, kayaking and sailing. We have a fifth wheel and a truck camper and have lived in each for really long periods of time. That is us. Another type of full timer may drive from the north stop a few places along the way and get to a place like Arizona to winter. They basically sit in their RV and watch TV and may occasionally socialize (cards and potlucks) with friends.

Others give it a try and quit after a few months or years.

What I am trying to say is your life style and abilities are the only thing you can use to choose a rig. Remember these rigs are falling apart as fast as you can fix them. Also remember Diesel engines must be run and I don't mean once or twice a year. Same goes for generators. I see a lot of people in these wintering grounds live in Class A's and have not moved them in years.

If this is your first shot at this lifestyle I would suggest getting a trailer. They are flat floors, cheap but really comfortable. They don't take a big truck to pull them. You also have only one engine to maintain and don't have a dually to drive around town. If you like the life after a few years upgrade. If bought right you will not loose a penny. I have a friend that bought a brand new but hail damaged unit for $4,000. With warranty.

Good luck. It is a great life for us

FastEagle · 09-29-2014, 11:11 AM

Here is a publication worth reading if you're traveling around part time with an RV, snowbirding or it's your primary dwelling.

http://www.federalreserve.gov/SECRS/...95694932_1.pdf

FastEagle

sk734 · 10-03-2014, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osprey

Just a note. I don't know if you have any experience with RV'ing. Full timing is a lot different than weekend warriors. We have been doing it for many years and enjoy going from spot to spot and hiking, biking, kayaking and sailing. We have a fifth wheel and a truck camper and have lived in each for really long periods of time. That is us. Another type of full timer may drive from the north stop a few places along the way and get to a place like Arizona to winter. They basically sit in their RV and watch TV and may occasionally socialize (cards and potlucks) with friends.

Others give it a try and quit after a few months or years.

What I am trying to say is your life style and abilities are the only thing you can use to choose a rig. Remember these rigs are falling apart as fast as you can fix them. Also remember Diesel engines must be run and I don't mean once or twice a year. Same goes for generators. I see a lot of people in these wintering grounds live in Class A's and have not moved them in years.

If this is your first shot at this lifestyle I would suggest getting a trailer. They are flat floors, cheap but really comfortable. They don't take a big truck to pull them. You also have only one engine to maintain and don't have a dually to drive around town. If you like the life after a few years upgrade. If bought right you will not loose a penny. I have a friend that bought a brand new but hail damaged unit for $4,000. With warranty.

Good luck. It is a great life for us

I think this is great advice. We fulltime in a 5ver and it is very comfortable. This rig has dual pane windows and it seems to be quieter than our last 5ver. I have often looked at class A MH when were camped and wonder if I would be happy owning one. We tend to stay in one place for at least a week to a month sometimes more. Good luck with your choice.

yankeetom · 10-05-2014, 09:38 PM

Thx for the input. We have owned a TT but only used it a couple of times and I don't think it was designed to be used for full timing. Thought we would upgrade to 5ver for room, better towing and seems like better quality. Since we will kind of be following the weather north in the summer south in the winter, that was the purpose of my question. We have been looking at the Keystone montana fl, Dutchman Infinity and Grand Design any thoughts on these?

Big B · 10-12-2014, 08:46 PM

The 5'vrs you mention are okay for weekend and summer vacations, in my opinion. For FT'ing I'd recommend you look into Artic Fox, Excel, DRV, New Horizons. We found our 06 Excel 30 RSO L in like new condition at 1/3 of new cost and love it. The only thing I did was clean up some light rust on frame and new tires.

wyorancher · 10-13-2014, 07:21 AM

Ditch the salesman is an excellent idea. A lot can be learned by just reading over the forum every day. You can learn a lot by reading about the problems that occur with RVs and how the repair was made.