How can I most easily distinguish "weekender" vs. snowbird/fulltimer RVs?
How can I most easily distinguish "weekender" vs. snowbird/fulltimer RVs in my search for a used fifth-wheel for permanent year-round living on my rural, on-grid, Bryan/CollegeStation/Caldwell, TX site? (It will rarely, if ever, get moved from the property, if things work out well. I live alone, and am willing to do diligent routine maintenance/upkeep. After the first winter, I will probably add total shade and additional canopy/roof shelter for it.)
Yes, from my research and dealer visits, I'm aware of the more elite and best constructed full-timer units but it is many of the other lesser-known models/brands which can be harder for me to ascertain their "category". And I understand that some of the best known full-timer models have their own lower-level economy model alternatives meant for the weekender---and I don't yet know those distinctions. (Yes, price strata can sometimes tip me off but I'd rather defer to those with more experience and expertise.)
Should I look to the RV Consumer Group guides at libraries for classifying full-time vs. snowbird vs. weekend RVs? Or can I find some general "lists" online to help me figure out why one 36' 2005 is $29,000 while another is just $12,000 despite similar basic specs?
[Yes, it is usually not difficult to distinguish the 30amp vs. 50amp units and the 1 AC vs. 2 AC and underfloor ACs and heat pumps. But I also want to know the thickness & type of insulation and suitability for winter comfort and the risks of wall condensation.]
For what it's worth: I want to maximize the number of slides (so 3 slide-outs or even 4 in the ideal), the longer the better [38' to 42' would be wonderful], and I want to maximize through opposing slide-outs the rear living room. I prefer an "open look" without the kitchen dominating the unit. (Lots of storage desirable but I'm not adverse to adding my own.) I'm willing to spend anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 but wonder if long-term, one-site living in Texas with my willingness to cover windows to save energy might make it possible for me to adapt an economy unit to fulltime/all-season comfort. (I grew up poor and still like to choke a dollar to make it work hard. I don't worry about appearances or about keeping up with the Joneses. So I may add floor insulation and anticipate generous use of insulated curtains. So if some extra work & tolerating some ugliness in adaptiung an economy unit saves me $10,000 upfront, I'll gladly save the money.)
Advice? Recommended links?
P.S. I sure wish I had an easy way to look up insulation specs by brand/model/year for wall/floor/ceiling.
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FT'er,38' 5W/ToyHauler but no toys; rural eastern Texas 140mi.from Houston coastline.[On-grid gray/black-water code-compliant.] Interested in feedback re: climate/mold issues, vermin/pests/coyotes, energy-conservation tech & experiments, passive solar, RV security.
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