Greetings, just posted an intro in the "Say Hello" forum...
I'm new to full-timing, staying in a 26' TT. Been shopping for a 32-34' used 5er, and have a couple in mind. I'll discuss which ones in another post, I've gleaned a TON of info here on this forum that is helping me with my selection. THANKS!! Meanwhile there are a couple things I'd like to ask folks here to weigh in on:
1) I have a pretty short space here (50') and need to park my pickup in front of the 5th wheel. I can go with a 34' (overall) 5th wheel, but the rear 6' will be hanging off the edge of the pad and the ground slopes away so there will be no good way to use the rear stabilizer jacks. Possible solution is to use bottle jacks under the frame at the rear edge of the pad, about 6' from the rear of the RV. I'm aware that the jacks won't be attached to the frame, and it won't be earthquake-proof, and I expect there will be some knee-jerk "Hell No!" responses from the purists
. Other than that, any reason why I shouldn't do it? Note that one of the rigs I'm seriously considering is a box-frame unit.
2) The parking space is fairly level but has a slight fall toward the rear. It seems if I get a 5th wheel tailgate I might be able to park my pickup partly under the front of the 5th wheel to help ease the pinch described above. (Which would allow me to either buy a longer home, or have less of it overhanging off the edge of the pad). Because of the very slight fall, I may need to raise the entire home a few inches to accomplish this. This might be a stupid query, but then again at least I'm smart enough to ask questions.
Other than the fact that it'll raise the stairs a bit (where they would be somewhat low anyway), any reason I shouldn't consider this?
3) Slide awnings/toppers. I'm looking at a rig without them, buying used from a dealer and considering asking for them to be added. How important are they? (Note that I live in the Pacific Northwet).
4) Finally (and least important I WILL be putting a washer/dryer in. I don't want this to digress into a discussion about preferences regarding having a w/d in the rig vs using the on-site laundromat, or the pros and cons of separates vs. a combo unit, or vented vs. ventless, and I'll appreciate your humoring me in this way.
What I DO want to ask is if there is any real advantage to having the RV dealer sell and install an RV-specific W/D vs me just buying one and putting it in myself. Thoughts on this?
Again, I've learned a TON from this forum already, which is why I've joined to ask my questions here. Thanks!
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