Toy Hauler for full timing?

[duallyd]

Anyone ever see the movie, "Lost in America"?
My wife and I currently live in WA state, which I'm native to, and will soon be quitting our jobs (25 yrs for me, and 1 yr at her current job as an RN) to move back to her home state of California.

We both ride Harleys, which is why we want/need a toy hauler, and plan on full timing in it. Without giving u our life story, can I get some reviews/recommendations from 5th wheel/toy hauler owners, and which ones are the best for living in?

We've been looking, and have been to rv shows, and these things are beautiful inside. But I want quality, as well, and one that caters to full time living, as opposed to the weekender. Amenities that are prudent to a home - like environment, are a must.

Before u ask, why a 5th wheel, and not a house/condo/apartment or other, we don't want to be tied to any one area. She wants to become a traveling nurse, and we are ready to live this dream. Yes, I'll be a stay at home husband/dad (we have a 9 yr old) semi-retired, until I get bored or we land in a place we can call home.

Give me what u got, this is a huge step and I want to make this investment count. Thanks in advance!

Note: our budget is $60-70k, and not opposed to near new (used) but want 1-2 yrs old or newer.

[luc.who]

I have been looking for a few years and really like the grand design. They have a few new models that are pretty nice.

[dwhit]

Wife and I couldn't be happier in our '14 XLR 415amp.
Paid far less than retail for a unit made in Aug 2013.

[duallyd]

Originally Posted by dwhit

Wife and I couldn't be happier in our '14 XLR 415amp.
Paid far less than retail for a unit made in Aug 2013.

Those XLR Thunderbolts are beautiful! What do u pull with?

[mfsb]

My wife and I currently are full timing in our 3812 cyclone. There are a few thing I would change. But we are happy. If you have any questions I could answer please let me know. We have been in it for 4 months now. Full time

[Tractor Guy]

We also bought the XLR Thunderbolt 415 AMP. Looked at quite a few but it seemed to have a little more storage. I see you asked about the tow vehicle. We expect we will eventually load it up so we went with the RAM 3500 DRW. There are many discussions on tow vehicles and it seems like you can't go wrong going big with tow capability.

[duallyd]

Originally Posted by Tractor Guy

We also bought the XLR Thunderbolt 415 AMP. Looked at quite a few but it seemed to have a little more storage. I see you asked about the tow vehicle. We expect we will eventually load it up so we went with the RAM 3500 DRW. There are many discussions on tow vehicles and it seems like you can't go wrong going big with tow capability.

Thunderbolts have made there way on my short list, as of now, along with Fuzion. I have an 06 Ram 3500 long bed 4x4 dually, and love it.

[77Travco]

I remember that movie... loved the scene where the biker flipped him off, lol.
Your situation sounds almost exactly like the one me and my wife are in except we also have a golf cart. I will probably ditch the cart in order for both HD's to fit comfortably.

Right now our list in order of preference is...
Jayco Seismic 4112
Dutchman Voltage 3990
Heartland Cyclone 4100

Our first choice was a DRV Fullhouse due to their quality construction but after touring many units, we just can't get past their "grandma's house" interiors. But hey, that's just my opinion, others may love them. Good luck!

[duallyd]

Originally Posted by 77Travco

I remember that movie... loved the scene where the biker flipped him off, lol.
Your situation sounds almost exactly like the one me and my wife are in except we also have a golf cart. I will probably ditch the cart in order for both HD's to fit comfortably.

Right now our list in order of preference is...
Jayco Seismic 4112
Dutchman Voltage 3990
Heartland Cyclone 4100

Our first choice was a DRV Fullhouse due to their quality construction but after touring many units, we just can't get past their "grandma's house" interiors. But hey, that's just my opinion, others may love them. Good luck!

What are the differences in the Jayco Seismic and Wave? I laugh every time I watch her lose their "nest egg" the first night in Vegas.

[cb1000rider]

Of those, I trust Jayco the most for customer support and warranty.
You're right about the DRV - better components there.

Have you looked at the Momentum series? They're on my "next RV" list - factory support, they'll even do non-dealer (per feedback from owners).

[Scottybdivin]

One thing to look at. Some manufacturers do not warranty for full-timing, especially in their toy hauler lines. They don't advertise this up front but it is written in their warranties. Buying used, this may not be important to you. Personally I would rather full-time in a TH than a conventional 5er. The garage space is more valuable to me than the extra living space. The garage is a multi use facility, a mud room, a work shop, storage, etc.

[TravelswPick]

Don't get a Dutchmen! We just bought a Voltage 3970 and there are safety issues known to Dutchmen and they could care less.

[cb1000rider]

Like what? Curious, as many manufacturers use the same components - frame, suspension, and generally crappy tires...

[TravelswPick]

Our recliners were not intended by Dutchmen to recliner and they send occupants flying face first to the floor.