Finally traded in the TT.

[TravelingJ]

Back in 2006 my girlfriend and I decided to see if we would prefer traveling in an RV, versus traveling in hotels with our job. We very skeptically bought a brand new 2006 Dutchman 28ft travel trailer in August of that year. That October we picked up a brand new 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi, and towed the combo around the country for 5 years. We always looked at fifth wheels and motorcoaches and told people "one day, our little trailer will grow up to be like yours".

Now, she is all grown up. In August of this year, we traded the 217k mile Ram, in for a 34k mile 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins. Yesterday, we finished trading in the TT for a 2004 32.5' HitchHiker fifth wheel, and hit the road. We have named her H, in honor of a wonderful aunt Hazel, who often went by simply H.

It was weird buying everything brand new in '06, and buying everything used (and older!) in '11. I think we made a few steps up in the quality category, and it's paid for, so I am more than happy.

[TXiceman]

Congrats on the new rig. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Ken

[40GnTX]

How great for you guys! I am sure you will get many years of enjoyment out of your fifth wheel!

[Billieg]

You are going to like pulling the 5th much better than the TT. Congrats! Have fun.

[KoolBell]

Great news. Really nice looking set up too. Enjoy the miles.

[Arch Hoagland]

With age comes wisdom! I'll be buying all vehicles used from now on. Someone else can work out the bugs and take the depreciation.

That's a nice looking combo!!

[TravelingJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland With age comes wisdom! I'll be buying all vehicles used from now on. Someone else can work out the bugs and take the depreciation. That's a nice looking combo!!

That's really it. We spent months telling my mom she doesn't need a BRAND NEW house, to buy one of those that's for sale and like 5 years old. Just like you said-let someone else work out the bugs. New or not, nothing is perfect.

So far I only towed from Tucson to Phoenix. It was much smother over expansion joints and such, but there seemed to be a lot of back and forth rocking, almost like the truck was lurching, but not quite that severe. I haven't driven that stretch of highway in years, so I don't know if it was the truck or the road.

We are really enjoying the upgrade so far. I had a few friends over this weekend and we christened it with many beers and a few cigars. Is it wrong that the list of what I want to buy for her, will cost more than the actual fiver?

[Arch Hoagland]

It's not wrong to spend some money on upgrades if you really like the basic unit and plan on keeping it.

After several trips you will know whether you plan on keeping it or trading up. Armed with that info you can then spend some dough knowing you will get your moneys worth out of it. And you will really enjoy the upgrades.

[TravelingJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland It's not wrong to spend some money on upgrades if you really like the basic unit and plan on keeping it. After several trips you will know whether you plan on keeping it or trading up. Armed with that info you can then spend some dough knowing you will get your moneys worth out of it. And you will really enjoy the upgrades.

Thanks! It was mostly a joke. We spent 5 years with the last trailer, nearly living in it for 4 of them. The base unit we have here is going to fit our needs very well. But by time I start talking about auto leveling systems, auto satellite dishes, washer/dryer, etc-it's amazing how expensive the shopping list can grow!