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Old 01-01-2013, 04:47 PM   #1
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Question Looking and Wondering...

Hey folks - need some advice from the experienced...

We will be losing our home in May and have to move into something for two to three years while our credit is being re-established. We have been looking in the range of 35 to 40 feet, motorhome or fifth wheel, with tipouts as that seems to give us the room we need and can live with for a while.

Ran into an older motorhome on the internet ('84) that has no tipouts, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with cost and practiclity of adding one or two to the vehicle.

Structurally, it is a concern to me (I'm a structural engineer}, plus the anticipated cost of the modification will be more than the cost of the motorhome. There are other factors too, obviously. I am thinking that I should just keep looking.

We used to have a 35', 1978 Holiday Rambler travel trailer a few years ago that we sold in 2000, but that was too cramped and dated for a long-term liveaboard. We also had a 35' Erickson sailboat, but that's another story. Point being we do have some experience here, but just not the specifics.
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Old 01-01-2013, 05:29 PM   #2
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Blows a hole wad remodelling.Look for something ready to go one or two slideouts, you will have enough going on with downsizing anyway. 35ft is a minimum length fulltime. All the best.
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Old 01-01-2013, 05:59 PM   #3
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I would definitely not recommend remodeling.
If you are going to be traveling a lot, the motorhome is a great way to go.
If you are going to be stationary most of the time you will probably get a lot more space and comfort in a fifth wheel.
The fifth wheel may also allow you to get something a lot newer and nicer for your budget.

Good luck
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Old 01-01-2013, 09:00 PM   #4
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Howdy and welcome to the forum! I'd venture to say that adding slideouts to a motorhome would be a very costly endeavor. Anything is possible with enough money, but it would make sense to spend that money on finding a rig that already has the slides. Good luck to you.
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Old 01-02-2013, 04:18 AM   #5
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Welcome!
Yup, as you said, cost more than a motorhome with slides to modify, and you would have a big hole in your rig. Not sure of your plans but if you are thinking of staying in one place for the most part, a 5th wheel probably gets you the most bang for you buck, and there are some pretty good deals out there. Of course you would need a tow vehicle or need to have the dealer/seller deliver.
Good luck.
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Old 01-02-2013, 06:59 AM   #6
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I would agree with fifth wheel purchase if not traveling. The cost of even a used diesel pu is high coupled with the 5er. As Dan stated if staying put, not traveling, I would buy a 35 to 38 ft. Fifth wheel and have the seller deliver to the CG. If travel is in your immediate future a used MH is in order. Once again, 35 ft. MH is the min length I would opt for a used late model 39 to 40 footer. JMO.
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Old 01-02-2013, 08:02 PM   #7
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Welcome to IRV2! It's good to have you with us! Sure sorry that you are losing your home and hope you can make a fast recovery.
I would not recommend adding slide-outs to an existing RV! In my opinion it would be far better to look for another one that has the slide-outs and other features you want. Good luck & God bless!
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Old 01-02-2013, 08:12 PM   #8
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I think it would be cost prohibitive to add slides.

I hope you guys get on your feet soon.

Take care
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Old 01-02-2013, 09:42 PM   #9
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If you are staying in one place or still working a fifth wheel will be far more comfortable and less expensive. Good luck with this transition.
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Old 01-02-2013, 10:03 PM   #10
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Sorry about loosing your home. We have a 5er and for the money it was the right buy for us. Lots of room and easy to leave at the CG when were driving around the area. If your considering a 5er you will need the right vehicle depending on the weight of your rig.
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Old 01-03-2013, 12:53 AM   #11
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Wow! Thanks for the information and encouragement. Great bunch of folks here.

One more question. What is the reason that fifth wheel homes are not recommended if you are going to do a lot of traveling?. Not intending to travel much, if at all, at the present, but If I have to follow the jobs, such a restriction could be a problem.
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Old 01-03-2013, 07:30 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msquared48 View Post
Wow! Thanks for the information and encouragement. Great bunch of folks here.

One more question. What is the reason that fifth wheel homes are not recommended if you are going to do a lot of traveling?. Not intending to travel much, if at all, at the present, but If I have to follow the jobs, such a restriction could be a problem.
The fifth wheel itself, will be relatively inexpensive. If you won't be traveling, you won't have the additional expense of a (preferably diesel) pickup truck. Otherwise, fifth wheels are quite nice to travel in. In October, we returned from a 6 week, 5000+ mile trip in ours.

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Old 01-03-2013, 08:01 AM   #13
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There are a lot of opinions regarding trailer vs motorhome, Diesel vs gas, 5th wheel vs bumper pull. Use 'Search' to find many discussions. Everyone's needs are different, so you have to find what suits you best.

However, the best advice in this thread is not to attempt to add slide-outs to a motorhome.

Quote:
Originally Posted by msquared48 View Post
...One more question. What is the reason that fifth wheel homes are not recommended if you are going to do a lot of traveling?. Not intending to travel much, if at all, at the present, but If I have to follow the jobs, such a restriction could be a problem.
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Old 01-03-2013, 08:15 AM   #14
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don't forget that if you go the Class A route you will need to pull a vehicle (toad). And as I understand it there only certain makes/models that can be towed. Its largely about what you can afford.
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