Community Forums

Elatta1954 · 03-03-2016, 02:34 PM

Hello, I am new to this site. I am trying to educate myself for up and coming times. A few years ago my wife and I very carefully put our toes to test the waters of the camping world.

We bought an old (but excellent condition) 1973 Jayco Popup we had a blast and wishing we had done this when the kids were still home. We quickly realized this Popup wasn't going to work out real well when the wind started blowing and mountain temperatures dipped below freezing. Plus we didn't really like having to walk down to the restrooms in the middle of the night. (OK so I'm a woosie) But the bug bit us hard and we were hooked.

We quickly graduated to a small bumper pull but it was small and cramped. We were ready to move up again. After doing a little homework we decided we wanted something 1/2 Ton towable. While I liked my Ford F-150 I knew the itty bitty engine of was already maxed out with the itty bitty bumper pull.

Finally finding the perfect combination, a Ford F-150 Ecoboost dragging a 34' Skyline Koala 5th wheel bunkhouse model (perfect for grandkids). It is definitely a perfect match of size and power.

Now my delemia. This dern RV bug is a nasty bite. After only a very few short years we are ready to sell the stick house and go full-time RV workamping. Within the next couple years we plan to sell it all, buy a bigger truck and a big fiver.

Now my question to ya'll (I'm not Texan, but I speak it fluently) is this, I have looked at about 150k different RV's such as Alpine, Avalanche, Columbus and more, but no matter what RV strikes our fancy, after searching the reviews online there will an assortment of highly negative reviews with statements like "don't EVER buy this POS t
From this manufacturer" so I am looking for suggestions on what to look for in a full-time fiver RV.

JUST A HAPPY CAMPER LOOKING TO GET HAPPIER!

MSHappyCampers · 03-03-2016, 02:41 PM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

As you've already found out, EVERYBODY'S got their own idea of what RV is the best, or worst! You just have to do your research, roll the dice, and hope you come out on top!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

denlock · 03-03-2016, 04:14 PM

Bruce C · 03-03-2016, 05:16 PM

beamisl · 03-03-2016, 06:34 PM

Wow Elatte1954, you've had an interesting introduction and experience in this field.

Welcome to the forum. I own a Class A MH so understand the need to advance from a pop-up to a solid unit. Can't answer anything about 5ers but there is a RV Forum at top of page and there is a 5er discussion there for you to check out.

Good luck with your look and your work kamping.

**TonyDi** · 03-04-2016, 07:55 AM

Glad to have you here with us. The best way to find your 5er is to attend a good sized RV show where you can see all the manufacturers and make side by side comparisons. One on the biggest shows is in Hershey Pa in Sept. However being from Kansas, it would be a haul for you, but definitely worth going to.

Good luck with your search and Happy Trails!!

Danielsand · 03-04-2016, 08:21 AM

Welcome!

Fogetabout RV "shows". They all show well, and smell new. There is a forum here dedicated to 5ers,....that's where you need to hang out. Read EVERYTHING!

New, shiny, good smelling trailer looks good, but you need to ask the current owners when did the POS start to fall apart? How soon the rubber seals around slides dried out, and crumbled. How soon the slide started to leak? How about the roof? As the owners aged, how did they like climbing up to the bedroom, and how many times they fell down those steps? How hot is the trailer in the sun on 90F day? How long does it take for the a/c to cool it down enough to enter, once you get to your destination, how long the battery pack lasted, ........stuff like that......

You will not hear/see this at any "show".

As you can tell,.....I am not a fan of 5ers!

I'm kinda guy that sees only black and white (and no shades in between). I either camp in the tent (thankfully no more, as I didn't enjoy Iraq that much!), or the luxury DP. Nothing in between.

Good luck.

cbramsey · 03-04-2016, 04:01 PM

Welcome to the forum!!! We are glad you joined us!!!

I think you might be at the limit of your EcoBeast towing your 5th wheel. Hopefully, your F-150 had a 3.55 or 3.73 gearing. Mine only has a 3.31.

The EcoBoost can pull a LOT!!!!

With regard to what you mentioned about negative reviews, the phrase "Your mileage may vary" comes to mind. The important thing is to find a trailer you are comfortable with.

bsirby · 03-04-2016, 04:05 PM

Welcome to IRV2. As you can see everyone has a different idea of what they want for a full time rig. Good luck in your search. Safe travels.

Elatta1954 · 03-08-2016, 08:18 AM

That's pretty good advice and makes a lot of sense knowing that no dealer will tell you the things that go wrong.
... And thank you for your service

Elatta1954 · 03-08-2016, 08:28 AM

I have been extremely impressed with the capabilities with Ford's EcoBoost engine. While it might be able to handle a little more, it would not be able to handle 14-16k I would expect from a fiver for full timing.