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Old 09-28-2013, 01:46 PM   #1
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Tall newcomer wondering about fifth-wheel headroom issues long-term. Hard to handle?

I spent my university years living in small single rooms in dorms so I doubt that square footage limitations are going to bother me when I begin my full-time living in a fifth wheel I will soon buy for rural Texas living as my retirement abode. But at about 6' 5" max in my shoes, I'm wondering how I will feel long-term about the various ceiling heights in the units I've toured.

Obviously, some units have impressive heights everywhere while some go low only in the master bedroom. And some are barely above my head everywhere. Yes, as I look for a used 32' to 40' fifth-wheel in the $15,000 to $30,000 range, because I plan to park it and stay in just one place on my own rural lot, I don't have to worry about driving under overpasses etc., but waiting for the perfect unit that has ALL of the perfect features I might wish for (like maximum height everywhere) may not be possible. [My "must have" list is already a bit long and restrictive.] Compromises are always likely in life so I've wondered how flexible I should be in my height requirements.

Does anybody have opinions about adjusting to ceiling heights less than the conventional 8' of most houses? Is getting accustomed to a lower ceiling height an easy process? Or does it bring a just-below-consciousness of claustrophobia that never goes away? Am I likely to wish I had gone with a high ceiling in the living area while accepting a low bedroom ceiling as an ignorable concession to practicalities?
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Old 09-28-2013, 01:50 PM   #2
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Paul, welcome to iRV2! Just wondering, are you locked in to a fifth wheel for some reason? Travel Trailers and Motor Homes tend to have the same ceiling height throughout unlike 5ers which are mostly restricted in the bedroom.
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Old 09-28-2013, 02:36 PM   #3
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Good luck with your search.
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Old 09-28-2013, 02:47 PM   #4
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Welcome aboard and glad you joined us. In regards to your height and clearence room in bedrooms, I doubt that would bother me that much because most of your time will be spent in the living area anyway. Good Luck with your search.
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Old 09-28-2013, 03:23 PM   #5
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Hi Paul! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Hope you find the right rig for your needs! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
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Old 09-28-2013, 06:04 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdickson View Post
Paul, welcome to iRV2!
I greatly appreciate the friendliness here. So many of you have been very welcoming to this newcomer. (Not all forums are so nice!)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdickson View Post
Paul, welcome to iRV2! Just wondering, are you locked in to a fifth wheel for some reason?
As I mentioned, I'm going to be full-timing on my own rural lot so while I would be willing to consider a "dead engine" unit that somebody was selling, I've not come across anything like that in the resale market. (Yes, if some country music star had a gorgeous motorhome that was only good for salvage after a collision or something, I might be open to something unconventional like that. Does anyone know of a big salvage RV lot with 35'+ units?)

This will basically be my retirement home (hopefully for many years in that location) so I really hope to "get it right" the first time.
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Old 09-28-2013, 06:15 PM   #7
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Not trying to rain on a parade but being realistic, an RV will not last you many years just sitting, especially if it's salvage or a "cheaper" built unit.
Setting it up on blocks/slab and under a roof is going to be the biggest help to make it last.
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Old 09-28-2013, 06:16 PM   #8
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Keep looking at different brands. Alfa 5ers are all tall inside. The shower would be my first check.
Good luck
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Old 09-29-2013, 02:44 AM   #9
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Old 09-29-2013, 03:48 AM   #10
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Old 09-29-2013, 04:18 PM   #11
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I could tolerate low head clearance in places like a shower but any area I walk through makes me concerned if I have to constantly adjust to low ceilings---even if that ceiling is above my head. I just don't know if being even subconsciously aware of a lower than 8' ceiling will take a toll in the low run. I've never lived in a such an environment before.

Yes, I never seriously considered a salvage unit until a previous comment suggested that I consider something other than a fifth-wheel. And once I've spent a year or so in the location, I'm fine with spending money on a protective structure for the long-term.
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Old 09-29-2013, 04:32 PM   #12
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I wouldn't consider a salvage unit, unless it was totaled for something dumb.

You can get a long, tall bumper pull.
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Old 09-29-2013, 04:42 PM   #13
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