Choosing the Right Rig

[red4travel]

Hello everyone! I'm hoping to get some input on which type of RV to choose. I'm a 25 year old female and I'll be traveling with a 45 pound dog and two cats. I'm looking to spend up to $80,000 total including a tow vehicle if I go for a 5th wheel or a TOAD if I go for a Motorhome. I've almost completely ruled out a TT based on some of the research that I've done.

I know everyone's going to have a different opinion, but that's exactly what I'm looking for. You guys know what works for full timers and are more honest about it than an RV salesman!

I think my first concern is safety because I'll be on the road alone but its pretty much tied for first with maintenance. I want to be able to keep the RV as long as I can with minimal maintenance, that also includes for the tow vehicle.

So let me know what you've loved and hated about your RVs!!! My house is going on the market this week and I can't wait to go buy my first RV.

[jackrobinryan]

Hi Red,

First, we were "that close" to going with the truck and 5th wheel but ended up w/ a motorhome towing a jeep mostly due to traveling with pets. We decided that way to avoid transfers of the cats, truck to trailer and back as we moved on. Plus, stops for longer periods on the road (outlet malls, historic sites) means we can leave the pets in the mh w/ windows open and AC/heat on, if necessary. Still think we made a good decision, although I might have bought a shorter MH than 38'.

As a single female traveler, you might appreciate the ability to stop, park and overnight without having to unhook, open slides. (at the risk of offending 5'er owners, I just think a MH is easier to manage. And I'm a healthy, mechanically inclined, towed lots of trailers before guy.)

Read as much of the discussions here, meet some of the helpful folks, go to a rally (even if you don't own yet.) look at alot of different types of rigs. There are alot of nice used units out there. (our Aussie friends just sold a great combo of a newer diesel truck and 3 yr old, 36' 5'er for less than $42,000)

If it were me, I'd be looking at 30-35' class A towing a lighter, hatchback type of vehicle 4 down.

Good luck and have fun getting there.
jack

[paz]

Whatever rig you end up with, to help with safety put a LARGE dog bowl and heavy tie-out chain outside the rig when you stop for the night. A pair of men's work boots on the steps might help, too.

[wildtoad]

I have to agree with Jack in that a 30(ish) ft mh with a four wheel down toad will be a great combo with the easiest hookup/setup time.

[1ciderdog]

We have had both 5th wheels and motorhomes. We do prefer the motorhome over the 5th wheels. The main drawback I can think of with a motorhome is when towing a car wheels down you can not back into an RV space - which means disconnecting the tow car in many RV parks & camp grounds - you might be able to get into those spaces if towing a 5th wheel. With a smaller motorhome you may not need a tow car.

[Barbaraok]

In addition to Class As, I would suggest looking at a Class C in the 32' range, with a slide. May not be your cup of tea, but just to see what is possible, you should look at them.

Now, if it were me, I'd go for the biggest Class A that I could handle. We love the fact that Shadow never has to move out of her house, the house is always at the right temperature when we pull in, we can pull into a rest area in the rain, stop, have lunch, use the rest room, etc., and never have to get out of the MH. We tow a Subaru Forester (manual transmission) and it takes just a few minutes to hook up and we are on our way.

Barb

[Vegasdan]

With a toad, you will need assistance every time you hook it up. Not for the hooking up process but, you will need someone to check your toad stop and directional lights before you take off. Also, a larger unit will require you to get assistance if you need to back into a campsite, not all parks will have pull throughs. If I was in your possition, I might look at some of the newer, larger class Bs and maybe not tow behind.

[jackrobinryan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan With a toad, you will need assistance every time you hook it up. Not for the hooking up process but, you will need someone to check your toad stop and directional lights before you take off. Also, a larger unit will require you to get assistance if you need to back into a campsite, not all parks will have pull throughs. If I was in your possition, I might look at some of the newer, larger class Bs and maybe not tow behind.

Gotta respectfully disagree with you on always needing assistance to hook up and backing into a spot. Many of us do it solo most, or all of the time.

Lots of practice, good mirrors, a backup camera and one or two stop-to-look-myself exits gets me anywhere I need to go. Solo.

From years of boat handling in less than ideal conditions, the best advice I ever got is "take your time".

Safe travels.

[Barbaraok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan With a toad, you will need assistance every time you hook it up. Not for the hooking up process but, you will need someone to check your toad stop and directional lights before you take off. Also, a larger unit will require you to get assistance if you need to back into a campsite, not all parks will have pull throughs. If I was in your possition, I might look at some of the newer, larger class Bs and maybe not tow behind.

Are you telling me that people aren't able to back into sites without having help? It is called, getting out, walking the site, do a little, get out and check, do a little more. Is there a time limit on backing that I didn't know about. Sure, it is easier with help, but I know several women who fulltime in Class As and 5ers who have no problem - it just takes practice.

Would you have said the same thing to a single man?

BARB

[RickO]

If you really intend to full time AND travel my vote would be for the 32 ft class A with a small toad. You will have to get used to the fact that it's big and getting into some spots will require time and patience but you'll master the parking thing in no time. It's just scary to learn.

We full time in a 40' class A with three dogs and really like the security and convienience of the class A.

Best of luck to you.

Rick

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaraok Are you telling me that people aren't able to back into sites without having help? It is called, getting out, walking the site, do a little, get out and check, do a little more. Is there a time limit on backing that I didn't know about. Sure, it is easier with help, but I know several women who fulltime in Class As and 5ers who have no problem - it just takes practice. Would you have said the same thing to a single man? BARB

Sure would tell it to a man. I watched a guy back his rig into a tree in West Virginia this year. All I'm saying is it's a good idea to have help-or back into a tree. Take your pick. Wasn't trying to pick on anyone. As far as getting help when hooking up a toad for the toad brake lights and signals, I don't think anyone is fast enough to step on the coach brakes and run to the back of the toad to see if they work.

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO If you really intend to full time AND travel my vote would be for the 32 ft class A with a small toad. You will have to get used to the fact that it's big and getting into some spots will require time and patience but you'll master the parking thing in no time. It's just scary to learn. We full time in a 40' class A with three dogs and really like the security and convienience of the class A. Best of luck to you. Rick

Rick, would you say that "scary" part to a man?

[jackrobinryan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan As far as getting help when hooking up a toad for the toad brake lights and signals, I don't think anyone is fast enough to step on the coach brakes and run to the back of the toad to see if they work.

Actually, I've used a short wooden stake to prop against the seat front to depress the brake pedal to test brake lights myself.

......the mother of invention.

Safe Travels to All and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

(I'm in the spirit now, just hung the outside lights and assembling the tree. Ho Ho HO)

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan Rick, would you say that "scary" part to a man?

Leave me out of this Dan!