Thinking Of Full TIming - Can We Do It In The Coach We Have Now?

[JOMARFL (FMCA 401058)]

Hello,

Wife and I are thinking of full timing in a 2008 Fleetwood Fiesta LX with bunks. Any idea why we couldn't fulltime all year in this coach? Is it built for fulltime use we wonder? We know it's an entry level coach but it suits the two of us just fine and has everything we need. We've used it for monthly trips since the day we bought it with minimal maintenance issues.

We understand issues with condensation and there will probably be more use on the A/C's, hot water heater, etc., but we think it would work just fine for us.

We won't be traveling right away, want to find a local RV Resort and just try it out first. We are wanting to get rid of the Sticks and Bricks and start living in the coach since we are close to retirement and want to downsize our lives. Thinking the end of this year we'll push the button and go.

Anyone else fulltimed in an entry level coach? Any issues or problems you can relay or think we may run into? We'll stay in Florida for awhile and then maybe start moving around after a year or so I would think.

Thanks and I guess I'm looking for some approvals from someone that all would be well.

[Vegasdan]

Even though our coach is a little larger I see no reason you couldn't full time with the Fiesta. The systems are going to very similar if not the same as most other coaches being used that way. Do realize that there are folks out there that are fulltiming in anything from a tent to a Prevost. As far as your unit with the bunks, you could use the bunk space for storage very simply. Just remove the bunk beds and put in a sliding set of doors with shelves and hanging rod.

[Bee950]

People fulltime under bridges.....

Its whatever you are comfortable with

[Mr_D]

Check your owners manual, our DSDP is certainly not an entry level MH, but it specifically says it's not rated for full time use.
Usually it's not a problem although it could affect your warranty, however I've never heard of a problem with it, probably a CYA from the attorneys.

[bsirby]

Yes. We started out f/t with a 31' Class C. We traveled from NC to CA, then NC to NY. It didn't take us long to find there was not enough room for us, the dog and cat and our belongings. We recently traded for a 37' Class A. Now we have plenty of room. So you have my approval that all will be okay. LOL

[chaunclm]

If you are concerned about the size of your rig. Don't be. You'll fill every storage area in the rig regardless of rig size.

You'll have a grand time.

[Barbaraok]

People fulltime in just about anything you can image.

As to being rated for fulltime use, since there is no definition of exactly what 'fulltime' is, and there is no industry standard for a 'fulltime rig', that is just a bit of the company CYAing because fulltime use is going to have things working more hours than what was originally anticipated when the unit was designed.

Barb

[JOMARFL (FMCA 401058)]

Thanks everyone, appreciate all the comments. We are excited and cannot wait until the end of this year! I believe we will be fine and will settle in a park initially within central FL for about six months and then go from there.

[Ed-Sommers]

The absolute best full time rig, IMHO, it one that you own, free-and-clear!

Ed

[Mtnbiker1096]

The simple short answer is yes, you can full time in it. Go for it! It will be the adventure of a lifetime.

[Clay L]

How much CCC or OCCC (newer rating than CCC) do you have?
Many full timers find they need at least 2500 pounds. We have 2800 pounds of CCC and need 3500.

That being said I have seen two people full timing in class Bs and slide in pickup campers.

[TXiceman]

People full time in FEMA trailers.

We had a beautiful 1989 Avion 34V (all aluminum) trailer that we had intended to full time in the next couple of years. After a few of extended trips, it would not work due to storage limitations. After a lot of sole searching, we sold it and bought the 2008 36' Cameo.

Just try it and see how it works for you.

Ken

[PyrateSilly]

We have close to 4,000 lbs for any "stuff" we want to carry in ours.

[paz]

As several others have mentioned, does your rig have enough CCC? My main concern about full-timing in ANY rig, especially an entry level model, is cargo carrying capacity. There are estimates that say to allow at least 1000 lbs of CCC for each adult. We (2 of us) are carrying well over 3000 lb.

Some manufacturers warranties won't cover full-timing, but that shouldn't be a worry to you with a 2008 model. An entry-level RV probably won't have upholstery and carpet that is very durable, so it may wear out prematurely if you live in the rig every day. So what. Replace it or use throw rugs. For me, weight is the issue.