Community Forums

bddadles · 04-03-2020, 07:35 AM

If you are not pulling it I agree you should look at a park model. However, you are the only ones that can tell what works best for you. What do you like? And be sure to look at used.

redhooker · 04-03-2020, 12:42 PM

As former FTers and multiple floorplan owners my answer would be “it depends”.

I will assume this is for a party of 2 with no kids. This simplifies things a bit. Of the three options you listed my observations/experience is:

Rear living- generally has the best window layout and brightest living area. Mid kitchen is great for working with a grill outside (as mentioned above). With a bed-in-slide you generally get the largest closet space of them all which is important for many full timers. It is however, the least “trendy” floor plan and most common, likely for a reason.

Front kitchen-generally has the largest kitchen and the tallest shower. Closet space in most is lacking and usually the washer/dryer area is tight to get in and out of. Living area in the middle is either mixed with the dinette or you have no dedicated dinette with just a bar top. Also should point out these models generally have heavy pins and low CCC. Despite these issues we like several FK models.

Rear kitchen- second biggest kitchen and you still can get a large closet in the bedroom. The trade off is less windows than a RL. Some have had issues with rear kitchens bouncing plates and items around the cabinets as the tail is definitely the toughest ride in the coach.

These are the general compromises we have found in these three layouts. Once you decide what your most important features are you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle.

Triangle Drifter · 04-06-2020, 07:13 AM

As former cruising boaters & current multi month travellers, it depends.

A top priority is a usable galley i.e. lots of counter space. So many have very little working room or poorly designed working room. Having enough open floor space for a square dance is not important. The lower 30'er 5er often has the same appliances as the 40'er. The difference is basically air & a reduction in choices of camping sites available to it.

TXiceman · 04-06-2020, 08:50 AM

Parked on a lot permanently is not really full time. Full timers travel and see the country. Rather than a 5er, you will most likely be better served with a park model.

In either case, you need to look at lots of trailers and find the one that fits your purpose and lifestyle. Sit in the RV and pretend to fix a meal, get dressed, stand in the shower, see where you will put dishes and food storage. What works for someone else may not work for you.

Ken

Conesus1 · 04-06-2020, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAKnox

What ^^they^^ said!

Lyle

Not a RV park model either for the money, something like this

https://www.forestriverinc.com/parkm...spx?LineID=407

Many manufacturers make them no just RV manufacturers.

balticblue · 04-07-2020, 05:57 PM

thanks to all your responses, and yes the suggestions it depends on our needs is very true. What works for one may be totally inapproriate for another. The suggestion to look at park models is a good one and one we have considered.
The 5th wheel does give us the opportunity to crash in our kids backyards who are both on acreages if we so choose. This is not an option with a park model home or a manufactured home. We have changed our minds countless times and that is where you all come in. Better to change ones minds BEFORE they commit to a big ticket item only to find out later it was the wrong choice. I think ( though I may be wrong here ) a 5th wheel has more storage than a park model ? Although a [Park model again I believe is built more closely to a stick and stones house IE insulation than a 5th wheel. One can also make changes to a point to a park model home and there is more choices IE floors counter tops walls more custom choices than a 5th wheel do you want that brown couch or that chocolate brown couch. Before you all start yelling yes 5th wheels are giving more choices to cabinet and flooring and furniture but this is in direct relationship as to how much $ you want to spend. Again we thank you for your suggestions and wish everyone safety in their travels

Filthy-Beast · 04-07-2020, 08:49 PM

The biggest advantage is width, a park model will be 12ft wide front to back. A 5ver is 8 feet with a few sides. We have loft in our park model and use it for storage. There is no outside storage, we have a small 6x6 shed.

The 5ver you will be able to move, you’ll have to deal maintaining slides. To have a well insulated 5vr with thick walls you are in the upper end of the price range.