Community Forums

Near SOTA · 03-14-2006, 05:16 PM

I am looking to start going Fulltimin\Workcamping soon and was wondering what Fulltimers setups others are using?

I want to buy used using up to $40K or less for a setup.

Travel Supreme & Alpenlite along with a few other models are what I would like or prefer from a quality and floorplan standpointin in a 5ver.If I can find a 1ton for a reasonable amount that would help.

What have others been using with success is what I wonder?

I figure I might beable to buy a lot of land wherever I find good work and might build a house having the Truck for materials then sell it after completion and do the same after that.

Any comments appreciated!

Near SOTA · 03-14-2006, 05:16 PM

I am looking to start going Fulltimin\Workcamping soon and was wondering what Fulltimers setups others are using?

I want to buy used using up to $40K or less for a setup.

Travel Supreme & Alpenlite along with a few other models are what I would like or prefer from a quality and floorplan standpointin in a 5ver.If I can find a 1ton for a reasonable amount that would help.

What have others been using with success is what I wonder?

I figure I might beable to buy a lot of land wherever I find good work and might build a house having the Truck for materials then sell it after completion and do the same after that.

Any comments appreciated!

FiverBob · 03-15-2006, 11:02 AM

You need to go to www.escapees.com and ask the same question. They are mostly full timers. And, if you want both a good truck and fiver for full timing and do it for $40,000, you are going to have a struggle.

Near SOTA · 03-18-2006, 09:41 PM

I am not looking to to buy new or anything that is extravagant ,but to live in the southern climates while working and building a house using the the 5ver to lvie out of for a few years while I make $$.

After looking at prices for some older 5ver's that are alittle under 30' I don't think it's impossible,but might be a struggle through the first yr. while looking for a homebase\land and work.

I might need to stretch it from 40-50K. I am single and expenses will not be to much except if I need to keep moving.

Thx!

RustyJC · 03-19-2006, 03:35 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Near SOTA:
After looking at prices for some older 5ver's that are a little under 30'.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Having owned a 30' single slideout unit as our first 5th wheel, I personally could not imagine full-timing in one. Although we're not full-timers, a week's vacation in our rig (especially if kept inside by rainy weather for a majority of the time) was so claustrophobic that we soon upsized.

I'm sure others will have differing experiences and opinions, but you might want to try staying in a 30' rig for an extended period before you commit to a purchase.

As always, JM2CW....

Rusty

TXiceman · 03-19-2006, 07:07 AM

I have to diasagree on the 30' as too small for a single person to full time. It all has to do with layout and storage space.

My wife and I are currently fulltiming in a 36.5' 5er with two schnauzers and one small parrot. We do have a large main slide and a bedroom slide. The trailer has an unusally large amount of storge space inside and a reasonable amount of out side storage.

When you find one that is what you feel you need, sit in it for a couple of hours and pretend you are living there. Go through the motions of getting ready for bed, get up and get dressed, prepare a meal. See where you put you clothes (both summer and winter), where do linens fit, is there a palce for the toileteries, pots, pans, flatware, food and dishes. Is there room in the kitchen to fix a meal. Outside, do you have room for the BBQ, lawn chairs, fishing gear, and supplies for a hobby? Is ther a place for the computer, and files for paperwork for taxes, auto titles, bank statements?

The trick to living in a small space is to keep everything put away when you finish with it. keep kitchen counters uncluttered, furniture clear for seating and generally neat. When you are finished with an item...put it away and avoid clutter.

On another issue, make sure you have at least 2000# of cargo carrying capaity before you reach the trailer GVWR. Have the trailer weighed. Never believe the RV sales person or the truck sales person as to what will pull what. Very few RV and truck sales people understand the issues of weight and trailer towing, especially a 5er.

Have fun hunting...

Ken

RustyJC · 03-19-2006, 09:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXiceman:
I have to diasagree on the 30' as too small for a single person to full time. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>As I said, opinions will vary!

Obviously, I'm claustrophobic and Ken isn't!

Rusty

Near SOTA · 03-19-2006, 07:12 PM

Living in a Starter Home 45X25 at the moment on 1ac. of land is more than enough for myself and I really do not plan on needing to much room.

I would think that a 29-35ft. RV would be ample room for myself. I do plan on using it as a stepping stone to find another place to settle down in the future,not to be a permanent existance. I do not think I shall beable to afford anything over 30ft. actually when trying to cut cost.

Travel Supreme,Teton,Alpenlite,Alfa Leisure,Horizon Inc.,Holiday Rambler,Keystone and a few others would be the best bet for a satisfying experience as for long term ,but that would also entail putting more torwards a PU and $$ for the 5ver which shall be used.Very few of the above manfs. can I find a used unit for under $30K.

Depending on what type of deal I might find will depend on what I will put into it I think.

I shall probably take my car and head to Florida or some other place and either have a deal before I leave or look when I get there.

One thing I have been told is that there are older couples that sacrifice their RV's for a low price in FL. . There are other outlets to purchase through and I will wait for the correct time and RV to purchase.

On the affordable side I think Keystone Cougar might be acceptable ,but I cannot remember what the eperience was when I recently attended an RV show here.

Carriage Inc. I very much liked as far as construction until I read of an issue that several owners have.This may or may not be a major flaw throughout their manfacturing history.

As for myself after living 46yrs. in several locations including the military and several different sized habitats I can do with 30ft.long and appox.15ft. wide living quarters with a carrying cap. of 2000lbs. being single.With another person it might be cramped.

If in the future if a spouse and children become a part of my life then I shall need to adjust accordingly.

My main objective though is to find a place to live with the setup being paid for and a piece of land that I can work while having an occupation with the ability\versatility to relocate if I so desire.

Thanks or the replys.

Ray,IN · 04-01-2006, 07:47 PM

I think a 30' 5er is sufficient for a single person to live full-time. The prices for a 3-4 year old 5er and 4-6 year old 3/4T diesel truck to tow it and use for daily transportation should be well below your $40K target. Wife and I wintered in a 30' single slide 5er (3 mos) and never felt confined or cramped. Visit the escapees full-timers forum and search for the screen name RV, he and wife full-timed for several years in about the same size you are considering. He is very helpful and considerate, and always researches what he says prior to posting.

Lynnvt · 04-03-2006, 03:17 AM

Check out this website. This guy has a lot of information. He full timed in a 5ht wheel with no slides for 5 years. Check it out.
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/index.htm

TJones · 04-05-2006, 07:29 AM

I lived in an old fifth wheel with no slides for six months and had no problems with the living arrangements. Naturally it is a somewhat minimalist arrangement however, can be quite comfortable. Just make sure you reduce the clutter and junk otherwise the walls will move in on you.

Good luck, TJ

zip · 05-05-2006, 05:18 PM

You don't necessarily need a fiver and a heavy truck to accomplish what you've said you want to do. You may think along the lines of a used travel trailer and even a heavy duty 1/2 ton truck. There are plenty of options available, including the Airstream brand, which are very towable with a 1/2 ton or a properly equipped SUV.

Tide Guy · 06-08-2006, 01:30 PM

Near SOTO,

May have a very good deal for you if you are still looking. 34' Travel Supreme Express. We plan to move you to a larger 5th wheel.

Not a dealer.

Fred Mann