Community Forums

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 04:01 PM

Thoroughly confused with myself. Don't know what to buy because I'm not sure what we want to do.

Here's what I think we'll do and maybe recommendations will help.

We're in our mid 60's so I doubt we'll do any type of RV'ing for more than 10 years max. We live in the Mid Atlantic area.

I know we don't want to spend more than 4 or 5 mo./yr...so not interested in Full Timing.

I don't want anything over about 35' long.

Would probably like to make 2 or 3 long trips during that time for 3 to 4 months each coast to coast. Traveling 4 - 8 hours between site stops where we'd spend 2 - 3 days before moving on.

Years in between, we'd probably spend 4 - 6 wks / spring to fall at local State/Fed. campgrounds near local lakes, or the beach. Not driving more than 500 or so miles.

Don't want a Class A
Don't want a Travel Trailer
Fifth Wheel, or Class B or Class C?

cfowler55 · 03-15-2018, 04:28 PM

So. We are 65&62. Wife retired and I mostly work. We take monthly 3-5 day trips and a 1&1/2 to 2 week 3-4 times a year. Obviously no kids but also no pets. 31' fifth wheel. Open floor plan with no kitchen island. Has worked great so far.

We may upgrade to a 35' but mainly for better build ,more storage , and a few add ons that are tough to get in the 30' range. Room wise ours is plenty. Easy to move around and set.
I can tell you your first RV of any sort is going to be your learner. No body and no amount of research can answer questions like living in one.

KamiwillRV · 03-15-2018, 04:32 PM

Been to any RV dealers to sit in the different types?

dexters · 03-15-2018, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manwithnorv

T

Years in between, we'd probably spend 4 - 6 wks / spring to fall at local State/Fed. campgrounds near local lakes, or the beach. Not driving more than 500 or so miles.

Class B or Class C?

B or C

With a 5th you will need a pick up in the 3/4 ton class ford 250 or ram 2500 that you will not need when you aren't towing.

With a B or C all you need is a car to tow behind and sometimes you may not even need that.

Also towing a 5th out of the Mid Atlantic region would be a pain.

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiwillRV

Been to any RV dealers to sit in the different types?

Oh yes, plenty.

Theunz · 03-15-2018, 04:55 PM

Assuming you're your length limit does not include your tow vehicle or toad...
A 3 slide (2 large opposing living area and 1 bedroom) 30-35 foot 5th wheel would offer plenty of space. Though I've never had a motor home, I think hooking and unhooking a 5th wheel would be easier than doing the same with a toad. If you pull into a camp spot that's not a pull through and it's raining you will appreciate being able to just back in your spot without disconnecting your toad first. I suspect that a pickup will give a more comfortable ride than a class b or c, of course that depends on your budget. Look at every option, then only you can decide.

archer75 · 03-15-2018, 05:30 PM

I would recommend going to the RV shows if you haven't. All the RV's in one place makes it easy to narrow down. And lots of reps and dealers to ask questions of with no hassles. And they typically have good deals.

For me the choice would be a 5th wheel. My truck is my daily driver and i'm happy to tow with it. I won't want something else with an engine as it's going to be more expensive and like I said, I already have the truck.

And there's a wide variety of 5th wheels to fit your needs.

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer75

I would recommend going to the RV shows if you haven't. All the RV's in one place makes it easy to narrow down. And lots of reps and dealers to ask questions of with no hassles. And they typically have good deals.

For me the choice would be a 5th wheel. My truck is my daily driver and i'm happy to tow with it. I won't want something else with an engine as it's going to be more expensive and like I said, I already have the truck.

And there's a wide variety of 5th wheels to fit your needs.

I have been trying to find a good RV Show but no luck yet.

The closest and biggest RV Show to me is Hershey, PA which I've been told is one of the better ones but it doesn't happen until Sept. All the ones closer to me have already happened (Jan. Feb)...

KJD · 03-15-2018, 07:34 PM

We have a 35ft. 5th wheel with opposing slides in the living area and one slide in the bedroom area. Plenty of room for the two of us along with our Boston Terrier.. One thing you might think out is your tow vehicle. Mine is a F250 3/4 ton and it is at its limit on weight rating. If I could have a do over I would have got the F350 single rear wheel and 6 1/2 foot bed just for the extra wiggle room on weight. The price difference on them are really small comparing both with the same options. Even ride quality there isn’t a lot of difference..

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJD

We have a 35ft. 5th wheel with opposing slides in the living area and one slide in the bedroom area. Plenty of room for the two of us along with our Boston Terrier.. One thing you might think out is your tow vehicle. Mine is a F250 3/4 ton and it is at its limit on weight rating. If I could have a do over I would have got the F350 single rear wheel and 6 1/2 foot bed just for the extra wiggle room on weight. The price difference on them are really small comparing both with the same options. Even ride quality there isn’t a lot of difference..

I'm finding it impossible to find a 5er 30-35 ft that I can pull with a 3500HD Diesel with a SRW (based on the specs). A DRW, however will pull all in that range. I just don't want to have a DRW for the daily drive.

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 07:53 PM

Where is the best listing of RV Shows? Or do I just Google "RV Shows Near Me"?

saddlesore · 03-15-2018, 07:59 PM

Really isn't much to hooking up or disconnecting a toad...
With a Class C (or an A )The one advantage I enjoy is when traveling wife can get up and use the potty or grab a sammich/cold drink (extra ball of knitting yarn) while you are still traveling (DW does like to take a nap when we travel)..And if you stop for lunch you do not have to get out of the tow rig and try to get into and out of the 5er on the roadside.And when setting up at a park the 5'r can be a hassle trying to get it level..even with levelers
The other advantage with a motor coach(A or C) is having a built in generator, as opposed to a carry-a-long generator and gas can for re-filling it's tank..
But this is just what we discovered,,, Your experiences may be different.

Happy hunting...
Every day you put off retiring is just one day less that you will have being retired.

egwilly · 03-15-2018, 08:03 PM

I'm not sure if you are setup yet for a 5th wheel. Do you already have the truck to tow with? If so, then that dictates what you tow.
If you are starting from scratch, then lots of opportunities.
There are lighter weight 5th wheel trailers out there.
Having a motorhome of any size pretty much requires another car (toad) to see the sights. Plus, now you have another engine and transmission to care for.
You state you would be on the road 4-5 months coast to coast.....to me, that is full timing. You don't want to go too small, since you'll feel cramped.
These are my thoughts having owned all of the different RV's over time.

RoadEyePie · 03-15-2018, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egwilly

I'm not sure if you are setup yet for a 5th wheel. Do you already have the truck to tow with? If so, then that dictates what you tow.
If you are starting from scratch, then lots of opportunities.
There are lighter weight 5th wheel trailers out there.
Having a motorhome of any size pretty much requires another car (toad) to see the sights. Plus, now you have another engine and transmission to care for.
You state you would be on the road 4-5 months coast to coast.....to me, that is full timing. You don't want to go too small, since you'll feel cramped.
These are my thoughts having owned all of the different RV's over time.

No I don't even have a toad...no truck no rv. The 4-5 months coast to coast was twice maybe three time during the life of the RV or my life. Rest of the years we would probably use it 5 or 6 wks / year.