Community Forums

monkey · 04-09-2017, 01:33 PM

Another thing to consider that has been mentioned here, is insurance while full timing. Seems like I read that some companies will not insure the rv unless it is listed as a full time unit... No expert here by any means, but you might check on that....
And Thankyou for your Service.
Monkey

8rices · 04-09-2017, 06:57 PM

A W/D is a must as cloth diapers with the baby and the wife has insisted that! Thank you all for the advice, we will continue to research and definitely check out the used market. I guess when I had seen that companies were out of business, we were out of luck, but as long as I can get parts/repairs done, we will look into it!

spock123 · 04-09-2017, 07:09 PM

I have a Cedar Creek which does not have a bunkhouse floor plan but Blue Ridge has a awesome bunkhouse. It has a half a bath. If I would somehow get our little granddaughter I would trade my Creek for one. If you decide to purchase a fifth wheel then by all means install a TPMS that you trust, I have TST 507. I have installed a Trav'ler satellite antenna on our Creek plus disc brakes just last week.

8rices · 04-09-2017, 07:19 PM

A lot of the suggestions keep saying certain companies, then they dont have the rear bunkhouse we really like, but gotta give a little! A TPMS is absolutely something we'll want to look into as well! Thanks!

spock123 · 04-09-2017, 07:36 PM

Look at Forest River website, Blue Ridge 3720BH. It has a rear bunkhouse and a separate bathroom, just toilet and sink. It has a master bedroom up front plus a full bathroom. Plus if you should decide to get one don't forget the second year warranty for $250 bucks. You can order one with a washer/dryer. Just google Blue Ridge RV.

tuffr2 · 04-09-2017, 08:02 PM

Can you find the same floor plan in a Montana? They are a step up from Montana High Country.

Montana in IMHO is a better unit than Open Road. Open Range is much lighter. For full time you want a more solid unit than an Open Range.

You want minimum 7,000 lb. axels with 'G' rated tires. Also minimum is a thick 12" I-beam frame.

The best rigs will have 8,000 lb. axles with disc brakes, 12" I-Beam frame with a 2" boxed metal re-enforcement welded to the I-Beam.

Add flush mounted dual pane windows, good insulation, fancy pin box and you have yourself a very nice rig.

bddadles · 04-10-2017, 08:13 AM

Something else to go along with the TPMS would be a good EMS. WE have a built in Progressive Industries. Once you have one of these you have protected your electronics. It will shut down the power in high and low voltage situations plus if anything is wrong with the power (reverse polarity, bad ground etc) it will not even let it come into the rig.

One you have one of these you will find places that your power will go on and off but this is the unit protecting you. Other people will be around you and they will say we don't have any problems. Well someday they will when the electronics quit (microwave, frig, tv, etc) and they will not be able to explain it or just whine about the poor quality of things today. Bad power has a cumulate effect and does damage over time until things fail. This is especially bad thing if you are full timing and not just using the rig for camping.
And remember to have fun.

Brad

8rices · 04-10-2017, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bddadles

Something else to go along with the TPMS would be a good EMS. WE have a built in Progressive Industries. Once you have one of these you have protected your electronics. It will shut down the power in high and low voltage situations plus if anything is wrong with the power (reverse polarity, bad ground etc) it will not even let it come into the rig.

One you have one of these you will find places that your power will go on and off but this is the unit protecting you. Other people will be around you and they will say we don't have any problems. Well someday they will when the electronics quit (microwave, frig, tv, etc) and they will not be able to explain it or just whine about the poor quality of things today. Bad power has a cumulate effect and does damage over time until things fail. This is especially bad thing if you are full timing and not just using the rig for camping.
And remember to have fun.

Brad

Are these options aftermarket or can you get them installed at the dealer? We've been doing a lot of research, and y'all keep bringing up a lot of great points and advice, thank you!

8rices · 04-10-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Can you find the same floor plan in a Montana? They are a step up from Montana High Country.

Montana in IMHO is a better unit than Open Road. Open Range is much lighter. For full time you want a more solid unit than an Open Range.

You want minimum 7,000 lb. axels with 'G' rated tires. Also minimum is a thick 12" I-beam frame.

The best rigs will have 8,000 lb. axles with disc brakes, 12" I-Beam frame with a 2" boxed metal re-enforcement welded to the I-Beam.

Add flush mounted dual pane windows, good insulation, fancy pin box and you have yourself a very nice rig.

Unfortunately the Montana doesn't have the bunkhouse we would like. However, we will keep looking! Thanks!

spock123 · 04-10-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bddadles

Something else to go along with the TPMS would be a good EMS. WE have a built in Progressive Industries. Once you have one of these you have protected your electronics. It will shut down the power in high and low voltage situations plus if anything is wrong with the power (reverse polarity, bad ground etc) it will not even let it come into the rig.

One you have one of these you will find places that your power will go on and off but this is the unit protecting you. Other people will be around you and they will say we don't have any problems. Well someday they will when the electronics quit (microwave, frig, tv, etc) and they will not be able to explain it or just whine about the poor quality of things today. Bad power has a cumulate effect and does damage over time until things fail. This is especially bad thing if you are full timing and not just using the rig for camping.
And remember to have fun.

Brad

I have a portable 50 amp Progressive Industries. You find them on the web. TPMS is great to have, lets you know how much air is in your tires

Dasmoeturhead · 04-11-2017, 05:34 AM

Why not live on base or government leased housing? Your wife and children will have support from other families during your deployments. Worked for my family for 20 years.

8rices · 04-11-2017, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dasmoeturhead

Why not live on base or government leased housing? Your wife and children will have support from other families during your deployments. Worked for my family for 20 years.

We've been doing that for the last 7 years and just want to try something new. We're kind of sick of moving so much stuff that we just don't need every few years. And housing on base is so expensive that we'd like the freedom to own our own. Thank you for your service!

spock123 · 04-11-2017, 10:30 AM

There is a apps for military campgrounds, well more than one

Dasmoeturhead · 04-11-2017, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8rices

We've been doing that for the last 7 years and just want to try something new. We're kind of sick of moving so much stuff that we just don't need every few years. And housing on base is so expensive that we'd like the freedom to own our own. Thank you for your service!

I didn't realize housing came out of pocket. It's been since 97 since I retired. Good ole days I reckon. Good times.
It was my pleasure to serve. Thanks for your service as well.