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Old 01-10-2014, 05:32 AM   #1
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Overwhelmed newbie

Hello all!

I have been reading info on this site and doing A LOT of research in other places too but I'm finally ready to get some more specific details for my situation.

Background:
My girlfriend and I are planning on buying a 5er to live in while we renovate a house. We plan on buying the RV, having it towed to our land, and not moving it again 'til we sell it. The land is located in the NE Tennessee mountains. Mostly the temperature is moderate but a few months of the year get quite cold.

So, my first question is (pretty sure I know the answer just want to confirm) how important is it to get an "all season" RV? Most of the models I have seen recommended are out of our price range (we would like to stay under $30K).

We would consider new or used but that's will be a future topic I need to seek advice on.

Other future topics I'm overwhelmed with:
Shipping rates per mile
security against theft
30 footer enough?
easiest RVs to resell
avoiding salvaged units
was an episode of "breaking bad" acted out in my used RV
how insurance rates are determined (stationary make a difference?)


A few more I can't think of at the moment.

Thanks for any feedback!
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Old 01-10-2014, 05:35 AM   #2
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Welcome to irv2. I'm sure you'll get good responses / answers here.
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Old 01-10-2014, 05:58 AM   #3
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Welcome, I will try and tackle a couple of them.
A four season unit depends on you and your propane budget, there are things that you can do to help with the cold air drafts.

Other future topics I'm overwhelmed with:
30 footer enough? How well do you and your GF get along? Should be plenty.
was an episode of "breaking bad" acted out in my used RV-Is the unit gutted? Do you smell anything funny or any chemicals?
how insurance rates are determined (stationary make a difference?)-If you tell that that you will be living in it full time for awhile then you will have a higher premium. Your call as to what you tell them.

Good Luck on the remodel, sorry that I could not help more..
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Old 01-10-2014, 05:59 AM   #4
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Howdy and welcome aboard. Glad you joined us. I'm sure you'll get the info you need from some of the forum members. Personally I would look into a used unit and if you don't feel comfortable inspecting it on your own have a independent qualified tech look it over for you. I do suggest getting a all season unit but do your homework by searching articles on this topic as all units that are considered "all season" by their mfr. don't always turn out be as advertised. Good Luck in your search and your house project.
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Old 01-10-2014, 06:59 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tempfulltime View Post
So, my first question is (pretty sure I know the answer just want to confirm) how important is it to get an "all season" RV? Most of the models I have seen recommended are out of our price range (we would like to stay under $30K). All season and four season is nothing really. There is no industry standard. You have to find the insulation values and really make sure that the underbelly is enclosed and heated.

We would consider new or used but that's will be a future topic I need to seek advice on.

Other future topics I'm overwhelmed with:
Shipping rates per mile Just work with a selling dealer, if you buy from a dealer, and see if you can work a deal for them to deliver. We do that pretty often.
security against theft There are locks to go on the trailer coupler.
30 footer enough? Go to dealer lots and see what you like and how much room you like. 30' with no slides may not be enough, but 25' with 3 slides probably is.
easiest RVs to resell Ones that are cheap and in good shape.
avoiding salvaged units Just check the title. Titles have to say salvage if they are.
was an episode of "breaking bad" acted out in my used RV Again, physically get in the trailer. You'll tell pretty quick.
how insurance rates are determined (stationary make a difference?) It may be more expensive if they know it's being lived in. Just ask a few insurance companies.


A few more I can't think of at the moment.

Thanks for any feedback!
Basically, get in lots of units. Check around ceilings, floors, and roofs for rot.
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Old 01-10-2014, 08:19 AM   #6
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Two units pop to mind. NuWa and Excel. Both are high quality and made smaller units. You can find nice used early to mid 2000's in you price range or less. I think I saw a 2003 NuWa Hitchiker for 23'gs. If asking price is 23 selling price could be 20.

NuWa made 30' 5th wheels with 3 slides. That is what I would buy. I think the model number is 29.5 Hitchhiker.

I remodeled my house. It cost 10'gs more than I thought. So hopefully you can spend 20 to 25'gs and get an ok 5th wheel.

Any trailer might be hard to get rid of unless you price it real low. It will be difficult not to lose $$$ on your trailer. Now that I say that you just might be better off staying in a warm cozy apartment.
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Old 01-10-2014, 08:35 AM   #7
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You will have to plan ahead on how you will dispose of your waste from your holding tanks.
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Old 01-10-2014, 08:44 AM   #8
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Good luck to you. I recently posted a 2010 wildcat with rear kitchen (28rkbs) in the classified section. It would serve your temp fulltine needs. In laws are aging out RV (health issues) travel. Sad.
If you already have electricity, water and a septic system on the property you'll be set up nice. Good luck.
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Old 01-10-2014, 08:58 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tempfulltime View Post
Hello all! I have been reading info on this site and doing A LOT of research in other places too but I'm finally ready to get some more specific details for my situation. Background: My girlfriend and I are planning on buying a 5er to live in while we renovate a house. We plan on buying the RV, having it towed to our land, and not moving it again 'til we sell it. The land is located in the NE Tennessee mountains. Mostly the temperature is moderate but a few months of the year get quite cold. So, my first question is (pretty sure I know the answer just want to confirm) how important is it to get an "all season" RV? Most of the models I have seen recommended are out of our price range (we would like to stay under $30K). We would consider new or used but that's will be a future topic I need to seek advice on. Other future topics I'm overwhelmed with: Shipping rates per mile security against theft 30 footer enough? easiest RVs to resell avoiding salvaged units was an episode of "breaking bad" acted out in my used RV how insurance rates are determined (stationary make a difference?) A few more I can't think of at the moment. Thanks for any feedback!
Here is a nice unit

http://m.rvt.com/Glendale%20RV-Titan...e1389365750514
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Old 01-10-2014, 09:03 AM   #10
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Given that you'll be reselling after a year, I would only consider a used unit. Purchased at the right price it will depreciate much less than a new one.

If at all possible, get the site prepped for the 5er before it arrives ...sewer, water and power. Ensure you have a level and well drained pad (gravel?). For comfort make sure you skirt the unit and have a heated water hose. Electric heaters can supplement the gas furnace but when it gets really cold you'll be burning propane. An external tank is an option if the local distributor will fill it where you live.

For towing, figure about $1 to $1.40 a mile. Or if you buy used, make it part of the deal for the seller to deliver. You can also try uship.

Another option would be leasing an ATCO trailer. Some are fitted as living quarters.

Good luck with the new house!
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Old 01-10-2014, 09:06 AM   #11
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I'm a newbie on this forum but have been using my motorhome as a 2nd home since August 2013.

I was very apprehensive at first but after doing it for a while I realized it's not so bad. I live in it for 7 days while I'm working in south Texas then drive back home for 7 days off. That of course also helps.

My biggest concern was the shower being comfortable and after the first week it's not an issue any more.

I inherited my motorhome so I had no say in it but since you guys are buying if you decide to go used don't go too old. Make sure you get it with all the manuals because when things start breaking if it's too old you'll have to search longer to get the right stuff if it's available. If you don't have the manuals it'll be harder to fix things yourself having to depend on the local RV place more often.

Take the tires off after you've set it where it goes or at least wrap them up. My tires look brand new until you look closely at the sidewall. It hadn't been moved in many years so the sun dried them up.

I'm sure I'll remember more things as soon as I click on SUBMIT
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Old 01-10-2014, 09:18 AM   #12
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Oh yeah, a shady spot will sure be appreciated in august.
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Old 01-10-2014, 09:19 AM   #13
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Perhaps give a passing thought to a toy hauler configuration. They have various size garages that can be used as a shop, or to secure tools or you can create a completely separate (it has a solid door) living space using your own rugs & furniture.
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Old 01-14-2014, 07:02 PM   #14
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There is a 31ft Alpenlite in La Grand OR. 1999 excellent shape $14,000 asking. Alpenlite was one of the best built. I would take an old Alpy over anything new. AND the price is right.
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