Buying our first Toy hauler first time RVing need advice

[smiller]

Out of round tires, or even just a section of bad road. One stretch of severe expansion joints on the interstate and it will look like a mixmaster back there if everything isn't secured incredibly well. A lesson everyone with a toyhauler learns sooner or later.

[hertertst]

Again thank you all for your experiences, ideas, and suggestions! I am really looking forward to attending the RV show in Tampa on January 15 & 16th . That should really help us refine our search. Stepu

[NFlcamper]

Get the biggest truck you can afford. No such thing as too much truck, but there are many cases of too little for the trailer. 5th wheel Toyhaulers need 3500/350 series and sometimes the dually version of them. A bumper pull (like I have) can possibly be pulled by 2500/250 series trucks. Diesel trucks pulls better, especially cross-country and probably get a few more MPGs saving fuel costs - even though diesel costs more than gasoline. I found an 06 Dodge SLT 4x4 Quad cab with a 5.9L diesel locally with low miles and not ever have towed heavy for 24k. They are asking 30-34k in Orlando at the used truck superstores for identical trucks. Shop before buying, and be ready to jump on a good deal, as I missed 2 by waiting 1 day too long. Have a mechanic you can call if you need to, to check it out for you. Your area should be good for finding a decent deal.

As for the trailer, I got such a deal I couldn't pass it up. You should spend time inside the trailers to see how floorplans fit you and your needs. Example; if I had to buy a new one, mine has a front bed and bathroom next to it on one side, and a vanity sink and wardrobe on the other. It is a tight area to have 2 people trying to negotiate past or be in at the same time. I'd try another floorplan next time, but live with it because of the deal I got.

By buying used, you should get some extras that would add to the cost. I got electric adapters for different amperage hookups, an extention cord (50 amp), water hoses, filter, stinky slinky, it had a tube mounted underneath already for the stinky slinky, a complete weight distribution hitch assembly, door mats, rugs, wheel chocks, and an upgraded tongue jack. Units traded may not come with this kind of stuff as dealers can make money selling you this stuff. Don't be afraid to look at private sales, just inspect everything. Have the current owner or salesman show you the full operation of everything from the tongue jack, to the toy door and everything between like the awning and fridge. Like I said, I got REAL lucky with my deal. Good luck finding yours.

[Libero]

I wondered if you thought about getting a Class A DP (used) and a good used stacker trailer. The trailer would make an excellent workshop. Plus you could haul a small car, bikes etc in there. I never owned a stacker but I have seen some well setup with A/C, good power distribution etc.

I have never been or do ever plan to "full time" in an RV, but I have been on the road for months so it is sort of full timing while you are on the road. I own a decent S&B place to retreat to as required or desire to. We prefer having some roots but still the flexibility to go where and when we want to. When I had ny DPs I seriously considered buying a stacker. I would think one should be able to get a good used DP and a good used stacker for less than $100k.

Some new trucks to haul a Toy Hauler are likely north of $60k (Just guessing) Just a suggestion.

Good luck on whichever way you go.

Anyway, I suggest you look at a Class A DP and a Stacker for your application.

[lappir]

I have full timed in a toy hauler for several years now. My first was in my brothers Heartland Winners Circle. OK for most stuff but would not last more than 2 years as a full time unit. It's still around but only used on weekends. (maybe 4 a year).

My next one (and I thought best) was a Weekend Warrior. First month or three of full time use was great. Then things started. I managed to get 5 years out of it.

I now have a custom built Spacecraft. The bones of this thing will last my lifetime and the lifetime of my kids if they want to use it. It was not inexpensive. I have several posts here and on the Escapees (RVNetwork) forum. Take a look at "trying to decide", "Walls Up" and "10 or 12 foot van box". Some have photo links to photos of the trailer build and there should be photos of my truck and trailer all together.

You wrote you live in Oregon and travel to Florida. Doing that with a truck and trailer would be a long expensive haul. It's bad enough for me going from Iowa to Florida. I don't stop along the way usually and am still full time employed so the days of travel are certainly not work days.

I love full time RV living. I love my job as a Travel Nurse that allows me to work as I travel I just wish I would have done it long time ago and would be finished with all the projects to get everything just right. I have a lot of information of what I would have done, should have done and could have done. Too much for here though and I am not a book writer so while it might sell, I don't think it will happen. I will answer any questions to the best of my ability and will be honest if I don't know the answer.

Rod

[hertertst]

Thank you all for your suggestions We have actually had a change of plans. We will keep our condo in Oregon with the jeweler's bench and not get a toy hauler. Instead we will be buying a 5th wheel. Ten more feet of living space, Yeah!!!! Oregon (and our condo) is beautiful in the summer and we will hit the road in the 5th wheel starting in January through May heading for warm climates. So we won't be full timers but will still be in the 5th wheel 5 months out of the year. I am now looking into the 5th wheel forum. But it has been a great help to hear from all of you. Thank you. Stephanie