Newbies Here ... With A LOADED Question! (Be Nice)

[LifeMadePort]

We're newbies. Plain and simple. New ... Bees.

... and we're going from never to full time right out of the gates!

My wife and I are motorcycle journalists who just started a new website, hence the screen name.

We need help selecting a toy hauler for full time RV living!

After a lot of research, here's what we know we want:

- 5th wheel for a long bed, 1/2 - 3/4 ton pickup
- less than 35' long (at the box, 31' preferred)
- under 13' high (closer to 12' preferred)
- separate garage
- can easily carry two sport bikes + tools, roughly 1500 lbs
- pop outs for live/work-space

We're looking at this from home buyer perspectives which lacks the familiarity everyone here has.

Our concerns come down to BRAND. We just looked at the "KZ Sportster" and were inspired but further review suggests they are known to have serious problems.

We originally were considering Keystone and their reviews seem more solid.

So, without any pride in tow (get it?) ...

Which brands have what it takes to keep us feeling safe and secure, a sound investment that isn't prone to failure?

[Rambeau]

MHO

you have several problems/questions that are coming at you from several directions...

Buying something with out knowing what you really want/need. Full timing is a whole 'nother world from weekend recreation.

I assume from you wanting to tow with a 1/2 or 3/4 PU that you do not have a tow vehicle. That is good! think 1.0 ton or 1 1/2. When you trade the little RV that you buy because it can be pulled with the 1/2 ton the walls are creeping in and falling apart because entry level RVs will not stand up to full timing.

God knows I love my wife (52 years), but 40' and 3 slides sometimes is not enough living space.

Start planning now what you can live without, After several years we are still thowing stuff out... the smaller the rig the less the storage.

Personally I would start with a used RV because eventually you will lusting for $100,000.00+three axle toy hauler that is 13' so you don't crack your head every time you go out the door.

[Clomok]

Since it sounds like your starting fresh, find the trailer you want first, the a TV second. Find a floor plan that works for how you live/work. Little things like residential fridges and a large island can make a huge difference...(the fridge) will be a huge power draw if you plan to be off grid, my 2cents

Sounds like your set for a 5th wheel, curious if you’ve given thought to a MH and a small trailer?

[R2millers]

Originally Posted by Clomok

Sounds like your set for a 5th wheel, curious if you’ve given thought to a MH and a small trailer?

It sounds like they're hauling their bikes with and a motorhome wouldn't work.

We have 32' tt 5th wheel and really love it. I'm not sure I could live full time in it even though it has two pop outs, living area and bedroom.

I agree with finding a used trailer to start and figure out what you like and what you don't. A 5th wheel is better, more stable when towing, several pop outs are a must, an enclosed garage, and some room to stretch.

Good luck.

[LifeMadePort]

Your both right on all fronts. We've made quite a few adjustments. For example, just finding what we want first with the TV as an afterthought.

We're looking for quality that is accessible nation wide. Which brands are most easily serviced across the country? Meaning: BOTH more accessible state to state AND reputable in terms of, well ... "not too janky" LOL.

Originally Posted by R2millers

We have 32' tt 5th wheel and really love it.

What year/make/model? (If I may ask)

[Brentw]

Hello, it seems to me that you are still thinking that there is a "national " brand with a network of dealers across the country. There are many brands that are national, but as you roll thru areas you will find that dealer may or may not carry that brand. I do not see this as a must have on your list. That said, larger known brands may provide better build and support.
The majority of rvs are built very similarly, and there are very few brands of rv appliances. Expect that you will need to be somewhat handy for minor repairs ( even major if you are up for it).
As you search thru the many units look for fit and finish and some point ( once you have 80% of your floor plan) you will hit a intersect of quality and budget. There is only so much that can be done with the floor plans as to the fact that this is a rolling 8ft wide building and the heavy parts can only be located in certain areas of the chassis.

By now I'm sure you are starting to look at many units and getting overload, keep a list of must haves.

Again, free advice is worth what you pay for it

[Brentw]

What year/make/model? (If I may ask)[/QUOTE]

Most all of us have their current units in their signature line, check that out.

[soundman7]

I've heard some good things about these guys.
https://www.kz-rv.com/products/venom...l-toy-haulers/

We full time in a Titanium 36E41 and considered them if we decide to switch.
Our TI is holding up well so it's hard to let it go.

[LifeMadePort]

Well, we've got our eyes on a Keystone Carbon ... 35 long, 13.3 tall.

Any generalized (brand-specific) pluses/minuses worth noting?

Discuss.

[RIDINGisLIFE]

I was in a very similar boat as you. I had an f250 and was going to get an enclosed car hauler to dry camp in. The wife decided that wasn't good enough. Next was a torque bumper-pull TH. The quality wasn't there and I just wasn't comfortable in it. Saw the highlander series toy haulers and was dead set on one. Quality was MUCH better than the other bumper-pull Toy haulers. Problem with the Highlander was weight and the floorplan. The tongue weight was too much so a new truck was necessary (wife didn't like that so I pointed out it was her fault cause she wanted the toy hauler). I did research and decided we needed a dually. I wanted to make sure if we decided to get a 5th wheel down the road, I didn't have to change tow vehicles again. My wife was on my butt about needing a new truck. She thought my f250 was going to last forever. With that in mind, I started doing more research on 5th wheels. Not wanting to go though a trade in with the trailer in a few years, I convinced the wife to just get a 5th wheel and be done. I now have a 2018 f350 dually and a 2018 KZ Venom 4114 on order. Couldn't be more excited. If you can afford it, get what you REALLY want. If you can't, I'd follow the other's advice and buy used. Figure out what you REALLY want and then trade up later. Good luck!

[LifeMadePort]

@RIDINGisLIFE ... thank you for this. Everyone is helping quite a lot but your wording gives me the sense that you identify with my scenario and mindset.

We do know what we want (for the most part). Definitely 5th wheel. Definitely focused on the trailer and will buy the truck to suit.

Modern interior (no "country flavor"). No preference for the number of pop outs so much as the open feel they create. That we definitely need (open feel).

Keystone Carbons are callin'.

[plasma800]

Just be absolutely sure you really check and understand the trucks numbers, and that the combo is a well matched combo... and then bring more truck than you need. A lot of focus should be spent on the payload of the truck VS the LOADED hitch weight of the 5r.

In addition, having ample room in payload of the truck allows you to offload some weight from the 5r's net carrying capacity into the trucks capacity. I store heavier tools, straps, and gear like that in my truck bed instead of adding weight to the 5r.

[Joe11]

Originally Posted by LifeMadePort

We're newbies. Plain and simple. New ... Bees.

... and we're going from never to full time right out of the gates!

My wife and I are motorcycle journalists who just started a new website, hence the screen name.

We need help selecting a toy hauler for full time RV living!

After a lot of research, here's what we know we want:

- 5th wheel for a long bed, 1/2 - 3/4 ton pickup
- less than 35' long (at the box, 31' preferred)
- under 13' high (closer to 12' preferred)
- separate garage
- can easily carry two sport bikes + tools, roughly 1500 lbs
- pop outs for live/work-space

We're looking at this from home buyer perspectives which lacks the familiarity everyone here has.

Our concerns come down to BRAND. We just looked at the "KZ Sportster" and were inspired but further review suggests they are known to have serious problems.

We originally were considering Keystone and their reviews seem more solid.

So, without any pride in tow (get it?) ...

Which brands have what it takes to keep us feeling safe and secure, a sound investment that isn't prone to failure?

In order of your comments and/or questions above...

Bear in mind that most rigs you will be looking at do not have a warranty that will cover full time use.

For your sanity, do not look at this as being anywhere like the purchase, warranty, service of a house or auto.

Most brands have "issues". The quality control is not like a house getting inspections from the City or County as the manufacturer is supposed to do their own quality control and sometimes pressure for quantity outweighs quality. Recreational trailers are also not scrutinized by the Feds as the auto industry and it shows.

One of the other responses you received to your post recommended finding the trailer first then getting a truck to handle it. That's good advice. You don't want to be under trucked and you will appreciate having plenty of truck going down a 6% grade when loaded.

[Joe11]

Oh...and don't let some sales yahoo tell you that your truck can pull what he's trying to sell you. Most of them (not all) are full of bologna.