Community Forums

bpettibon · 01-24-2013, 11:42 AM

Hi, We are the Pettibons. We are looking to start full time rving. My husband works for nuclear power plants all across the country, our kids are in boarding school, so I thought I would quit working as a nurse in Texas and come on the road with the hubbie. Right now, we are living out of tupperware bins in hotels and furnished condos, but would like our "own" place. Any suggestions would be helpful. We did recently attend the RV Supershow in tampa. that only made matters worse, as I was completely overwhelmed with what is available in Trailers, Fifth Wheels, and Motorhomes. I just bought a brand new F150 ( which looks like i will have to upgrade-lol) and did fall in love with a Durango 29857 Fifth Wheel at the show. Also, are there things for the "not quite yet 40" crowd to do on the road??

Thanks in advance, I hear RV people are the best!!

Skip426 · 01-24-2013, 05:52 PM

, Not a full timer , so I can't realy help. Just wanted to say Hi. Any time you attend an RV show the first question to as any salesman that approches you ,is, What kind of RV do you own ?
DW and I are on our 5th RV and still haven't got everything . My advice would be to look for a good used unit to start with , because you lose 30% + the first year on new, and if you discover that RVing is not for you , that a ....of a hit in the pocket book. Would renting be an option ?

**Petro** · 01-24-2013, 06:54 PM

bpettibon;

Welcome to iRV2. I am sorry I can't help with your question either. You have come to the right place for answers to your questions. There is a wealth of information available you here just by asking. Browse the forums that interest you and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck with your search;

Don

SarahW · 01-24-2013, 10:25 PM

Hi and welcome to iRV2!

I'd suggest visiting as many RV dealerships as you can, and reading on RV forums to try to decide what type of rig would work best for you. Here is a current thread that you might find interesting... http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/threa...rs-148116.html

Good luck to you.

**CLIFFTALL** · 01-25-2013, 04:28 AM

Welcome to IRV2. You will find all your answers here.
Cliff

Gadget63 · 01-25-2013, 05:40 AM

Howdy and welcome to the forums. Sorry I can't help as we aren't full timers yet, but I can tell you we went from a 34 foot travel trailer to this motor home with no regrets at all.

bpettibon · 01-25-2013, 06:48 AM

I didn't want to rent, since we are pretty much homeless now ( bouncing from hotel to hotel) I really wanted to unpack just one more time. lol Thanks for thehelp!

wincrasher · 01-25-2013, 06:57 AM

Although this forum is biased towards motorhomes and retired folks, there are still quite a few other types of folks on here too.

I work and live out of my fifth wheel and return to my "sticks and bricks house" every few weekends or so. Lot's of people in the construction trades are doing that now - the work is far flung, so it's a good way to go.

We had one poor guy who thought he was tough and would just live out of a tent. Not only was that cold, but alot of work moving stuff around (kinda like what you are doing with your bins!). He recently graduated to his first travel trailer. We're all so proud!

If your husband is getting per-diem for his travels, or is incorporated as his own business, then your fifth wheel and truck may be tax deductible, so consider that as well (but talk with a good tax man!).

Good luck!

MSHappyCampers · 01-25-2013, 08:25 AM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! We're really glad you joined us!

Hope things work out good for you on the full-timing!

I would suggest that you post individual questions over in the appropriate areas of the forum for better results. Not many folks hang out here in the Welcome area.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

chuckinthebus · 01-25-2013, 08:46 AM

and Welcome. Look for floor plans that you like. No matter whether it is a pull behind, fifth wheel or motor home, find one that will work for you. Your new F150, can it be flat towed without modifications other than tow bar and lights? If you select pull behind, can the pickup easily handle the loaded weight of unit? Good luck in your decision and keep us posted.

TheArnolds · 01-25-2013, 09:34 AM

Welcome to iRV2! We are not full timers but starting next month we will travel for the next 6 months plus to see this wonderful country.

I was a Field Engineer (Aviation Industry) for years so I understand the hotel/furnished apartment lifestyle and how it can get old.

The only advice I can offer is to take your time and try to pick you last RV first. You will hear a lot of advice about buying new v/s used and each have its pros and cons.

Godd luck and welcome again

sdennislee · 01-26-2013, 03:06 PM

Hi and

bpettibon · 01-30-2013, 07:10 PM

Thanks. We are going to try renting a couple to see what we like the best.

Clay L · 01-31-2013, 12:49 PM

A couple of things to consider.

CCC - Cargo Carrying Capacity. Many full timers find that they need at least 1500 pounds of cargo carrying capacity (CCC) for each adult. The CCC or the newer designation OCCC will be on a sticker somewhere in the motor home - usually in a cabinet or closet. Don't know about 5th wheels.

You can see the definition of CCC HERE, and OCCC HERE.
Scroll down to "2009 New weight label" and download the pdf file.

To get CCC subtract the weight of water you will carry and the weight of the people you will carry from the OCCC.

It is common to see CCC numbers as low as a few hundred pounds (even on diesel pushers) which means it would be overloaded for weekend trips and unusable for full timing.

We have 2800 pounds of CCC and would like to have 3500. We started with a 30 footer with no slides and after a year traded it in on a new 35 footer with two slides.

If he is likely to be sent to cold areas there are some problems to be addressed. When the temps get below 20 degrees F, most RVs will need some auxiliary heat in the service bay and perhaps some other outside compartments. Many motor homes have hot air from the furnace vented into those areas but below 20 F extra heat may be needed. I don't know if 5th wheels have heated basements (outside compartments) or not.

You will use propane at a high rate. With temps in the 20s at night and 30s to 40s in the daytime we use a 40 pound tank of propane in about 6 or 7 days.

In some places you may be able to have a large tank set up by the propane supplier. They come and fill it as required.

Be aware that in many places campgrounds are not open in the winter. Closing from Oct to May is common.