 |
09-28-2013, 01:46 PM
|
#1
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 99
|
Tall newcomer wondering about fifth-wheel headroom issues long-term. Hard to handle?
I spent my university years living in small single rooms in dorms so I doubt that square footage limitations are going to bother me when I begin my full-time living in a fifth wheel I will soon buy for rural Texas living as my retirement abode. But at about 6' 5" max in my shoes, I'm wondering how I will feel long-term about the various ceiling heights in the units I've toured.
Obviously, some units have impressive heights everywhere while some go low only in the master bedroom. And some are barely above my head everywhere. Yes, as I look for a used 32' to 40' fifth-wheel in the $15,000 to $30,000 range, because I plan to park it and stay in just one place on my own rural lot, I don't have to worry about driving under overpasses etc., but waiting for the perfect unit that has ALL of the perfect features I might wish for (like maximum height everywhere) may not be possible. [My "must have" list is already a bit long and restrictive.] Compromises are always likely in life so I've wondered how flexible I should be in my height requirements.
Does anybody have opinions about adjusting to ceiling heights less than the conventional 8' of most houses? Is getting accustomed to a lower ceiling height an easy process? Or does it bring a just-below-consciousness of claustrophobia that never goes away? Am I likely to wish I had gone with a high ceiling in the living area while accepting a low bedroom ceiling as an ignorable concession to practicalities?
|
|
|
 |
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
|
09-28-2013, 01:50 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Thor Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wherever the rig is parked
Posts: 8,092
|
Paul, welcome to iRV2! Just wondering, are you locked in to a fifth wheel for some reason? Travel Trailers and Motor Homes tend to have the same ceiling height throughout unlike 5ers which are mostly restricted in the bedroom.
__________________
Bruce Dickson 2013 Thor Challenger 37GT, 5 Star Tune, Safe-T-Plus Steering Control with Air Trim, Roadmaster front and rear Sway Bars, SuperSteer rear Track Bar, Crossfires, 2018 Honda CRV . Full timers since Jan 2012.
|
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 02:36 PM
|
#3
|
|
Community Administrator
Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Marquette, Michigan "Da UP" & Lehigh Acres Florida
Posts: 21,899
|
Good luck with your search.
__________________
John & Cathy R.
06 Pace Arrow 38L Workhorse W24
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 02:47 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,701
|
Welcome aboard and glad you joined us. In regards to your height and clearence room in bedrooms, I doubt that would bother me that much because most of your time will be spent in the living area anyway. Good Luck with your search. 
__________________
Steve & Sally / Hudson Our Little Pom / Heidi, Houston & HiTee Forever in our Hearts
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22 / 05 PT Vert
Michigan (Summer) Michigan (Winter For Now)
|
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 03:23 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 56,117
|
Hi Paul! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us! 
Hope you find the right rig for your needs! Enjoy the forum!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless! 
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
|
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 06:04 PM
|
#6
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 99
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdickson
Paul, welcome to iRV2!
|
I greatly appreciate the friendliness here. So many of you have been very welcoming to this newcomer. (Not all forums are so nice!)
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdickson
Paul, welcome to iRV2! Just wondering, are you locked in to a fifth wheel for some reason?
|
As I mentioned, I'm going to be full-timing on my own rural lot so while I would be willing to consider a "dead engine" unit that somebody was selling, I've not come across anything like that in the resale market. (Yes, if some country music star had a gorgeous motorhome that was only good for salvage after a collision or something, I might be open to something unconventional like that. Does anyone know of a big salvage RV lot with 35'+ units?)
This will basically be my retirement home (hopefully for many years in that location) so I really hope to "get it right" the first time.
|
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 06:15 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,232
|
Not trying to rain on a parade but being realistic, an RV will not last you many years just sitting, especially if it's salvage or a "cheaper" built unit.
Setting it up on blocks/slab and under a roof is going to be the biggest help to make it last.
|
|
|
|
|
09-28-2013, 06:16 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 609
|
Keep looking at different brands. Alfa 5ers are all tall inside. The shower would be my first check.
Good luck
|
|
|
|
|
09-29-2013, 02:44 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ocala, Florida
Posts: 6,295
|
 Welcome and glad to meet you!
__________________
FMCA #F431170, GS #822128658, Escapees SKP #112655
2012 Airstream Mercedes Interstate Class B
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
|
|
|
|
09-29-2013, 03:48 AM
|
#10
|
|
Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NH
Posts: 5,099
|
from NH.
__________________
Bruce & Nancy
FMCA F280542
2004 Bounder 35E
US Navy Vet.
|
|
|
|
|
09-29-2013, 04:18 PM
|
#11
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 99
|
I could tolerate low head clearance in places like a shower but any area I walk through makes me concerned if I have to constantly adjust to low ceilings---even if that ceiling is above my head. I just don't know if being even subconsciously aware of a lower than 8' ceiling will take a toll in the low run. I've never lived in a such an environment before.
Yes, I never seriously considered a salvage unit until a previous comment suggested that I consider something other than a fifth-wheel. And once I've spent a year or so in the location, I'm fine with spending money on a protective structure for the long-term.
|
|
|
|
|
09-29-2013, 04:32 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,232
|
I wouldn't consider a salvage unit, unless it was totaled for something dumb.
You can get a long, tall bumper pull.
|
|
|
|
|
09-29-2013, 04:42 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,126
|
Welcome to IRV2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
