Community Forums

Homemade911 · 12-19-2013, 05:09 PM

Hi,

Just signed up here. Short story long, I'm real new to the whole 5th wheel thing. I'm seeking some insight into a couple of things re life with a 5th wheel.

a. I'm very interested in learning all I can about full-time life aboard a 5th wheel in lieu of an expensive apartment. I'm about about to accept a job on the CA Coast - in an expensive area. Since I have no desire to move my family to this new job location (long story, no need to hash it here...) I thought: well, a 5th wheel would make a certain amount of sense from several different angles...one it'd be a second home with the tax advantages, and two, it's mobile...and three... overall costs are far less than maintaining any apartment in the area I would want. Buying another house in California is off the table...wouldn't make that commitment even if I COULD afford it...

b. Where can I find real information on 5th wheel parks in Ventura county? The idea is to stay relatively put; only hooking up to leave town to either head home for a few days, or grab the family (there's 3 of us) and go somewhere else. Home is only three hours away...I'm assuming I can go back and forth to the same park location, or would I have to forage for a new location every time?

c. I have lots of tow experience from my vintage racing days - I currently drive an '04 f350 diesel that I would setup with 5th wheel hitch, etc. It won't take me long to get used to pulling a 5th wheel...

d. I'm looking to purchase something slightly used. It must be a winterized, robust unit. Anywhere between 31 - 38 ft would be ideal (I think...) Any and all ideas, and suggestions are welcome...I might even consider your rig if you're selling...

Long-winded, I know...sorry. Nonetheless,I'm looking forward to your inputs and getting to know some of you.

Thanks for indulging me.

Cheers,
Thom

**JohnRR** · 12-19-2013, 05:16 PM

Good luck with your upcoming experiences.

sadiebug · 12-19-2013, 05:47 PM

When we were living in our movable 5th wheel while working in Wisconsin we just made reservation for when we would be returning to the campground the next week as we pulled the camper to the plant when we headed home or to do some real camping. Some campgrounds have monthly rates also but might require you to meter your electricity or sign a lease of some kind and put a deposit down. If you are not purchasing the camper out right it may be wise to not tell the bank this will be a full time living quarters. We are currently living in Montana in the Oil Patch in a 32' fifth wheel (Montana's affordable housing) and pay monthly rent. But we can't move unless we unskirt. Unlike our lot we had in North Dakota, our electric has not been metered yet. We rarely run the furnace and keep warm using ceramic heaters. My husband had -28 one night and still had water. Couldn't get in the camper one day. Locks were froze. Then couldn't get out another day. Locks were froze. Hairdryer in Iowa. But Welcome to the forum!

becida · 12-19-2013, 05:55 PM

Take a look at Reviews of RV Parks and Campgrounds - RV Park Reviews

MSHappyCampers · 12-20-2013, 06:50 AM

Hi Thom! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang !

Hope you find the right rig for your needs! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Chiefbvfd · 12-20-2013, 07:17 AM

Welcome aboard...

Medico · 12-20-2013, 08:45 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

When you get ready to leave to go home, make your reservations for your return. understand however that RV Parks fill up on weekends and especially holidays. If the weekend is long because of a holiday, you might not get in until the long weekend is over, but this might fall in line with your going home plans anyway.

Another thing, make sure the community where "home" is will allow you to park at your home.

sdennislee · 12-21-2013, 10:52 PM

Hi and

dsbike · 12-22-2013, 06:47 AM

Thom we don't have a 5th wheel, but my wife does exactly what you are describing, she works her 36 hrs a week & then if she has a few days off together she comes home. However we pay the monthly rate which may or may not include electric & she leaves the motor home setup. At most campgrounds the monthly rate is so much better than the nightly or weekly that it pays to pay your own electric versus the weekly rate with free electric & hooking up towing or driving home then doing the setup all over again in a few days.