Community Forums

GC45 · 10-30-2010, 03:34 AM

Anybody out there know an approximate average weight per person of food, personal belongings, etc. that might be expected full-timing?

paz · 10-30-2010, 05:23 AM

I've heard to allow a minimum of 1,000 lbs per person. We had our rig weighed empty when we first got it, then full. We're closer to 3,000 lbs total. A lot depends on how many "extras" you want. For example, we carry a fair number of tools.

TXiceman · 10-30-2010, 08:12 AM

It all depends on what all you consider important to be with you. do you have to have china plus everyday dishes, crystal as well as everyday glasses, silver wear as well as ss flatware....and so on.

Ken

DonnaB · 10-30-2010, 08:21 AM

And how many clothes, shoes, etc do you keep with you (these are very heavy)? How many canned & jarred foods do you keep on hand. Are your dishes heavy or light weight? What about your pots & pans? Do you plan to carry very many books?

I think you can see that this is a very individual thing. Get the most CCC you can for your $$ and load as lightly as you can for your comfort. We had over 3K pounds CCC when our coach was off the assembly line, and we have used every bit of it with the stuff for 2 people. Remember that you will want to add and change things as you live in it, just like you would at a house, so be prepared for that. Also be prepared to regularly cull and toss what isn't being used, worn or eaten in the last 6 to 12 months and you will be OK.

GC45 · 10-30-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

I've heard to allow a minimum of 1,000 lbs per person. We had our rig weighed empty when we first got it, then full. We're closer to 3,000 lbs total. A lot depends on how many "extras" you want. For example, we carry a fair number of tools.

Yeah, tools will add up. I think TV toolbox.

GC45 · 10-30-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

It all depends on what all you consider important to be with you. do you have to have china plus everyday dishes, crystal as well as everyday glasses, silver wear as well as ss flatware....and so on.

Ken

No, I'm prepared to keep things very simple for the most part; with motorcycle & solar system at about 1800#, I think 1000-1200# for food & belongings and a CCC of 3500# will leave room for fresh water. Tools in the tow vehicle.

GC45 · 10-30-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonnaB

And how many clothes, shoes, etc do you keep with you (these are very heavy)? How many canned & jarred foods do you keep on hand. Are your dishes heavy or light weight? What about your pots & pans? Do you plan to carry very many books?

I think you can see that this is a very individual thing. Get the most CCC you can for your $$ and load as lightly as you can for your comfort. We had over 3K pounds CCC when our coach was off the assembly line, and we have used every bit of it with the stuff for 2 people. Remember that you will want to add and change things as you live in it, just like you would at a house, so be prepared for that. Also be prepared to regularly cull and toss what isn't being used, worn or eaten in the last 6 to 12 months and you will be OK.

Books might pose a problem.
I take your point about canned & jarred foods. Hopefully I can carry enough frozen veggies & the like to help with that, and limit that with menu planning. A big pot of chili or stew can be frozen in portions. And so on.
I'm big on regular culling.
In any event, there's only one of me. That'll help.

Vegasdan · 10-30-2010, 04:12 PM

After you load, get weighed. We weighed our coach and found we were 2000lbs under our GVWR which is where I'd like to keep it.

GC45 · 10-30-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan

After you load, get weighed. We weighed our coach and found we were 2000lbs under our GVWR which is where I'd like to keep it.

I plan to do just that, but I doubt whether I'll be much under GVWR. Hopefully that won't be the case with the TV.

FDchief · 10-31-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19gc45

No, I'm prepared to keep things very simple for the most part; with motorcycle & solar system at about 1800#, I think 1000-1200# for food & belongings and a CCC of 3500# will leave room for fresh water. Tools in the tow vehicle.

Remember not to overload your tow vehicle. Many feel that they can use the tow vehicle as a uhaul trailer. You still must stay under the vehicles GVWR, and the motor homes GCVWR. I am sure you know this, just a friendly reminder. I am guilty of the same thing, trying to use up every bit of payload.

GC45 · 10-31-2010, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDchief

Remember not to overload your tow vehicle. Many feel that they can use the tow vehicle as a uhaul trailer. You still must stay under the vehicles GVWR, and the motor homes GCVWR. I am sure you know this, just a friendly reminder. I am guilty of the same thing, trying to use up every bit of payload.

I am trying to keep that in mind. Trying to find the best combination of GVWR, CCC & durability to do what I want & have some left over for the truck without driving a miniature semi-hauler.
When I first decided to do this a few months ago it seemed like "buy a fifth wheel, hook it up to a truck & away we go".
Not so simple.

FDchief · 11-01-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19gc45

I am trying to keep that in mind. Trying to find the best combination of GVWR, CCC & durability to do what I want & have some left over for the truck without driving a miniature semi-hauler.
When I first decided to do this a few months ago it seemed like "buy a fifth wheel, hook it up to a truck & away we go".
Not so simple.

Sounds to me like you've got it figured out

ralper · 11-13-2010, 10:49 PM

I am single and have about 2200 lbs of, as George Carlin would say, "STUFF". That is in the 5er. My truck has two tool boxes that have more "STUFF" in them. I have the whole 50 state set of DeLorme atlas and gazeteer. I will not part with them because I don't do electronics. Well maby Hawaii because there is no way to drive there.

Yes, I need to clean house!