Return to the Camping Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
5th Wheels - my new dream home
| | |
Posted by brnthumbinfl (My Page) on Tue, Feb 13, 07 at 11:23
| I've camped since I was a small kid. Owned and loved a bunch of pop-ups; graduated to the full size trailers with fold-out beds. Now, I'm ready to sell the house and buy a big (36-37 ft) 5th wheel as my new deam house. But what a learning curve. And they come with 2000 options, assuming I buy new. Anybody have hints as to what you want/need/can do without? Remember, this is the new house... |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: 5th Wheels - my new dream home
| | |
For sure, you won't need a lawn mower! and, you won't need to tow a car around! Won't have room for your gun collection, or the Mrs. collection of old glassware!
No property tax collectors!Your pesky brother in law won't be dropping in on saturday morning, trying to borrow yer tractor, chain saw, lawn mower, Troy-bilt tiller, nothing like that! Just think--a new barber every time you need a hair cut, unless you don't get it cut unless you stop in at the old home town occasionally!
You'll be making new friends, and losing other ones! Sometimes good, sometimes bad.
I'd often thought i'd like to do that, if i had become a widower in later life, but, the ol' girl is still perkin' right along, so i'm happy to keep living in our home, firmly anchored to the gool old sod, so to say!
My advice/ Try it-might like it, might get tired after time passes! Lots to see out there, scenery at your home will be easily changable! No grass to mow, no snow to shovel, no reliable friends (temporary ones, maybe not permanent ones! Have to pay for all services-can't repair the truck or trailer in campground, or wherever you stay!
Its a big decision-to pull up stakes and leave! But, our ancestors did it-under far less inviting circumstances, and survived, maybe minus their hair, but they helped build a country!
I've towed all over, from Texas to the north-east! Enjoyed it all! Had tents, tent trailers, stand-up trailers, and a motor home! And, all served their purposes. to keep us dry, secure, away from bugs and snakes, and interlopers! Great way to see our great country. Go for it! If i wasn't 82 yoa, i'd travel further than 100 miles one way! Never know when the big one is coming! Costs big bucks to ship a corpse very far, ya know!
Have fun:
By: Rusty Jones |
RE: 5th Wheels - my new dream home
| | |
| HEY! We are just finishing our first snowbird season in a 5th wheel. We researched campers for 3 years before we decided on our Montana (by Keystone). No this isn't an advertisement... we truly love our Montana. Because the industry pushes 20 units through the factory line in one day... you're going to have things go wrong... but Keystone is quick to make sure you get service, no matter where you are. We took ALL our summer clothes (didn't need them because this was a COLD winter in Arizona... this time). Took a variety of cookware since a lot of places hold "potlucks" so judge accordingly. Make darned sure you have enough truck for hauling... we're hauling with a gasoline engine Ford 350 daully and hauled this 39 foot trailer across the Sacramento Mountains (8000 foot climb) without any trouble (a little slower than a diesel but no problems once we got to the top, and ONLY 2 mpg difference from a diesel). I brought a few craft projects in case we had rainy days (it only rained 3 times in 12 weeks) but I found a new hobby once we got out there... so unless you really think you'll craft... leave it home. Look at it this way... if you plan to full time, I can put you in touch with some folks who sold their homes and have to find a place to roost 365 days a year. We like being gone a lot, but love coming home and having space. Believe me... if you're used to space and crunch down into 400 square feet or less... you'd better make SURE you can stand each other, in such close quarters, for long periods of time. It does put a strain on things sometimes. We survive by going home occasionally. Snowbirding is great.. full timing might work for you.. drop me a line and we can chat more. Lovin' retirement life! |
RE: 5th Wheels - my new dream home
| | |
| ohhhh, almost forgot.. if you can... before you buy any unit... go on a few factory tours. It's a very eye opening experience. Coachman won't let you take any cameras and you don't get to see the line in action. Keystone only conducts tours after the workers go home... but you can take pictures of anything you want. NuWa (I think) will let you tour while thing are actually being built. My husband said to tell you that you should NEVER pay full price... he said these folks can afford to give a minimum of 30% off... so take that as a destination when you start to jockey prices. |
RE: 5th Wheels - my new dream home
| | |
We bought a Montana 5th wheel a little over 5 years ago and it has served us very well. We have been very pleased with it in all ways. We have thought of trading up to one a little larger and have looked at other brands but when it comes down to the experiences others we know have had with other brands we may want to stick with Montana. What you really need as far as options is rather based on your own personal desires. Good air conditioning is a must unless you plan to stay only in cool climates. So if you go with large size or 34 feet up I would strongly recommend it have two ACs.
Plenty of kitchen storage space and the largest amount of kitchen counter space you can get if you plan to cook is a must.
I like the plans which have the toilet in a seperate area away from bedroom and shower. Having a tub enclosed with the toilet doesn't leave much room for bathing and dressing.
Those are some of my ideas on must haves for inside. We have a rear living room plan and want to stick with that it just works for us with it's two rocking recliners for comfort.
Enjoy. 5th wheels are great. |
|
|
|
|
