What a great website! Thanks to all you folks who post such valuable information for us wannabe's. We are planning to go to the Tampa RV Show next week wanting to create a 'short list' of 5vers. Because of limited funding, we will probably buy used but thought that this show would be helpful to narrow down the field. Carrie & I hope to full time within 12 months and based upon all of my reading of posts here, it seems that a 35-38 footer would be best. I was hoping for some experienced insight as to what features, construction types, manufacturers, or any other tips on selecting a good 5ver for full timing. I'd really like to get it right the first time! I'm sure that once we get to the show, they're ALL going to look nice & be surrounded by smiling salesmen, but I trust real people's advice much more. After selecting the right 5ver, I'll then turn my attention to a truck to pull it with. I'll surely appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks again to all.
P.S. Is 2 days enough time to adequately see the Tampa show?
Bob & Carrie Wannabe's / Gonnabe's
Rob_Fla said
08:01 PM Jan 9, 2009
We will also be going to the Tampa RV show. Two days is enough although you will be very tired and have information overload. Plan on wearing comfortable shoes to the Tampa Show.
Robert
Dixie said
05:25 AM Jan 10, 2009
Welcome Dreamer Bob,
We have been doing the same thing, looking for our first fiver. We went to Hershey PA for that big show in September which was our first big rv show to see several full time fifth wheels. We didn't think we were going to get to go to the Tampa show but since I have a cold my surgery has been put off and we are now planning on going.
One of the reasons we are going is because we have not seen the Space Craft fifth wheel. We did see the other fulltime 5vers in Hershey and I will say that once you look at the top 5 or 6 fifth wheels nothing will compare to the New Horizons at least that is what we found in Hershey. But then again, it can be hard to justify the big price gap when you have that many to look at.
New Horizons are more expensive but unlike any other we have seen. It all depends on what you want, how much you want to spend and what size truck you want to drive.
Here is my list of full time rigs that I have seen in the order that I like them:
New Horizons, Excel, Doubletree Mobile Suites, Carriage
The list has gotten a bit shorter since last year with Teton, Nuwa, Travel Supreme going out of business.
You will need two days at the show. Take some note paper to write down your likes and dislikes, questions etc on each manufacturer.
Hope this helps and maybe we will see you in Tampa.
Dixie
Roz said
09:36 AM Jan 10, 2009
Greetings, Bob
. . . and welcome to the best place to share RV knowledge without the fluff! Two days should be sufficient for the "First Tampa Show" that you have queried about.
However the "Second Tampa Show" will add yet another daythat will be well worth the extra time. This show is at Lazy Days RV Dealership in Seffner, FL (Tampa). Once you finish the "First Show", stop by and spend time perusing the "Second" getting a handle on how different nameplates have held up after a few years of experience.
You will also get a better idea of the money you can save by purchasing a slightly experienced fiver in a severdly depressed market.
Both Shows are important, and actually very close together.
Have fun!
Charles
subra1228 said
10:01 AM Jan 10, 2009
Hi,
Although my comments aren't specific to 5'ers, I think they are specific to all types of rigs when looking to buy:
1. Most important - bring food with you! Seriously, pack yourself a lunch & be sure to stop & eat. We love going to RV shows, but get hungry and have learned to pace ourselves. Take time to sit & reflect - the shows can be overwhelming.
2. Whatever rig intersts you - take a lot of time to "do" everything that you will normally do - i.e. sit on the toilet - can you fit? Do your knees hit the shower? Wall? Etc?? Open the oven & act like you're taking out something hot - is there room to bend over (some of the island kitchens are too small to realistically get hot food out of an oven). "Act" out scenarios that are real to you - make sure you can do everything comfortably.
3. When we purchased our current rig for more long-term living, we each, separately, made a list of "required to have", "would like to have", "cannot live with" and compared them - it's important to be on the same page with your partner before buying. Then you'll also have a compiled list & can easily see that a rig is/isn't for you.
P.S. Is 2 days enough time to adequately see the Tampa show?
Bob & Carrie
Wannabe's / Gonnabe's
Two days is enough although you will be very tired and have information overload.
Plan on wearing comfortable shoes to the Tampa Show.
Robert
. . . and welcome to the best place to share RV knowledge without the fluff! Two days should be sufficient for the "First Tampa Show" that you have queried about.
However the "Second Tampa Show" will add yet another daythat will be well worth the extra time. This show is at Lazy Days RV Dealership in Seffner, FL (Tampa). Once you finish the "First Show", stop by and spend time perusing the "Second" getting a handle on how different nameplates have held up after a few years of experience.
You will also get a better idea of the money you can save by purchasing a slightly experienced fiver in a severdly depressed market.
Both Shows are important, and actually very close together.
Have fun!
Charles
Although my comments aren't specific to 5'ers, I think they are specific to all types of rigs when looking to buy:
1. Most important - bring food with you! Seriously, pack yourself a lunch & be sure to stop & eat. We love going to RV shows, but get hungry and have learned to pace ourselves. Take time to sit & reflect - the shows can be overwhelming.
2. Whatever rig intersts you - take a lot of time to "do" everything that you will normally do - i.e. sit on the toilet - can you fit? Do your knees hit the shower? Wall? Etc?? Open the oven & act like you're taking out something hot - is there room to bend over (some of the island kitchens are too small to realistically get hot food out of an oven). "Act" out scenarios that are real to you - make sure you can do everything comfortably.
3. When we purchased our current rig for more long-term living, we each, separately, made a list of "required to have", "would like to have", "cannot live with" and compared them - it's important to be on the same page with your partner before buying. Then you'll also have a compiled list & can easily see that a rig is/isn't for you.
Have fun!
Suzanne
http://campingandtravels.blogspot.com